The newest member of the operations team.
I’ve spent the last 11 years at a Fortune 50 company, working with a fantastic team of people to build and maintain the brains behind one of the most incredible industrial facilities I’ve ever seen. Despite the efficiency of “the machine,” my work was increasingly complicated by conservative technology and development practices.
37signals stands firmly on the opposite end of the spectrum, with an advanced technology stack bent on squeezing every advantage out of staying current (or being ahead), defining best practices in developing and deploying web apps, and continually identifying trouble spots and taking corrective action.
In 2011, I applied for a position at 37signals because I felt my values matched their displayed values: agility and consistency in operations, and deliberate thoughtfulness in their products. Obviously, I didn’t get the job then. But I kept in touch because I admired the company. And, maybe, just a little, because I hoped to see another position open up.
Last year, I attended RubyHoedown and was fortunate enough to carpool with fellow Louisvillian Ernie Miller. After a long, rambling discussion about Ruby, Rails, and programming – but also about happiness; I decided life’s too short to keep doing things I hate! So in an effort to break out of my rut, I started the Louisville instance of OpenHack. (Openhack was started by fellow Signal Nick!)
When 37signals began looking for a Systems Administrator a couple months ago, I knew I had to dream big and apply – my happiness was at stake! And this time my dream came true.
I’m excited to learn many new things and contribute to the operational success of 37signals. I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years bring!
Aaron Greenlee
on 08 Jul 13Are you the 38th hire? Curious why you are the 38th signal.
Best of luck on the dream gig!
-A
Mujibar
on 08 Jul 13Aaron, I don’t think Nathan was necessarily the 38th hire (probably a few more than that with some folks leaving). I believe he is the hire that brings their current staff to a total of 38 people.
twiz
on 08 Jul 13“I started the Louisville instance of OpenHack….”
What a great idea to get on someone’s radar, hope you find happiness here.
Anonymous Coward
on 08 Jul 13@Nathan
Which Fortune 50 company did you work at where you built “one of the most incredible industrial facilities I’ve ever seen”?
Michael J. Morgan
on 09 Jul 13Congrats Nathan! It is always great to see people following their heart and being rewarded for it. After reading “Getting Real” I too hope to someday become a Signal. Save a spot for me up there!
Nathan
on 09 Jul 13Hi @Aaron, yes @Mujibar is right. I’m the 38th current employee, not 38th hire.
@twiz Starting Louisville Openhack had nothing to do with Nick or 37signals, and everything to do with changing what I wanted out of my career. I could either stay in my shell or get out and start doing something. The biggest step was deciding for action, and not comfort. I chose to do something, and met some incredible people here in Louisville.
@Anonymous, I really don’t feel the need to call it out here. I respect a lot of the people I left at that company, and I’m still friends with many of them.
GeeIWonder
on 09 Jul 13@Anon/Nathan
But If you don’t see the Great need to call it out here, maybe you shouldn’t have.
Because it’s Really easy On the Web these days to find out in No time.
So everyone knows anyhow. You could’ve focused on the positives, but it’s ok I think.
Travis
on 09 Jul 13@Nathan
Given that you not only me ruined your last employer but started your first sentence to introduce yourself by referencing your last employer – it’s a totally fair question to ask where to previously worked.
Plus, why does it matter that you have a lot of respect for your previous coworkers? If anything, that should mean your willing to talk about it even more.
Your statements are so weird they are begging to be asked more question.
When I read things like :
”@Anonymous, I really don’t feel the need to call it out here. I respect a lot of the people I left at that company, and I’m still friends with many of them.”
It makes me believe you were either fired, or you quite on bad terms.
Bret
on 09 Jul 13Is the name of the company important? I think he mentioned the relevant attributes: large; incredible facility; conservative practices. The point is that these attributes differ from what bring him happiness in his work, and that’s why he took the leap and applied to 37signals.
Thomas J.
on 09 Jul 13Congratulations Nathan, that is awesome!
Lee Westwood
on 10 Jul 13No longer down with brown eh? Sad to see you leave the fold… I’ll crush the open championship this year in your honor.
Abc123
on 14 Jul 13Abc123
This discussion is closed.