Appnovator Spotlight: Tim Kirby

Who are you? What's your story?

I'm Tim Kirby, I come from a creative arts background, and started in multimedia and web site builds in 1996. I worked full time in Macromedia's Director for a couple of years, before moving to hardware and software design a few years later - building interactive digital signage systems that would respond to the touchtones on any phone within milliseconds via an SMS network instruction. One of the first customers was the MIT Campus. It was very ahead of the curve - I got a patent but not much else!

What's your role at Appnovation?

I'm a Senior Drupal Developer in Managed Services. I lead Team Detached HEAD. We're at the sharp end - operating client's Drupal sites, ensuring best performance while providing a very stable platform for new releases and features. Currently I'm managing SEO for several clients - Drupal naturally performs very well in Google, we're taking that to the next level with some extra secret sauce.

What's the greatest lesson you've learned in your professional career (or even personal life) that you would like to share with others?

Take each day as it comes. Don't quit. Clients put food on the table. Listen to a Project - it will tell you what is needed.

What do you do outside of work?

I'm a single Dad to my three boys - young men now actually - 18, 16 and 14. Working remotely for Appnovation allows me to provide a home for them, and be there for them, while pursuing a solid career with Appnovation. We make a lot of stuff at home - we're into 3D printing, making candles, casting moulds, forging and the like. All the boys tinker with tech - Raspberry Pi being the flavour of the month at the moment. 5.

Where do you hope to take your career at this point/what's next for you in your professional career?

I'm studying hard on Systems Architecture and Software Methodologies, looking out for the next leap in tech and seeing how we might implement that for clients. We're definately in a sweet spot to identify the new tech and match with clients who would benefit.

*BONUS*

What are some fun/random facts about you that many may not know?

I write songs and play music when I have time. I played at Glastonbury Festival in 2011. My first album released earlier this year. It's kind of alt-folk - next stage I'd like to move towards folk and electronica using my NI Maschine Mk2.