2018-04-06
Meet Frank, SortRefer’s Software Development Manager. He’s been with the company since December 2013. In this time, he has been instrumental in building the website and growing it into what it is today. Before website building became a full time career, Frank worked for the council and then went to university where he studied a BA in Music and MSc in Computer Science. Before you get an idea about Frank, here’s some facts to deter any prejudgements; Frank is very funny, and a relentless musician who drives an 80s American Chevy Camaro, which isn’t by the way, suitable for his wife, three-year-old son and new born baby!
From music to IT to where he is today
After completing his Masters course he got this first job, building websites – it was early days for the industry back then and it wasn’t as sophisticated as it is now. He created and helped run e-commerce websites for a jewellery company and its several stores. From that, Frank found his way into design agency positions and gained a lot of experience in those roles. The bigger websites were more his thing and he gravitated to that kind of work which really drew him to SortRefer.
Building something brilliant and standing out from the crowd
Frank says:
“I’ve been a developer for a while now so I’ve picked up a decent amount of experience, but that’s to be expected when you’ve worked on so many projects. Software development is all about using logic to provide solutions, it doesn’t matter what programming language you’re using and you can always find resources to learn more. Your ability to build a picture of what you’re trying to achieve and to apply common sense and foresight are what gives you the power to implement the work. It also helps you assist others in working with you and SortRefer excels because of its teamwork!”
Going the extra mile and making SortRefer transform the future
Hear more from Frank:
“I’m keen to make our systems integrate closer with our partners – I feel like the industry can be changed by making different systems talk to each other and take the redundant work out of the loop. More information is always better for the end users, so wherever we can draw upon information available to us (in a way that is respecting of data privacy) I believe this will speed up processes and take the unnecessary hard work out of people’s jobs. My other priority is supporting a strong development team. If every team member is able to contribute significantly to the new technologies and functionality whilst supporting the ongoing needs of SortRefer then we will carry on pushing forward and progressing.”
The art of being an undiscovered musician dedicated to code
Frank is very into his music and has 3 singles and 2 albums. He has recorded and performed music over the years. One of Frank’s claims to fame is that a song of his got played at a football match between Malaga v Valencia at half time for some advertising. It was just a shame he never got to hear it.
It’s all about Frank
Here are some fun facts:
- In total, he has recorded 30 songs.
- Travelling and photography are two of his big passions.
- He is a keen skier, although he doesn't get chance to go too often.
- Once he flew over to Slovenia to play guitar filling in for a guitarist who couldn't make it to a big music festival.
