About
I'm Alex. Born in Montreal, raised in northern Nevada, and now living in Seattle. I'm a staff software engineer at Solace Health, working remotely, and before that I was the first engineer hired at two startups, Topia and BrainSquall.
As a biologist turned yoga instructor turned software engineer, I can say with some authority that miniature dachshunds are objectively the best kind of dog. I live with one.
Off the clock it's usually coffee, a bike ride, or something fermenting on the counter while something else bakes. Also more code, because I like it, which is how Pikos happened.
How I like to work
- Follow the campsite rule. Code and docs left a little better on every pass, so the next person has an easier time.
- Fix the pattern. When the same bug keeps turning up in new places, I go after what's letting it in.
- Say it early. If something's running late, people hear it the same day, along with a new plan.
- Make other people's work easier. It's why I like writing the guide, and why mentoring is one of my favorite parts of the job.
- Take care of people's data. I keep it accurate and treat it like my own.
- Build things people are glad they used. Nothing designed to keep them hooked.
Kind words
[Alex's] architecture is really easy to work with and to make rapid and effective modifications to.
Chris Psiaki, CTO, Topia
He's extremely organized and an underpromise/overdeliver kind of guy. He's not a sandbagger, but he is smart and sharp about setting realistic expectations.
Mark Bullard, Founder, BrainSquall
His work ethic, eye for detail, and thoughtful, curious approach to both the technical and the interpersonal have set him apart.
Corinne Cooley, Founder, Matrix Multiplier Consulting
If you want to talk shop, or bread, email's the best way to reach me.