Our People are Our Product Series: Mike Ross

GET TO KNOW OUR STAFF AND WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT! THIS WEEK’S INSTALLMENT FEATURES:

Mike Ross:
Solutions Architect

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

“Probably being able to connect to the internet. In my daily life both professionally and personally it seems like I’m dependent upon having internet service.”

Where is your favorite place to be?

“I’ve had places where I’ve really enjoyed visiting…but on a regular, more selfish basis, my favorite place is when I’m running or riding my bike. It’s a state of mind that I like to be in.”

How has Zirous helped you in your career development?

“It’s opened a lot of new opportunities for me, which has allowed me to grow in both technical skills and personal skills by interacting with clients more often. Technically, I’ve learned the SOA infrastructure environment and feel like I’m a contributor and can help Zirous in that way.”

You recently finished your third Boston Marathon. Tell us about the experience and completing it for the third time!

“It’s gratifying when you’re able to qualify! It’s not like you can just register for the Boston Marathon; you have to actually get a qualifying time. It’s a long grind, and to be able to get to the starting line is incredibly gratifying.”

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.  

“I have an engineering degree – in Nuclear Engineering. I graduated from Iowa State with that degree and previously, I trained Navy personnel on how to operate naval nuclear reactors before they went out to sea.”

Bonus fun fact from Mike: “I’m also a Pearl Jam fan club member. I’ve seen them 10 times in concert.”

What is your proudest moment at Zirous?

“Recently, I created a simple utility for our build and deploy process that a client could use that saved a whole bunch of time. [The client] has mentioned how much time it saves them, so I’m proud that I saw the situation and determined it could be automated.”

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“Roast beef and mashed potatoes with gravy.”