What we’ve accomplished these past 10 years—thanks in large part to Bill’s contributions—has been nothing short of spectacular. After presenting Bill with our token of appreciation, we sat down with him to reflect on his favorite TazWorks memories.
Q: Bill, what is your fondest memory of your time at TazWorks?
A: My favorite memory of TazWorks actually happened before I ever became an official employee. At the time, I was working with a TazWorks employee, Justin Peck, and he convinced me to come meet with Barton and Scott, promising that I would jump at this opportunity after I spoke with them. At this point, TazWorks was still a small operation based out of Barton’s house.
We decided on a time to meet at a local restaurant and discuss their desire to bring me on with their team. I showed up about 10 minutes early and told the hostess my name and was immediately seated at a quiet table in the back of the restaurant. I remember being nervous as I sat there drinking my water, waiting for them to arrive. I ended up waiting for about 45 minutes before reaching out to Justin to tell him they must have had a change of heart. It was as I was walking out of the restaurant that the hostess realized that she had mistakenly seated Barton and Scott on the other end of the restaurant. It’s crazy to think about how close I was to walking away, resigned to the idea that they were no longer interested in what I could offer. As the saying goes, the rest is history.
Q: Which of your contributions to TazWorks are you most proud of?
A: That’s a tough question. I’ve been privileged to see the transformation of TazWorks from a modest start up to the industry leader it has become. In looking back, I am very proud of what our team has accomplished. However, if I had to pick one thing, it’d have to be the release of InstaScreen 2.0. From its inception, all the way through implementation, I operated as the development team lead. What we were able to create was truly ground-breaking, and I am very proud of what TazWorks has been able to accomplish because of InstaScreen 2.0.
Q: What message do you have for Barton, Scott or the rest of the TazWorks family?
A: I want to say thank you to both Scott and Barton for being so invested in their employees. It’s no small feat to reach 10 years with the same employer. I think this is as much a testament to the organization and work culture they’ve built here as it is a personal accomplishment. Without the leadership of them both, this milestone would have never been possible. I hope our entire TazWorks family reaches their 10-year anniversary so they can look with the same fondness I do at all they’ve accomplished and the relationships they’ve built.
Bill, we wouldn’t be where we are today without you. Thanks for everything you do. We look forward to hearing all about your adventures in Hawaii! Mele Kalikimaka!