Custom People Who Make Custom Web Presences
Bill Mushkin — Founder and CEO
I’m the founder and still mostly CEO. I’ve done absolutely everything here. We are growing and sometimes I need to be put in the corner with duct tape on my mouth so that things can get done. I like ideas. I look at the big picture. Then I try and get a feel for what we can do best, and then steer the ship a little bit every once in a while. I think identity is important, we create identity here.
How I play:
First I play with my kids —they love basketball, dance, gymnastics, making sculptures, skiing, inventing, and because they are kids they’ll try anything. When I’m not kid playing, I play running, telemark skiing and Ashtanga yoga. I practice daily. I am just now realizing that sometimes playing is about doing nothing much at all.
Secret revealed:
I’m in India.
Scott McBreen — Domain Operations Manager
I act as a liaison with the various registries for which we are accredited, resolve many compliance issues involving domains registered with Name.com, and assist our development and support teams with various projects.
How I play:
I enjoy camping and hiking when I have a chance to make it to the mountains, commuting by bike, working in my gardens, and taking care of my chickens. I like most Judd Apatow and Broken Lizard movies, or anything featuring a zombie. I also enjoy books by Jon Krakauer, Jim Webb, and Sarah Vowell. However, I often don’t make enough time to read.
Secret revealed:
I love root beer!
Dave McBreen — Director of Core Development
I manage the core development and system administration teams. I help plan out new project implementations, guide the development process, assist in removing road blocks, and get some coding done whenever possible.
How I play:
I love the outdoors and camping, I’m a big movie buff, and I enjoy hanging out with friends and family.
Secret revealed:
I wanted to be a Ninja Turtle when I grew up.
John Rupp — Customer Service Rep
I do customer service.
How I play:
I race downhill mountain bikes in the summer, ski in the winter and love to cook.
Secret revealed:
I lived on a sailboat for 10 months and sailed from Maine through the Panama Canal after college with one of my best friends who sailed around the world.
Pat Moroney — Software Engineer
That means I write programs and additions to our websites that facilitate our customers’ internet usage. I also spend a part of my time dealing with system administration.
How I play:
My wife Peggy and I enjoy Skiing, Hiking, and Camping. When we are not doing those things we tend to frequent Irish Pubs around Denver.
Secret revealed:
I graduated with a Mathematics degree, but really only consider math a hobby of mine. My wife thinks that I should mention that I also enjoy dancing. She wanted me to mention disco music specifically, as that is a slightly more embarrassing secret.
Jason Smith — Software Engineer
I concentrate mostly on backend development, but I enjoy frontend work as well.
How I play:
Not only do I brew my own beer, I drink it! I also enjoy cooking and eating good food, watching movies, and hiking 14ers.
Secret revealed:
I moonlight as a physicist!
Pat Ramsey — Software Engineer
I Write software that makes it easy for our customers to register domains, including our iPhone and Android apps.
How I play:
Outside on a mountain, preferably with some snow.
Secret revealed:
Smoothies are the best breakfast food ever.
Caroline Temple — Domain Concierge
Officially, I’m here as a concierge to our Domain Investors and manage our Affiliate Program. But really I view it as daily getting to talk about everything domains with our partners, helping people actualize their domain goals, and spreading the word about Name.com and all things domains. This is such a cool industry!
How I play:
Experiencing new things. All the time. Right now, I’m digging quantum physics, snowshoeing, and am itching to have someone show me how to work a turntable.
Secret revealed:
Let’s play two truths, one lie instead: So I didn't get my drivers license until I was 20, then competed in my first drag race by 22, and when travelling may/may not have challenged the Roman Polizia to a race through the streets of Rome. ;) Lucky - you got two truths for the price of one.
Jared Ewy — Community Evangelist
I don’t know what that means either. Honestly, the definition is still under construction, as the avenues for evangelizing keep growing. I guess it’s a little like a carnival barker, but with Twitter.
How I play:
There was a time when I’d say something like, "Mountain biking and PBR!" But now I have children, so now most of the time I’m fending off lasers from two delusional boys who think their underwear gives them superpowers (ages 19 and 23, so really very sad. Just kidding, 2 and 4.)
Secret revealed:
I’ve been hit by lightning.
Katie Blitzer — Support Agent
Officially I am a "support agent" but my job consists of more than just that. I manage various inboxes for Name.com, answer peoples questions and process orders amongst a lot of other random projects. I feel like my job here is a melting pot of a whole bunch of stuff!
How I play:
I practice yoga...a lot! I ride bikes...a lot! I love to travel...a lot!
Secret revealed:
I have holes in my ears that look like a piercing (you can put an earring in them too) but really I was born with them. My 7th grade science teacher said I must be an alien and that’s how I breathe ;)
Nic Steinbach — Support Agent
I work on a variety of different things like compliance work, .XXX pre-orders and the occasional video for our blog, but when it comes down to it I am support at heart. Need help logging in, getting your hosting set up, or figuring out your DNS? I am your guy. Helping our super awesome customers figure out all those things and much more is what I have the pleasure of doing on daily basis.
How I play:
I have been skiing at least one day a month for the past 13 months and counting! From glaciers in the summer to powder days in the winter, skiing has always been my favorite way to play. Outside of the snow I spend a lot of time on my bike and have been known to go on a brewery tour or two.
Secret revealed:
My favorite place in Iowa is the World’s Largest Truck Stop. If you haven’t been, check it out!
Michael Combs — Art Direction and UI/UX
If it moves, looks pretty, or determines the logic of the flow; that’s me. Other than that, I am a complete Apple Junkie and owe my livelihood to that company in one way or the other. However, I have met Bill Gates and I really owe my career to him based on how bad Microsoft codes Internet Explorer.
How I play:
I love art, industrial design, philosophy and travel. I have lived in over 10 countries, traveled to over 100, been to every major art museum on the planet, seen all the 7 wonders of the ancient world, done Cape-to-Cairo, been attacked by wild animals countless times, and been to over half of the 1000 Places To See Before
You Die.
Secret revealed:
I am hoping to do the Trans-Siberian Railway sometime in the next 18 months.
Anne Keener — Accountant/HR Manager
I’m really more of an accountant than an HR person. I’ve been doing accounting for over 20 years and I’ve worked for Name.com for over 8 of those! I guess I was just born to be an accountant.
How I play:
Watching my kids play sports. :) And actually, spending any time with my family. We love going to the mountains to ski, traveling to the beach to play or just hanging out together. I also love reading (pretty much anything fiction) and listening to music.
Secret revealed:
I don’t really have any secrets as boring as that may sound. But then again, I am an accountant.
Sky Diegel — Technical Support and Support Agent
My favorite things about working for Name.com are learning and teaching. Learning from my colleagues and educating our customers is very rewarding.
How I play:
I love anything outside in the sun. Hiking with my wife and our dog and also hanging out inside with our two cats. I love a night out with friends or a night in with a good book or movie.
Secret revealed:
My first job for an internet company was from 1999 to 2003. Before coming to Name.com in 2008, I worked at a doggie day care, as a tree trimmer, and whitewater
raft guide.
Ryan Clarey — Support Agent
Work Hard
How I play:
Play Hard
Secret revealed:
The plastic monkeys on my desk come alive after work.
Ashley Forker — Marketing Coordinator
All things marketing from promotions to products and everything in between. I also helped in making Name.com as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside. My biggest claim to fame however is making sure everyone who wants a beer has one come Friday afternoons.☺
How I play:
I ski, hike, run, and do yoga. I also love to cook, eat, drink and be merry.
Secret revealed:
The best way to my heart is through my stomach.
Cedar Diegel — Support Agent
Customer Service Extraordinaire.
How I play:
I enjoy anything outdoors; hiking, camping, and snowboarding. I also like to play guitar. I’m not any good, but I love it. Oh, and I’m a Words With Friends Junkie.
Secret revealed:
Secrets, I have none. If I did I wouldn’t tell you. :)
Erika Flores — Technical Support Specialist
That means that I deal with the nitty-gritty of troubleshooting and problem solving, using my specialized technical knowledge to provide you with first-class support.
How I play:
Colorado Outdoors! I love to Laugh and play with my 6 miniature schnauzers. I also enjoy playing the guitar and the keyboard and watching movies!
Secret revealed:
I am scared of The Grinch : o
Nick Salvadore — Software Engineer
I’m the new guy at name.com, so my primary role is taking the blame when things go wrong.
How I play:
Since I have a 2 month old son, my free time is almost non-existent. When I am lucky enough to have free time, I usually spend it brewing beer, cycling, watching a Rockies game, or just relaxing and listening to 80s hair bands.
Secret revealed:
I still use an original Nintendo Entertainment System that my brother and I bought with our allowance in 1987.
Henrik Kronstrom — Support Agent
Problem-solving and troubleshooting never gets old and I love new challenges and the learning that comes along with it.
How I play:
When I’m not spending time in front of a computer screen, I like to be outside as much as I can. I love Hiking, Skiing, Cross-country skiing, running, exploring National Parks etc etc... I also like traveling and hope to someday have set foot on every continent.
Secret revealed:
I have never had a corn-dog…ever.
Paul Carter — VP of Operations
My role is to keep the company moving forward daily on our common goal of being the most awesome domain and hosting company on the planet. My job is to make sure we execute on our ideas, and turn our customers all across the world into raving fans by making sure we offer the best products and service in the industry.
How I play:
Spending time with my wife and three sons. Who knew Legos and Sesame Street could be this fun as an adult? Reading, pottery throwing, guitar and web development are some of the things I spend my free time on. I also enjoy geeking out with friends over a coffee or beer and discussing everything from business to new technologies.
Secret revealed:
I would love to live on a farm away from all the hustle (as long as there was broadband internet).
Melissa Dafni — Domain Portfolio Manager
Basically, I do a lot of buying and selling of domains. If you inquire about a registered domain on our system, chances are pretty good you’ll be working with me to get a deal done. I’ve worked in the domain industry for six years, and a good resource if you have a question.
How I play:
It doesn’t take long for most people to discover where my passions are. I’m a gear head (or petrol head if you prefer), and love riding my motorcycle every chance I get. I’m fortunate to live in Colorado where we have really great windy mountain passes and gorgeous views. I’m also fanatical about lacrosse and a season ticket holder for both the Colorado Mammoth and the Denver Outlaws. I also write a column for a local sports site during Mammoth season. If I’m not on my bike, or doing something lacrosse related, you’ll probably find me either behind a camera taking tons of photos, or hanging out with my husband and our three dogs.
Secret revealed:
I collect chopsticks. My collection runs the range from neon orange lacquered ones that I brought back with me from China to stainless steel to ones that look like Jedi Light Sabers
Chris Gaston — Sr. System Administrator
Technical definition = charged with installing, supporting and maintaining servers, networks or other computer systems. Planning for and responding to service outages, hardware/software troubleshooting, computer security, and other problems. My definition = IT Ninja
How I play:
Hanging with family and friends. Non stop video game marathons on Xbox, PlayStation, and retro game consoles. Watching WAY too much TV, especially Sci-Fi. I also like a lot of outdoor activities like camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, and white water rafting.
Secret revealed:
Graduated High School in Frankfurt Germany.
Owen Borseth — Senior Software Engineer of Research and Development
I’ve worn many hats in the many years I’ve been with Name.com but currently my main focus is to come up with innovative and creative ways for our customers to search for and find the perfect domain, among other things.
How I play:
I have 700 children. Actually I have three active boys so it sometimes seems like 700. So, when I get free time I tend to spend it writing, reading, fishing, playing the occasional video game, or doing just about anything outdoors.
Secret revealed:
I’ve been working in the domain industry since 1999, at one point in my life I drove a dump truck, I’m an excellent cook, and I code best when listening to explicit hip hop.
Bo Bergstrom — VP of Growth
That consists of making sure our team rocks at marketing, creates the best possible user experience, and adds the right products. Altogether it equals 1 KICKASS JOB.
How I play:
By spending every possible moment outside of work with my amazing wife and our two daughters that she does such an incredible job of raising. The weekends are theirs and only theirs and what I live for.
Secret revealed:
I spent 4 years by the bay and then just shy of 8 in the Marine Corps. Great stories.
Shannon Brown — Product Manager
This basically means I spend my days with one foot in the developer’s den and the other in a heaping pile of possibility. I attempt to bridge the gap between marketing, compliance, design and copy, analytics, and development in a sane and organized manner.
How I play:
I’m a total food geek. Cooking is my favorite pastime and I’m always experimenting in my kitchen. When I’m not wrangling up some spicy southwestern dishes I spend my time seeing live music, gallivanting in Colorado’s outdoor paradise (walking, hiking, biking, climbing, backpacking, camping), playing with other people’s dogs, and getting in over my head with home improvement ventures.
Secret revealed:
I tell people I’m a Colorado native because I’ve lived here since I was 2, but I was actually born in Ohio. Shame!
Elicia Anderson — Support Agent
I’m an awesome support specialist who loves to learn new technologies and learn how things work. I appreciate when customers also want to learn how things work, and love to teach them these new technologies. I also love to simplify processes and try to reflect this in the knowledge base articles. And I have the patience of a sloth. : )
How I play:
I have many passions outside of work, too many to list here. But to name a few I love creating art, photography, cooking, and collecting old books. The artwork that I make ranges from acrylic and oil paintings, to clay sculptures. I also really enjoy being in the Denver outdoors for picture taking and bike riding!
Secret revealed:
I still collect rocks and things of nature. I even go to the Gem/Jewelry shows. NERD TIME!
Enid Polovick — Problem Solver
I get stuff done, I do odd jobs given to me by whoever needs something done for Name.com. I shop, I file, I use a calculator, I write, and more … if there are problems and I can help find solutions, then I’m on it! I got this great job ’cuz I’ve known the CEO of this company ever since he was born. :)
How I play:
Read anything and everything; go to concerts and movies; plant flowers; discover new places. MOST OF ALL – I love to spend time with my grandchildren who are the most interesting and fun people I know! BTW: If you’d like to know more about my grandchildren check out Bill Mushkin’s "How I play with my kids."
Secret revealed:
I’m 50 years older than the youngest employee of Name.com.