Get To Know Julie

Before joining our marketing team, Julie previously worked at Counter Culture Coffee in North Carolina as the web developer and then IT manager. She loves coffee and the production process behind creating the perfect blend. Julie has spent the rest of her time as a stay at home mom while also balancing other freelance work. We're so excited to have Julie join our Fire-Dex Family!

What are 3 things people don't know about you and may be surprised to learn?

1. I won the Google Glass explorer program in 2013. 
2. I've become more interested in traveling and consider the beach my happy place.
3. My maiden name was Brown, and there used to be a popular MTV DJ in the late 80's who I shared my maiden name with, “Downtown Julie Brown.”

What is the coolest thing about your job and why?

Being able to use my love and passion of technology every day to help improve processes and the web for users. It sounds cheesy, but I like finding out how things work and using my skills to understand them better and hopefully improve them for all users.

Have you been anywhere recently for the first time?

What show (if any) are you currently binge watching?

Usually The Office, Parks n Rec, or Friends (something I’ve already seen). I like having background sounds.

What's the best advice you've ever received? What about the worst advice?

The best advice is from my parents and their advice is to give your tasks 100% effort. It’s helped me in projects and work throughout the years. Also, to not reinvent the wheel when it comes to solving a problem. Use the tools available to you and try to find new ways of looking at a problem in order to solve it.

Worst advice, would be the “figure out what you want to be when you grow up before you go to college” as if it’s your one shot chance. People change and grow, and their interests and skills change a lot in college. It’s great to have vision and a path, but it’s equally important to be flexible and learn who you are, or what you’re skilled at. You can also change your mind!

What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

Either my trip to N.Y. where my best friend and I fit in a ton of tourist attractions in 3 days or my trip to Puerto Rico with my husband on a whim one weekend (where he proposed).

Imagine you could step in a teleport for a day and go to any place and time in history. Where and when would you travel to?

Gosh, just one day? Assuming I wouldn’t affect the present, I’d probably go see my loved ones who have passed, but it would also be great to see some of the big unanswered things of the past. Like who shot JFK, see the landing of the moon in person? Maybe go check out some other historical events.

What's your favorite family tradition?

Christmas Day one year after my grandmother and matriarch had been sick, the guys of the family decided to handle Christmas Day food. Instead of the usual turkey or ham and sides, they grabbed some steak and grilled them up. We had some light sides but everyone enjoyed the break from turkey, dressing, and sides (since we just had them on thanksgiving). Now we have steak on Christmas Day every year.

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

I love a good breakfast to be honest. It’s my comfort food and there’s so many options. So maybe waffles or French toast and some sides? It’s a tie between this and pizza of any type.

What's your favorite happy hour drink?

Either a nice fruity wine or any mixed drink if it’s not too strong.

What is your spirit animal and why?

Probably sea turtle. Slow and steady when needed, or agile in the water. Also a bit guarded and able to be alone.

What's your favorite movie and why? (yes, you can only pick one!)

Harry Potter, because I was a kid when the books came out and it became a tradition over the years to re-watch it over and over.

What could you give a 30-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Any show I love. Parks n Rec, Harry Potter, Doctor Who, the Office, or Friends.

What is your most used emoji?

😉

If you could pick up a new skill in an instant what would it be?

Play the guitar!