We’re excited to announce that Alexis Blondin has joined our team. From freestyle skier in the French Alps to software engineer in Southwestern Ontario, meet Alexis through his answers to our now-standard questions.
Why Software Development?
Software development is imagining a creative solution for a user need. The creativity and innovative aspects of development are two factors that fit my personality and that keep me challenged at work. IT projects are always different. As a developer, you constantly have to question and explore what is the best solution. Everyday a new technology, a new technique or a new framework can land and improve the developer experience and the final user experience. I guess this fast-paced evolution of our work environment keeps me challenged and excited!
What kind of development do you like? Mobile? Web? Something else?
Recommend one thing (maybe a book, movie, album, TV show, physical experience…) Why?When I discovered Internet and its potential, I immediately wanted to create my own website. Web has been my first introduction to development and is still my preferred one. Nowadays UI / UX skills are important. And they are definitely aspects of development that I like to focus on while developing.
Traveling is a great way to refresh ideas, and realize how people and landscapes are diverse and unexpected. I also love to hike, climb, while alpine skiing and ski touring are my favorites. I’m originally from the French Alps, this explains why ;) Outdoor activities are great to balance my workdays which are (too) intellectual!
What’s your favourite new (or old) discovery in Waterloo Region?
I enjoy going to the Rock Climbing Gym of Kitchener. Good rock climbing routes and nice bouldering too. The Saint Jacob’s Market is a great place to start the week-end by having apple fritters and a cup of coffee!
Share a cool thing that folks might like to know about you?
In another life, I was a freestyle skier, spending my winters skiing 4–5 days a week, head upside down, doing 360 and 720 tricks. So if you have any questions regarding skiing and mountains, do not hesitate, risk is I will be speaking endlessly about it!
