Introducing Alfred, Ourboro’s DevOps Manager!
As a member of Ourboro’s Product team, Alfred is an expert at building out new product features, implementing new tools, and fixing problems before the team even knows something broke.
Alfred loves chihuahuas, travelling, and, most of all, travelling with his chihuahua, Banjo.
How long have you been with Ourboro?
I joined Ourboro in fall 2018, before it was even officially a company. I think that technically makes me employee #1, after our co-founders Nick and Norm.
As the DevOps Manager, what does your day-to-day look like?
My day starts with making Banjo, my three-year-old chihuahua, breakfast then I’ll usually get something started on my 3D printer so it can print throughout the day while I’m working.
My day-to-day at Ourboro is usually focused on troubleshooting any tech issues that come up and working directly with other team members on building out new features. I do a lot of research on new technologies, and how we can use them, and am always making updates to our website to provide a great user flow.
At lunch, I’ll drive to my favourite local bakery, Mariposa Market, for food and a Texas doughnut. The sugar rush usually helps push me through the afternoon. After work, I’ll finish up 3D printing and then get started on whatever new recipe I have my eye on.
How did you get started in Product?
In college, I started an entrepreneurship club and co-founded a point of sale (POS) start-up. Early on I did a bit of everything, from administrative tasks to marketing to product development. I found that I enjoyed the product side of the business most, finding issues as they come up and figuring out ways to solve them. I like learning new things and that’s easy when it comes to technology, it’s never boring.
What brought you to Ourboro?
I met Norm when he became an investor in my POS start-up. We kept in touch, so when I was considering building a new start-up I reached out to him. That’s when we told me what he was looking to build, Ourboro. At first, I thought I would just be helping him out with little things here and there, but as I began to learn more about the space and the real estate industry, the idea really started to resonate with me. It was a great opportunity to help people while building great solutions through technology, making people’s lives better.
Where could we usually find you when you’re not working?
If I’m not behind the computer I’m usually walking with Banjo on some trails, trying out new restaurants, or working on improving my woodworking skills. On weekends I like to try cooking new, elaborate meals, especially recipes that take a lot of time to make.
What book is on your bedside table right now?
Right now I’m reading, How to Make your Dog Famous by Loni Edwards. Banjo has an Instagram that I’m working on growing and the book says that creating a niche to set your dog apart is the best way to start. I have some ideas in mind, but you’ll have to stayed tuned to see what Banjo gets up to.
What’s something that people often find surprising about you?
People are often surprised to hear that I do archery. About five years ago, I was just looking for something to do and came across someone that offered archery lessons. I did lessons for a month to try it out and enjoyed it but ended up stopping while I did some extended travelling. I recently got back into it after getting a bow for Christmas last year, so I’m looking forward to doing more this summer.
What’s your favourite neighbourhood in Toronto or the GTA?
I’d have to say Liberty Village. I lived there for a bit and really enjoyed how accessible it is. It’s close to the TTC, the Go train, it has a hub of restaurants, a grocery store, everything you need is close by.
