Team Profile: Jesse Friedman
Starting with Jesse Friedman, our Director of Web Development – we will be rolling out fun, personal in-depth interviews with the members of our Neal Advertising Team. The interviews/bios will allow you to learn about the members of our great family here. For the most part, people outside of our company only see the final product of what we produce and have no idea where it comes from… what sparks the idea… or who created what they’re seeing. Now you’ll be able to see past the invisible wall and see what makes this company such a finely tuned machine… the people behind it!
Name: Jesse Friedman
Role: Director of Web Development
Where are you from?
I’m from Queens, NY, Later I moved to Cape Cod now I’m in Rhode Island
What exactly do you DO… what are your daily tasks/requirements?
Oh man, I think the better question is what don’t I do, which would be take out the trash, put paper in the printer and restock pens. In reality, I oversee the development of all of the websites that we build. I write a ton of code, answer a ton of questions for people and also help run day to day operations.
How long have you been doing what you’re doing; and what happened to bring you on board to-do-it here at Neal Adv?
I started building websites in 1999 and have always loved doing it. I have always looked for the next challenge and when I found out Neal Advertising was looking for someone it was a perfect fit. It’s been 5 years; and a great 5 years.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Working with our design team to build some awesome websites.
What’s your favorite part of being on the Neal Adv team?
Working with the talent that we have on our team. Everyone is so motivated to do the best work they can. It’s inspiring to always be apart of a team that’s always working to improve their own skills and put out the best products.
If you could go back and change one aspect of your career, what would it be?
I would have shaked more hands and bought others more beer.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Probably in a mirror or a reflection pool, hopefully holding a book or something else I might have written.
You’ve just been handed $6,000 to make ONE improvement/addition to the Neal Advertising office…. what are you buying?
The Astoria Gloria SAE 2 2 Group Automatic Espresso Machine
If you had never ‘made’ it in this field – what would you being doing?
I’d be a carpenter. I love building furniture, it’s the closest thing I have to a hobby.
If you could change anything about your job – what would it be?
I’d be closer to the office so I could come in a bit more. I work from home and it can be a bit lonely.
What is your favorite kind of music? Artist? Song?
I love all music everything from Opera to Rap. Right now I’m in a rock-ish phase. I have to give a shout out to Shelby and Era For a Moment.
What are your favorite kind of movies?
I love war movies and one of my favorites is Hunt for Red October
Describe a perfect day for you (can’t involve work)?
Camping with the family. I love to at least attempt to disconnect from the world and no better people to do that with than my Wife and Son.
What do you like to do when you’re off the clock?
Mostly play with my 4 year old son, Landon. We’re always building stuff or going on little adventures. I recently bought a new bike so we are going to do that more in the spring.
Any hobbies?
I love building things and playing golf
Who are your favorite sports teams?
New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. I’m really not into baseball or basketball. I am not talking about the Patriots much at the moment, kind of in mourning.
What’s your #1 vacation spot?
Walt Disney World.
What’s something about you that not many people know?
I have at least 6 toes.
If you could live a weekend as anyone of your choice, who would it be?
An astronaut who was going to space that weekend. I’d love to go into space, that would be cool.
If you could spend the weekend with anyone of your choice, who would it be?
Matt Mullenweg the creator of WordPress.
If you could have a dinner party with you and three other people, dead or alive – who are you choosing and why?
Albert Einstein – ’cause I have a feeling his intelligence is contagious plus he seems like a lot of fun.
Abraham Lincoln – I think could learn a lot from him plus he’s the only politician I’ve ever admired and that says a lot.
A Samurai Warrior – …enough said.
If you won $10 million tomorrow in the lottery, what would be the next 5 things you do?
I’d start a foundation that would build websites and web strategies for non profits.
Buy a house with more than one bathroom.
Take a trip to Europe.
Make a documentary about skateboarding bulldogs.
Go to Cuba for a real cigar.
Stay tuned for our next Employee Profile!