A Journey from Michigan to South Carolina
Born in Flint, Michigan, Jeff’s journey to becoming a Senior Software Engineer at WellSky is both unique and inspiring. Jeff grew up in the small town of Flushing, where he developed an early passion for computer hardware and math, which led him to study at the University of Michigan. Although he initially pursued computer engineering, he quickly discovered his love for computer science (and his distaste for any calculus beyond two dimensions).
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Jeff and his wife relocated to Charleston, South Carolina. Jeff soon landed a position as a .NET developer for a property and casualty insurance broker. Over the next six years, he honed his skills, maintaining and enhancing insurance systems.
Life Outside of Code
When he’s not coding or working, Jeff enjoys playing tennis and golf — though only when the weather is in his ideal range of 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (so look for him on the course in March and October). As a novice auto mechanic, he’s known for making plenty of noise in the neighborhood as he tinkers with cars.
At home, Jeff and his wife share their lives with Maeby, their Ppit-mix rescue, named after a character from one of their favorite TV shows, Arrested Development. Weekends often include trips to the park with Maeby, where Jeff takes great joy in watching her protect a favorite hole in the ground, much to the indifference of the other dogs.
Finding True Love and Professional Growth
One of Jeff’s proudest personal accomplishments is realizing that his high school sweetheart was indeed his true love. "She would suggest that I was always in love with her," Jeff says, "but she just hadn’t proven it to me yet."
Professionally, Jeff was drawn to WellSky by a former coworker who promised that he would grow as a developer — a promise that has been fulfilled beyond his expectations. While his initial impression of the company was one of being overwhelmed by its size and cloud-based operations, Jeff soon discovered the thrill of working with cutting-edge technology and talented, supportive colleagues.
The Challenges and Rewards at WellSky
Like any career, Jeff’s journey at WellSky has had its challenges. Prioritization has been a significant hurdle, as the team has many innovative ideas and sometimes struggles to finish everything they start. However, these challenges pale in comparison to the satisfaction Jeff feels working on software that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
One of the things Jeff appreciates most about WellSky is the culture of collaboration. “Rarely do I encounter a fellow WellSky employee who isn't willing and eager to offer a helping hand or share their knowledge and experience,” Jeff says.
Words of Wisdom for Future WellSky Teammates
As Jeff approaches his three-year anniversary with WellSky, he reflects on the tremendous professional growth he’s experienced. "I learned more during my first year at WellSky than in six years at my previous company, and the learning hasn’t stopped." His advice to those considering a position at WellSky? “You will be continuously challenged to grow. If that sounds exciting to you, you will have no regrets.”
