Mike Strauch
Title: Lead Software Engineer
With Hannon Hill since: 2006
What I do, in 140 characters or less: Develop and maintain the Cascade Server codebase, make decisions about how the product should work, and support Cascade clients through a number of support channels.
Education: Georgia Institute of Technology, BS in Computer Science
What I like most about Hannon Hill: The first thing I like about Hannon Hill is that I have freedom to choose what I work on. It helps to keep things fresh and exciting because I can pick up projects in which I am interested. Of course this has to be balanced with work that may not be as fun, but at least there is a choice. Secondly, the people who work here are laid back and have few reservations about making off-color jokes or conversing about controversial topics which helps to quell any feelings of corporate superficiality that exists at some companies. Things just feel more real when you're not constantly worrying about what is office-appropriate and what is not. That's not to say that anything goes here, but I don't feel like I have to put on an act at work in order to conform to some unwritten office policy.
Hobbies/passions: Guitar, writing music, running, cooking
Dream car: no car at all
Musical talents: Guitar
Favorite programming language: Java
Pets: 2 dogs: Sophie and Kiya, 2 cats: Frankie and Bob
Favorite movie: The 5th Element
What others say about Mike:"Mike Strauch believes in hard work, Rush, and squats. Mike Strauch does not believe in weakness or wearing shoes." - Adam Griffis
"Mike is incredibly smart and one of the best problem-solvers I have ever met. You can ask Mike about any topic, and he will give you an honest and educated opinion. His contributions to Cascade Server have been tremendous, and his dedication to the product is truly inspiring." - Kat Liendgens
"Mike is a phenomenal guitar player. He and I get together every once in a while and jam with dual guitars. We play a lot of Metallica, but occasionally, he'll throw some Rush in there. That's when I leave. WE both have matching office guitars that we bought one day for $29.99 a piece. They are complete garbage." - Tim Reilly