Employee Spotlight: Matthew Wren

What do you do at Hannon Hill?

I sit between our Web Services and Support departments at Hannon Hill. Most of my time goes to specialized projects that need more hands-on support than a standard ticket, but I also jump between project management and the support queue depending on what's needed.

Before Hannon Hill, where did you work?

I spent over 11 years at The University of Scranton as a Web Designer/Developer. That's where I really got comfortable with Cascade CMS — over a decade of working in it every day will do that.

Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

An adjunct professor in college, actually. I took his Web Development class and something clicked. He had this way of teaching that made me want to keep building things after class ended.

I also had friends a year or two ahead of me who were happy to answer my questions and point me in the right direction, which helped more than they probably realize.

What's the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?

Apply for things you think you won't get.

Not applying guarantees a no. 

You might be exactly what they're looking for, and you won't know unless you try.

What influenced your decision to work with Hannon Hill?

I started attending the Cascade CMS User Conference back in 2012 while I was still at The University of Scranton. Went as a user trying to learn as much as I could.

I kept going back year after year, and every time I left thinking, "I like what these people are doing." When a position opened up, I didn't hesitate.

What do you do for fun?

A lot of outdoor stuff — camping, hiking, cycling, weightlifting. Cycling is probably my favorite. I've done several century rides (100 miles), including the Bike MS 150 in Western PA, a two-day, 150-mile event.

More recently, I did a 4-day backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon, which was a completely different kind of challenge compared to what I'm used to.

I also cook a lot and play trumpet in a local college's symphonic and jazz ensembles.

Most favorite place you ever visited and why?

Edinburgh, Scotland — and I didn't expect it. The streets wind around in ways that keep surprising you, the castles are right there in the middle of everything, and the whole city just has this character I haven't found anywhere else.

I've traveled a fair amount, but Edinburgh is the one I keep thinking about going back to.