Updater

By Jiordan Castle

Published Dec 19, 2016

Updated Jan 18, 2024

Do you have a moving horror story?

Surprisingly, I don’t! I’ve moved a lot too.

What’s the largest item you’ve ever had to carry on the subway?

A “dresser” from the container store. It was really just a stack of drawers, but it was almost as tall as me. Luckily I had help. I still got a lot of stares.

What’s your best piece of moving advice?

Hire other people to help, don’t be ambitious and do everything yourself! …especially when you live in walk-up buildings on the 5th floor (which have been my choices lately!).

You’re about to move. What would you make sure to never do again?

Wait until the last minute to pack. Although I’ve sworn that every time I’ve moved and I never quite get it right!

How many times have you moved?

Since graduating college: 6 times.

What’s your favorite thing about working at Updater?

The people! That’s also my job! But really, everyone is incredibly genuine, super talented, cares about what they do, and really cares about the company. The energy that the team exudes is amazing. It’s contagious!

What’s your favorite Updater feature? Why?

I can’t choose just one! Actually, this might be cheating because it’s not a product feature, but I really love the moving tips & tricks blog we have. I’m a big fan of sharing what you learn with other people so they can benefit from your experiences and hopefully avoid pitfalls! Moving is just so overwhelming, every time, and the resources we share can help make it less overwhelming!

What’s the best part about working on a small team?

Everyone being themselves. I love when people feel they can be genuine at work, and I think that happens naturally when you’re part of a small team with a positive spirit that works closely.

How did you come to work at Updater?

A close friend introduced me to Ryan, our CTO. (Actually, at first I thought I was interviewing him, not the other way around!) And after getting to know the company and the people, I couldn’t not work here.

What motivates you to come to work every day?

The endless possibilities of what we can do. We’re only at the beginning of this journey and I know we will achieve so much together.

It’s the zombie apocalypse. Where do you hide? 

Well, my brother lives in Maine totally off the grid (really… no electricity, running water, or cell service), so that’s probably safest from a tracking perspective. He knows what he’s doing and he’s in the middle of nowhere, so it’d be really hard to find us.

What’s the first app you check in the morning?

Weather. I’m so practical.

What’s your favorite quote?

I love Dr. Seuss. I think one of my favorites is: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

You have a time machine, but you can only make one trip. Where do you go?

NYC circa 1950. I’m very close with my grandparents, and I’ve always wanted to experience what they experienced in NYC when they were just starting out!

You can only eat one food for the rest of your life. What is it?

Seafood. I know, I know, that’s a whole category, but I really could live on it.

What’s your favorite fast food restaurant?

Our in-office hardboiled egg machine. Now that’s fast!

What do you do to unwind?

Yoga, reading… you know, “peaceful” things. I also really love photography… and bargain shopping.

What are 4 things you can’t live without?

1. Dogs. I don’t have one, but I’d really really like one.

2. LaCroix. Thank goodness we have so much in the office!

3. Wool socks… I am always cold.

4. Plane travel I love traveling; can’t imagine not having planes to do it! I also really like flying.

Where did you grow up?

Basking Ridge, NJ.

What are 2 personal tidbits about you?

1. I really like heights. I grew up as a gymnast and absolutely loved flipping around. I can’t do much anymore, but to replace the thrill of that I’ve gone skydiving, cliff jumping, skiing, and really want to go bungee jumping!

2. In college I tried to start a jewelry company. It turned out to be really difficult and, as a result, I really admire anyone who has done that successfully!

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

See option #1 above!

Jiordan Castle

Jiordan is Updater’s former Digital Content Manager. Here content specialties are renters and homeowners insurance, cloud technology, and all things moving! She eats pizza every Friday and never buys a new iPhone until her current one breaks.