Meet Updater: Andrea Barone, Success Coordinator
Meet Success Coordinator, Andrea! After experiencing some of her very own moving horror stories, Andrea is dedicated to streamlining the moving process for all. When she’s not eating pasta, you can find her spending time with family or working towards fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a dancing hippopotamus. We caught up with Andrea to find out a bit more about her, and (of course) her hippopotamus aspirations.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the suburbs of Boston. Wakefield, MA to be exact.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I actually told my mom when I was three that I wanted to be a dancing hippopotamus when I grew up.
What are two personal tidbits about you?
1. I come from a big ridiculous Italian family. Think, My Big Fat Greek Wedding except Italian. That’s basically my life. I’m fluent in Italian, I’m an Italian citizen, I lived in Italy for almost a year, and I love traditional Italian food — especially homemade pasta.
2. I love dogs! I’m the crazy dog lady that has never had her own. I especially love giant dogs. One of my goals in life is to own a Great Dane and name him Rufus.
How many times have you moved?
Including four moves in college, I’ve moved eight times in all. After each move, I’ve told myself that I would become a minimalist to make moving easier for the next time. It never happens.
Do you have a moving horror story?
I used to live in an apartment on the second story of a detached garage of a very old house. The only way to access the apartment was by using a narrow wooden staircase with a very small landing at the top. I had a couch that I knew would fit in my living space, but I was less confident it would make it up the stairs. I’ve never before seen movers climb over railings and hang off of support beams to shove a couch through a door, but it worked! It was horrifying to watch!
What’s your best piece of moving advice?
Don’t make your friends and family try to carry that 400 pound sleeper couch into your new place, because it may be the last favor they ever agree to do for you! Hire professionals to move everything safely and efficiently. They are worth every penny!
How did you come to work at Updater?
I was first introduced to Updater when I moved out of my apartment community. It was so helpful! The same week that I started using Updater, I met up with a bunch of my husband’s friends and their significant others. It just so happened that one of their significant others, Amanda, worked at Updater! When she told me where she worked, I let her know that I had used Updater and loved it. She enthusiastically explained how amazing Updater is, we connected on LinkedIn, and stayed in touch. The rest is history!
What’s your favorite thing about working at Updater?
The work environment is the best! It’s super collaborative, and everyone is incredibly supportive of one another. It’s a pleasure to be here each and every day.
What’s the best part about working on a small team?
I love getting to know my colleagues on a personal level, especially because it gives me the opportunity to learn so much from them.
What motivates you to come to work every day?
Unlimited snacks and cold brew! Just kidding, I love being part of something that has so much potential to grow and totally change the way people move. But I also really love the snacks and cold brew.
What are four things you can’t live without?
Family, good food, laughter, and all of my hair products.
What’s the largest item you’ve ever had to carry on the subway?
I’ve carried my skis on the subway before. I’m sure I almost took out a dozen people with them.
It’s the zombie apocalypse. Where do you hide?
*picks up phone* “…Hi, Dad? What do I do?!”
Which actor/actress would play you in a movie about your life?
Marisa Tomei. Especially if she channels a little bit of Mona Lisa Vito from My Cousin Vinny.
Whom do you admire most as a business leader?
Sheryl Sandberg. She’s been through so much and still manages to lead, inspire, and shatter glass ceilings while providing for her family.
What’s the first app you check in the morning?
After hitting snooze over and over again, I always check my weather app to help prepare for the day.
If you were a food, what kind would you be? Why?
I would be a nice hearty homemade pasta dish. It’s Italian, it makes lots of people happy, and it’s oh so delicious.
What do you do to unwind?
I like to curl up with a nice bottle of red and a whole lot of Netflix.
If you could travel to work every day on a vehicle without wheels (think: hovercraft, broom), what would you choose?
Broom! Harry Potter style all the way!
What’s your favorite fast food restaurant?
I’m generally against fast food, but Chick-fil-A is AMAZING.
More Updater Life
Changes to Updater’s team
16 August 2022
Updater raises $215M to accelerate product, design, data, and engineering
19 May 2022
