Meet Updater: John Zeller, Software Engineer
Representing Updater from the West Coast, Software Engineer and airplane enthusiast, John Zeller brings those best coast vibes to our engineering team. John is a moving veteran with over 20 moves under his belt! This experience gives him the grit to build the best moving software, ever. Without further ado, here’s a little about John and his epic moving resume.
Where did you grow up?
Portland, OR.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An astronaut.
What are two personal tidbits about you?
I first flew a plane when I was 6-years old, but I didn’t land one until I was 24.
Do you have a moving horror story?
I once hired a moving company at the last minute and received a quote that seemed reasonable. Then, once they had packed up all of my stuff, I realized that the estimate of boxes I gave them was off by more than half. So my charge was more than doubled.
How many times have you moved?
21 times.
What’s your best piece of moving advice?
Have less stuff. Downsizing is important.
You’re about to move. What would you make sure to never do again?
I will never again misjudge the quantity of items I have when I request a quote from movers.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Updater?
The open and collaborative atmosphere.
What’s the best part about working on a small team?
Being able to affect a lot of change with my work.
What motivates you to come to work every day?
The codes!
What’s the largest item you’ve ever had to carry on the subway?
I’ve only taken luggage, but I’ve moved a kitchen island in a taxi.
It’s the zombie apocalypse. Where do you hide?
The outdoor superstore REI. Lots of supplies.
Which actor/actress would play you in a movie about your life?
The Scottish actor, David Tennant.
Whom do you admire most as a business leader?
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group.
What’s your favorite quote?
“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.”
-Bob Marley
What’s the first app you check in the morning?
Reddit.
You have a time machine, but you can only make one trip. Where do you go?
The peak of ancient Greek civilization.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mathematics, by Mos Def.
If you were a food, what kind would you be? Why?
Undercooked brussel sprouts because no one would eat me!
You can only eat one food for the rest of your life. What is it?
Burritos! Why is this even a question? It’s the perfect food, obviously.
What do you do to unwind?
Running, snowboarding, camping, and generally finding reasons to go out into nature.
If you could travel to work every day on a vehicle without wheels (think: hovercraft, broom), what would you choose?
Flying carpet.
What’s your favorite fast food restaurant?
Burgerville I suppose because it’s local in the Pacific Northwest.
What are four things you can’t live without?
Water, trees, people, food.
What’s your favorite Saturday Night Live skit?
I think Melissa McCarthy was hilarious as Spicey.
More Updater Life
Changes to Updater’s team
16 August 2022
Updater raises $215M to accelerate product, design, data, and engineering
19 May 2022
