Friday, February 21, 2014

A Fond Farewell

An Animoto clad Porter, 6 months old and happy

Jordan almost didn't work at Animoto. A tech recruiter had sent him their way, and after a round of interviews, I'd tried to convince Jordan not to worry about finishing up the programming samples they'd given him since we were most definitely not planning on a move to New York.  But he did finish those problems and he wowed them enough that they decided to try out remote work and offered him a job. Jordan's dream of working from home came true and he jumped in, excited as can be.  They flew out our family (of 3!) and while Jordan met the team for the first time,  I explored the mile-square city of Hoboken and enjoyed a few NYC sights with 2-year-old Landon and his trusty monkey pack. And so began our new adventurous life with Animoto... a path that we never would have imagined for ourselves and one we have felt again and again so grateful for.

And now, after an intense round of applications and interviews,  a new adventure awaits. In just a couple of weeks Jordan will start his new job at Bonobos. Another great NYC company and we hope another new and wonderful journey for our family.

from Jordan's farewell response to the company
When Animoto hired me I felt like the luckiest person in the world.  Now, five and half years later, I still feel that way. :)  Animoto has changed my life in a million wonderful ways and of course "Animoto" means all of you!  I don't know if I've ever met anyone who has been as happy in their job as I have in mine, and that's because of how patient, kind, helpful, and brilliant you all are. 
Thank you all for putting up with a guy who has at times worked out of a treehouse. ;)  From phone conferences, to "JordanTV", to Google Hangouts, I so appreciate everyone's willingness to go the extra mile to make Animoto feel like home even from 2,000 miles away.  And thank you in particular to Brad, Jason, Stevie and Tom for founding a company with a culture that has been as awesome as its product.  I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to recommend Animoto to anyone looking for a fantastic place to work and I know you will all keep it that way. 
My family and I will continue to be loyal Animoto users, so please keep the stream of great improvements rolling in!  Also, my parents still live in the SF Bay Area and my next job is still in New York so expect some visits from me every now and then! :D 
Thanks again for everything and please do keep in touch. 
Best,
Jordan