This year marks an important milestone for James as he celebrates 15 years with De Facto.
Over the past decade and a half, James has witnessed the business evolve, embraced new challenges, and played a key role in supporting both our customers and colleagues. His experience, commitment, and knowledge have made him a valued member of the team and an important part of De Facto's continued growth.
To mark the occasion, we sat down with James to reflect on his journey so far. From memorable moments and career highlights to how both the business and the industries we support have changed over the years, he shares his thoughts on the last 15 years at De Facto—and what he's looking forward to next.
1. Can you remember your first day? What stands out?
My first day… wow that was nearly 15 years ago now. I do remember my first day and my colleagues did their best to make me feel welcome by putting a load of random questions in a hat and then I had to lottery pick some questions to answer lol.
2. How has the technology changed during your time here
The technology has changed hugely in the 15 years I’ve been here, as I work in the web team. Web browsers themselves have now come inline with each other over the years, when I first started, supporting the old Internet Explorer browser was quite the challenge!
3. What's been the most rewarding part of your role?
Getting a full understanding of how .NET framework websites work from the Database layer > Middle Layer > Frontend User Interface.
4. What have you enjoyed most about working with your colleagues?
Working with my team member Andy Jordan-Hawes, we get on very well and he’s been here for 14 years. It’s always been good working with Andy as his personality is very upbeat and he is a great data engineer.
5. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice on your first day, what would it be?
Never make assumptions about anything… it can waste a lot of time when you assume something.
6. What are you looking forward to over the next few years?
Improving our E-Commerce Web Technology to be even better than it already is!
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