Employee Q&A: Get to Know Eric Thurgood, Software Engineer
August 10, 2016
What’s a Denver Broncos fan doing in Patriots territory?
Describe your role at CashStar.
I’m the lead software engineer/architect on the Architecture and Performance team. Depending on the day (and often within the same day) I do a variety of things like:
- Identifying and eliminating performance bottlenecks
- Proactive research and system modifications for improving stability
- Providing input and feedback to engineering teams about projects that have architectural impact
- Occasionally I’ll be “loaned” to a team to help out with designing/implementing time-critical features
How did you come to work at CashStar?
This was a bit of serendipity. On my way to an interview with another local tech company, I ran into a recruiter I knew. He realized I was looking around and emailed me later that day asking if I had heard of CashStar. The rest is history.
What do you like about working at CashStar?
My answer to this question is always, ‘the people.’ CashStar employs incredibly talented engineers. Throughout the company you will find highly motivated, very capable colleagues who are extremely willing and eager to solve problems. Each team is working in sync toward the same goals. Plus, the office space is incredible, and you can’t beat the location of the downtown Portland office.
What are you up to when you are not at CashStar?
Spending time with wife and two kids tops the list. I also like to stay active by playing volleyball, running, weightlifting, and entering obstacle course races like Tough Mudder. I may live in New England now but I will always be a Denver Broncos fan. I proudly root for the Super Bowl Champions during football season.
What do you like about your chosen profession?
Every day is different. Some days I’m problem-solving. Other days I’m designing and building new things. It’s not typically touted as such, but software engineering actually involves a large amount of creativity.
To learn more about front-end engineering positions and other career opportunities at CashStar, visit our Careers page.