It’s time for our last “Meet the Team” blog of 2022! We caught up with Frontend Developer, Chris Diamond. When he isn’t helping advisors create amazing websites, he loves playing video games, especially Lego Star Wars and Pokemon Go. To learn more about Chris, be sure to check out our latest blog.
With our team working remotely, it’s fun to see where everyone is located! Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I was born and raised in sunny San Diego, California. After living out there for many years our family decided to trade the surf for the snow and moved just north of Provo, Utah.
We take pride in our advisor websites; you’re a huge part of their development! How did you get your start as a Frontend Developer?
I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the world of computers pretty early on in my childhood. As my Dad worked for CompUSA (A way cooler version of Best Buy back in the day). I discovered my passion for designing websites at the age of 9. When I built a small website for the after-school program I was attending at the time.
What has been one of your favorite projects, and why did you enjoy working on it?
The best part about being in web development is that every project can be your favorite. The way we interact with the internet is constantly evolving. So every project provides the opportunity to be creative and brainstorm new ideas to create something awesome.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My wife and I are huge nerds. (So much so that we had a lightsaber battle at our wedding.) Most of our time these days is spent playing D&D and video games together. We are currently playing games like Lego Star Wars, God of War, and Pokemon Go.
The holidays are right around the corner, and we’re so excited! Do you have any exciting plans or fun family traditions?
When I was growing up in California, there was an entire neighborhood in Los Angeles called Candy Cane Lane that would decorate for the holidays. Every Christmas Eve my family would make the trip and spend the whole night enjoying all the different decorations and celebrating the holiday together.
Now that we live so far away from Candy Cane Lane, my wife and I have started a smaller tradition. Every Christmas morning we will pick up some sushi from our local market and watch The Polar Express together.
In that same light, what’s the best given that you’ve ever given or received? This can date back to childhood if you want!
I would probably say, receiving a Gameboy with Pokemon Blue for Christmas when I was 6 or 7. That was the first game console that I owned and started my love of gaming.
Everyone’s been sharing their Spotify Wrapped lists on social media. If we saw yours, what would you be streaming?
I am a fan of many genres of music. So, my list would be a “Journey”. (Pun intended) It would feature artists like Weird Al, Green Day, Selena Gomez, Beach Boys, and Alan Walker.
Are you a sports fan? If so, what teams do you cheer for?
Since I grew up in San Diego, I have to say the Padres Baseball team.
In the late 90s and early 2,000s, there was nothing quite like the feeling of experiencing “Trevor Time”. Where no matter the team you were rooting for, everyone would stand and cheer to celebrate one of the most dominant closing pitchers of all time (Trevor Hoffman) stepping onto the field.
As we close out the year, do you have any exciting plans for 2023?
Our current goal is to make a trip out to Disneyland.
What is some of the best advice you have ever received?
“Be excellent to each other” – Bill and Ted, 1989
Throughout our modern day-to-day lives, we can be bombarded with so much negativity that it can be hard to see the good in the world sometimes. So, it is up to us to step up and be that excellent force of good.
Hold that door open for a stranger, donate time or items that you do not use anymore. Or simply lend an ear to a friend, neighbor, or family member in need.
The world will always be crazy, but you have the power to make yours a little bit brighter. Even if it is just for a moment.
