About Me
Hello, my name is Adam Pippin.
I'm an IT professional and overall handy guy living in Ottawa, ON.
I've spent more than a decade consciously and constantly focusing on growing both as a person and a professional. Constantly seeking out new and interesting problems to tackle, I've managed to expose myself to a variety of people, situations, and technologies that have given me many interesting opportunities to develop my skillset and myself.
Professional Experience
In the past decade and a half I've worked in nearly every facet of IT.
I've developed software for the web, for desktop, and for microcontrollers. I've architected and installed networks in buildings with 300+ units. I've supported computer hardware and pulled out my soldering iron to build and modify circuits. I've been the sole person handling infrastructure for data-focused companies making hundreds of millions in revenue. I've supported my software and hardware buildouts locally and as they've travelled across the country. I've built computer vision products and integrated them into physical builds to create interactive displays for the public. I've assembled weatherproof bins full of hardware and put on a fall harness to install them on the roof of a CFL stadium. I put a GIS system in a coffee table.
Far from chasing novelty, however, I've often found myself in the position of being the only person in the room taking a step back and finding the simple, boring, cost-effective solution. I've coordinated and implemented years long infrastructure cleanup and modernization projects. I've done the slow, considered work of dragging multi-million line, decades-old legacy projects into the current century.
I'm a guy that's not afraid to learn anything, has the foundational skills to do so quickly and effectively, and carry an extensive track record of success.
Personal Life
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
I'm an avowed generalist. I'm first aid certified, a lover of fine (and not fine) bourbons, a passable mechanic, a competent electrician, a pretty decent shot, a licensed amateur radio operator, a not-fantastic carpenter, a dad, a casual musician, a photographer, and so much more.
I've never run into a problem that I couldn't tackle and I was raised to always do a great job, even if no one will know the difference. I know when I'm out of my depth, but rather than simply back away and leave the problem to someone else, I do the research, learn new things, and get it done. I'm not the guy that causes problems by being over-confident—I'm confident in my ability to learn how to tackle any problem and succeed, not in my ability to solve any problem right now.
My Approach
My approach to my life—professional and personal—is pretty straightforward. I always strive to do a great job. Just because my work will be hidden behind a beautiful user interface or a piece of drywall doesn't mean I'm happy doing anything less than my best. Sometimes this can be a source of strife in my life as I like to hold the people around me up to the same standard—always doing the best we can.
My skills as a generalist allow me to bring together specialists from all sorts of areas and help them to work together effectively towards a goal while filling in any gaps in skill or knowledge as required. My skills as a generalist have made me the last line of support for problems in every organization I've been in and my communication skills and ability to balance technical considerations with business objectives and priorities has made me a valuable touchpoint in every organization I've been part of.