J. Tower talks with Dave Rael about business, family, taking an extended trip, and the rewards of contributing
Jonathan "J." Tower is a Microsoft MVP, Telerik Developer Expert, and business owner with over eighteen years of software industry experience. He loves solving problems and the creative aspects of software development, as well as sharing what he’s learned and helping building the technology community. His current technology interests include .NET Core, Mobile, and JavaScript development.
J. lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife and children, where he uses his passion for the tech community to help run a user group and several annual conferences.
Chapters:
1:32 - Dave introduces the show and J. Tower4:11 - J's software interests5:27 - J. and his conference speaking7:27 - J's family and travel - exploring the USA and their National Parks for over a year while working remotely11:08 - Working remotely, including both from home and with a home moving around the USA13:19 - Preferred sites seen in the extended travel by J's family14:12 - How J. got started in software18:31 - J's story of failure - surprising a client with new and shiny (and unfamiliar) platform and language features20:59 - The origin of J's consulting focus22:30 - Advice for would-be consultants24:30 - The downsides of consulting25:57 - The establishment of the Trailhead business and an excellent team28:01 - J's success story - family and business, recognition for community contributions, and conference organizing31:32 - The Trailhead partners32:33 - How J. says current with what he needs to know34:45 - The things that have J. most excited38:30 - J's book recommendation40:57 - J's causes of pain and suffering44:51 - The things about which J. likes to geek out45:36 - J's top 3 tips for delivering more value
Resources:
J's Website
Trailhead Technology Partners - J's Business
Microsoft Most Valuable Professional program
Developer Experts (Recognition by Progress Telerik
Glacier National Park
Texas Instruments’ Personal Computers
Nik Molnar on Developer On Fire
"The wand chooses the wizard"
Principle of Least Surprise
Beer City Code
Grand Rapids is "Beer City"
Xamarin
Xamarin Forms
OWIN
Kyle Scarmardo on Developer On Fire
Jonathan's book recommendation:
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers - Ben Horowitz
Jonathan's top 3 tips for delivering more value:
Don't forget to take care of yourself
Communicate
Always be learning