JUAN RUIZ
Juan is an experienced web developer with a career spanning multiple industries and roles. Before arriving to Australia, more than 8 years ago, he held the position of Professor of Enterprise Architecture, Programming and Systems Engineering at the Colombian School of Engineering. Simultaneously he worked at multiple software companies as a web developer and technical project manager. He then moved into IT consulting as an Enterprise Architect for Ecopetrol, the biggest oil and gas company in Colombia before moving to Australia.
He has experience in software architecture, web development, integration services, data management and digital marketing. His clients have sought his expertise from the finance sector to oil & gas, advertising and media. From partnering with start-up businesses through to multi-national corporations. For the last 8 years he has been focused on web development and digital marketing.
Describe what you do at Forte Marketing?
Web development and IT consulting. Integration with external services and applications, coding back-end and front-end.
What solutions do you deliver to clients?
I like to deliver simple things, when things are complicated (for the user) there is something wrong.
My job is to implement web-based solutions, Content Management Systems. Tools to facilitate communication and streamline processes, technical support. Backups, server management, email, hosting and DNS support.
We all have different ways of working - how would you describe your approach to work?
I donโt like to repeat myself or reinvent the wheel. Using the right tools to deliver the most efficient solution without overcomplicating things. At the same time, I truly believe everything is possible, so I am always open to challenges and new ideas.
What did you do before you started at Forte Marketing and what most appealed to you about joining the team?
I have been working with multiple agencies and businesses in Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne and Papua New Guinea. I have worked with multiple start-ups and building cloud-based applications.
What is your greatest source of enjoyment at Forte Marketing?
The FM team. I like to work with Louise, Darren and the rest of the team. They are all very talented, fun and easy going. No stress, but always looking to meet deadlines and deliver a good result.
Can you tell us about the most memorable moment of your career? This can be any role, not necessarily at FM.
Transitioning from development to consulting was pretty interesting, but definitely moving to Australia was life changing (obviously). Everything changed very quickly from my work schedule to the type of projects I was working on. Learnt (and unlearnt) a lot from that experience.
If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower?
Saying yes to everythingโฆhahaโฆ. maybe thatโs my kryptonite.
I would like to have the power of translating my ideas into reality by just thinking about them. I have great ideas while I am taking a shower but making them happen is too complicated .
What would you typically be doing and where would we find you when youโre not at work?
At home, workingโฆ.
Playing piano or guitar, at the beach or at Rustys markets.
Otherwise I would be in the back yard watching the plants grow (or die)
Tell us something surprising about yourself.
I donโt knowโฆ
I call my mom in Colombia every single day.
The first time I used a mac and owned a โsmartphoneโ was the day I arrived to Australia (and I donโt have plans to go backโฆto Windows).