Meet Promoboxx’s new VP of Engineering, Alex Annese! We are so excited to welcome Alex to our team, and to get to know him better, we asked him a few questions. Check out his answers below!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I left college my sophomore year to take a job as a penetration tester for a computer security startup, Rapid7. The company was my first co-op while at Northeastern University, and my boss gave me an offer too good to refuse, so I dropped out (no more student loans to worry about).
Since then, I have worked for Yammer, Microsoft, Zenefits, and a few smaller, lesser known companies. I’ve primarily worked as a back end engineer, but over the past four years, I made the switch to management, which can feel very similar to programming in a few key ways.
I travel as much as I can and have a completely normal and healthy relationship with my love of beer. I’ve never been to Nashville, and I hope to fix that soon.
What made you want to join the Promoboxx team?
It’s rare that a startup is profitable. It’s even rarer that the opportunity before them is as large as what we have in front of us here at Promoboxx.
Looking deeper into Promoboxx’s tech stack and hiring, I was amazed that the company amassed such a talented and cohesive team, lacking the kinds of bad decision making that usually plagues early stage companies.
What’s your favorite independent business in Boston?
Kappy’s Fine Wine & Spirits. Awesome selection and customer service. A Massachusetts favorite.
Deserted on an island, what three things do you bring?
Helicopter to get me the hell out of there, GPS to guide my way to the mainland, and beer for the ride back.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Do your best… Or… everything in moderation (including doing things in moderation).
What do you admire most in a brand?
Consistency in their voice across everything they do. Red Bull and Nike come to mind.
What is one of your favorite things to do in Boston?
Going to Fenway Park with my mom and eating too many hot dogs.
Do you have any hobbies?
Music: listening to it, poorly making it, and going to a lot of shows.
Interested in working at Promoboxx? We’re always looking for talented individuals. Email us at careers@promoboxx.com!
