Adam "Business Time" Aleksa
Director of Roboanalytics
Favorite robot:
Boston Dynamics' BigDog
Favorite thing about Detroit:
Abandoned city feel
Weirdest thing I do at work:
Invent arbitrary ways to earn imaginary points that result in pizza parties.
Most unusual talent:
Can compose an entire song in under an hour.
Why I am a human:
A series of dangerous, experimental surgeries.
Benjamin "Fancy Pants" Blackmer
Co-Founder / CMO
Favorite robot:
Johnny 5
Favorite thing about Detroit:
There ain't no hipsters like Detroit hipsters.
But seriously, the passion that people have for Detroit is intense. There's so much opportunity here to make a huge difference, it's just stupid. And when someone loves a city that has been as battered and bruised as Detroit has been, you know it is real.
Weirdest thing I do at work:
I have some drum sticks at my deck that I play with when I need to occupy my hands.
And I don't own drums.
Most unusual talent:
Duh, I'm tall. Also, I majored in jazz piano performance as an undergrad.
Why I am a human:
The web may be digital, but humans remain analog (one of @rishad 's best quotes).
Making the internet more friendly for actual humans is what we are all about. I love working with our passionate and savvy crack team of super-Humans. When we combine forces, we can take down anything and make the internet better for everyone.
Max "MAXX PWR" Nussenbaum
Advisory Facilitator of Strategic Partnership Systems Marketing, Management, and Analysis
Favorite robot:
The Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz
Favorite thing about Detroit:
The city's post-apocalyptic vibe makes me feel like an intrepid explorer on an adventurous quest.
Weirdest thing I do at work:
Attempt to communicate with customers when neither of us share a common language.
Most unusual talent:
Freestyle rapping. Call me at (313) 312-5537 and I'll spit a verse for you. Not kidding.
Why I am a human:
I cry every time I watch "The Iron Giant." There's no better proof of humanity than that.
Reid "Lazer Eyez" Tatoris
Co-Founder / COO
Favorite robot:
R2D2
Favorite thing about Detroit:
The people here embrace every awesome idea, no matter how crazy it sounds. Just Google "Detroit Robocop Statue." Detroit is a city full of incredibly passionate people who want to change things. I love feeling like we are part of something larger and watching the city grow and change along with our company.
Weirdest thing I do at work:
Use the term "pre-revenue" with a straight face
Most unusual talent:
Ability to get any song stuck in my head the second I hear it.
Why I am a human:
I'm completely susceptible to baby animal pictures. No human can resist. I have to block Zooborns if I don’t want to go down a rabbit hole of awws.
Steve "Power Feed" Burkett
Software Sensei
Favorite robot:
"Robot" from Lost in Space. I love it when Dr. Smith calls him a "bumbling bucket of bolts."
Favorite thing about Detroit:
Campus Martius. It's a great place for people to gather and have fun. Live music, food, a cool fountain, great views, lots of energy, and seasonal events all year. Plus, during the winter months there's ice skating, an awesome Christmas tree, and a very cool Menorah. What else could we ask for?
Weirdest thing I do at work:
We 'scrum' every day. Seriously, how many people can say that?
Most unusual talent:
I can look like the Bald Eagle from the Muppet Show. (Hmmm... I guess that's really more of a gift than a talent.)
Why I am a human:
Not only do I get to experience all the cool things the world has to offer, but I'm also aware of those experiences... and aware that I'm aware of them... and aware that I'm aware that I'm aware... you get the idea.
Stuart "The Big Show" VandenBrink
Kazoo Specialist
Favorite robot:
The robot dance
Favorite thing about Detroit:
Detroit has tons of music venues that pull in a bunch of national acts. However, my favorite shows showcase the talented local artists, especially Detroit hip-hop.
Weirdest thing I do at work:
I rescue street pigeons and knit wool caps for them. Then I give them a three-day crash course on HTML and CSS, and release them back into the wild to put their new skills to use.
Most unusual talent:
I can clap with one hand.
Why I am a human:
I wanted to be a three-story bounce castle, but my application was denied. Being a human is alright too, I guess.
Tyler "Hugs Every Cat" Paxton
Founder / CEO
Favorite robot:
The Iron Giant
Favorite thing about Detroit:
Detroit was built by makers and tinkerers and that culture still exists. People aren't afraid to work hard, get their hands dirty, and grind out something amazing.
Weirdest thing I do at work:
I fill out ten captchas every morning just to remember the pain we are saving people from.
Most unusual talent:
I can sleep through anything.
Why I am a human:
PlayThru told me so.
