Today, in the United States, we honor military veterans across the nation. Here in Austin, we take special pride in the service of our own military vets. When they joined us at WP Engine, they brought with them unique skills that have inspired and helped to make us the company – and the team – we are today. Below we feature a few of our own military veterans.
Albert Pena: Program Manager
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at WP Engine.
I lead a charmed life. I’m married to Mara, an amazing woman who put up with a 9 month deployment that started 6 months after we got married. We have a 19 month old daughter to keep us busy and a happy dog, Nala. I’m a Program Manager in Customer Experience. That means I create and execute programs that improve our customer’s interactions with us.
How did you end up at WP Engine?
I was in IT consulting and heard about the great things going on at WP Engine. When they held a Veteran’s mixer, I decided to check it out. I liked everyone I met and decided to make the move. Interviewing was more like meeting a bunch of future cool friends. I haven’t looked back.
Tell us about your Military Experience.
I joined the Navy in 2002 and was commissioned as an Ensign the same year. I was a member of the Supply Corps, an arm of the Navy dedicated to logistics. Basically, I worked on the business side of things like budgeting, finance, parts procurement, warehousing and food service. I was lucky enough to work with and support two of the most dedicated groups of people in the Navy, first submarines and then the SEALs. I spent about 8 years on active duty and 2 years in the Reserve (so far). I could tell you more but then…
What military skills have you been able to transfer into your role at WP Engine?Marksmanship! Just kidding. I worked all over the world when I was in the military and that prepared me to deal with a global group of customers. Being able to relate to people wherever they are has been a huge help since WP Engine has customers everywhere.
[Second From Left] Enrique Macias: Account Manager
As an account manager, I serve as a strategic point of contact for our Enterprise customers. I am the liaison between the client and the WP Engine organization. My focus is to understand the customer’s needs, and business objective to help facilitate the success of their web properties.
Tell us about your Military Experience.
As an Army Infantryman (Ranger) my military experience includes; small-unit tactics, urban-warfare, rappelling, fast-roping, helo-extraction, water-borne operations, parachuting, helo-casting, and reconnaissance and surveillance. I spent most of my time at Camp Darby in Fort Benning, GA. However the most memorable assignment was being stationed at Camp Greaves, on the Korean DMZ (1/506th – Currahee!).
How did you end up at WP Engine?
I was lucky enough to hear about an upcoming Veterans-Recruiting Happy Hour. That same day I sped home, changed into a button-up and tie, and headed over to the event. I was fortunate enough to have been able to conduct my initial interview on the spot. I got to meet the rest of the A.M. team and the rest is history.
What military skills have you been able to transfer into your role at WP Engine?
I think the skill that has best carried over from the military has been adaptability. As an A.M. at WP Engine you always have to be prepared for change, and change at a moments notice. “Semper Gumby”, Always Flexible!
Allan Montalvo: Customer Support Specialist
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at WP Engine.
My name is Allan L. Montalvo and I am a Customer Happiness Specialist (Tech Support)
Tell us about your military experience.
I entered the Marines in February 2011 and finished Bootcamp, Marine Combat Training school, and Marine Corps Communication and Electronics school in October then checked into my Reserve unit in San Antonio. I still train 3-4 days once a month and 2-3 weeks in the Summer. No matter what days, WP Engine has always been flexible with my training schedule.
How did you end up at WP Engine?
Before working at WP Engine I was working two jobs: Best Buy Mobile & as a swim instructor for YMCA. I went to school with two other employees that told me about the job. After doing research on the company I felt like I could really fit in.
What military skills have you been able to transfer into your role at WP Engine?
The Marine Corps teaches three core values: Honor, Courage and Commitment. I have been able to apply each of those every single day working here. Each of these values are very much in line with WP Engine’s values: Do The Right Thing, Customer Inspired, Where the Best Get Better, Built to Last, Aspiring to Lead and Committed to Give Back. Our values help a lot when it comes to Customer Support. We strive to be extremely transparent with customers, as well as ensuring sites are working properly.
On behalf of WP Engine THANK YOU to all of the men and women who not only serve in the armed forces, but use their valuable skills and leadership abilities to contribute to our nation’s workforce.
You can find Grace Suriel on the WP Engine marketing team as a Social Media Manager. Grace has spent the last 10 years honing her skills as a marketer, digital media hound, public relations professional, and cat video connoisseur. A recent Austin transplant via Washington DC, in her spare time you’ll often find Grace exploring Austin’s eclectic mix of food, culture and outdoors with her partner.
Nice Post 😉