Our Employee Spotlight Series highlights employees from around the world to showcase the awesome talent and personality that makes up Aras. Next up: Julio! Read on to get to know more about him.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in several places.
1. Terceira, Azores
2. Algarve, Portugal
3. Lowell, Massachusetts
What was your first or strangest job?
My first official job was at Demoulas as a bagger. My cashiers always had the longest lines. It wasn't because I was slow, but it was because I had regular and repeat customers who liked how I bagged their groceries.
What do you like most about your job at Aras?
I enjoy solving product problems, process problems, and people problems in a team centric and an avoid complacency like COVID environment.
What is your greatest accomplishment, work or personal?
My personal greatest accomplishment was being the first in my family to graduate from college.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I cannot spell. I invent new words every day!
Pick three words to describe yourself.
1. Protective. I protect my family and my teams instinctively and unconditionally.
2. Patient, but not by nature!
3. Portuguese-American. :-)
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I want to write and publish a book. (It's in process!)
What is your favorite quote?
"United we stand. Divided we fall." --- Aesop
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
I am an all species, all methods angler. During the hours that I should be sleeping, I fish from shore or by kayak, boat, or skishing with lure, flies, and bait. I draw the line, pardon the pun, at noodling - which is fishing with my bare hands. Using my fingers as fake food feels improper.
You’re about to perform in a karaoke bar. What song do you pick?
"Roar" by Katie Perry. But...I pity my audience! LOL
If you could hang out with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
An Wang. I would ask him: What is the secret sauce of leading an organization through repeated technical transitions (typesetters --> calculators --> word processors --> computers --> copiers --> laser printers)?