Q&A Spotlight with Raydel

Raydel is the newest member of our team and he was hired as a Web Developer. He has vast experience working with PHP, FileMaker, and integrations. Like a good Cuban, he likes to dance salsa and have a good time with friends and family. Get to know more about him below.

– First things first, tell us a bit about yourself and your Web Developer role at Codence? 

I’m from Cuba with a college degree as a Software Engineer dedicated to Web development using PHP as the main language. My role at Codence is building Web apps integrated with third parties, especially with FileMaker using new technologies like REST API.

– How did you get involved with FileMaker?

I started to learn FileMaker on my first job in the US. It was a company dedicated to developing small/medium custom solutions. My main role was as a Web Developer, but taking into account that all projects were related to FileMaker I had to learn at least the principal concepts, for example, how to connect a Web portal using REST API, the creation of tables, base layouts, relations, etc.

One of the most important projects developed by me was an online parsing tool for the Database Design Report using PHP and MySQL as the database. This project was the first door to go deeper into FileMaker. It is like the BaseElements tool but for browsers.

– What parts of web development do you enjoy the most?

I like designing databases and being part of the whole process of development. One of the most important stages of a project is the discovery. The necessary documentation and good organization of the future sprints decide the quality of the final product. I’ve seen many projects ended in the trash because of bad documentation during discovery. I enjoy being part of that process, especially the data modeling or database design which I consider the foundation of any software.

– What do you think will be the biggest trends in future web development?

Each year, new trends and technologies shape the environment that web developers find themselves in. I’m most interested in the use of new frameworks in JavaScript; React, Vue, NodeJS, etc.

– If you weren’t a web developer, what would you be?

I chose the perfect profession for me. It is a great advantage to be doing what I like to do, building software. Also, the salary helps me provide for my family. That said, dancing salsa is one of my preferred ways of entertainment, and I would be a teacher of salsa dance. On the other hand, I like to take care of animals; maybe that is another profession I’d consider and enjoy. 

– Who is your role model in the world of tech?

Steve Jobs. To me he was a guru of technologies. I admire his ideas, creativity, and inspirational words. My favorite quote from him:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

– Steve Jobs

– Codence is striving to increase diversity and inclusion, what ideas should we consider?

In fostering a company culture where every voice is welcome, heard, and respected. Diversity brings different points of view, many ideas, cultures, languages, etc.

It would be nice to consider having the team meet the team in person at least once a year to have face to face human interaction with all the diversity we bring to the table.

– You are a new father. What, in your opinion, makes a great dad?

Having a baby is easy, being a father is another thing. The new responsibility is big, the time you have to dedicate to the child is very important. A great dad needs to provide not just the material things. Values, discipline, love, compassion, and education are a few of the many important traits of a father.

– How are you doing balancing work and at-home responsibilities?

Working at Codence is very manageable. A flexible schedule is a very good benefit, and working from home allows you to balance your time with family and other priorities.

– What do you do to decompress from stress?

I like to watch science fiction movies, dance salsa, or just watch the view from my balcony. I have a view of a small forest!

– You’re starting your workday on a Monday morning, what song comes on as your soundtrack?

Memories from Maroon 5. I also like to put some salsa music, with the volume very loud, and I start programming, which gladdens my soul. Could sound crazy but it speeds up my productivity on some days.

What are your plans for the next year? 

My wife and I own a 2 bed/bath condo, but it is small for the growing family. We bought ~2.8 acres of land in the rural area of Naples and we will build our new house there.  I will be living with deer, panthers, and bears.

I plan to build a 4 bedroom and 3 bathroom house with a big backyard because my other passion is being a handyman. I’m planning to do many things by myself because I enjoy it and it will save me a lot of money in the process.

---

We hope you got a sense of what our team is like after exploring this page. If you’d like to learn more about our team, catch up with our other Q&A blogs here.