Meet a Helpful Human – Michael Szmadzinski

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Every month, we recognize one among our Most Helpful Humans in Hosting®.

Meet Michael Szmadzinski

Before joining Liquid Web, Software Development Engineer Michael Szmadzinski worked on two small teams in independent film and native TV as Editor after which Director. Certainly one of his tasks was to design and launch related web sites with brand integrations, timed page launches, and video players. Most of those website projects used Liquid Web for hosting, an exquisite experience for Szmadzinski. When the tv station ended, Szmadzinski knew he wanted to affix the Liquid Web family.

Why did you join Liquid Web?

I actually began as a customer of Liquid Web, and I learned loads after I was hosting projects with the corporate just by asking questions of the support team. When the TV station I worked for fell through, I spotted that, except for the food and beer show, working with Liquid Web on the web sites was probably the most enjoyable a part of that job. A coworker and I applied immediately.

What draws you to the hosting industry as a profession?

I like making tools and data accessible. A project I worked on with my brother was an American Sign Language dictionary website. Because it stood, there weren’t many online tools for ASL, and what did exist were repeatedly behind paywalls. It was a hobby project, and we only got a number of hundred words covering basic college-level courses, but we got emails. I actually enjoyed reading the feedback from complete strangers.

Is there something specific about Liquid Web you simply love?

I like with the ability to reach across departments and types to resolve problems. It’s wonderful with the ability to reach out to someone directly beyond my team and have a fast conversation. It’s easy to attach so I can learn a brand new process or make certain I’m making the proper decision on a tool they use.

What’s your favorite part in regards to the company culture at Liquid Web?

Liquid Web has passed through a shift in its culture over the past nine years. I feel we still act like a small company in hosting even when we are able to wield a goodly sum of power. Because it stands locally, I can tell someone I’ve just met, “I work at Liquid Web,” and they’re going to pull the swag winter gloves out of their bag. Everyone seems to know someone that worked for Liquid Web.

In your eyes, what’s the difference between Liquid Web and other employers?

Mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth. At Liquid Web, after I’ve had a misstep, the corporate stands alongside me as I work to repair the issue, offering additional solutions. Sometimes even the apparent, “Can we just turn it on and off again?” are valid options.

What’s the largest milestone you’ve completed?

I’ve been in a position to redesign our phone system twice and coded several projects to support it. Within the second design, we were in a position to accommodate all of our recent sister firms into the system. It took loads of work designing the network and integrating systems and APIs, but now we are able to tackle more teams and operate phones on several networks concurrently. It feels really good seeing that suite of projects hum together with only the occasional feature request.

Tell us about a tremendous customer experience you may have had at Liquid Web.

After I was still a customer of Liquid Web, I had a server get rooted. That’s when someone gains complete control of your box and, in our case, replaced all our sites with malware and other sorted materials. Over 100 customer sites were down, and I had calls coming in all morning. It was a multitude. Liquid Web spent the week restoring every part they may to a fresh server and detailing security vulnerabilities of our server. I wouldn’t have gotten those sites back without their help.

What are you known for at Liquid Web? What do people specifically come to you for?

I’m known for locating recent ways to resolve problems—specifically, finding ways to assist teams do higher and making tools to do it. I are inclined to look outside the box at issues and pull out fixes and results that almost all people may not consider. I asked a longtime coworker for assistance on this query, and she or he replied, “Also, for those who wanna find someone who’s a definition of helpful, you bought it.”

What’s one thing you would like our customers knew about their hosting?

It comes with support—excellent support. I worked in it for years, and I do know individuals who still do. They’re great people. Our support team is there to assist you get probably the most out of your VPS or dedicated server.

What’s your nickname at Liquid Web, and why?

​​By my last name, I’m called Smuj or some variation thereof. It’s pretty easy to grasp, and a number of other relations are also called the identical, so I also answer to No-That-One, Ugh, and Michael.

Work aside, what are a few of your hobbies?

​​I like foam sword fighting, specifically Dagorhir. It’s just foam-wrapped PVC, some padded shields, and an entire lot of bruising. The foundations are relatively easy without magic, so it’s a fairly large workout. I also work with my hands constructing the weapons and sewing garb. There are loads of skills I’ve picked up just attempting to sustain with the hobby. I’ve not gone to events shortly, but I even have been constructing a small army of pages out of the neighborhood kids. Some day they are going to graduate to squire.

What’s your favorite TV show?

​​I grew up with Star Trek, and I like all the brand new series which can be coming out recently. I’ve been caught in meetings quoting Janeway and Torres on the regular. I feel it’s a future price working towards, even when the immediate predictions seem quite grim.

What’s your favorite app?

Hummus and fries, possibly with chippies as an alternative for the crunch.

When you could have dinner with one celebrity [dead or alive], who wouldn’t it be?

​​Tim Curry, easily. He’s an interesting person, and my partner would have many inquiries to pass along to me. They might also wish to ask for his tackle the song “Space Girl” by Frances Ceaselessly.

We hope you enjoyed our series, and stay tuned for the following Helpful Human profile.