This is the first installment of a regular series of blog posts profiling UDig employees. We hope this series helps you to get to know our team and understand why we dig what we do!
Today, we are hijacking Andy’s monthly CEO perspective to kick off our series at the top – with founder and CEO Andy Frank. We recently sat down in our Richmond office’s collaboration lounge and had a little fun with our Digging In questions.
AF: I’m not sure I’m prepared for this….
UDig: Let’s start with something easy. Most of our readers know you as the founder of UDig and technology enthusiast, but let’s hear a little about your background. What’s something we don’t know?
AF: I didn’t start out to be in technology. Sure, I was interested in computers and majored in Computer Information Systems but I didn’t really expect it to become my career. I loved computers beginning at 13 when my parents bought a computer to manage their business. I ended up taking the computer over and ran a bulletin board system (BBS) in my basement called Hacker’s Frontier. My dad was a builder and I thought I would end up working in that business. A couple of years out of college, I found my way into a technology position at Capital One. When I realized I could combine my passion for technology with my career, things got a lot more fun.
UDig: What does Do What You Dig mean to you?
AF: Do what you dig is about our commitment to align people with their purpose and passion in life. Life is too short not to enjoy what you do, to work in a great environment and to feel good about the contribution you make. I’m most proud of the fact that our team works hard to understand our prospective employees’ goals and motivations so that we can help match them to the right roles.
UDig: What is the best career advice you ever received?
AF: I’ve received (and read) a lot of advice but the one that is most top of mind for me lately is a quote from Jack Welch, “If you don’t have a competitive advantage, don’t compete.” When I think about our business, and what I’m focused on, it’s all about how we stay competitive. Deepening our relationships with our clients, really understanding their businesses and the challenges they are facing to provide them with more value.
UDig: What is your favorite online procrastination tool?
AF: Other than my Amazon shopping habit, I’m always looking for better ways to manage my time and search for new productivity hacks. I’ve made a commitment to making healthier lifestyle choices. I’m also really interested in different perspectives on nutrition and read a lot of authors who challenge conventional nutritional thinking.
UDig: What is the most played song in your library?
AF: Dating myself here… “Life and How to Live it” by REM. One of the first concerts I ever attended in 1985 at the Mosque [now the Altria Theater] in Richmond.
UDig: What did you want to be when you grew up?
AF: I wanted to own a farm to breed and raise dogs. Now, I focus my energy on our Chocolate labs, Millie and Maggie.
UDig: You’ve been told you are not allowed to work tomorrow, how do you spend your day?
AF: That’s an easy one, playing golf with my kids. I’m a passionate golfer and father of 3 who I am trying hard to infect with a love of the game.
