This week’s featured team member is Nithin Reddy, a software engineer and member of the original core team here at Enplug. A graduate of UCLA and an Enplug housemate, Nithin is responsible for managing and configuring the Enplug servers, as well as coordinating weekly releases of our technology stack. Not only does he have an incredible work ethic, but he’s also easy-going and up for a good time.
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When did you first start working with Enplug?
About three years ago. At times, it feels like it was just yesterday but the gray in my hair makes it feel like it’s been a decade. This is the result of the Enplug Timewarp.
How did you first decide to become a software engineer?
Loved everything about computers when I was growing up. I guess that influenced my decision to major in Computer Science and Engineering.
What’s something you didn’t expect when you made that decision?
That it was one of the most rigorous majors at UCLA.
Who is your programming role model?
My main man, Bruno. [Editor’s note: Bruno is Enplug’s Chief Software Architect]
Who is your favorite author?
I kind of took a break from reading books after high school. Slowly getting back into it so I can’t really say I have a favorite author. Currently reading The Cuckoo’s Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage.
Favorite album?
The Dark Side of the Moon.
Favorite game?
FIFA. I coach Martin and Ryan in my spare time. [Editor’s note: Martin is Enplug’s Director of Operations and Ryan is Enplug’s Director of Marketing]
How many Enplug “offices” have you worked from since joining?
Five. The K-Town apartment, StartEngine, Be Great Partners, the Enplug House and Enplug HQ.
Which was your favorite?
It was kind of nice to be able to roll out of bed and start working at the Enplug House. But I’m going to go with Enplug HQ.
What was it like working out of StartEngine, the accelerator Enplug went through?
I had never worked in a highrise before. That was pretty cool.
Best part of working and living out of the Enplug Koreatown apartment?
Its close proximity to an abundance of Korean BBQ places.
Worst part?
The summer heat. I have vivid memories of waking up soaked in sweat and Alex coding in his underwear. [Editor’s note: Alex is an Enplug co-founder]
You’ve also lived in the Enplug House since the beginning. What’s the best part about living in the Enplug house?
My roommates. It’s amazing how we get along so well.
Worst part?
Nada. I sometimes think about how we’re going to eventually have to move out, and it makes me sad.
Have things changed since you first moved in?
A little bit. The garage is now a gym. Our diets are no longer comprised of HotPockets and Diet Coke.
You lived with six people in college, too. Was it different?
Ha! Try getting college kids to do the dishes or take out the trash.
Slack, email, or text?
Slack for sure. Great software. Great company.
What contributes to your Robinhood.io success?
Can’t say I’ve had any significant success yet. Still a lot more that I need to learn.
What’s your spirit animal?
Moss Piglet.
How many languages do you speak?
Three. I used to speak pretty fluent French in high school. Hard to hold onto a language when you haven’t spoken it in over nine years.
Where do you consider your “home base”?
Hyderabad, India.
How was growing up in India?
Absolutely hated it when I moved there as a 5-year-old, but I slowly learned to appreciate why my parents made that decision. I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to soak in the culture.
What’s your favorite thing about going back each year?
Just hanging out with family and friends. It’s so hard to keep in touch with them during the rest of the year, so just being able to spend time with them means a lot to me.
Is there anything you end up missing while you’re there?
My other family here at Enplug.
What snacks do you smuggle in? Who are they for?
Costco-sized bags of walnuts and almonds for my dear mother. A lot of protein powder to fuel my workouts.
What app do you find yourself using most?
I use Slack quite a bit.
If you could step into the shoes of one person for a day, who would you choose?
Any astronaut at the ISS. The view of Earth from space is to die for.
What’s the biggest thing you learned about working in tech?
Things don’t get easy. You get better.
What’s the best thing that happened this year?
Got myself a new car. Her name’s Helena.
Any advice to your younger self?
1.) Learn how to code ASAP; 2.) Travel.
What is one skill still unmastered?
I don’t think I’ve mastered anything besides FIFA. But yeah, I’m always trying to become a better programmer.
Which of these was your favorite question?
“When did you first start working with Enplug?” Gave me a chance to reflect on the last three years.
What was the biggest impact you’ve had on our product?
I’m super proud of the recent release of our new billing system. Especially because it was one of our biggest, most systematic team efforts, and we got it done on time. It’s truly amazing to see how much Enplug Engineering has evolved since its humble roots in the K-Town apartment. There really is no other group of people that I’d rather work with.