Brendan Matarese is a 38-year-old DevOps engineer living in Sacramento, California. With over 15 years of experience, he has seen the technology field change and evolve. Brendan has also noticed that with tech evolution, so come security risks. He is certified in AWS, Microsoft Azure, and others. His expertise lies in Security Solutions and creating stable cloud data environments. He has created multiple proprietary programs, certificates, and keys to aid in protecting his business clients’ data. In his free time, Brendan Matarese spends time with his wife and 2 dogs. He enjoys hiking and bike riding while taking nature photography along the way.
Why did you decide to create your own business?
As technology changed and evolved, I noticed that there were many security risks involved. With heightened security protocols, we can ensure that businesses are safe from the inside out. Working with platforms such as Azure and AWS, it made sense to create protocols and keys that were double encrypted in order to protect data, segregation of duties, and more. Data security management should be seen as a must and not as a maybe.
What do you love most about the industry you are in?
I love seeing it evolve into something we never thought it could become. Technology is used all around us in so many ways. We are literally attached to it, and if I can make it safer for us all to use in confidence, then I am satisfied with my career choice.
Who has been a role model to you and why?
Most tech guys will tell you that Elon Mush is their role model. I’m not going to sit here and say that. My role models have been all the people before me who have created new pathways in technology for kids and adults to learn and use. So I can’t pinpoint just one person.
How do you maintain a solid work-life balance?
It can sometimes be difficult to maintain a work-life balance. However, my wife, she grounds me. She knows when I’m stressed out and just need a break. We put on our biking pants or hiking boots, leash up our doggos and just spend the day or even an entire weekend in the woods. I also love taking nature photography, so it all zens me out. I then return to my office refreshed and ready to take on more challenges.
What traits do you possess that make a successful leader?
My business consists of a small 5-member team. I like keeping it small because it allows me to pay individual attention to my team members. I’m a very patient “boss” and I enjoy learning from my employees. I have a guy who is 20 years my senior, who has seen technology evolve in ways I can’t even imagine. His ideas really help bring my vision to life.
I suppose you can say that I’m more of a team player than a leader. I wish all companies worked this way, but they don’t and I’m kind of happy for that. It has allowed me to create my own ideal work environment.
What trends in your industry excite you?
I have a list, do you want my whole list? I’ll give you a list of tech trends that excite me. In fact, they should excite everyone!
- AI-powered cybersecurity – this is right up my alley, still under development and not foolproof yet.
- 5G technology – you’ll see it everywhere really soon.
- Internet of Behaviors – it’s already at play, have you seen your targeted ads?
- All things AI – artificial intelligence is taking over, but look at it as an assistant.
- Blockchain Technology – did you know that because of its encryption method, it actually helps tech companies with many challenges?
- CleanTech – let’s face it, climate change is imminent. The sooner we switch to cleantech, the better it will be for future generations.
I could literally keep going on and on, but these are the trends that are exciting me right now.
What suggestions do you have for someone starting in your industry?
The tech industry is inundated with highly proficient tech experts. Don’t be discouraged. Find the area and niche you’re amazing at and make yourself stick out. Don’t keep your ideas to yourself, speak up. Every chance you get, speak up. Don’t be afraid to fail. Technology is a lot of trial and error.
