I'm a Product Leader who loves to build and code. The goal of this page is to help provide you with some more information about me and my approach to work.
Discover my professional journey.
Gain insights into my work style.
Learn more about me.
Feel free to reach out and let's discuss how we can drive technology forward, together.
About Me
I live in San Francisco, CA with my amazing daughter and wife. When I'm not coding or leading projects, I enjoy being a dad and husband as an extreme hobbiest, home projects, soccer, golf, and exploring all of the great activities the Bay Area has to offer.
What am I working on?
Zoom Inc.
At Zoom, my focus is on crafting AI-driven products that enhance both user experience and productivity. As the leader of a skilled team of engineers and designers, I guide the creation of features like real-time language transcription, translation, and advanced summarization techniques. These innovations are key in improving global team communications and in making daily tasks more efficient and accessible.
Recent Releases
General Release of 18 languages for Transcription (Released Jan 2025)
English > Greek (Released Jan 2025)
Thai Transcription / Translation (Released Jan 2025)
Profanity Filter (Released Jan 2025)
Personal Projects
Outside of my work at Zoom, I'm also enjoy working on personal projects like home renevation, programming, learning new technologies, and writing.
Recent Highlights
Changed 2x Diapers on 3 hour trip to Mexico (Jan 2025)
Assisted with Doll House Construction (Released Dec 2024)
Painted 100ft Fence (Released Sept 2024)
Painted Wall in Office (Released August 2024)
Contributed to Supabase AI Project with RAG (August 2024)
What is my background?
I began by crafting PHP websites for local businesses, where I learned the art of creating digital solutions that drive small business growth and engagement.
Google
At Google, I was at the forefront of digital advertising, helping to pioneer the use of AdWords and Adsense. My contributions were instrumental in shaping the AdX platform, the first of its kind real-time advertising exchange that revolutionized online ad buying and significantly amplified digital revenue streams.
TechCompanyPay
Techcompanypay was a failed startup that I founded in 2008. The idea was to provide a platform for employees to share salary information and help each other negotiate better salaries. The idea was ahead of its time and I was unable to raise funding. I learned a lot about the startup world and the importance of timing.
Apple
Moving to Apple, I played a pivotal role in elevating the App Store and Apple Music, enhancing the user experience for millions and establishing new standards for digital content distribution. My work contributed to creating a more seamless and engaging ecosystem, solidifying Apple's position in the competitive landscape.
Twitter (now X)
At Twitter, I was worked on scaling the API business, a venture that not only expanded Twitter's developer community for its Advertising Product but also laid the groundwork for innovative application integrations that continue to influence social media technology.
Foursquare
My tenure at Foursquare was defined by my efforts to leverage location data to unlock new enterprise possibilities, delivering nuanced, location-aware experiences that propelled businesses to new heights and redefined consumer interactions.
Twilio
Finally, my journey brought me to Twilio, where I led the charge in building an API business that prioritizes Developer Experience and harnesses Machine Learning. My leadership here has not only facilitated the creation of more intuitive developer tools but also helped to embed intelligence into communication systems, setting new industry benchmarks. Throughout my career, my focus has always been on making an indelible impact by turning cutting-edge ideas into tangible products that elevate user experiences and drive technological advancement.
What is my philosophy around product development?
As a Product Leader, I focus on building and coding solutions that blend functionality, innovation, and user-centric design. My approach is rooted in creative thinking, strategic planning, and collaborative teamwork.
I'm driven by the transformative power of software in people's lives. My philosophy centers around purposeful engineering - building great teams, instilling mission-driven focus, and crafting experiences that are precise, satisfying, and meaningful.
Working with Gareth Handbook: Understanding Gareth
In an era where we meet over Zoom more often than face-to-face interactions, understanding the nuances of working with folks can be a complex dance of trial and error.
This is an unorthodox guide on how to best work and interact with me. This guide is designed to accelerate our mutual understanding, foster open dialogue, and preempt the pitfalls of miscommunication.
Conditions I Like to Work In
Everything goes in my calendar; schedule over tasks if needed.
Prefer collaborative meetings in the morning; best writing time in the afternoon.
Openness is key - Calendar/Docs are open for sharing/commenting.
Flexible working environment; I often change workspaces during the day.
My Working Hours
Monday: 8am to 6pm (PST/PDT).
Tuesday to Thursday: 9am to 6pm (PST/PDT).
Friday: 9am to 6pm (PST/PDT).
Typically respond to messages within a 4-hour window.
Best Ways to Communicate with Me
For urgent matters, text me.
Use Slack for short questions; response within 24 hours.
For longer, non-urgent topics, email or wait for our 1:1.
Feedback
Appreciate all forms of feedback for learning and improvement.
Encourage honesty and direct communication.
Things I Need and Love
Value trust and openness; need time to think and dislike surprises.
Enjoy helping with building things and delving into technical details.
Value team participation and celebrate success.
Making an Impact
Committed to creating meaningful and impactful solutions.
Focus on projects that have a positive influence on users and the industry.
Strive to inspire innovation and positive change through my work.
Other Things to Know About Me
Team-focused with a love for laughter and enjoyment.
Eternal hobbyist, always learning new things, mostly outdoors.
Daily journaling and regular workouts are part of my routine.
