Justin’s journey in technology wasn’t forged in lecture halls; it began with the hands-on curiosity of exploring a Commodore 64, fostering a lifelong drive to understand how systems work – and how to make them better and more secure. This practical, self-taught foundation complements his extensive professional experience.
His career started in the demanding environment of e-commerce operations at DST Systems’ Winchester Datacenter. As an Operations Analyst (2000-2003), he was pivotal in bringing together diverse technical groups to resolve critical production issues. Opting for weekend ‘maintenance’ shifts provided invaluable experience in high-pressure situations, orchestrating complex changes documented in changelogs that would fill a small truck. This early exposure instilled a deep understanding of operational realities, collaboration under pressure, and the importance of robust systems.