Connector Spotlight: Matt DeLuco
Q. Tell us a bit about the projects you're working on.
I've recently been appointed engineering team lead for a new client, building a project from the ground up for a web and mobile application in the hospitality industry. The aim is to enable any business to offer workplace perks that are typically found only at the biggest tech companies. It's a great idea for such a niche space and the client is exceptionally motivated!
Q. What is this project's most interesting challenge?
It's exciting to work on a dual-track discovery/delivery project, where we'll be simultaneously learning and building as we iterate, with both processes constantly feeding back into each other.
Q. Where did you work prior to Connected?
Prior to Connected, I had several different roles at Points International. It's a great company with great culture that felt like family. Working there facilitated a lot of personal and career growth, as well as my move to and settling down in Toronto.
Q. What achievement are you most proud of in your career to date?
Early in my career, after a week of training in C#, ASP.NET, and MSSQL, I built an e-commerce application back-end to front-end, start to finish, solo. It was a rewarding experience working directly with the client in iterative design and development, and having control over the entire creative process.
Q. Do you have a mantra you live by?
"There is freedom in commitment."
Q. What do you love to do outside of work?
In the summer, cottage life, road cycling, and mountain biking. Last summer, I rediscovered my love for cross-country/single-track mountain biking and learned about the absolutely incredible and challenging technical trail system in Toronto's Don Valley.
In the winter, alpine and Nordic skiing. As a former alpine racer, I rediscovered my passion for skiing after moving to Toronto and joining the North Toronto Ski Club, where I met my wife Christie. Though things have been on hold with the pandemic, each season I typically take several vacations out west to shred the gnar on the big mountains.
Q. If you were stuck on a desert island, which album, movie, and book would you take with you?
Album: "Beach House" – compilation by Hed Kandi
Movie: "Cast Away" – featuring Tom Hanks
Book: "Robinson Crusoe" – Daniel Defoe
Q. Describe yourself in three words.
Q. And finally, what's your favourite product and why?
My mountain bike. It is such an incredible way to get outdoors (particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic), get physical, and unwind. Technical single track requires so much focus, gives me a skill to develop, builds my fitness, and is a great way to really live in the moment!