Next up in our Meet Jackpocket series is TJ Hopkins, Jackpocket’s Senior Backend Developer.
1. What do you do at Jackpocket?
My job is to help ensure that each customer’s interaction with the Jackpocket app is a smooth one. When the company is adding new features to the product, I get to decide the best way to build those features. No two days are exactly the same here!
2. What’s your favorite feature in the app?
As a software engineer, I loved seeing Pools grow from a concept to a design and then actually getting to build it. Seeing it out in the open and being used by people is so cool. We had a big Mega Millions pool with over 3,000 members when the jackpot was huge last year. It was so exciting to watch.
3. Outside of work, where can we find you?
Running. The 2018 New York City Marathon was my third marathon. You run through all the boroughs, so it’s a great way to see the city. The Jackpocket crew stood at mile 25 to cheer me on and gave me that last push to the finish line. I was just 14 seconds over my time goal, so I’m motivated for the next one!
Our #MondayMotivation today? Seeing one of our developers, TJ, absolutely crush the @nycmarathon yesterday at 3:00:14! Killin' it in AND out of the office -- congrats! #NYCMarathon pic.twitter.com/Ue3G130Xqm
— Jackpocket (@Jackpocket) November 5, 2018
4. Do you have a lucky number?
I like the number 4. I’m one of four kids in my family (I’m number 2), so there’s that connection. But also, growing up there was a player I liked on the Mets, Robin Ventura, who wore #4 on his jersey.
5. What’s one thing about you that surprises people?
I’ve been published in 6 medical journals! I was actually doing research in genetics and oncology before I made the career switch and came to Jackpocket. ?
6. Do you have a tale of luck, good or bad?
My friends like to say that I’m cursed when I travel. And they never want to book anything if I’m going to be on the same flight as them! My plane will be late, my subway train will get stuck underground. I always try to leave much earlier than I have to because I know something will go wrong along the way.
7. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cheesesteaks. I lived in Philly for 5 years and ate plenty.
