An interview with Server analyst Grant R.
Hello, this is Cassandra bringing you the next blog in the “Getting to Know Esri Support” series. This month we’re headed to our Esri Charlotte office to spend some time with Esri Support Services Server analyst Grant R..
Support Services Blog:Hello Grant, thanks for dropping by.
Grant R.: You bet, Cassandra!
SSB:So let’s jump right in. How did you get into GIS?
Grant R.: I have a Bachelor’s degree in geography focusing on GIS with a minor in earth sciences. I worked for
University North Carolina Charlotte as a student GIS assistant, as well as a planning organization as a GIS Specialist. I worked with everything from digitizing historical imagery to mapping out future thoroughfares.
SSB:What was the coolest project you worked on?
Grant R. Definitely the land use/cover changes in the Big Sur region in California. It was really cool to compare
the changes from 1942 to 2000 in over 100 plots that were undeveloped. There aren’t many places in the world that have been undeveloped for 60 years that allow natural changes to be seen via aerial imagery.
SSB: What brought you to Esri?
Grant R.: I earned my degree by using Esri software, so I thought “why not work for the company that helped me succeed thus far?”
SSB: We’re glad you are here. What do you like to do when you’re not helping out in Support?
Grant R.: Oh, that’s a tough one. There are too many things I like to do, especially outside! If I had to choose three, I would say hunting, camping, and four-wheeling. What can I say? I’m from the South!
SSB: Let’s say it’s out of hunting season and the best chef in the world is going to cook you your ultimate meal, what would you have?
Grant R.: For starters, I would have a pound of peel-and-eat shrimp, some snow crab, a few hot and spicy buffalo wings, and a couple sushi rolls. While the wait staff is clearing the table, I would enjoy a bowl of rabbit stew. The main course would be venison meatloaf, of course, with mashed taters and gravy along with fried okra, green beans, cooked carrots, and biscuits. I would wind down with a nice 32-ounce medium-rare T-bone steak and baked potato. For dessert? Nothing other than
persimmon pudding. Oh yeah, milk to drink.
SSB: Whole milk or skim?
Grant R.: I love whole milk, but I drink about 2 gallons a week, so I usually get 1% or skim.
SSB: If you could travel back in time to any point in history, where would you go and why?
Grant R.: I would go back to the 1930s and 40s. Even though the economy wasn’t that great, things just seemed to be so much simpler then. There wasn’t the everyday hustle and bustle there is now.
SSB: Sounds like a good way to enjoy life.
Grant R.: I think it’s good to slow down and enjoy things and to appreciate the things you have.
SSB: Well Grant, we certainly appreciate having you around.
Grant R.: I like being around here too. Thanks!
- Cassandra L., Desktop Support Analyst, Esri Support Services