Meet a Helpful Human – Jake Fellows

We’re the employees you would hire if you could. Responsive, helpful, and dedicated in ways automation simply can’t be. We’re your team.

Each month we recognize one of our Most Helpful Humans in Hosting.

Meet Jacob (Jake) Fellows

Why did you join Liquid Web?

I had a couple of friends who worked at Liquid Web as I was finishing college. Every time I would visit with them on the weekends, they would always mention how excited they were to go back to work for the week while the rest of us dreaded it. I knew this place just had to be different for that kind of response (who likes Mondays?).

Once I saw the culture and type of workplace it was, I sent in my resume the very next day.

Is there something specific at Liquid Web that you just love?

The main thing I love about Liquid Web is the people it brings together. I have worked for several different institutions, and at every one of them, I always referred to my co-workers as simply that: co-workers. All of my friends were outside of the office.

Now, I have peeps at the office that I also consider friends. That’s a huge difference and a big morale booster.

In your eyes, what’s the difference between Liquid Web and other employers?

Liquid Web truly cares about its customers. Whenever we are discussing our products or improving specific procedures, we always start off with one question: “What will be the most beneficial and valuable to our customers?” Other places I have worked at always tackled those issues by seeing what would benefit themselves and their own workloads the most, which leaves the most customer-centric solutions on the table.

What draws you to the hosting industry as a career?

The hosting industry plays such a big role in business. I was drawn to it initially by the vast amount of industry types that use it. When I was a Windows admin and senior sales rep in previous positions at Liquid Web, I always dealt with companies from different industries, which could lead to a more diverse knowledge based for myself. These days, nearly all companies have an online presence, creating an extremely diverse hosting world. The varied experiences are what give this job a true edge above other careers.

What is the biggest milestone you’ve accomplished?

Managing and launching Liquid Web’s new Private Cloud (VMware) product. The initial launch was a whirlwind of different experiences. I helped to build the new processes from scratch as well as create the product in our system. I also got to work with many different teams within Liquid Web to create this offering, and then see it all come to fruition. It was extremely rewarding both professionally and personally.

What’s your favorite part about the company culture at Liquid Web?

There is an amazing assortment of personalities and interests at Liquid Web, all the way from computer geeks and gaming (of course) to people who make and spin their own yarn. If you have a question or are looking for something new to try, there is most likely someone here that can help you get started or who would love to join you in that quest.

Tell us about a truly rewarding experience you’ve had with a customer.

I assisted a customer with a complete overhaul of their infrastructure, allowing them to triple both their customer base and staffing. The customer was having major issues handling the growth of their business and was actually having to turn down customers.

I discussed a new solution with them and helped them implement it which allowed them to continue growing and also hire more staff without changing their application or workflows. This is why I love being a Helpful Human.

What are you known for at Liquid Web? What do people specifically come to you for?

At work, I am the guy who people come to for more complex hosting product questions, and to add/create specific SKU’s to fit a custom need. Usual examples would be questions on whether a specific product will work for a complex load, or adding a 4th drive array on a Dedicated Server order via cart infrastructure updates.

For non-work related items, I am the guy who a lot of people come to for rifle shooting and hunting questions.

Work aside, what are some of your hobbies?

I love the challenges and competition online gaming offers. I have played 2 different games competitively and have placed in the top 3 in 7 major tournaments with my teams.

What is your favorite TV show?

The Big Bang Theory, or anything on the Discovery Channel. I’m all about learning.

If you could have dinner with one famous person [dead or alive] who would it be?

Tim Berners-Lee, Father of the World Wide Web.

You can follow Jake on LinkedIn. Or, read his experts articles.

We hope you enjoyed our series, and stay tuned for the next Most Helpful Human in Hosting profile.