Meet a Helpful Human – Rory Hinnen

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 Rory Hinnen

What drew you to Liquid Web?

I used to work in a completely different industry, much different than Internet hosting. I had started my own business in the television and film industry doing visual effects for some of those big blockbusters you’ve seen (think Armageddon, R.I.P.D., Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Hancock… you get it). I worked at both Disney and Dreamworks getting to blow stuff up on the big screen. Dream job, right?

Then the unthinkable happened: the effects industry went offshore.

I tried chasing the work to China, India, and Vancouver, and slowly watched as things got worse. At the same time, my business was collapsing with the industry, and I realized that I needed to find a new career. That is when I found hosting doing support at Cloud Sites.

Is there something specific at Liquid Web that you love?

I had been looking around for a tech job since I used to be a full-bore sysadmin in the days of big iron, and it would be a quick save to make sure I was able to pay the mortgage. But I also needed more than that: I needed a job that would bring passion back into my life.

And that is something I appreciate about Liquid Web. There is a real desire to do something here, to make a difference with the customers we serve. So I became part of it, and I love it.

What draws you to the hosting industry as a career?

I like seeing what people are doing with the products that we sell. There are some remarkably clever people out there. We provide the platform, and the people provide the ideas to create some amazing websites, applications, and storefronts. I get to watch it all come to life, and get to help them make it happen.

What is the most significant milestone you’ve accomplished?

Training. At this point, I’ve probably influenced close to half of the managed applications team, and that is no joke. I love that I have been able to have such a significant influence on those around me, sharing my knowledge and expertise to make our team even more exceptional. And the best part is that it all trickles down to our customers.

For instance, one of our support personnel that I have been training was very talented with people when he first started here but needed a little bit of technical training to take it to the next level with his customers. He has become adept with the command line and familiar with a shared environment. He is also taking new directions, such as an interest in database operation. He has become one of the stronger folk out on the floor serving our customers; determined, and helping to solve problems effectively. And I love that I was able to help be part of that difference.

What is one thing you wish our customers knew about their hosting?

The problem you are obsessed with is probably not the thing that’s broken. Most people assume that they understand the problem. What they understand is the symptoms, and I help them to dig deep and find out the root causes, thereby alleviating the real issues (it’s elementary, my dear Watson).

Work aside, what are some of your hobbies?

When I am not working, I spend time with my family watching movies in our custom drive-in theatre in our backyard (yep, you read that right). I also love to write and publish silly iPhone applications, sew punk Edwardian clothes, and shoot stereo using a 1940’s camera.

What is your favorite TV show?

Probably Doctor Who. Although I also love ST: Discovery and TOS as well.

What is your favorite app?

Interject! (I wrote it)

Get to Know More About Rory!

Rory created a video to visually share his story. After all, creating videos is his passion…

You can follow Rory on LinkedIn.

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