Women in Technology: Krissy Franklin

Liquid Web’s Linux Support Technician on her favorite aspects of working in tech, what motivates her, and advice to women considering a future in tech.

Krissy Franklin grew up in California before moving to Colorado. For the last 15 years, though, she’s been happy to call Texas home. In high school, Franklin never quite fit into any one group or clique but had friends in all of them. “I was very outgoing and participated in student government and enjoyed it,” she says. Getting along well with all kinds of people with all sorts of interests made Franklin particularly suited to a career in tech.

After working in program administration (“essentially clerical work which I did not find very rewarding”), Franklin found her way to the tech industry, where she has worked for nearly five years. “I pursued an education in tech,” she says, “but ultimately ended up taking a crash course in Linux, which brought me to Liquid Web. That was one of the best things I have ever done.” Now, Franklin works at Liquid Web as a Linux Support Technician. “I am here to support our customers with whatever issues they may have with their websites and server,” she says.

What she enjoys most about working in the field is the variety the career provides. “I love the challenge of each problem that comes my way. Every issue is different. It’s a thrill when you finally get to the bottom of an issue and get things working again. Boredom is non-existent in this work.”

Franklin’s proudest career accomplishment has been becoming a part of the Liquid Web family as a Helpful Human. “I absolutely love this company and appreciate the opportunity that I’ve been given,” she says. “My teammates and my supervisor have been influential in my career journey. They are all so very supportive and encouraging and are more like a family than a team.”

Through her journey in tech, Franklin has learned several career lessons along the way. “I’ve learned that teamwork is essential for success. Liquid Web very much works on that premise, which I believe is why they are the best hosting provider around. We are all one great big team,” she says.

Franklin has also discovered that you really can do anything when you make your mind up to do something. “My mom used to tell me that growing up, and I didn’t give it much thought at the time. But I have since found out that, once again, Mom is always right.” She attributes her career success to her parents. “They have always been supportive in everything I do—I like to call them June and Ward.”

The fast-paced and ever-changing tech field is an excellent fit for Franklin’s work style. “I tend to take on a bit more than I can chew, but I love to challenge myself. My motto is: Bring it on!” Tech has also proven to be an excellent place for Franklin’s curiosity. “I’ve learned that if you have questions… ask! Nobody has all the answers, but there is a very good chance that someone does. If you never ask, you may never know.”

Franklin is motivated by a feeling of accomplishment that comes with being useful to others. “Knowing at the end of the day that I was helpful in some way is my daily goal,” she says. “Each day is like a grab bag. You never know what you’re going to get. So bring it on and make the most of it!” In her spare time, she enjoys going to the lake and playing with her puppy.

Franklin is hopeful about the future of women in tech. “Things are going up, up, up,” she says. “I’m certain we’ll see the number of women in tech continue to rise.”

Franklin has a word of advice to young women just starting in the tech industry—explore. “The opportunities seem endless as there are so many aspects to the field. You may not find one particular position in tech rewarding but may be quite surprised with another.”

She encourages young women to explore a career in technology. “It took me way too long to discover it myself,” she says. “If I could go back, I would have pursued it much sooner. I have never found a job so challenging and yet so rewarding.”