Bryan Tobin,Problem Solver at Admiral
1. What do you like most about living in Gainesville?
I think the mix of energies – half from the folks who have made the decision to stay and live in Gainesville, half from the rotating student population – makes Gainesville such a unique place to build a life. You get these awesome perspectives on life, from those who understand that Gainesville is just this special place where you can live a fulfilling life without sacrificing your sanity, to those for which Gainesville is just a “college town,” and who then slowly begin to get immersed in all that’s here.
2. Tell me about your job or area of study.
I’ve worked in the software service space since graduating from the University of Florida in 2011. My degree is in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, which I think created a great foundation of empathy for me. It has helped incredibly when working with cross-functional teams trying to negotiate various personalities. I love solving complex problems and working with people, and the career I’ve been blessed to have has provided fulfillment across both categories.
3. What are some of the biggest challenges you have encountered as a young professional?
When I initially graduated, I had a tough time transitioning my mindset from that of a college student to a young professional.
When speaking with students preparing for graduation today, this still seems to be a huge problem. There is this stigma that staying in Gainesville after graduation is less prestigious than going elsewhere. I think the biggest challenge I deal with today is trying to break this stigma, as it’s just wrong.
4. What is the best advice you have ever been given?
There are only two things in life you can control: your attitude and your effort. If you have the right attitude and work your hardest, good things will
happen to you.
5. Outside of your job, what other activities are you involved in?
I help to organize, with a group of wonderful volunteers, Startup Weekend Gainesville. I’ve recently joined Alachua County Emerging Leaders, and I’m super excited to get involved. I do a lot of other
work in the startup community here in Gainesville as well, aka Silicon Swamp.
6. What do you do for fun in Gainesville?
I’m very fortunate to have a brother who lives in town, and another that’s not too far away, so I spend as much time as I can with them. I have two wonderful doggos and love sitting at one of Gainesville’s many awesome dog parks and just reading a book while they get a chance to run around. I love to exercise, especially running stadiums on campus … if you have the chance to hit a sunrise or sunset run, do it. It’s so beautiful.
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