Cameron Faerber, Manager, Data Science, talked to us recently about his experience at Upside and what keeps him coming back.

Q: What do you love most about our culture?

Cameron: I appreciate that Upside values continual improvement. Across the company, people make the best decisions they can with the info they have, then revisit those decisions and course-correct when necessary. That’s my kind of place.

Q: What do you think makes you unique as a team member?

Cameron: I blend rigorous statistics, practical engineering, and strong product intuition. I work as both a manager and an IC: improving how our team operates and partnering closely with our fantastic engineering to build pipelines, ship models, and streamline processes. That mix lets me translate across data science, engineering, and product management to get the right things done.

Q: Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company?

Cameron: I’m inspired by my manager, Jana G. Jana cares about both the wellbeing and the work of the team—balancing directness and responsibility with real listening to help those he manages reach their full potential. I also look up to Alex Orfei and Katie Pruitt—both creative, sharp, hard-working teammates who are able to lean in on initiatives across the company.

I’m grateful to be surrounded by people like this; they make work a better place to be.

Q: What was your first job?

Cameron: My first job was a Saturday morning paper-route in my hometown of Duluth, Minnesota (no I am not an early morning person). This is where I learned that efficiency was important to me. Initially the entire route took me about 3 hours to finish–with some route math + a very patient dad with a car I was able to cut it down to 30 minutes. Thanks Dad for the rides!

Q: What are your hobbies outside of work?

Cameron: Drums have been a big part of my life—from high-school garage bands to a West Coast tour to tapping on my car’s steering wheel. Keeping the beat is still part of who I am.

I also love sports—if there’s a ball involved, I’m in. I grew up playing soccer and basketball and have added disc golf, racquet sports, and rock climbing to the list of sports I love in recent years.

Q: Favorite book you’ve read lately?

Cameron: To fulfill my duty as a millennial, I’m listening to the new full-cast Harry Potter audiobook. It’s engaging and well produced—I recommend it to any and all Potterheads. Honorable mention to Will Wight’s Cradle series.