Rhythm Updates

Employee Spotlight: Gabe from Product

Employee Spotlight: Gabe from Product

QUICK FACTS

Title: Product Manager

Department: Product

Time at Rhythm: 9 months

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RHYTHM EXPERIENCE

What made you want to work here?
When I got the call from Andrew asking me to come aboard, I knew I wanted to entertain the idea.

As Andrew told me about how Rhythm was building the product and the team differently, I got so excited by all the innovation and unlocked potential. Plus, I would be getting to work with some of my old friends again. After a few conversations, it became a no-brainer… I was in.

What does a day in your current role look like?
On a typical day, I start by checking Slack and email to see if there are any urgent requests or new customer/partner communications that I need to be aware of. Then, I’ll see if there are any knowledge questions from our Support or Services teams that I can answer.

Mid-morning, I sync up with the rest of the team to discuss any high-priority issues. Because Rhythm is a startup, things change pretty quickly and it's important to have systems in place to keep everyone informed.

During my lunch break, I spend some time training my puppy, Duke!

In the afternoons, I usually have multiple internal and customer meetings, helping our partners get the most out of Rhythm and eliminating any roadblocks. I’ll also complete any work that needs to be done for new development, such as documentation, QA testing, or communicating with the customer team.

At the end of the day, it’s all about staying aligned as a team and keeping customers happy.

What do you enjoy most about being a Product Manager?
It’s always so rewarding whenever we release a new piece of functionality and I get to see how excited customers are. Creating customer joy is why we do all that we do, and it’s worth the effort every time.

Which Rhythm core value do you connect with the most?
This is tough, not gonna lie. I’m torn between Honesty + Transparency and a World-Class team. 

I resonate with World Class Team because it’s so important to have people around you who are pushing you to be better and willing to lend a hand. It’s also a good reminder that if you can’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anybody else. That’s why I prioritize healthy working habits and work-life balance and am thankful for a team that does the same.

Honesty and Transparency are so crucial. Not only do we need to be transparent internally, but with our partners as well. We need to be open and honest about what our product does and what it doesn’t do so that customers can feel confident and be satisfied in the long term.

How have you grown professionally since joining the team?
I’ve had so many opportunities to level up my teaching skills and become a subject-matter expert on our product. For example, I work regularly with the Customer team to answer any questions, so it’s important that I’m able to explain things thoroughly and show our internal team and our customers how to better use the product.

What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of?
I’m so proud of our December 2021 Customer Event.

It was a really heavy lift, and amazing to see the whole team come together to get this done - from launching new development and integrations to creating videos and written documentation.

On top of all that, customers loved it! It was so great to see all of their positive feedback during and after the event.

 

TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOURSELF

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t be afraid to tell people what you don’t know.”

It can be easy to feel like I always need to have an answer in the moment, but I’ve learned it’s better to take a beat, do my research, and come back later with an informed response.

What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I like movies, and I love watching them with my wife… but it’s kind of a love-hate relationship. I love spending time with her, but she’s always asking me questions about the movie we are watching, even when it’s the first time I’m watching it, too.

I also like to be outside. Whether it’s the beach or mountains or just my front yard, I enjoy soaking up the sun and just existing in the outdoors.

What’s something most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m no pro, but I do like to cook. Last Thanksgiving I made an apple braised pork tenderloin from scratch with a recipe I developed. I won’t give too much away, but there was an apple pie marinade and caramelized apples and onions.

I didn’t get to try it, though. It was gone before I knew it!

If you could meet a fictional character in real life, who would it be and why?
I’d want to meet Dr. Eric Formean from the show “House.” A long time ago, I wanted to be a neurosurgeon because of him. I’d ask him why he made the decisions he made on the show, like why he risked his career for someone else.

If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
I’d build a dream house for me and my wife. Nothing too big, just a house fit for us. It would be four bedrooms with a pool and a basketball court. We’d have a nice yard for our dog, Duke. And of course, my wife would get her dream closet.

I’d also want it to have a bunker…. just in case. You can never be too prepared. 😂

What song would be on the soundtrack of your life?
Don’t Stop Believing by Journey.

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