Remy Brown - Software Implementation Engineer
Tell us what do you do at FM:Systems?
I’m a Software Implementation Engineer, and I help with the technical implementation for new clients. I also do work on client-specific configurations.
Tell us a little bit about your educational and professional background.
I graduated from Virigina Tech in 2012. I worked as an IT supervisor at a Marshalls distribution center. I also worked at a small grants management software company before coming to FM:Systems!
What attracted you to join FM:Systems?
I was recruited on LinkedIn. The culture and team environment drew me to FM:Systems.
Tell us something people might not know about FM:Systems.
Though the company has been around for decades, I feel like people may not realize how many new employees we have. What we’re able to produce and accomplish is all the more impressive considering how much we’ve grown and how many new faces we’ve added over the past couple of years.
Sum up your FM:Systems career to date in one word.
Progress
What is your proudest moment at FM:Systems?
Last year I was able to organize an impromptu food drive for our local Salvation Army who had made the news pleading for help filling their barren shelves. I had sent the email out in the evening requesting donations by lunch time the next day--which I thought was a pretty ridiculous ask—however, the FM Family came through with about two grocery carts worth of food in total. I should have never doubted them because I can’t think of any other group more prepared for last minute requests.
What’s something you learned in the past week?
I’ve been learning a lot about cultural relativism and how many beliefs and thoughts we hold as objectively true, as well as the rationale we justify them by, are only specific to the culture we live in.
Tell us three things most people don’t know about you.
Before COVID-19, I was playing basketball at 5:30am 3 days a week.
When I was in high school, I used to moderate a website where members were obsessed with making basketball highlight mixes from games they would record straight from their television. Many of the people I corresponded with grew up to become professional graphic designers who have had their work featured in magazines, sites, and video games like NBA 2k. I grew up to work for FM Systems.
I used to be so introverted that when I was in kindergarten, my teacher didn’t think I could talk. She sent a tape recorder home with me so that my parents could record me talking. She then started to bribe me with Power Rangers cards in class to talk as much as I did while I was home!
What gets you out of bed every morning?
My alarm clock? A chance to be better today than I was yesterday.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
“Esse Quam Videri”, which is Latin for “To be, rather than to seem.” I first heard it from Dale Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends & Influence People but it also happens to be North Carolina’s state motto. This made me really begin to think about how much of my perception is really reality. I’ve always challenged myself to “be” rather than to seem!
If you could switch jobs with anyone in the world, who would it be?
James Dolan who is the owner of the NY Knicks, who is my favorite basketball team. I would relieve the pain and suffering of many Knicks fans.
Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?
The hoops head in me would love to go to Vegas during Summer League and just watch basketball all week.
If you could only drink one beer (or non-alcoholic drink) for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A Tiger Woods (if you know, you know).
What is something you’ve always wanted to try?
I would like to see a Cowboys games in the new Cowboy stadium or sit courtside at Madison Square Garden
What TV show or movie are you ashamed to admit you love?
The first Hunger Games! I didn’t know anything about it when I went to go watch it. After watching it I bought the book and devoured it in 3 days, which is the fastest I’ve ever read a book.
What is your favorite food?
I’m a big fan of Southern Cuisine, so fried chicken, mac & cheese, collard greens, and yams. I also love breakfast food, so biscuits & gravy.
You’re happiest when….
The people I care about are happy.
What is your greatest fear?
Being wrongfully convicted of a crime.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
Get a lawyer!
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
Some advice from our high school football coach: “do your job.” We each had individual responsibilities on the field, and if we all did our job, then we would achieve the result we’re trying to get.
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
All chores, but cleaning the bathroom is the worst.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?
Reading a book or article.
What’s your favorite indoor or outdoor activity?
Pick-up basketball!
