The co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Workiz, you get e-mails from him all the time. He's originally from Israel but spent most of his adult life in San Diego, California, where he started a business as a locksmith. Feeling like he was missing some kind of management software to help scale his business, he got together with some friends and began developing the software you all rely on today. Now 39, he was only 27 years old when he started building the company. So who is the man behind the e-mails? We sat down with Dan to learn a little more about him.
Q: How did you get involved with Workiz?
A: I built it for myself when I was a locksmith and felt like it was something I was missing. I just wanted something to help my own business, I didn't expect it to become what it is.
Q: What do you like about working for Workiz?
A: I love being able to help people that are in the same situation I was in 15 years ago. I love knowing that I can give people the skills and tools that took me a really long time to achieve myself.
Q: What's something you've accomplished at Workiz?
A: I built the company. It's amazing to see what's become of it.
Q: Do you have any funny stories to share?
A: Once, I was called by a woman who couldn't get her bedroom door opened. It took me about four hours, and I couldn't understand why I couldn't get the door open. I tried to pick the lock, and when that didn't work, I told her I was sorry, but I was going to have to drill through it. When that still didn't work, I told her I had no choice but to remove the door handle, and I told her I'd replace it for her myself. I felt so embarrassed that, as a locksmith, I couldn't manage to get a door open! Once I had the door handle removed, I peered through the hole and saw a woman in her underwear running around.
At that point, I pushed at the door and realized someone was pushing it closed. I pushed harder, and the door opened. The husband stood there and said to his wife, "Oh good, you're home. We need to talk." It was so awkward. I didn't even charge her, I felt so bad!
Q: Do you have a favorite quote?
A: "Think for yourself, question authority." – Timothy Leary
Q: If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Couscous with soup. I wouldn't say it's my favorite per se, but if I had to eat something every day, it would be that.
Q: What are three qualities you value in a person?
A: Directness, empathy, and hard work.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I play guitar and other instruments. I used to also surf, but I no longer have time for that.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: No one touches my plate! Not my wife, not my daughters. I've ended relationships over this. It's not rare that my wife and I will sit in a restaurant and order the same dish. Joey doesn't share food!
Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: Progressive Rock. I like a lot of different music, but Progressive Rock is my main genre.
Q: What are you reading right now?
A: A Place Among Nations by Benjamin Netanyahu.
Q: Name three musicians on your phone?
A: Tool is my all-time favorite. Then there's Radiohead and Led Zeppelin.
Q: You're happiest when…
A: I'm left alone. I like being able to work in peace and quiet.
Q: What's your favorite sports team?
A: Barcelona Football Club.
Q: If you could switch your job with anyone else within the company, whose job would you want?
A: I wouldn't want to switch jobs. But I guess I wouldn't mind being a front-end developer.
Q: What has been your favorite project at Workiz?
A: The Call Masking feature. I really felt like I was making something cool and unique.
Q: If you could only drink one type of alcoholic beverage for the rest of your life, which would it be?
A: Glenlivet 18.
Q: What's your favorite movie?
A: The Godfather. Definitely.
Q: If you could ban one food item from the face of the earth, which would it be?
A: Bananas. I hate them.
Q: Name one book, movie, or song that left you in awe when you finished.
A: H by Tool.
Is there something you’d like to learn about our team? Send an email to serviceprohero@www.workiz.com and let us know!