Say Hello...Billy Fagan
Name: Billy Fagan
Role: Developer
Since: August 2016
Wok Wok Order: 21, though I roll the dice usually, mixed balls anyone?
For those who don’t know give us a quick rundown of what you do:
I’m a part-timer in two or three days a week I handle technical stuff like server maintenance, the odd CMS build if Ryan’s busy and anything “cody” that we put on our web stuff, be that back-end or front-end. I write plugins and other software tools to help us run the business. If you can think of things that are done by computer nerds, those are the things I do here. I think if you know I’ve been in a site I’ve done something wrong. A form’s broken or a page stopped loading. If I’m doing my job correctly everything for you, works.
Favourite aspect of your job:
I like fixing things. The rest of the company are very creative and I can get creative with my projects too, however I really like fixing the stuff that’s broken. Some client’s website isn’t loading a page, let me check it out. The satisfaction that comes from fixing someone’s problems, to me, is the win. I also like breaking things. If Ryan thinks that something’s good to go I’m only one CSS tweak away from ruining his day.
What do you like doing when you’re not in the studio?
I actually like doing the stuff I get paid to do at work, for free. On the occasion I do get some free time I like to build my own tools, websites, web apps and other software. I’ve recently been helping my son build his own little projects as he learns to code off his own back. When I’m not in front of a monitor I like nothing more than taking the car for a drive somewhere scenic. Good beer also features highly on my list of likes. Double-imperial Russian stout? Take my money!
Tell us a wee something about you that folks might not know and or care about.
I use western-sounding nicknames, billythekid, the_cowboy, cowboyecosse etc. People will be aware of that but might not know that it comes from how I’ve always been really into cowboy stuff. I used to be active in Country Western circles (they call me “the kid” although at first I went by “Jack Daniels”), dressing up in the gear, taking part in fast-draw competitions etc. I have two revolvers, a .38 customised for fast-draw(shorter-barrel, flared hammer etc) and a .22 side-blaster(this one only fires blanks - the barrel is solid) and I’m probably faster than you (challenge me one day and we can find out). I’m also a D&G qualified line-dance instructor. I don’t do any of these things anymore. I’ve not danced professionally in over 15 years.
Despite all this fancying myself as a bit of a cowboy, I’ve never been on a horse!
Yee-haw!
Lastly - what’s your guilty pleasure:
I love most types of music, from Iron Maiden to Garth Brooks (obvs) but I think my guilty pleasure is probably girly-pop. This year my favourite seems to be Little Mix. Jade is the best because she always hams it up and is hilarious.