Meet the team: Tim Reiss

Next up on our ‘meet the team’ blog series we feature Avantra Technical Customer Success Manager, Tim Reiss. Tim is based out of the US and has rich experience in SAP engineering. He is a trained umpire for youth baseball and loves to spend time outdoors. Read on to learn more about Tim. 

What's one professional skill you're currently working on?

I am working on a few things.  I am learning to speak German and working to improve my ability with Javascripting. However, I think my main focus right now is working more with PostgreSQL databases. Having a background in SAP allowed me to gain expertise in DB2, MSSQL Server and HANA databases. PostgreSQL is a new experience for me but it is the recommended database for Avantra, and I felt I needed to have a better understanding of it in order to provide better support to the team and our customers.

What's your go to productivity trick?

I rely on something called the ‘Pomodoro Technique’.  ‘Pomodoro’ is Italian for tomato. It's a time management technique that encourages you to work with the time that you have at hand. So you work with a “tomato” timer for 25 minutes. Break the workday into 25 minute pieces and separate them by 5 minute breaks. Work on your most important task for this time without any interruptions. Don’t break away and look at email, don’t get up and grab a snack and no outside distractions. If you do get interrupted, stop the timer and start again.  After every 25 minutes, take a short 5 minute break. Complete 4-6 Pomodoros and take a longer break (15-30 Minutes). I have used it for quite some time now and noticed that I have improved focus, I procrastinate less and I am more productive throughout the workday.

What's one thing that surprised you about working at Avantra?

There are many companies that talk about a great work culture, but at Avantra we have actually achieved it. One gets to work with people from across the world. Despite the geographical distance and remote working, all of us feel like a part of one big family. I am hoping with travel restrictions easing out slowly we would be able to meet in person soon. 

What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?

If the Milwaukee Brewers are playing at home, I’ll likely be at the game. Otherwise I like to be outdoors spending time hiking, fishing, camping or just spending time at the golf course.  

What is your hidden talent?

I was an umpire for youth baseball. I spent several years training to be an umpire and enjoyed many summers spending time outside watching baseball games this way. Due to this I have developed an appreciation for referees and umpires. I would go to games and observe the umpires for a while to see what they are doing instead of watching the players. Somehow trying to watch the game from an umpire's perspective helps me understand the game better.

What's your favorite music genre and artist - the one you've been listening to on repeat?

Having grown up in the 80’s, I always turn back to music from this era. Huey Lewis and the News and INXS are my favorites. I enjoy being able to sing along but no one around me seems to appreciate my less than stellar voice.

What's the best advice you were ever given?

My mom taught me the Golden Rule and often reminded me that I needed to follow it.  “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”  I don’t think you can ever go wrong when you follow this.  While simple, it is sometimes not easy to do.  We sometimes have to put pride aside and place others' interests before our own.