I’ll be updating the page periodically as I dig up old files and photos of projects. Luckily, I’ve been keeping a digital archive of a lot of old school work.
How’d I get into technology? I’ve been asked this a lot and the answer really boils down to the fact I’m incredibly curious as to how things work. I vividly remember taking apart a broken mechanical pencil sharpener and fixing it when I was six or so years old. From there I evolved into tearing apart robot parts and using Legos to make motorized boats or something else to tweak. And, of course, pretending I had high tech computer labs in my closet when I was a kid complete with paper keyboards and monitors everywhere. Needless to say, I’ve always loved immersing myself around cool gadgets!
When I wanted my first laptop in the early 00’s my parents had no idea where to start. Laptops were bulky, I knew nothing about OSX and they were incredibly expensive. Looking through third party computer shops in the Indianapolis area we finally decided on a business focused VTech laptop that included a word processor, basic spreadsheet capability and online connectivity through a (gasp!) serial port. Shamefully, I didn’t have much use for this as a ten year old and we ultimately sold it as it was collecting dust. However, this did get me exploring Windows utilities more and lead to our first Gateway Desktop – massive cow box and all!
Above you can see my grandpa’s patents with Delco Remy/General Motors. He lead the breakthrough of (at the time) the modern nickel based car battery. Sadly, Alzheimer’s came too soon and I wasn’t able to pick his brain on the almost endless list of questions I’d have for him. Nonetheless, seeing what he was able to do has absolutely rubbed off on me. The key reason I follow the evolution of battery technology is because of him and I’d love to speak to anyone on ideas how software can drastically improve advancements in the space.
Additionally some more fun facts, my other grandpa, Arthur Welling was in the same platoon as Colonel Sanders (KFC) and Dave Thomas (Wendy’s) and was offered high level positions with both organizations and turned them down to focus on his family and business. Something that I have deep respect for! He also loved restoring and working on various cars, something else I’d love to think I picked up from him.
Running butter smooth on my Nexus. Reminds me of Christmas when I was 7! #CanYourPhoneDoThis? pic.twitter.com/PSvzn43d
— Dan Proctor (@DanProctor11) December 24, 2011
