Team Q&A: Adam Sears – Software Development Intern

Our Software Development Intern Adam Sears is equally inspired by his health conditions and musical interests, which have informed his sustainability efforts and shaped his interest in fighting climate change. Join us in welcoming Adam to the Virtual Peaker team!

How did your previous life prepare you for Virtual Peaker?

Before Virtual Peaker, I spent just over a decade in the coffee industry, with the last 5 in a management capacity. While transitioning from coffee to a software service company might seem like a big leap, I’ve found surprising parallels. In the coffee industry, managing a bustling shop requires a keen understanding of demand patterns, resource allocation, and operational efficiency – elements that translate remarkably well to the complexities of software development.

Navigating life as a Type 1 diabetic, I’ve come to understand that staying healthy requires a unique blend of vigilance, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the systems at play. Much like the always-on balancing act of managing energy demand, maintaining glucose levels demands constant attention and a proactive approach. In both scenarios, technology plays a transformative role. While technologies like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors have changed the lives of diabetics like myself, Virtual Peaker leverages technology in a way that is equally transformative for the energy market. The connection between these experiences has not only shaped my professional approach but also fueled my enthusiasm for the innovative solutions we’re developing at Virtual Peaker.

Tell us about your role at Virtual Peaker.

As a Software Developer Intern at Virtual Peaker, my role involves supporting a diverse range of applications throughout the company’s codebase. On any given day, I might be working on implementing a new feature to enhance one of our applications in the software suite, and the next moment, I could be adding logic to handle a new type of connected device in our system. It’s a dynamic position that allows me to learn and contribute to the innovative solutions that drive Virtual Peaker’s success.

How do you personally engage in sustainability efforts?

Since joining Virtual Peaker and delving deeper into the energy market, I’ve become increasingly conscious of the delicate nature of demand on both a national and global scale. It’s easy to go about our day-to-day without giving much thought to the mechanisms that provide us with energy. I’ve come to appreciate the significance of sustainability efforts in ensuring a stable and environmentally conscious future. I’m eager to contribute to this ongoing mission, both within and outside the workplace.

I find joy in connecting with nature and supporting conservation efforts in Kentucky. Spending time outdoors not only fosters a personal connection with the environment but also underscores the importance of preserving our natural resources. I’ve also cultivated a personal commitment to sustainability by maintaining a garden with my partner at our home. I strive to make choices that align with a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

What can you tell us about yourself?

I have a passion for writing music and playing guitar in a band called Ed Monk. The creative outlet that music provides is a good complement to the more technical challenges that software development presents. In either respect, it’s satisfying to be a part of the development process and see my contributions manifest in the end product.