The Smelker Seven

I'm So Excited!

When we made the decision to move to San Antonio it was because one of our friends (and a man for whom I worked) suggested it. Initially Terry and I thought of selling our home and moving to Tampa Bay. After some reflection and job searching in Tampa (for Terry) that didn't turn up anything, we made the long trek south.

A few months after moving here, we discovered Warrick's wrestling coach is VP of a company that Terry had adored from afar. NewTek produces a software program called Lightwave that Terry bought many years ago and even used at our old church. Pat, the wrestling coach told us the company was looking for a graphic artist, and the rest is history. Terry was hired by NewTek in May 2004. He has loved working there. The 'offices' such as they are, are located in a big warehouse. The central hub of the warehouse has a drum set, several guitars, a pool table, video games, seating for everyone, and even a tent for the kids to play in. Scooters are scattered throughout the building, making it that much easier to access the free chocolate, hotdogs and soda.



However, we all know from experience that no job is perfect, although this was close! NewTek tends to pay below the San Antonio average, and it was time for Terry to start looking around for something that came close to paying the normal pay scale for his qualifications. About 3 months ago he applied with a couple of different contract companies and both of them set up interviews.

Then a friend of ours from church, Robert asked me how Terry was doing. It is quite common for people to not see Terry if they come to the second Sunday service because he teaches in that time slot. I told him Terry was good, but job hunting. "Hmmm. Tell him to call me," Robert said. Robert is an architect, and owns Luna Architecture, a very successful company about 10 minutes from our house. Two years ago he decided that he wasn't busy enough with the architectural side, playing in the church band and totally gutting and remodeling a home for his family, that he would add another challenge to his life! Enter media301, a 3D visualisation and graphics company that he founded specifically to market to other companies. Well, they have grown so much that they need a Senior Graphic Designer. Robert and Terry have worked together on a church project, so they know each other reasonably well, and Robert knows the work Terry can produce.

Yesterday afternoon Robert took Terry out for lunch and formally laid a job offer on the table that Terry accepted right away. It was a no-brainer really, they'd been talking for about a month. Terry knew NewTek could not pay more than they are right now, but he needed to increase his earning power. He gets that with his new position.

So, on Tuesday morning, the day after Labour Day, Terry will hop in his little Honda and drive the few miles (no highway driving either!) to his new position!

I am so proud of my hubby! He has had only two jobs his entire adult life - Ford Motor Company, and NewTek, so this is a new adventure for him!

Labels: Lightwave, NewTek

posted by The Smelker Seven @ 3:37 PM