Randy Syring

Chief Executive Developer

I started tinkering with computers my junior year of high school. I majored in Computer Science at the University of Central Missouri, but never intended to use the degree, preferring to seek a career as an officer in the US Army. Two months after earning a slot to the US Army flight school, I was unexpectedly discharged from ROTC for medical reasons. I then decided to put the degree to use, first with a short stint at a small dial-up ISP, and eventually by starting RCS Computers. I came to Louisville in 2004 to attend Southern Seminary and began working as freelance web developer. The rest is history.

My primary responsibilities involve management of development projects, architecting technical solutions, writing code, and executive leadership. I excel at being able to understand and help clarify the business needs of an organization and in then bridging those needs with technical solutions. But I enjoy programming the most, especially architecture and testing.

I have a B.S. in Computer Science, an M.A. in Biblical Counseling. I am committed to, blessed, and sometimes greatly challenged by my wife and four children.

Q&A

Do you deserve a geek badge? Why or why not?

For:

  • I used to have six VHS tapes full of Star Trek TNG (now I just watch on Netflix)
  • My idea of an enjoyable vacation would be a couple weeks working on open source projects without work distractions
  • Dreary, rainy days are my preference because I don’t have to feel bad about being inside on the computer
  • Some people say I’m a bit socially awkward…but I don’t believe them!
  • My wife gave me a shirt that said “Computer Whisperer” for Christmas

Against:

  • I’m pretty conservative (politically and morally)
  • I played sports in high-school
  • I enjoy NFL football (GO PACK!)
  • My wife is most certainly not a geek
  • I’d rather go shooting than play video games

Conclusion: you decide ?

What’s your favorite bumper sticker?

Tie between, “I love my wife,” and “Don’t let the car fool you; my treasure is in heaven.”

What would you do if you didn’t have to work?

Die of boredom. OK, probably something ministry related, but even then, I’d be working. I am made to work.

What do you miss most about being a child?

Being ignorant of the world’s evils.

What do you like most about your job? What do you like least?

It's facilitated an opportunity for my family to develop a deep friendship with my business partner Nate's family. I also really enjoy software craftsmanship and leading Level 12 means I can set a high-bar for how we build software.

One of the things I like least is that I wear too many hats in the business. It’s hard to be proficient in any one area when you have lots of responsibilities competing for limited time.

What’s one of your favorite websites?

Hacker News (Note: If you didn’t understand my remark above about being conservative working against my geek badge, just read HN comments for a few days.)

What’s your favorite quote?

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36 ESV)

Close second: “I’m right 97% of the time, who cares about the other 4%?”

What’s your goal in life?

That I would seek the Lord and trust him...even if that means I'm standing alone.