David Penton is another one of those folks that I’ve known for a while via the InterTubes but never had the pleasure of meeting in person until the MVP Summit. He also works on one of my favorite products, which means if I have any questions… he’s the first name on my list. After hanging out in Seattle for a few days, I realized I hadn’t yet done a NINE Questions interview on David, so today’s your lucky day:
1. Where are you from?
I was born and bred in Dallas, TX. I've lived in the Dallas area all of my life - except for when I went to college at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA.
2. What do you do / Who do you work for / What is your product? Give us the "10 second pitch" on why I should use your product or services.
I am the Performance Lead and DBA for the Product Team at Telligent Systems, Inc. We sell a social networking product Community Server and other related software (Harvest Reporting Server and GraffitiCMS as well). If you are looking for a solid social networking platform, we have what you need.
3. How did you get to where you are now?
I started at Lockheed Martin as a Schedule Analyst - not an IT job by any means. But, I quickly went to the Business Systems group there and started developing with Cold Fusion 3, ASP, and Oracle 7.3. From there I went to JCPenney where I was introduced to SQL Server 6.5, more Oracle, DB2 MVS/UDB, Tandem and Teradata. Eventually I went to Telligent.
4. You're an MVP and were recently in Seattle / Redmond for the MVP Summit. What was that like?
I think I met more people this year at the summit than I have ever met at any event like that. The experience was amazing - all because of the people. To me, that is what makes events spectacular. Not to mention - the weekend that the summit started was also ALT.NET Seattle.
5. You're also an active speaker and blogger / twitterer. What's the most recent event you spoke at and how did it go?
I've been speaking quite a bit more in the past year - and I love it! I do wish I blogged more - I have several posts just waiting for me to finish (that's what they all say, right?) The most recent event I spoke at was the Shreveport .Net User Group. It was a small group - I was the 4th speaker. There was 28 people there, and they were eager to listen and to ask questions. It was a very positive experience and I know they will do nothing but grow.
6. You've had a couple different MVP designation over the years. What were they?
I was a SQL Server MVP for several years. At that time, I was doing quite a bit of SQL Server at JCPenney, but also doing quite a bit on mailing lists. I had to cut back the things I was doing, so my MVP status lapsed. I was recently re-awarded my ASP.NET MVP for my involvement over the last year+. It's great to be back!
7. So what's this I hear about a .NET Ride?
Well...I'm not quite sure what to call it yet, but I'm thinking a motorcycle "Ride for .Net/SQL" or something along those lines. What I would like to do is map out some 1-2 week tour where I pick up other tech motorcycle riders and visit user groups or code camps along the way. To me, it would be another great reason (excuse?) to go on a ride.
8. Any non-technical hobbies / interests? What's something the world doesn't already know about David Penton?
What does the world "not" know about me? I talk a lot on Twitter (@dpenton) so that is one avenue. Here is something...I worked at McDonald's during high school then was in management there during college. 2 and a half minutes to cook french fries :) Ahh yes...motorcycle. I ride a 2004 Victory Kingpin (I have about 13,500 miles on it now).
9. Last of all (everyone gets this one) any interesting tattoos?
I don't believe in any identifying marks. So, when someone doesn't "ink and tell" - I think I know the answer.