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Graduate Spotlight: Randall Mardus, Founder of Giusto

When embarking on a new journey, especially when learning is involved, this simple word comes to mind: support. The way we learn differs from person to person, and it’s no secret that learning to code is a tough undertaking and can at times, be overwhelming. However, it’s the community of people that embark on the journey with you that really matters, in other words: your support. If you’re learning to code, you need to check the ‘Me, myself, and I’ way of doing things at the front door. Being able to connect with others during class and consider alternate perspectives while learning makes the process actually, fun. Yep, f-u-n. From the students, instructors, and founders, to the networking opportunities while in the program, it’s all about the support. (Oh, and the super soft TTS t-shirts you get on the first day, obviously.)

Here at TTS, we totally get it. Coding is a challenge - and a wonderful one at that. We get to see firsthand how awesome it is when cohorts come together and solve a problem. It’s that first ‘Aha!’ moment when everyone looks around and realizes how powerful it is to learn to code. This recent Charlotte cohort was no exception. From the first day ‘til the last, the idea of ‘support’ was universally embraced and understood amongst the students. Everyone came in with different goals, but the support they gave each other while processing new ideas was nothing short of inspiring.

Cue our first TTS Charlotte cohort interview featuring Randall Mardus. He’s currently hard at work developing his own web app that outsmarts the trickiness of hosting the most pickiest of eaters. Yep, and it's pretty game-changing, check it out: Giusto. What else? He’s also an apprentice for one of Charlotte’s top Ruby on Rails developers! You get where we’re going with this whole ‘support’ ordeal and where it can get you?...

So tell us a little about yourself?

After graduating from Davidson, I cooked for Chef Michael White in NYC. In 2009, I helped Chef White open Marea, winner of the 2009 James Beard Award for the Best New Restaurant in the U.S. In 2014, I founded Giusto, an application that allows users to create and share their food profiles. Currently, I am participating in the Queen City Forward ImpactU summer accelerator with Giusto.

How did you hear about Tech Talent South, and why did you feel it was the best decision for you?

I have tried to learn to code a few times before, mainly online. When I heard about coding immersion courses, Tech Talent South’s balanced approach stood out. TTS offered the most sane and manageable class schedule and complemented it with small classes, office hours, and talks with local industry leaders all for a competitive price.

From the first day of class to the last, what stood out to you the most?

Unlike my experience with online courses where it's easy to fall behind quickly, TTS offers a tech support group. At first, the teachers support you. With time, the other students support you. By the end, you are supporting others. For me, this separated TTS from the others.

What were a few of your favorite parts about the program?

I enjoyed TTS's small class sizes. We had eleven students and two instructors. We all got to know each other over the course of the class and would jump to help each other out. I also appreciated how TTS complemented class with networking, bringing in speakers who are leaders in their fields. Simply said, TTS takes you from soup to nuts, day one of class to landing a job in the field.

And of course, we know you have some exciting things happening your way - what does your future look like now that you're a graduate?

Having completed the program, I am now talking to developers on an even level about Giusto. I could not have had the informed conversations with them that I am having now. I would have lost a lot of time and money. I also continue to learn how to code. I am an apprentice to one of the top Ruby on Rails developers in the area and look forward to doing some work for Code for Charlotte to build up my portfolio and experience.

Hey, TTS fans! Randall's web application is currently in beta, sign up & check it out!

Have a great idea & ready for what comes next? TTS classes are gearing up right now! Are you ready to learn to code and start making your ideas a reality? Visit http://bit.ly/1lh6BCy to apply!