We love our Meet the Team series so we can give you an opportunity to meet the people behind our work. Each member is vital to our growth, as teamwork is ingrained in everything we do. We are so excited to add another person to the family and we’re sure that once you get to know our team members, you’ll love them just as much as we do!
Recently we had the opportunity to catch up with creative designer, Dennis Gaebel. As part of the Twenty Over Ten team, Dennis is one of the brains behind our design team and works to create amazing websites for our clients.
To start, what is your position and how did you get to this point in your career?
My current role at Twenty Over Ten is Creative Designer. Originally I went to college for something other than what I do today; photography to be exact. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, I flew around the world as an Aerial Photographer for Garmin. I traveled much of Europe in a Cessna 172, but upon my return to the states I was swept into the web. I also stumbled across writing early in my web career so I publish articles through an assortment of publications such as Codrops, CSS-Tricks, LogRocket, Smashing Magazine, Sitepoint, Tuts+, Web Design Weekly and Net Magazine on various topics relating to web design and development.
Where did you grow up and are you still living in the area?
I grew up in Rochester, NY and still reside in the surrounding area. Some may know Rochester for Kodak and the home of Susan B. Anthony however, Rochester is full of rich history and innovative pioneers that are often forgotten. We’re also famous for the Garbage Plate. A disgustingly delicious dish of random items piled on top of one another.
What is a typical day like for you at work?
On a typical day I’m helping customers find solutions/provide general guidance with their support tickets, conducting design calls with clients to form a better understanding about their business, goals and branding to design a custom package that fits with their identity, and designing/developing custom website packages purchased with Twenty Over Ten.
How do you like to unwind after a busy day?
You can usually find me playing guitar and listening to music, fly fishing (weather permitting), taking photographs, or cruising on my skateboard. I also enjoy adventures with my hammock to find a quiet, secluded spot where I can close my eyes, and listen to the sounds of nature; it’s the best therapy.
What are your favorite activities to do outside of your job/on the weekends?
I have too many interests, but I enjoy watching tv/movies, experimenting & writing about web technologies, fly fishing, camping, skateboarding, fly tying, traveling, playing/listening to music and guitar repair. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to learn from various luthiers/wood workers throughout the years so I provide my services to local musicians in my area that are in need of fret work, setups and any other general needs relating to electronics and customizations with their guitars.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Corfu, Greece. I was lucky enough to experience this area and absolutely loved it there; I’ll never forget it.
Where is your favorite place that you have ever traveled?
Italy is definitely high on my list regarding favorite places traveled. I spent many months exploring the country and found the people to be friendly and supportive especially when I didn’t speak the language fluently. If anyone has the chance to visit I highly suggest Palermo, Scilla, Ostuni (The White City), and Reggio di Calabria. Also be sure to check out Pentedattilo; a ghost town in Calabria with an extremely old history.
What is your favorite type of food?
I love food very much so I enjoy many types such as Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Greek, and many types of American flavors. I’m certainly not a seafood fanatic, but I will attempt to try something once if I can manage to keep it down. I’m big on texture so anything slimy isn’t welcomed in my world. My philosophy is this…If you can fry it, and put it on a stick; I’ll probably eat it.
What is the best part about working at Twenty Over Ten in your opinion?
Everyone on the team is great, but I also enjoy the flexibility to work remotely and have my independence. All that equates to a quality life that I’m very lucky to have.
Get to know the rest of the Twenty Over Ten team:
Ryan Russell (Co- Founder)
Nick DiMatteo (Co- Founder)
Ed Russell (Project Manager)
Samantha Russell (Marketing)
Makayla Pusey (Client Relations)
Chelsea Casareale (Design)
Michael Biggers (Design)
Heidi Pernett (Logo Design)
Amanda Larson (Marketing)
Elizabeth Ritger (Marketing)
Nate Sobiech (Sales)
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