Employee Spotlight: Stefan Ziff

July 12, 2022

Q: Can you describe to me your position at Revivn? 

A: I'm the Global Tech Lead. My first priority is to build our tech teams, develop their training for computer repair and refurbishment as well as enforce quality and standards for decommissioning and data standardization. As our tech teams have matured, I've had more time to shift some of my focus to assisting the engineering team in applying our experiences and our repository of knowledge to the tools that they're building so our data is consistent and relevant across systems. 

Q: Can you tell me how you heard about Revivn when you were applying for jobs?

A: One of the founders is a friend of a friend, and I met him at a barbecue. I was looking for a new challenge, and he told me about the company he was building - Revivn. I came in for an interview and I loved it - not just the company but what they were doing as a company. We started from there and just built upon that.

Q:  You mentioned that you were looking for a challenge. What stood out to you about Revivn that alluded it to being interesting or unique? 

A: You know, starting out in a fast growing startup is always something that's very exciting. There are a lot of opportunities and it’s a dynamic environment. I really liked the role available, the role I am currently in, because it crossed several different disciplines I am interested in. The kind of technology we work with is both an art and a science. I was really excited about working both with my hands and with technology.

Q: What would you say is the best part about working at Revivn?

A: Definitely the people, and building the teams I’ve assembled. I've gotten to bring people in from all different backgrounds, which I think strengthens the team. We might have somebody who is going to school for computer science, which is fairly common for our team, while at the same time one of our most talented technicians has a degree in theater technology arts. So bringing people from all different backgrounds and getting them in roles that fit them best is something that we've seen a lot of success with and something that I personally enjoy doing.

Q: What would you say is the proudest thing that you've accomplished at Revivn? 

A: What we do with computer repair is a very niche area. We've built up an incredible repository of knowledge and experience with it. So in my opinion, we're one of the leaders in that space. Some of the big-name companies won't repair a computer, no matter how small the problem is. When we're able to take a computer and bring new life to it, so it doesn't end up in landfills and it can be donated to an underserved community, that's something that is always extremely gratifying.

Q: If you could switch jobs with anyone at Revivn for a day, who would it be and why?

A: I don’t think I would want to switch jobs with anybody, to be honest. I really love the role I'm in, but if I had to switch with anybody for a day, I guess it would be with somebody in San Francisco. Just to give me the opportunity to spend more time getting to know our counterparts on the West Coast.

Q: If you could describe your Revivn experience in one word, what would it be and why?

A: Exciting. Since I've been here, we've moved forward so much, and we are continuing to move forward. It's exciting to come into work every day. There are always new challenges to face and I look forward to that. 

Q: Why would you suggest someone should work at Revivn?

A: First, I would see if they’re the kind of person who really wants to work at Revivn because it’s not for everyone. It’s a pretty fast-paced environment and being a growing company you may be challenged in new ways. Some people thrive off it, and for others, it may not be for them.  It’s really a matter of the right fit. For the right person, it’s the kind of job that you’re going to enjoy and embrace with open arms, and I don’t think every company has that kind of opportunity for their employees. 

Q: What do you like to do for fun when you are not working? 

A: I do a lot of meat smoking and vegetable fermenting. I love the transformative properties of chemistry, and that is something I spend a lot of time doing outside of work.