TAI Member Spotlight — Ben Jackson

In an effort to help Iowa’s technology community get to know each other a little better, we’ll excited to announce a new monthly series. Each month in The Table we’ll be spotlighting someone from one of our member companies with a questionnaire that ranges from silly to serious. Hopefully we’ll give you some insight into not only what makes the company tick but also who our member spotlight is as an individual.

This month since you’ve probably got taxes on the brain, we’re excited to get to know Ben Jackson of Cedar Rapids-based TAI member TaxACT.

Name: Ben Jackson

Job Title/Occupation: Director of Desktop Development at TaxAct

Hometown: Coon Rapids, Iowa

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/ben-jackson/9a/99/b78/en

What would your entrance song be if you were a wrestler?

“Party Hard” by Andrew W.K.

What does your company do?

We develop and host tax preparation software for do-it-yourself tax filers as well as professional preparers and businesses.

What’s your role at TaxAct?

I’m responsible for project and personnel management for our desktop and electronic filing engineering teams.

What three things can’t you live without?

Netflix, Euchre and coffee.

What would be your record choice for TAI’s Vinyl Fridays?

Led Zeppelin IV

What do you do and what makes you so passionate about it?

I’m involved in all phases of the software development life cycle, but I most enjoy the collaborative process of turning great ideas into attainable solutions.

What’s the best way to get through an Iowa winter?

Embrace it — find something fun to do outside.

Hawkeyes or Cyclones?

Cyclones

What’s the last book you read?

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

What’s been most rewarding about working for an Iowa technology company?

Competing with the giants of the tax industry by creating superior value.

What’s your favorite local restaurant? Why?

Vino’s/RG Books — it’s a very cool atmosphere with excellent food.

What’s the most gratifying part of your workday?

Enjoying the moment when a team member solves a challenging issue — the kind that takes hours or days to figure out. It fosters a valuable sense of accomplishment.

What was your dream job as a kid?

Safari guide. My father grew up in Kenya and Tanzania and I was raised on safari stories.

What’s one of your professional goals for 2015?

Always update and improve — from end user experience to internal processes.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?

HD DVD — it’s a good deal.