"A far better software engineer than musician"
What started with programming a microcontroller for a university project has turned into a long and fruitful career in the software engineering industry for Hamilton-based Simon Lawrence, who celebrates over two decades at Gallagher.
For most of his tertiary career, Simon never really knew what he wanted to do once he left the safe walls of the University of Waikato, New Zealand, and entered the ‘real world’ (cue the ominous music). But after taking a mechatronics paper near the end of his Master of Science, Simon knew he had found his calling. Just over twenty years down the line, he’s still doing what he loves as Architect Team Leader at #TeamGallagher.
Simon was born and bred in Hamilton, and although he’s spent time elsewhere, he’s a bit of a homing pigeon - coming back to roost in the Waikato. Over his years at Gallagher, Simon has held a number of different roles - from Junior Software Engineer to Technical Lead. He’s watched our Security unit grow from a small team in Palmerston North, operating under the name Cardax, to an integral part of Gallagher.
When Simon transferred to Gallagher's Head Office in Hamilton, the building was only a rough sketch on an architect’s notepad. “It’s strange thinking back, I can’t remember it being built,” Simon laughs. “In my memory, one day there was a pile of sand, the next day a shiny new building.
“It was super exciting the first time we got to have a look around the new building. Back then the Security software & hardware team only occupied half a floor, and the whole software team was about the same size as my current team is now!" Gallagher's product development team now comprises over 250 people.
Simon’s love for software design is perhaps only paralleled by his passion for extreme metal. Although sitting in front of a computer is a far cry from strumming a guitar in front of millions, Simon admits he is a ‘”far better software engineer than musician”. Besides, he rather enjoys his day job!
Another upside to not selling out stadiums around the world is not having to leave behind family. Simon and his wife Michelle have four children. While he may not be performing heavy metal concerts (yet), their house is likely just as loud!
Although he’s worked on both Security and Animal Management products over his time at Gallagher, for the past ten years Simon has focussed on Enterprise Security Embedded Devices such as the Controller 6000 and HBUS Readers. That means when people ask why he’s spent so long with us, the answer "Gallagher has a huge range of products so you don’t get bored", while true, doesn’t have as much stick.
So what’s the real reason you’ll find Simon behind his desk, rather than on stage in a stadium?
“I love working on the Security products - the work is interesting and I’m learning all the time. But most of all I love coming to work. The environment has always been respectful and empowering, the products we make are world class and you can feel proud when you say you work for Gallagher.”