At SpotHero, we’re fortunate to work and collaborate with some of the most dynamic and passionate people on a daily basis…our customers. As a growing startup, we wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our loyal customers, who not only believe in our mission, but also provide invaluable feedback and spread the SpotHero love to their friends and family. At SpotHero we’ve got your back, whether you’re rushing to the Loop for an important meeting or catching Jeter’s last game at Yankee Stadium, we’ll always have a spot for you.
This October marks the beginning of our ‘Customer Spotlight’ series, which highlights individuals who share our passion for innovation and superior quality service. This month we are thrilled to be featuring Michael Motherway, who is a Software Manager at eGate Solutions! Michael uses SpotHero weekly and is a loyal parker at our popular West Loop garage, 737 W. Washington. Read on to hear his story and get to know him a bit better!
TC: In your opinion, what’s the best part of our service that you enjoy?
MM: Besides the insane savings I benefit from, your company as a whole truly cares about the customers and it shows. In this day and age, it’s so easy to only care about the bottom line but I feel SpotHero has the opposite mantra, where the customer is truly the number one priority. Even when something doesn’t go as planned in my hectic schedule, your support team is always there to help and try to make it better.
TC: Can you explain eGate Solutions and your position within the organization?
MM: eGate Solutions is a software company that provides technology solutions for passenger planning and fulfillment. I’m a Software Development Manager responsible for coordinating software development teams and ensuring their smooth operational running. I’m also responsible for the planning and coordination of all development projects and solutions for on-time and budget delivery in close alignment with the application development managers, product management and quality assurance teams as well as business operations and external partners.
TC: Outside of work, what things are important to you and why?
MM: First and foremost, my family is everything to me, to see them happy and thriving makes me feel complete. Aside from my family, I enjoy anything outdoors especially activities by the lakefront such as volleyball, running and biking on the lake path.
TC: What app on your phone can you absolutely not live without?
MM: Oh geez, that’s a tough one, but I’m constantly on the New York Times reader app, Hacker and when I’m absolutely bored I tend to get lost in the Reddit app. That’s an app where it’s hard to look away and once you do, you’ve lost hours from your day.
TC: Do you have a mantra you live by or words of wisdom you impart on others?
MM: Whenever I drop my daughter off, I always pass a quote posted in the hallway that reads ‘Respect everyone, fear no one’. For some reason these simple words have truly stuck with me and I try to apply this to my professional and personal life each day. You never know what people are going through in their lives, you should always have a certain level of kindness and respect with anyone you interact with on a day to day basis.
TC: Who is your favorite musician of all time?
MM: I would have to go with Bob Dylan. That man is a true musician and a great songwriter/storyteller.
TC: What is your favorite book of all time?
MM: When I was younger trying to figure out what I wanted to do after college, I read a book by Richard Feynman called ‘Q.E.D.’ which completely changed my life and career path. The basis of the book focuses on Feynman explaining the substance and spirit of quantum science in layman’s term, which led me to develop a passion for computer science and software development.
TC: What was a memorable vacation you’ve taken recently?
MM: I went to Singapore a few years back and it was such a culture shock! I went with no expectations and the level of efficiency and infrastructure within the city-state is beyond impressive. From the sweeping views at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel to the diverse local cuisines, I was thoroughly impressed and will definitely visit again.
TC: What draws you to Chicago, what makes it the perfect city for you and your family?
MM: I mean, I’m from a small town in Minnesota so I can appreciate its’ midwest charm but also having the resources and culture of any world city. Can we also talk about how beautiful Chicago is? This city is truly built on optimism and activism and I can appreciate that. For so long, this city was fine with status quo but today I truly feel it’s tackling real problems that have plagued this city for decades. It’s exciting to be part of that change and honestly I can’t think of another city where I would want to raise my family.