Article

It's my honor to introduce one of our newest team members, Justin Alei. I had the opportunity to ask him some questions so we could all get to know him better — I hope you enjoy!

Q: How did you first find out about Foster Made?

A: I first heard of Foster Made back in 2017 through the ExpressionEngine community.  Foster Made was running a competition to promote the annual ExpressionEngine community conference (EE Conf), and I ended up winning a ticket and some other FM swag — I still have the t-shirt!  Then over the years at subsequent conferences, I met several of the team and everyone was so nice that it made me take note. The culture really does overflow into real life interactions, which is a huge testament to the intentionality of how Foster Made has built a people-focused company.

Q: Can you describe your role here at Foster Made?

A: I am a frontend web developer with a specific focus on ExpressionEngine.  Basically I build websites and ‘bring to life’ the work/designs of people way more creative than me.

Q: What are you most excited about or looking forward to at Foster Made?

A: I’m most excited about being able to contribute — I believe we were all created to contribute to this world by doing work that matters and each of us have talents to offer that help other people. Specifically at Foster Made, I’m excited to be able to contribute alongside a thriving team that does excellent work and very clearly openly cares deeply for each other and our clients.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the digital world? What about it inspires you?

A: Great question! My personal mission is to empower, equip and serve people who desire to help and serve others, so I can impact people I may not ever have the opportunity to personally or directly encounter. I think the digital world just opens up so much more opportunity for doing that — both on my part and the part of those looking to serve others with products, services, information, instruction, enlightenment and joy. With the digital world, the reach is larger so the audience is larger and from what I’ve experienced, the overall impact is certainly larger and more people can access things that genuinely improve their lives.

Q: Do you like to travel? I noticed in our zoom calls that you have some cityscape models in your background. Are they the result of your worldly travels? Have you ever traveled somewhere that left a lasting impression on you?

A: Absolutely — my wife and I love to travel and wish we could do it even more than we have, but I’m very blessed to have had the opportunities we have had. I lived in the UK between the ages of 13 and 30, and because everything is just so close within Europe, it’s more accessible to visit different places and cultures. The Lego skylines behind me are definitely a representation of my love of travel, and eventually I’ll make it to all of those places — so far I’ve been to 5 of the 12!

Q: Foster Made developer isn’t the only new role you’re gaining this year! What are you most looking forward to in becoming a new dad? (Congratulations again!)

A: Thank you! Wow, how long do I have?! Can I just say “everything”? In a lot of ways, I can only imagine what the emotions and experiences will be, but I’m incredibly thankful and excited to find out. Our family journey has been a little different than most, but that just makes me more grateful to actually be here. I know I have a lot to learn as a new dad and it will require a lot of me, but I’m totally ready and can’t wait to get to know my little girl.

Q: What’s something about you that might seem surprising or unexpected to others?

A: Hmm, another great question!  I’ll assume this is referring to people that are first getting to know me and I’ll actually give two things:

Firstly, I choose to live life unoffendable.  I’ve discovered this is a conscious choice that we can all choose to make, and in my opinion is absolutely worth doing. When I first chose to live this way there were times that were harder than others to live it out, but with time it really became a rhythm and it really has improved my life and I highly recommend it.

Secondly, I don’t believe in debt. Like I’m completely averse to it. Several years ago I realized I’d led my family into debt and it was crippling us and keeping us from being able to live the life we actually wanted, even though the things we’d borrowed for were ‘necessary’. Long story short, we got intensely focused and paid off almost $80k in 27 months and since then we’ve continued to help others in this area by leading a financial class that outlines exactly how to do it step-by-step. All I have to say is “Dave Ramsey” and that probably stirs up one of two sets of emotions if you know who he is!

Q: What’s something you could talk about endlessly? Why?

A: I’m not sure I could say “endlessly” about anything really, but the three things that come to mind are my faith, personal finances as mentioned above and the Kansas City Chiefs!

Q: Let’s run through a quick list of favorites.

• Season: Fall — crisp, cool air, the beautiful changing colors and in Albuquerque the annual hot air Balloon Fiesta.

• Landscape (beach, winter slopes, city, forest, etc): Each has their place, but I’d say my favorite would be winter on the ski hill.

• Food: BBQ — I’ve been getting into smoking meat and it’s phenomenal.

• Book or TV Show (or both!): Book: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey — genuinely changed our lives.  Show: Right now, Ted Lasso, but also The Mandalorian and those competition type shows like AGT, Lego Masters, Great British Baking Show, etc.

• Plant or Tree: Ones that grow things you can eat — in our yard currently we have apricot, pomegranate, pear, cherry and persimmon trees and even grape vines!

• Game: Video game: The entire Legend of Zelda series  Board/card games: Ticket To Ride, Exploding Kittens and Bang!

• Time of day: 11:11am — the symmetry soothes me :D  November 11th, 2011 was a very good day.

• Tradition or Holiday: Has to be Christmas for all it represents and time with family.

Q: What’s your problem solving style? Are you straight to business and want to take care of things efficiently and move on to the next? Do you like to really think through things and diligently double check your work? Or do you like to fold others into the process and turn the experience into a social, collaborative engagement?

A: I’m definitely thorough and detail-oriented, but I do also like to be as efficient as possible, so I’d say probably a 30/70 mix of the two. Thus far in my role, the social and collaborative parts typically happen before I’m involved, but certainly if it’s necessary or beneficial I’ll pull in others — it’s all about providing the best solution to the problem and that’s not necessarily the most obvious or fastest.

Q: Have you ever gotten into a homemaking hobby of any sort? If so, what? Did you enjoy it?

A: I’m not sure I’d call it a ‘hobby’ per se, but I do really enjoy working outside doing gardening and doing various things around the house working with my hands and not on a screen. Just recently I took on painting our entire house (before the baby comes), replacing light figures, blinds, curtain rods and door hardware. I think the part I enjoy the most is the satisfaction when it’s done and everything looks great. Also, if cooking counts as ‘homemaking’, then I absolutely love that too — especially the eating part and especially if it’s meat from the smoker!