Dennis Ameling is a Frontend Engineer from the Netherlands who has been building software products with Leap for two years. We caught up with Dennis about his career journey and what it's like working at Leap.

Q: Describe your role at Leap - what does a day in the life of Dennis look like?

A: As a software engineer, I mostly work on product features like Leap Connect. Honestly, not a single day is the same for me at Leap. I love having variety in my work! There are days where I’m laser-focused on writing code, while on other days I support our Platform team to ensure our systems keep running smoothly, improve documentation for our partners and colleagues or join calls with our partners to ensure we’re really building the right solution for them. I always take the opportunity to jump on new challenges and provide value to my colleagues and our partners.

Q: Tell us about your career journey and what led you to Leap.

A: Technology has intrigued me ever since I was a kid, both the hardware and the software sides of it. My grandparents keep telling me that I was always flipping switches, pressing buttons, finding out all the menu options on their TVs and everything else a curious kid does. And to be honest, I’m still doing that today! I just love getting to know the internals of computers, networks, home appliances - you name it.

I started a company at the age of 16 where I built websites and webshops, helped SMEs with computer problems, building wireless networks, etc. While doing that, I also studied International Business and Management to learn more about the business side of things.

After some years of going from the telecom industry, to Human Resources technology to general IT consulting and software development, I realized that writing software, especially in a remote setting, allows me to provide value to companies wherever I am on this planet. I also wanted to focus on a single product or service, because while working with a mix of customers is fun, the constant context switching can become slightly exhausting.

Then I found Leap! It was an instant match for me based on the company culture, the type of challenges we’re working on and the remote-first approach. Looking back, it still blows my mind that I could just live in Cape Town, South Africa for two months in 2022, building a new product from scratch together with an awesome team while spending my free time enjoying the beautiful nature there. Dreams becoming reality!

Q: What are you excited to be working on now?

A: That would certainly be our new Analyze API and Tab! We’re bringing performance insights to the next level with many new and improved features in this area. It’s been very energizing to work with partners directly to get feedback and iterate on the product. 

Q: What has surprised you most working at Leap? 

A: When I joined Leap, I was immediately impressed with the welcoming, respectful and direct company culture. When I have ideas, they’re always taken seriously. If I feel something’s not right or needs to be addressed, I feel empowered to do so. Conversations are always thoughtful - it’s clear to me that the team is really focused on delivering a top-notch product and experience for our partners. It’s really validating to see that we get such great testimonials from partners, some of them even mentioning that we’re “best-in-class.” I think that’s a direct result of the company culture and talented team we have built!

Q: Any favorite moments to highlight from your time at Leap so far? 

A: Definitely our company-wide offsite this summer in the Netherlands! It was amazing getting to meet many folks in person, discussing some exciting projects, enjoying delicious food and doing fun activities. The team picture taken there - which I’ve set as my laptop background - puts a smile on my face everyday! 

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