Bobby Jones
Owner / Founder / Dad
HYDRA is where I work and I play. I am courageous, a risk taker, a skeptic, a perfectionist, I have a lot to say but rarely say it, I truly believe timing is everything, I am learning to be a Father, (I love you Riley),I am loved by, and in love with my wife. I am an interface designer at heart, but would say i have an unnatural obsession and excitement with web standards and coding in general.
A few things I like...trying to scream like Underoath, Chipotle, collecting vinyl toys, Northland Church, ideas with purpose, going to shows, shooting photos, how the drums sound on a rock-n-roll record, trips to the Apple store, Roho espresso shots with friends, fall, being up for daybreak, fresh-air, buying organic, the beach, and road trips with no plans.
The Avalanche is a super fun record, check it out!
By far my favorite Podcast GoogleIt > DownloadIt > ConsumeIt!
This is a great little stocking stuffer. Hopefully mine!
This book is blowing my mind, pick it up!
Aaron Harvey
VP of Business Development / Rock Star
You will likely meet me first. I handle the new business at HYDRA Studio. I work directly with our clients from project conceptualization to project planning. From that point, projects are passed off to the genius of our design and development teams. I love that my job requires me to go out for coffee and discuss market, industry and technology trends. I strongly believe that humans must take steps forward even when there is nothing underneath them. Otherwise, we simply exist in a redundant pattern of "point A to point B". I am an avid believer that growth is not possible unless you live outside of your comfort zone. That is the only way to learn about yourself and those around you. Travel is my passion. It mandates introspection and self-awakening.
I do not believe in the proposed black and white line between "business and personal". Our ability to communicate with each other and arrive at a mutually beneficial solution is entirely personal. It takes genuine charisma, trust, and most importantly, respect. All of those traits are unique to our own person and inherently drive our business relationships.
Social progress through the power of unfiltered expression
Amazing record. I have no desire to translate these Icelandic lyrics as I have drawn my own conclusions.
I just want one day like this in my lifetime. Head high hollow beach break with an empty line-up. I deserve it.
Yes, I was a member of chessclub.com and got routinely defeated by twelve year old kids.
Michael Parler
Interactive Director / Myspace Addict
So let's say you're a new-born baby HYDRA web client. First you get to have your fun with Mr. Aaron Harvey. You and he laugh, skip, and hold hands all the way into the sunset. The very next morning you wake up to a heaping handful of Michael Parler in 5th gear.
When your web project is green-lit, I'm the guy you'll be meeting with, carving out your website's architecture, wire-framing your new online application, consulting to help define your new social network's features, and mapping out your eCommerce solution's launch into a massively deep impact on planet Cyberspace.
While your project is being passed around our rock-solid development pipeline (see: Team Below), I'll still be that wonderful checkpoint along the way, providing you ample feedback, scheduling meetings, supplying progress updates, attempting small talk, and most importantly, keeping your project rolling.
Never leave home without it. Every day I usually wash 3 hours of my life down the drain just talking on this thing.
You can catch me waving at the at the other ones passing by. It's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand.
Progressive post-metal finds minimalism and makes babies named Isis. These guys are always in the CD rotation.
Even though I don't watch a lot of TV, I still have the balls to mention Home and Garden Television on my profile.
Jason Burrows
Account Manager / Afraid of Poultry
Whether it's a ring on the phone or a flight to your office, I am here to make sure your ride with HYDRA is as smooth as possible. Always know that you are welcome to call or email me anytime, but be wary if we go to lunch. You'll quickly notice that I have a serious portion control problem. Seriously, I am not afraid to devour my entire meal AND what is left of yours, unless of course, your meal consists of any form of poultry. I am severely allergic to all our feathered friends. Not so fun.
Music is my passion and my outlet. For as long as I can remember I have been rehearsing, recording and performing music, and I have my dad to thank for that. I started out playing "The Little Drummer Boy" in a church play, and now, after touring the country several times with a few different bands, my passion for percussion continues.
I am unbelievably thrilled to be a part of a team that continues to push the envelope of interactive design and development. I look forward to creating a relationship with you and playing that integral role in achieving your interactive goals.
Frank McCourt is a brilliant teller of the story. If you want to read one of the best autobiographies ever written, check out Angela’s Ashes
In my opinion, best custom drum company on this planet. Hum, Hum, Hum.
If you want to hear something haunting sound absolutely beautiful, then give anything in this man’s catalogue a spin.
YUM! I am such a sucker.
David Rogers
Lead Developer / Geek of All Trades
Having dutifully sworn that I'd never again grace the payroll of another 9-to-5, corporate hive, I now find myself willingly shackled to yet another workstation at yet another cubicle in what is by far the least typical corporate experience of my life. At this stage in my life, I'm becoming quite accustomed to being proven wrong.
Yes, I was one of those entrepreneurial spirits known collectively amongst the accounting world as "Independent Contractors", and what a care-free existence it was! Flitting about from client to client, desperately pleading for invoices to be paid, expenses to be compensated, with a devil-may-care attitude towards financial obligation and the healthcare system. What a life! Well, what a challenging adventure... For a while...
As a Geek of All Trades, I know a little something about just about everything, and almost all of it is random, worthless knowledge. Challenge me not in Trivial Pursuit; you have been warned. As King of the Nerds it is my destiny to lead my people into a bold new era of Nerd-run utopia, wherein which the unsung Intelligencia of the world shall unite and throw off our oppressors. As soon as I figure out who that might be, the revolution shall ensue...!
Free, DJ-mixed, listener-supported internet radio station, featuring modern and classic rock, world music, electronica and more (read the banner). Listening constantly...
I likes the video games, and its are funny. You s hood read!!!11!
Purveyors of the original Swiss Army Knife and other fine goods.
I'm on my second, a 97 Impreza Outback Sport wagon, up from a 92 Legacy LS wagon. Doing most of the maintenance myself on every vehicle I've ever owned, I much appreciate the engineering at Subaru. AWD, BABY!
Halley
Office Manager / World's Greatest Mom
Hi, I'm Halley the only girl on the Hydra Team. I handle everything from keeping the power on to invoicing our clients! I am married to and look forward to spending the rest of my life with the guy who also happens to be at the top of this page.(Bobby) Currently, I only work part-time because my days are usually spent chasing after our 10 month old Riley. I know it sounds cliche, but I really don't know how I lived without him. He is the most amazing person I've ever met and I absolutely LOVE being his mommy. Other things I love are music, date nights, hanging out with my friends when I get the chance, art, chai tea lattes, my new Volkswagen, and traveling.
I'm proud to say I have the most adorable baby on the planet!
Your'e either in or your out.
I can't stop listening to this album.
If I wasn't working here I would probably be working at the MAC counter.
Shayne
Lead Designer / Buffet-Goer
My name is Michael Shayne Bruno, but everyone who knows me calls me Shayne. It’s kinda stupid that isn’t my first name. I guess I have my parents to thank for that. I’m 23 years old, even though I feel like I’m 47. I currently live in Lake Mary, Florida. I graduated from Full Sail with a degree in Digital Media.
I listen to a lot of music. Everything from Sigur Ros to Kenny Chesney. I’m lying about the Kenny Chesney part. I’m a really big movie purchaser. I have a collection of about 400 DVDs. That is probably why I’m so broke all the time. I like alot of sports. UFC would have to be my favorite though. I also enjoy surfing when I get the chance, and skateboarding when I’m not too lazy. Other than that, I have fun chillin’ with friends.
I’ve been working for HYDRA for a year now. I love everyday at my job. Who wouldn't love a job doing what they love and hanging out with friends while you do it. We are a pretty close team and when we’re not working together, we are probably throwing the Nerf ball into the lake.
A new art interest of mine. Handmade plush dolls are becoming more and more popular.
I know I’m gonna get crap for this, but I can’t stop listening to this album.
This book has helped inspire me through many tough days of logo designing.
Instructions for everyday life. Learn how to turn your old crap into new treasures.
Zach Wood
Front End Developer / Cheap Date
I've been pretty amazed by the internet ever since the day my family upgraded to a 28.8k modem. Some time has passed since my aol 3.0 home-page days, the web has changed a lot and keeping up with what's new is something I'm quite passionate about.
I'm Zach, the second third fourth fifth sixth seventh newest addition to the HYDRA hood. From the first time I met these guys I knew they had something special and I wanted to be a part of it. I do mostly front end work with a sprinkle of server side code now and then. My forte is xhtml / css / javascript, but here at HYDRA everyone wears a few different hats so I dabble in Flash and others.
I grew up a military brat and have lived all over the country, but I consider Florida my home and will rep it 4 life. I went to the University of Central Florida's Digital Media program where I learned all about nerd stuff and really fell in love with this line of work. Just in case this whole internet thing doesn't pan out, my backup career choice is either monster truck driver or hot dog stand guy.
When not working I like to ride bicycles, visit some of Florida's many fresh water springs, stay current on world news, tinker with my motorcycle and try to keep potted house plants alive.
From the worst team in NFL history to Super Bowl XXXVII champions, I love them bad Bucs.
Melts my heart.
I don't know anything about wine, my sense of taste is dull and I usually prefer Miller High Life. But with some help I'm turning into a cultured grown-up.
I easily ride my bike 10x more than I drive my car.
Rob
Developer / 1/9th of the Wu-Tang Clan
My name is RZA; I don't really know why HYDRA named me RZA, but its sweet. I'm a momma's boy, so it only made sense to me that since she was a programmer, I should be too. It's in my blood, I guess. You know what else is in my blood? A constant stream of caffeine. I love coffee, it's my life source--some people choose like... a healthy dosage of sleep, but not me!
I'm a graduate of Digital Media and Entertainment Business from Full Sail, the influence of my dad brought me into the business world and my mom into the arts and computer world, so I did both. But going back to my roots (and what would make my mom happy), I've chosen to be a PHP Developer. I'm super ADD, but I don't really like it so I'm not going to talk about it anymore.
Aside from my programming, I thoroughly enjoy painting and in general creating things from nothing. Back in the day, at the unfortunate expense of my parents, I used to take everything apart just to figure out how they work. I have a poor success rate of being able to put them back together, so I don't really do that anymore. In addition to that, I frequently find myself enjoying doing nothing, watching the History channel, reading Digg, playing Paintball and playing video games.
It's not a Jeep thing, but it's still cool.
Alternative rock meets electronic that results in an epic proportion of awesome.
Nothing like traveling nationwide to shoot people. Pew pew pew!
Something about it tickles my unusual sense of humor on the level nothing else can.
Tim
Motion Artist / Flash Animator / Tool Time enthusiast
My name is Tim Allen. Yes, that is my real name. I swear. I have been going through most of my life hearing, "Like the guy from the tool show, right!? Wow that is so awesome!" Truthfully, NO, it isn't awesome. If any of you have ever seen Office Space and the Michael Bolton scene, everytime i meet new people it goes kind of like that. But I digress...
I graduated from Full Sail in August of 2007 with a Bachelor in DigitalArt and Design. I have divoted most my life to art in one form or another. I was a huge band nerd all through Middle and High School and there is nothing I would have rather done. It was in music that i found my passion for all things art. After I graduated High School I started a band with some close friends and toured a little bit. While in the band I decided that I was going to figure out how to design our show flyers and web presence.
I found so much joy in creating art this way and became hooked. Years later I decided to make a huge leap and get a formal education in Digital Art and Design cause we all know the "Rock Star Dream" is hard to achieve and I didn't want to be a starving artist for the rest of my life. It is literally a dream to be a part of the team here at HYDRA because the work and the people here are as good as it gets.
Submit to the evil empire. It tastes so good!
Seriously one of the best bands around. Oh, Sleeper is amazing. I promise.
This is a great place to find great inspiration and to see groundbreaking innovation in Flash Development. thefwa.com
It is literallly all things holy for anyone who conciders themselves to be any kind of "geek" or "nerd". Best podcast ever created.
Jamal
PHP Developer / Terminally gangster
To start this off as cliche as the rest. My name is Jamal Fanaian. The last name is Persian. I'm actually quite confused about my nationality. My mom is American, my dad is Persian. I was born in Logan, Utah, grew up in Dominican Republic. Now I'm in Orlando! (Well Sanford to be exact). That kind of happened with quite a few years in between. Anyways, to move on. I'm assuming I'm the youngest member of the Hydra team, since that's how it has been at my last few jobs. I do have to say, its odd. Additionally, I'm the newest member, until someone else joins and states on here that I am not. I'm pretty excited about joining the team. Its very different compared to my past jobs and very unique. I love the structure and so far love the people here.
I am a PHP Developer by trait. Started back in 8th grade by learning HTML. Obviously, from there that grew to learning more and eventually landed me my PHP obsession. I have always been curious about computers and technology so I guess I fit right in as a developer. I do often wonder into other realms of development, to expand my knowledge and such. For example, I've recently been playing with Ruby and Python. I've even been learning about system administration and such. Its good to keep your head full of knowledge. Someday my head will become too heavy for my body I'm sure.
Sadly, I don't have a music history like everyone else here seems to. I do enjoy music, I am learning to play a guitar but my procrastination has mostly taken over. I'd love to one day be able to make music though. Anyways, I'm talking too much so I am going to stop. Now back to work!
I just found out about them about a week ago, because they will be playing a show with another band I love, The Fall of Troy, here. They are very unique and awesome!
Plainly put, tea is awesome.
Ouch, I don't know what to say. I'm addicted.
Windows, I'm done with you! Don't worry, there's no need to cry.
Parker
Intern / popcorn poppin', pop-tart toastin' freebird
My passion for media arts extends far back into my high school days. I was always torn between art and science for my classes. I took every class I could for each and by the time I graduated I had to make that choice art school or computer science. But I couldn't come to a decision and i had always been toying with the idea of taking some time off, So I did! , 4 years off!
Within those 4 years I did a lot of cool stuff from, snowboard tech repair to sailing on a 170ft 100year old wooden schooner. These jobs bought me time to think about what I wanted to pursue as far as my career and education are concerned.
The day came that enough was enough and I decided that my days of living from paycheck to paycheck should come to an end. So I embarked on that mythical journey known as getting a college degree. I completed my first degree, a associates of science, where I majored in digital media. I loved College so much that I decided that id go back . This time I would major in something closer to what I intended in the first place, web design.
This is where I am currently in my life, living my dream as an intern here at hydra, where they seem to have a firm grasp on blending art and technology into a single unifying manner.
My love for the ocean almost outweighs my love for the web
I love music, it drives me at whatever I do
Unlike Zach I don't own a car so any type of bike awareness I like. Check out my flickr photo stream of critical mass Orlando.
I love knowing what the coolest new trends are and behance is a great place to find what's good out there.
Gareth
Consultant PHP Developer / A pub-loving, tea & crumpets kind of bloke
I moved to the US from Brighton, UK in 2006 with my family after realizing the US was a much nicer place if you want to run your own business, and if you don't like getting rained on every day of the year.
Hydra gives me a call when they need extra input on a project or need to get something done quickly, I'm like the Batman of software development. So far I've helped the team with software architecture, framework development, database design and tens of thousands of lines of PHP code.
I'm a typical geeky software developer, obsessed with underlying structure and functionality. I love to pull things apart to see how they're constructed - discovering particularly great code inside an application is like discovering poetry.
I have a degree in Artificial Intelligence and I've been programming since I was 9, when I discovered I could write my own MS-DOS games in QBASIC. Since then I've dabbled in everything from C# to Lisp, but it was love at first sight when I discovered PHP and all the creativity it allows.
When I'm not working with Hydra I like long walks on the beach, sunsets and working on my startup business(es).
A dark, sarcastic British comedy about two flatmates, told from an alternating first person point of view as they try to be cool and (fail to) get girls.
Keeps me in touch with the outside world. The Internet is great for unlimited free news, but it's hard to get an overview of what's going on - The Economist digests it and gives me the interesting bits along with an occasional dose of dry wit.
Design can make the simplest things beautiful and the most complex things easy to use. It's great working at Hydra alongside talented designers every day.
My awesome girlfriend, who puts up with me programming for 12 hours a day. Here she is getting eaten by a dinosaur at Dinosaur World, the world's most awesome roadside attraction.