Meet Roberto Torres, a Software Architect based in Colombia who has been with us for three years!
Roberto is thoughtful and very well centered. And he shows hallmarks of a great architect—someone who can stay true to fundamentals while integrating and balancing the many challenges coming at them to ensure that the people he works with—the team he’s a part of—are as successful as they can be to move the needle as much as possible for the customer.
– A.J. Singh, CEO, Modularis
What is your role at Modularis?
I am a Software Architect; I focus most of my time on one of our clients and essentially act as their software development team lead. I help to organize work weekly, interacting with different departments like support and IT. We work together to define the client’s priorities so we can help them make the best decisions to help ensure the future of their company. Along with another Modularis engineer, we act as an extension of the client’s team.
What does delivering value for your customers mean to you?
Before I started at Modularis, I was frequently “tech first” rather than first thinking of what I could deliver to the client. Modularis has helped me make that switch; now, when I start a project, I ask myself what the goal is. What are we providing the client and will this help the client save money or make money? This way we focus on helping the client make the right decisions, and provide them with any help they need along the way.
Roberto has an amazing combination of hunger for knowledge and a quest for self-improvement. He is humble and has grit—he’s not easily shaken by challenges. -A.J. Singh
How long have you been at Modularis?
I have been with Modularis for three years now.
How did you hear about Modularis?
It’s an interesting story! I was working with a company that partnered with Modularis. I got to know the Modularis team and the culture and had no doubt it would be a good fit for me. Jaime asked me if I wanted to join the team and my wife agreed that it was a great idea to take the leap. And here I am!
What made you decide to take the job at Modularis?
It was the culture and the team at Modularis that drove my decision to take the job. In addition, I am always looking for a challenge. When I started at Modularis, I noted that A.J. tells everyone the same thing: it will never get boring, and there’s always something new to learn. And it’s been like that for all three years!
At Modularis, the leadership team always tries to share their knowledge with us. They put a big focus on us growing as people. I saw an opportunity to work for a company that provides a good environment to grow as a software engineer and as a person.
What did you do before joining the team?
I have always worked as a software engineer with different companies; some outside of Colombia, including the U.S. While working with other companies, it was usually with Microsoft technologies.
Where did you go to school?
I went to Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia.
What did you study?
I studied software engineering and software development at university.
What has your career path been like in software development?
I have always worked in software development and engineering. I dabbled in web design and other IT/database work for a short time. But about 12 years ago, I started focusing 100% on MS technologies and software engineering.
What is your favorite project you have worked on at Modularis?
I have mainly worked with one client during my time at Modularis and I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve learned new technologies through various internal projects as well. For example, we’re transferring to an EOS model and looking at how we’re working internally. I’m helping define how we can help younger colleagues to grow through a mentorship program and how this will help our clients. Every day is different, which is a challenge, and one that I enjoy.
Tell us about your life outside of work. Family life? Hobbies?
I used to love sleeping a lot, but now I have two dogs and two kids so that has changed. During my free time, I love to spend time with my family. We try to get outside as much as possible and take frequent trips outside the city to enjoy the fresh air. I love to see my kids happy; they have almost a 10-year age difference, but they love each other.
What should people know about Modularis and how we support the unique challenges of software development?
First, it’s important to note that there’s always another way to do things or a way to do things differently. At Modularis, we take the time to create a relationship with our clients so we understand their needs and can help them make the best decisions; be that for the company, their software development, or R&D management–we will always try to help take care of our clients and direct them to the best decision. We are a family-first company, and we consider our clients to be a part of our family.
We take ownership of our decisions and make sure that we won’t negatively impact our clients with the direction we recommend. We always look for the best solutions for our clients so they don’t have to worry; this lets them focus on growth and scaling their business. If mistakes are made, we look in the mirror and learn from the situation so we can determine what to do differently the next time and how to help prevent others from making similar mistakes.
What are your personal values and how do they help you in your work at Modularis?
I started making use of the MOD values in my personal life! Most importantly, family first. I always think about my family and how I can guarantee them a better future and build on our relationships. It is important to me that I teach my kids to be responsible for their own decisions and to recognize and take accountability for mistakes when they’re made. My wife and I both use these values in our personal lives.
Roberto is mature beyond his years and has a quiet, confident leadership style that’s exactly what all architects should have. He’s looking to improve himself, not for selfish or prideful reasons but because he knows that’s the path to lifting all those he touches—his colleagues, customers, and family—as well and as far as he can. -A.J. Singh