Back of House with George Lawton

Get acquainted with the human-side of FoodStorm as we sit down for monthly interviews with the people who power our business.

George, Full Stack Software Developer, spends his days developing and maintaining the FoodStorm platform, building systems using the latest technologies to push forward the capabilities of our software and opening up more possibilities to our customers.

1) What do you enjoy most about working at FoodStorm?

I really enjoy working with a skilled and motivated team, as well as on projects that use modern technologies to push our system to the next level. The FoodStorm team’s passion for what we do makes sure it’s never a dull moment.

2) Where do you see the catering industry & catering technology going in the future?

COVID forced a lot of caterers to shift focus towards online ordering, most of the other food industries (grocery, fast food etc.) have adopted some form of online storefront whereas some catering companies may not have, I feel that having online menus is the natural direction for catering and FoodStorm’s Website Builder makes it really easy to make a good looking online menu.

I feel like FoodStorm’s Kiosks challenged this direction by offering a middle ground of order online convenience, while maintaining that in-store experience, which paid dividends for our grocery clients that offer in-store catering.

I feel the next step would be to implement some form of machine learning to offer recommendations based on other customer experiences.

3) Tell us about your background that led to you joining the FoodStorm team:

I am a self taught programmer from the UK with my academic background is in video game design, but I fell in love with code and so I shifted focus.

I spent 2 years working freelance on small app projects mainly revolving around the mobile app space. I moved out to Australia in 2015 and worked on a Lead Management System for car dealerships. I found FoodStorm when looking for the next step in my journey at the start of 2020 and haven’t looked back since!

4) What are the values that drive you?

Honesty, consistency and constant improvement.

5) How would you describe FoodStorm in 1 word?

Expert.

6) The best piece of advice I’ve been given was...

My dad would always tell me, the only person that stops you from doing what you want, is you.

7) Cat-person or dog-person?

Bird person, I have a good few years of experience around falconry and my Grandfather runs a bird sanctuary back in the UK called Rutland Owl and Falconry Centre. I also have 2 cats called Magnus and Steve.

8) What’s your favorite way to spend time off?

Programming is also my hobby so I work on various side projects. I play guitar for fun and am also an avid gamer.

9) What are you currently playing, reading, watching or listening to? (i.e. videogame, book, tv series, podcast)

Playing: Final Fantasy 14 Online. Reading: The Gods of Vice by Devin Madson. Listening: Sabaton.

10) What’s next on your bucket list?

Go to Norway 🛫

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