Farewell to Rob

Getting reuseit.com live this week has us amped - we really can't wait to see what you guys think of all the reorganization and redesign we've been working on for months now. Despite our excitement, though, this week is bittersweet because we're saying goodbye to someone who has been with us from just about the very beginning - our CTO Rob Vogelbacher.

Our company's founder Vincent Cobb knew he wanted Rob as a part of our team right away - but e commerce was a far cry from Rob's scientific background. It took some persuasion, but he was finally convinced to join us around 2007.

Wrapping up the biggest project he's had since he started with us nearly four years ago, Rob has accepted a new position at IBM. We're so proud of Rob and this awesome opportunity he has to pursue his interest in science.

You know how there are people who know a lot about specific things, and other who know a little bit about everything? Well, around here, Rob is known as the guy who knows a lot about everything. Whether it's music, biology, home brewing, personal fitness, religious philosophy or even funny t-shirts, Rob has a fascinating, thoughtful perspective on almost everything. We're going to miss having someone so knowledgeable about so many things around to turn to with questions about... everything. Sadly, Wikipedia is not as friendly or as fun to talk to as Rob. 

For years, we've all appreciated his patience with those of us who are not-so-talented with html or really, with computers in general - and we love his polite way of reminding us when we've already asked him how to do something 13 times. Rob's willingness to take the extra time to teach us how to do things behind the scenes on our site has made us all more self-sufficient, although we still bother him at least 25 times a day for the things we forget how to do.

Each of us can look back at the time we've spent with this company and list off things we've learned, things we are now capable of, and skills we've added to our resumes thanks to Rob. A few of us even have a repertoire of html jokes we would not have had without knowing him. Coffee <br />, anyone?

Although some of us will be glad to have all of the high protein bars on the snack shelf for ourselves when Rob says good bye this Friday, we'll all miss seeing his bike locked up downstairs each morning (even in the winter!) and being able to stop by his desk for a friendly chat. 

From all of us at reuseit, we thank Rob for everything he's done to get us to where we are - and we wish him all the best in his new endeavors. We will miss you!