Geek Life: Out of Office Spotlight - Dan Rico, Senior Security Engineer and RC Racing Enthusiast
Geek Life is a series on our website that explores fun stories, memes, humor, and other random items at the intersection of tech, science, business, and culture. In this edition of Out of Office, we shine a spotlight on Dan Rico, a senior security engineer at Truveta, a health data company in the Seattle area. Outside of work, Dan's passion lies in building and racing remote-control cars.
Dan's interest in remote-control cars stems from his father, who was a Microsoft Certified technician in the 1990s. Growing up in New York, Dan witnessed his father's dedication to engineering and his need to disconnect from work by building model airplanes. This early exposure sparked Dan's love for RC planes, helicopters, and cars, leading him to work at a hobby shop and amass a collection of RC toys in his teenage years.
After moving to Seattle and rekindling his hobby, Dan found solace in RC racing as a way to escape the stresses of his career. He races 1/10 and 1/8 scale stock cars, both nitro and electric-powered, at Die Hard RC Park in Snohomish, Washington. The sport has evolved significantly, offering a competitive and physically engaging experience that challenges Dan both mentally and technically.
For Dan, the most rewarding aspect of RC racing is not just about winning but also about building connections with fellow racers and helping others improve their skills. He values the sense of community and camaraderie in the RC racing world, which mirrors the supportive atmosphere he experiences in his cybersecurity work. Dan's hobby not only provides a break from his professional life but also enhances his problem-solving skills and attention to detail, which he applies to his work in incident response.
Dan's passion for RC racing showcases the parallels between his personal interests and professional expertise. His dedication to mentoring others in both realms reflects his commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Through his hobby, Dan finds a balance between work and leisure, drawing inspiration and lessons that benefit his career in cybersecurity.
If you have an out-of-office hobby or side hustle that you're passionate about and would like to share with us, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Join us in celebrating the diverse interests and talents of the tech community beyond the office walls.