Name: Eric Twilegar
Department: IT Department
Time with onPeak: 15 + 7
Birthday: July 13
Can you tell us about your path to becoming the Sr Director of Product and Technology at onPeak?
I started with Travel Technology Group (TTG) as a Web Developer on Jan 3rd, 2000. What a way to kick off the millennia ey? At that point I had been doing desktop, networking, and server support for a larger corporation, but I had been programming software since my early teens. So, this was my first professional coding gig. This was during the .COM rush and Compass was still in early development. The database guy at TTG decided to move to Seattle, so I jumped into that role. I kept taking roles like reporting, server deployment, and Euro expert. The first few years were crazy with many overnighters and way too much junk food. Portillos and Rock and Roll McDonalds were my kitchen. Since I had banged out a lot of Compass both coding and deployment I was just naturally involved and became Director of Tech around 2005. I met my wife at TTG and we decided to move to Madison to start our family and this meant leaving TTG. I did stay on as a consultant and did work here and there until returning full time as a developer again in 2009 and then we became onPeak. We created the new external around this time and I took over database functions and other duties. As the existing director left, I took his role. When Covid struck the head of Tech and Product left and I assumed that role….and here we are once again.
What trends in technology are you most excited about and why?
AI is the only game in town now for better and worse. I think I am not excited about the grand visions as much as AI making basic internet searches faster and more productive. There are many times when folks need help in Excel, writing formally, or doing some math and AI can give you a great start and save you time. As for just doing our jobs it is mostly just hype, but it certainly should be able to get rid of some of the drudgery.
Do you have a favorite tech gadget or app that you can’t live without?
My days of playing with every new gadget ended a while back or maybe they have slowed down now that everything is just on our phones. I’m starting to get there with Gemini as I’m probably asking it first before doing a search.
What is one unexpected item on your bucket list?
Honestly, I don’t really have a bucket list. But if you need me to help with yours let me know. I’m trying to see all 33 NHL teams live, but that’s expected if you know me.
What’s one movie or tv show you could watch repeatedly?
I think I watched Edge of Tomorrow like 30 times for some reason. Back when cable was a thing and it was always on Showtime. Now its YouTube clips of Shorsey, 30 rock, Family Guy, and whatever the algorithm thinks I’m into this week.
What is the best place you have ever traveled to, and what made it special?
Amsterdam was my first trip out of the country. I was installing Compass and barely old enough to drink, so it was eye-opening. The canals and laid back atmosphere make it a nice place to be. Italy was a close second because of the company and all the history and good food.
