Meet the latest edition to our VAPAR team. Introducing our new Key Account Manager, Asha Siddique. Here’s a bit more about the new VAPARINO!
Meet the latest addition to our team: Jay Brar
Meet the latest addition to our team: Jay Brar
Jay is a versatile marketing professional with extensive experience, including collaborating with prominent global IT organisations, developing marketing plans for franchise gym models, and providing support to Government funded Healthcare Partners. Throughout his career, Jay’s unwavering passion for problem-solving and operational efficiency has remained a driving force.
Jay, a proud member of the vibrant Indian Panjabi community, was born and raised in Western Sydney. Apart from his professional pursuits, he finds immense joy in sports and music, particularly cricket and the captivating rhythms of EDM.
To gain deeper insights into Jay’s character, delve into the following Q&A session.
Why Marketing?
JB: Ever since my high school days, I have been captivated by the intricacies of consumer behavior and the profound impact the advertising industry has on people’s well-being. I am genuinely fascinated by the underlying psychology that drives individuals to desire certain materials and how organisations adeptly construct their brands to present “benefits” to their target audience.
This unyielding curiosity led me to embrace the pursuit of ethical marketing. Advertising, sales, and marketing have long been integral industries that span generations and will undoubtedly endure for generations to come. Rather than merely bemoaning the issues I observe, I aspire to be an active contributor to the solutions.
Why VAPAR?
JB: Great transition!
VAPAR embodies a product-led growth model embraced by an exceptional work culture and prosperous environment. When I first met Amanda and Michelle, I was instantly drawn to their story and wholeheartedly embraced their vision. When Amanda, with a knowing chuckle, inquired, “Why pipes?”, I replied with a smile that my North Star is founded on delivering value to others. This is what motivates me to get out of bed every morning and contribute meaningfully to a cause that genuinely benefits society.
With an impressive repertoire of resources and talent, VAPAR is poised for a brilliant future. Its alignment with both my personality and skill set is precisely why I consider VAPAR my professional home.
Punjabi Music or Bollywood Movies?
JB: This is a difficult choice for me, as both Punjabi music and Bollywood movies dominate my leisure time and childhood. Nevertheless, I must give the edge to Punjabi music. It exudes electrifying energy, and I find it to be the perfect complement to my gym sessions and long drives. Besides, Punjabi music boasts a rich cultural heritage, so it frequently finds its way into contemporary Bollywood films.
Would you rather spend a day with Virat Kohli or Shah Rukh Khan?
JB: Both Virat Kohli and Shah Rukh Khan are undisputed legends and “GOATs” in their respective domains. While I am a lifelong supporter of RCB and Bleed Blue, Shah Rukh Khan has made an indelible mark on the realm of Indian cinema. Hence, I would welcome the opportunity to spend a day in the company of SRK. I am confident that his captivating life experiences and wisdom would make for an exhilarating and enlightening encounter.
For more information about the latest developments at VAPAR, you can connect with Jay via our Contact page.
Meet the latest addition to our team: Neil Cui
Meet the latest addition to our team: Neil Cui
Neil has a strong passion for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. He recently completed his Master’s degree in Information Technology, specialising in Artificial Intelligence. Prior to his academic pursuit, Neil worked in the investment advising sector. He is consistently inspired by the capabilities of technology and is continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow in both his professional and personal life.
Get to know him a little better by reading this Q&A below.
Why Artificial Intelligence?
NC: Artificial Intelligence is like a magic tool for me. It allows us to create systems that can learn, adapt, and potentially act independently in a variety of scenarios. This fascinating blend of technology and autonomy can help transform the way we understand and interact with the world. AI is at the forefront of many breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to finance, which makes it a captivating area of study and work. I’m inspired by its potential to drive positive change and innovations that can benefit our society.
Why VAPAR?
NC: VAPAR’s mission to revolutionize how we manage and maintain underground pipes deeply resonated with me. I’m driven by using Artificial Intelligence and Data Science technology to address real-world issues, and I find that VAPAR’s commitment to this goal aligns with my own interests. I’m excited to be a part of a team that shares this vision and is devoted to making a significant and positive impact on the industry.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
NC: If I could have dinner with any historical figure, it would be Albert Einstein. His profound contributions to the field of physics and his revolutionary theories have always fascinated me. I would love to pick his brain, hear his thoughts on the intersection of science and philosophy, and gain insights into his creative thought processes. It would be an incredible opportunity to learn from one of the greatest minds in history.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
NC: In my free time, I have a few interests and hobbies that keep me engaged and energized. One of my favourite activities is playing tennis. I find it not only a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle but also an opportunity to challenge myself and improve my skills on the court. I also have a strong passion for travelling and exploring new places. I find the experience of travel to be incredibly enriching and eye-opening. In addition, I enjoy playing video games as a form of relaxation and entertainment. It allows me to unwind, immerse myself in captivating virtual worlds, and connect with friends through multiplayer experiences. Lastly, I’m a self-proclaimed foodie and love trying different types of cuisine. I find great joy in experiencing the diverse flavours and culinary delights that the world has to offer.
For more information about the latest developments at VAPAR, you can connect with Neil via LinkedIn or our Contact page.
Meet the latest addition to our team: Daniel Harkin
Meet the latest addition to our team: Daniel Harkin
Dan is a skilled management professional with a background in engineering & luxury business management, who is passionate about developing & delivering innovative client experiences. Originally from the UK he’s happy to now call Australia home and joins the team as our Customer Success Manager (AU/ NZ).
Get to know him a little better by reading this Q&A below.
What brought you to work at VAPAR?
DH: After studying electronics at university and a few years working in a research department I decided to take a working holiday in Australia. I worked in luxury business management for roughly 10 years and I’ve wanted to continue to develop amazing customer experiences for businesses that will have future impact. Waterways and stormwater infrastructure are fundamental to Australia’s health & well-being – It’s inspiring to see the innovative work VAPAR is doing to better manage this and I am very excited to be part of the team!
If you had to lose the use of one of your senses, which one would it be??
DH: Well, I think as a person whose biggest pleasures in life come from Music and Food I’d have to say losing my sight. I’m currently paying the price for having listened to headphones and going to a lot of gigs/clubs when I was younger with tinnitus and hearing loss – but no regrets! I definitely couldn’t live without taste/ smell, greek food is waaay too good to miss out on.
True or False?
“A five-day washed-out Test in Sydney is much better than a five-day Test in Adelaide because, at the end of it, you’ve spent five days in Adelaide,”
DH: I’d say false, for two reasons:
I would be pretty happy it got rained off. Cricket just isn’t for me – I’ve tried watching it and played it as a kid, I’m just used to sports that are more…exhilarating, like climbing or boxing.
Adelaide has a lot to offer, you just have to work a little harder to find it. We have outstanding beaches and coastline, incredible produce (including wineries) and at this time of the year has a huge influx of international performing arts & culture for the Adelaide Festival, WOMAD and the Tour Down Under.
If you could pick one country to travel to, which country would it be and why?
DH: There are just so many, it’s a difficult task to limit to one but my answer would have to be Argentina, more specifically Patagonia. I’ve wanted to go since watching a documentary on a very well know Argentine chef – Francis Mallmann, I’d love to see the incredible vistas, wildlife and experience a culture so connected to the land and environment (despite the cold).
For more information about the latest developments at VAPAR, you can connect with Daniel via LinkedIn or our Contact page.
Meet the latest addition to our team: Elakkiya Ramarajan
Meet the latest addition to our team: Elakkiya Ramarajan
Elakkiya is a skilled computer vision and deep learning professional who has worked across a range of industries, including supply chain, biomedical, and digital marketing. She is also committed to using inclusive technologies like computer vision to drive positive social impact.
Get to know her a little better by reading this Q&A below.
Why Data Science?
ER: Data Science is fascinating because it allows us to apply scientific methods to what may appear to be unrelated data to uncover hidden insights and patterns. Playing with data is like solving a mystery, piecing together the clues to uncover a story.
And with image data, the possibilities are even more exciting. From computer vision and image recognition to data analysis and predictive modeling, there’s so much that can be done to transform image data into actionable information. Data Science is a thrilling field that combines the joy of discovery with the power to drive change and make a real impact.
Why VAPAR?
ER: I am passionate about joining the team at VAPAR because of their focus on solving underwater pipe-related challenges, which are critical for the normal functioning of infrastructure but often overlooked. As a growing company full of passionate people, I know that VAPAR is the perfect place for me to contribute my skills and grow as a professional.
I am eager to work with a team that is dedicated to making a positive impact and to be a part of a company that is pushing the boundaries in its field. I believe that VAPAR has the potential to make a significant difference, and I am excited to be a part of their journey.
If you could only use one website for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
ER: If I could only use one website for the rest of my life, it would have to be Reddit.com. I’d have access to a wealth of information and entertainment, from breaking news and current events to memes.
It’s like having the entire internet in one place! The best part? With Reddit, there’s never a dull moment – it’s the gift that keeps on giving! So whether I’m looking for serious content or just a good laugh, I think Reddit is the one website that truly has it all.
If you could live in any fictional world, where would you choose to live and why?
ER: If I could live in any fictional world, I would choose to live in the world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The MCU is a vast and dynamic world filled with heroes and villains, amazing technology, and incredible powers.
I would love the chance to explore the different corners of this world, from the futuristic cityscapes of Wakanda to the cosmic reaches of space. I would also have the opportunity to interact with some of the most iconic characters in popular culture, from Iron Man and Captain America to Black Panther and Thor.
Living in the MCU would be a thrilling and action-packed adventure, and I would relish the chance to become part of this world and to shape my own destiny within it. Whether saving the world from intergalactic threats or fighting for justice on the streets of New York City, life in the MCU would be an unforgettable experience.
For more information about the latest developments at VAPAR, you can connect with Elakkiya via LinkedIn or our Contact page.
Meet the latest addition to our team: Jessica Diver!
Meet the latest addition to our team: Jessica Diver!
Jess started her journey as a software developer by enrolling in a full-time coding boot camp and now has over 4 years of experience. She is passionate about using technology for positive change and continuously seeks opportunities to learn and grow both professionally and personally.
Get to know her a little better by reading this Q&A below.
Tell us a bit about your background.
JD: Besides a year abroad in New York, I’ve lived and worked in Sydney my whole life. 4 years ago, I decided to become a software developer by doing a 3-month boot camp and luckily went straight into my first role after that.
How did you come to join VAPAR?
JD: When I came across VAPAR I was looking for an opportunity to refine my software skills in a new environment. I must have also been seeking out female leadership because when I saw a backend developer role at a female-founded tech startup, it was something I couldn’t say no to.
What are your interests outside of work?
JD: I like to stay active. I enjoy running, and playing touch football and recently added reformer pilates to the repertoire. In my downtime, I like to read and knit and occasionally binge something on Netflix.
Do you consider yourself more of an introvert or an extrovert?
JD: True to my developer stereotype I’d consider myself an introvert at heart as I value my downtime, but I also love to be social and hang out with friends so I guess somewhere in the middle?
For more information about the latest developments at VAPAR, you can connect with Jess via LinkedIn or our Contact page.
Meet the latest addition to our team: Simon Scheepers!
Meet the latest addition to our team: Simon Scheepers!
Meet Simon Scheepers, your new Technical Lead at VAPAR. With over 19 years of technical experience across multiple industries, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.
Get to know him a little better by reading his Q&A below.
Why Technology?
SS: I grew up in a creative home, my mother is an artist, and so I was exposed to that environment my whole childhood. I did pretty well academically at school, particularly around STEM subjects, but I also loved the arts. When it came time to enrol in university I chose Computer Science as it would give me the best opportunity to express myself, and it could open opportunities into the vast array of avenues within technology.
Why VAPAR?
SS: I have worked in many industries, from startups to large mining companies, which has afforded me the opportunity to work with some wonderful people, great technology and some purposeful products: VAPAR encompasses all of these great qualities. After meeting Michelle and Amanda and understanding the purpose behind VAPAR and all it wants to achieve, it really was an obvious choice.
Any tips for anyone wanting a career in technology ??
SS: Invest in a great coffee machine, and you’ll save a small fortune.
For more information about the latest developments at VAPAR, you can connect with Simon via LinkedIn or our Contact page.
Meet the latest addition to our team: Darren Inglis
Meet the latest addition to our team: Darren Inglis!
Meet Darren Inglis, our new Senior Frontend Engineer! With 8 years of experience in the field, Darren has mastered frontend technologies and has a track record of delivering exceptional solutions for clients. Get to know him a little better by reading his Q&A below.
Tell us a bit about your background.
DI: My name is Darren and I’ve come on board VAPAR as a Senior Frontend Engineer to assist in building their exciting new version of VAPAR.
I’ve spent the best part of my career forging new user interfaces and improving tired old designs. I love taking complexity and stripping it away to reveal what’s most pure and rendering that to the user.
How did you come to choose VAPAR?
DI: My career’s been guided by the following: “Work with great people on interesting products”.
So when the opportunity to join VAPAR presented itself I knew I had found home.
What are your interests outside of work?
DI: When I’m not trying to push all the buttons in the right order. I love nothing more than spending time with my young family.
For more information about the latest developments at VAPAR, you can connect with Darren via LinkedIn or our Contact page.
Meet the latest addition to our team: Declan Smit
Meet the latest addition to our team: Declan Smit!
Declan Smit has joined VAPAR as your Customer Success Analyst; with strong data analysis background, he will be creating interactive Power BI dashboards and gathering user insights from the platform to improve the customer experience.
To share a little more about Declan, we asked him to answer some questions about his background, interests and more.
Tell us a bit about your background.
DS: When I was younger, I travelled around the world in places like South America and later to the UK. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as a career, so I did a Business and Management degree at the University of Portsmouth. I really enjoyed my time there; I studied a variety of subjects but was drawn to process improvement and reducing inefficiencies. Once I completed university, I started my role at South West Water, analysing the data and applying what I learnt from my studies. In a short period, I grew in that role to become one of the main data analysts in my area of specialisation, developing processes and learning new ways of presenting data to a high level.
What made you choose VAPAR?
DS: At South West Water I started to develop my analytical skills however felt limited in the access I was given. The opportunity to join VAPAR was very enticing as they have given me the freedom to be creative with displaying data and further my skills in a supportive environment.
What are your interests outside of work?
DS: I enjoy watching all sports, but I’m obsessed with everything about football. I play for 2 teams at the weekend and run the Instagram page for the Sunday team. We are currently fighting for 1st place in the league after a good start
For more information about the latest developments at VAPAR, you can connect with Declan via LinkedIn or our Contact page.
Meet the latest addition to our team: Paul Cooper
Meet the latest addition to our team: Paul Cooper!
As a Software Engineer, Paul Cooper is focused on delivering high-quality, reliable and performant code for the VAPAR platform.
To share a little more about Paul, we asked him to answer some questions about his background, interests and more.
Tell us a bit about your background.
PC: I was born in the South West of England in a town called Plymouth. I came to Australia when I was two and grew up on a naval base in Darwin and then South East Queensland. Since leaving school, I’ve lived in Sydney, Paris and Berlin. I’ve always been interested in technology, especially software development. There is beauty in solving problems digitally because (almost) all variables can be controlled. You can remove almost all randomness and subjectivity and create a solution that will work every time.
Then there is the ability to scale the solutions almost infinitely. When a product is built in 1s and 0s rather than bricks and mortar, it can be copied and shared endlessly. This allows technology to solve global problems via what is essentially just the communication of ideas and information. I’ve always felt this way, and so I first taught myself to code, then built video games, and then built software that optimised digital ad campaigns. This introduced me to the magic of machine learning. Now I’m here.
How did you come to join VAPAR?
PC: Infrastructure is really fascinating part of our society because it is both essential and often invisible. Until it isn’t working. The number of moving parts and variables to consider, the complexity of the issues involved and the massive benefits to everyone if we can get it right are all reasons that drew me to VAPAR. Start-ups are places where you will get to work with the most cutting-edge technology, solving the most important problems – and often with the most interesting people. That’s definitely the case here!
What are your interests outside of work?
PC: Although a lot of my life revolves around technology, I also love reading/watching/listening to podcasts and books surrounding philosophy, history and culture. Economics and psychology too. I think all these areas of interest stem from a desire to understand how everything works, why we do the things we do and what the common threads are across cultures and times. I also enjoy hanging out with my black and white border-collie Maverick.
For more information about the latest developments at VAPAR, you can connect with Paul via our Contact page.