The saga started in 2005 when a high profile New Zealander crashed his helicopter and was not found for two full weeks. Meanwhile, in the back of a garage in the middle of no-where, a few creative brains interested in aviation got talking over some instant coffee and biscuits about a better and more affordable way to find downed aircraft. Not too long after that decisive morning tea break the first Spider was born. And man it was beautiful!
The first Spider owner loved it so much he threw a whole lot of money at two of the other guys and said 'lets take over the world with this Spider!'. Since that day in early 2007 the Spider brand has grown, units have been sold all around the world, people have been saved, an office has been established in the US, and we have worked with great people.
Speaking of those people, they can often been seen contorted into various different shapes on a Monday morning during the spidertracks pilates session or drinking a beer at the local on our Friday spidertracks lunch (yeah - we might be telling a white lie when we mention 'so and so' is in a meeting at the moment...). Here is a sneak peak into the spidertracks team.
Daff
Good kiwi bloke
Known as Andrew on his passport, Daff likes to spend his time fishing, hunting and embarrassing his teenage daughter. He also has a little bit of experience flying planes, fast planes. Yep, back when he had a little more hair he was flying for the Royal New Zealand Air Force which may explain why his favourite movie is from the '80s and stars Tom Cruise. Daff also dabbles in a small amount of programming from time to time.
Helen
Chochaccino extraordinaire
Helen brightens everyones day when she arrives at Spider HQ with a boisterous 'good morning' in that awesome British accent. Helen spends most of her time child wrangling, chasing Barbara the rooster around the section, and working on the bus committee in her local town. Helen also has the most infectious laugh in the office, where she manages production of the Spiders and the accounts in the US.
Todd
A.k.a Homer
With a set of teeth that shiny white you don't have to guess where Todd originates from. This American man is a drummer in a band but he is better known around the office for his ability to make strange noises (yoink), especially when food is involved. For some crazy reason he enjoys trekking up mountains around New Zealand which probably explains why he is involved in the local search and rescue organisation. Todd can be heard most days in the programmers room.
James
Spiderman
He has some big designer sun glasses and more shoes in his closet than most Kiwi blokes, James is known for initiating the suit up day in the office. From his experience in the school choir at 10 years old, James can often be heard signing along to some '80s techno dance remake. James is the Jack of all Trades at spidertracks, but is also the master of all trades.
Ruth
A.k.a Ruthless
With multiple entries into the line book, Ruth may feel that sometimes she is misunderstood, however surely there is only one way to interpret the phrase 'Hey Todd, maybe you should take your pants off?'. Our first German import, Ruth is not only fluent in English but Spanish as well. She puts everyone to shame at pilates on a Monday morning, and she is the one who will be chasing you down if you don't pay your bills!
Luke
Joke email spammer
Luke likes a good one liner, whether he says it or not, and believes that Daff has the best 'old man' jokes out. He loves explaining to Matt the intricacies of a good sandwich over lunch. It must contain cheese, lettuce, tomato, any meat, and be lightly toasted. Luke is best known for the phase "What would be cool is if...", which sees the programmers run in fear. He looks after the 'rest of the world' region for sales.
Matthew
Skater boy
Coming from the deep south of New Zealand Matt is a bit of a handy man making his own furniture, skateboard, and now guitar. Having been married for only one year he is still a bit under the thumb but sees that this will change, one day, maybe. Matt enjoys listening to Luke discuss the intricacies of making a good sandwich at lunch. Matt is currently in a race with Todd not to have the first Spider baby. You can find Matt in the cave with the other programmers.
Adina
The intern from Germany
Yes we have two Germans working with us, this must be why we are doing so well! Adina is here to develop the European sales until mid 2012, and we are doing our best to make her learn 'Kiwi'. Adina really likes David Hasselhoff, really! Well she might disagree but she still has his photo pinned to her wall...
Steve
The new guy
Okay so Steve is not that new as he has been with us for a little while now. He is sometimes also known as Pete, Mike, Dave, Allan, and James. Steve's favourite youtube clip is this one from the UK. Steve is the one fixing all your spidertracks problems.
Dave
In charge of storytelling
If he is not looking after his new born baby girl, studying, looking after his other daughter, or trying to get a wink of sleep in Dave is in Spider HQ fixing and refurbishing Spiders. Dave is the master of telling a good story, with plenty from his time spent in the US.
Chip
Just Chip
Also known in New Zealand as Chup, Chip comes from the great land of the United States of America. And to be fair, with a name like Chip he couldn't come from anywhere else, could he? Chip brings a wealth of knowledge to the spidertracks team with experience going back to the early days of Apple Inc.
Andrew
Bottomless pit
We only have the pleasure of Andrews company one day a week, and it just happens to be a Friday. Let's face it, Andrew is just here for the spidertracks Friday lunch. This man can chow down an unbelievable amount of pizza in one sitting. The other days of the week he is studying, yep, he's a student which explains the appetite. From 2012 on Andrew will be spending all five days a week with us, dabbling in a bit of programming from time to time.
Casey
The Shark
Casey comes to spidertracks as a fresh graduate who already has a wealth of experience. Although she may throw the term “I like sharks” around a wee bit, she is no cold blooded killer! You’ll find her in the office from the break of dawn playing on Facebook, browsing the Internet and doing whatever it is that people do in marketing...
Markku
Petrol Head
He’s more comfortable on the racetrack than in the skies but Markku can still be found sifting around the offices at spidertracks. He’s a new comer and just a few papers off finishing his degree, so he's been brought in as an intern to help out with the marketing side of things. Most famous for leaving his scooter outside the office...nek minute.
