Unbelievably a year ago today our first employee, Justin, joined me at blist. Justin is a savvy, smart software engineer who helped vet the technology stack, evaluate the development tools, designed the schema, built the early prototypes and even built his own furniture. (Yes, our first employees built their own desks from Ikea).

Since then, nearly every day has been a joy working with Justin. He’s methodical, precise, punctual, quick to laugh and as dependable as they come.

I didn’t know Justin before founding blist. I found his profile on Linked In and sent him an unsolicited note inviting him to lunch. His quick and matter of fact reply was “Who are you, how did you get my name and how are you funded?” A few weeks later he accepted my offer and we started working together out of sublet space in Kirkland.

Over the year the team has grown and the product has evolved. Justin has been in the thick of everything. He’s part of the fabric. He’s part of the culture. I’ve really enjoyed working with him.

We had a little celebration this morning. Nothing too fancy. Just some Krispy Kremes for the team including one with a single candle for Justin. I look forward to needing a sheet cake that can hold 15 or 20 candles someday.

It’s great working with you, Justin. Thanks for having the courage to join me.