Meet TJ Christian – Embedded Software Team

At Punch Through, we encourage everyone to proudly be themselves and want you to know the people behind the work that we’re so proud of. That’s why we launched our “Meet the Team” series, where we introduce you to one of our team members each month. 

Meet TJ Christian, one of our embedded software engineers responsible for designing, testing, and implementing software for embedded devices and systems. Outside of work, TJ can often be found behind the computer again – either programming for fun or developing video games. He plays them, too, by the way. When not behind the screen, you can guarantee that he’s on a pair of skis or taking care of one of his many houseplants, just not at the same time. 

What were you doing before working at Punch Through?

Before Punch Through, I was at Michigan Technological University, pursuing a degree in computer engineering. While in school, I did work as a lab tech, doing a bunch of support work with computer engineering. It was a good learning experience on top of my studies.  

What is your favorite thing about Punch Through culture?

My favorite thing about the culture here would have to be the emphasis on protecting the people. It’s one of the company’s values, after all: “Protect the people, protect the culture,” and unlike other places, these aren’t just some words. They’re backed up by actions, like the wellness budget and learning budget, that all team members get each year to develop ourselves both professionally and personally. All the little things really help with maintaining a work-life balance and fostering greater empathy within the team. It just makes for a better, healthier work environment.

Tell me a story about your most memorable moment while working at Punch Through.

About a month after I started, there was a company trip. Obviously, I didn’t know a lot of people here – or at least I didn’t know them well. It was also my first company trip, so I didn’t know what to expect. It started out as any company trip would: talking about the company. Come later in the day, all that changed. What really stands out, and I have this vivid memory, is of my coworker belting out karaoke songs in German. Now, I’m not a big karaoke person myself, but was coerced into singing All-Star. The whole trip was a good team bonding experience.   

What cool or rewarding things do you get to do on a regular basis?

One of the coolest and most rewarding things that I get to do on a regular basis is work with a lot of cool, talented people and interesting technologies every day. I also get to work on devices intended to help people. That’s the cherry on top for me. Right now, I’m working on a device for sleep apnea that could have a huge impact on people’s lives. 

What is the most valuable part of your work to you on a personal level?

What’s been most valuable is the learning, both first-hand and second-hand. Each one of us is exposed to a lot of cool technologies, projects, and people, and we’re all working together to come up with solutions. There’s a great deal of teamwork involved, which creates this sense of unity with your colleagues. It’s all very positive. Even when a client may not be moving on a deadline, it’s still all very positive. 

What is different about Punch Through versus other places you have worked?

I don’t have a lot of work experience under my belt, but what I can say that’s different about Punch Through from other organizations is its authenticity. When I was looking for a job, this place stuck out. It was the only company that I met with where the team embodied the values listed on their website. It just felt very genuine, which I was thankful for after months of hunting for a job.