When you visit my website or many of my online profiles, you might notice something familiar in your browser tab... the classic BigFix logo. It's not a mistake. It's not laziness. It's a deliberate choice that tells a story about community, resilience, and one of the most meaningful chapters of my career.
A Tattoo & a Promise
It all started when HCL acquired BigFix from IBM. I started texting Kristin Hazlewood immediately following her joke: "I'll pay for someone to get a BigFix tattoo." The idea was a fun challenge... fast‑tracked into a lifetime commitment.
After my 1st spinal surgery and following vehicle accident... the support from Kristin, Mark Phinick, and the rest of the team was overwhelming. I got the classic BigFix logo inked on my forearm (below the elbow) because of them. That tattoo became my "badge of honor."
"You ever hear about 'that guy' with the BigFix tattoo? 🗣️"
From Kroger to HCL to Startup Life
Senior Technology Engineer at Kroger Technology
Built the largest Linux-based BigFix implementation in the U.S. at the time.
Enterprise Architect on BigFix Professional Services at HCL Software
Leading deployments, managing global teams, earning accolades.
Startup life
Bringing the discipline, community, and resilience learned from BigFix to new horizons.
Why the Classic Logo Still Represents Me
Legacy & Identity
The classic BigFix logo symbolizes the original platform's robustness and the culture that defined my career. It keeps the brand continuity between my past work and present voice.
The Conversation Starter
"You need to update the BigFix logo on your website."
People often think it's quirky... some even call it "crazy." But the stories that follow are worth their weight in gold:
- When I got Kristin to personally pay for my BigFix tattoo.
- The time I pulled my first multi-day SEV-1 incident management & troubleshooting at Kroger.
- The dinner at Carnevino at the Belagio in Las Vegas for IBM InterConnect.
These anecdotes remind me of the human side of tech and business.
Community & Credibility
The favicon signals to anyone visiting this website that I'm deeply embedded in the BigFix ecosystem and proud of it. I've been recognized by BigFix community peers, IBM alumni, and former HCL managers, with multiple awards/acolades, public speaking at BigFix conferences and user groups, and more.
The Favicon's Role Today
Your favicon isn't just a tiny icon... it's a visual narrative. It's the thread that ties your past (for me Kroger & HCL Software) to your present (startup founder at 3D Nomadic) and invites your audience into a world of resilience, collaboration, and a touch of inked flair.
In my current startup journey, the BigFix favicon serves as a daily reminder of the lessons learned: the importance of community support, the value of technical excellence, and the power of perseverance through challenges. It's not just about where I've been... it's about how those experiences shape where I'm going.
Got a BigFix Story?
If you're part of the BigFix community and have your own stories of tattoos, deployments, or the amazing people who make this ecosystem special, I'd love to hear them. Reach out and let's share our experiences.
So yes, that little BigFix logo in your browser tab? It's staying put. It's more than just an icon... it's a testament to the incredible journey, the amazing people, and the lasting impact that the BigFix community has had on my life and career.
And who knows? Maybe it'll inspire someone else to get their own BigFix tattoo. After all, the best stories are the ones we wear on our sleeves... literally.