Interview with Chris Harper
31.03.2010
Chris, we would like to learn more about you and your work. Since when do you work for Borgwaldt KC and what have you done before?
I started with Borgwaldt KC in 1997 as a software engineer. I was contracted out to Philip Morris about a month after starting until 2005 and since then have returned to work in the Richmond office as a Software Engineer. Before Borgwaldt KC I worked with a company as a technical manual writer for the US Army. Before that I was a Network Administrator for a local college.
Was this the first time you were in contact with the tobacco industry?
Yes, this is my first job with the tobacco industry.
Please describe your job – what are the greatest challenges for you?
The biggest challenge for me is to keep current with the ever changing software programming tools and how to implement them into the user interfaces that I create.
How does a normal working day as a software engineer of Borgwaldt KC look like?
The engineering department has a meeting on Monday that basically gives us our agenda for the current week. With that in hand, I strive to meet my goals set for that week. I make software changes for any of the software programs that I have control of, the OMI+ interface, CReSS Desktop, any of the Delta Q products as well as the internal office applications I have create for the Richmond office.
What are the most significant changes that the tobacco industry has experienced during the past years?
The regulations that have been put on the tobacco industry are by far the most significant change to the industry. The regulations were just beginning when I joined the company in 1997 and have greatly impacted the industry.
What is your favorite instrument in the Borgwaldt KC product portfolio?
Well I may be a little biased, but my favorite instrument is the OMI+. I work on the user interface.
What are your targets for 2010?
My targets for 2010 is to continue to make all of my software applications the best that they can be, as well as start on a new interface to get the CReSS Pocket and CReSS Lab to into one software package.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I was born and raised in Richmond, VA. I served in the US Army for four years. I have been married for 14 years now and have a 10 year old son.
Chris Harper's contact details are:
e-mail: chrish(at)borgwaldtkc.com