DataRemote, a telecom equipment company specializing in the conversion of analog signals to digital formats, has successfully expanded its operations from five employees to over 50 under the leadership of Timor Brik, an attorney-turned-chief operating officer.
Despite this impressive growth, Brik faced challenges in recruiting and retaining technical talent in South Florida, particularly before a notable change occurred in the local tech ecosystem.
“Miami just wasn’t known as a technical community, up until the last few years,” Brik acknowledged.
The turning point came when DataRemote received an unexpected email from Juliet Bedard at Miami Dade College. This email introduced scholarship opportunities aimed at pairing interns with local tech companies as part of the Miami Tech Works initiative.
Funded by a $10 million, three-year grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Miami Tech Works is designed to bridge the gap between employers and training providers, helping to cultivate a sustainable talent pipeline in the tech industry.
Initially skeptical of the cold email’s potential, Brik found something in Bedard’s proposal that resonated with DataRemote’s current needs. “It fit our model perfectly at the time,” he said, describing how the opportunity to create that pipeline would allow the company to connect with local talent more effectively.
DataRemote became one of the first companies to embrace Miami Tech Works, enabling them to interview, hire interns, and attend various events that helped them connect with leaders in Miami’s burgeoning tech scene.
Recently, DataRemote welcomed two interns through the Blackstone and JPMorgan Chase scholarship program, both of whom are now involved in the quality assurance lab. One intern focuses on running test suites for new firmware and software releases, while the other is tasked with creating security test suites.
Brik noted a significant shift in the local workforce. “There are more opportunities for students and potential employees to stay in the city and community, and they’re choosing to stay,” he explained, highlighting a growing pool of applicants with the technical skills necessary for the company’s needs.
One of the standout success stories from this initiative is Gabriel Garcia, who transitioned from intern to full-time employee at DataRemote within just six months. A computer science and mobile app development student at Miami Dade College, Garcia’s journey into tech was inspired by his father’s profession.
Garcia began his tech education with a local coding boot camp at BrainStation Miami, and throughout his studies, he actively sought out internship opportunities and educational events, aided by the support he received from Bedard at Miami Dade College.
“Juliet helped me get into the Miami Codes initiative to learn Swift, which is used to build Apple products and applications,” Garcia stated, attributing his entry into DataRemote to the skills gained from this program.
He initially joined DataRemote as an intern within the software development team during a 10-week internship. Over that period, he contributed to API programs aimed at enhancing the operations team’s functionality, showcasing his dedication to the work.
Brik noted that Garcia’s initiative and enthusiasm caught the attention of company leadership. “Gabriel showed beyond the certification or degree; he showed that natural curiosity out of his own accord,” Brik said, detailing how Garcia’s willingness to learn and contribute beyond expectations led to his full-time employment.
Now as a full-time employee, Garcia’s role has evolved to include handling IT solutions, managing servers, and developing applications that enhance operational efficiency.
“I really dove into every task that they gave me because those projects had actual business benefits,” Garcia reflected, emphasizing how his commitment to learning and growing as a developer has been integral to his success at DataRemote.
As both Brik and Garcia look forward to the future of Miami’s tech landscape, their experiences underline the significance of investing in local talent.
Brik views this investment not only as beneficial for the company but also as a means to help shape Miami into a more vibrant tech hub. Meanwhile, Garcia considers his role at DataRemote as much more than a job; it serves as a foundation for his future career in technology.
“For any young enthusiast looking to break into tech – learn as much as you can, and take every internship and opportunity that you can,” Garcia advises aspiring tech professionals.
Brik concurred, stating, “The pipeline of talent has been really positive thanks to the programs curated by Miami Tech Works and universities across South Florida.”
He remarked on how the dynamic has shifted from struggling to recruit talent in Miami-Dade County to now having a variety of options filled with skilled individuals familiar with both the technology and evolving industry trends.
DataRemote’s success exemplifies how initiatives like Miami Tech Works can transform the professional landscape in regions previously overlooked in the tech sector.
This evolution is not only promising for local companies like DataRemote but also crucial for nurturing the next generation of tech talent, confirming the vitality and potential of the Miami tech ecosystem.
To foster further development in Miami’s tech industry, employers are encouraged to participate in the Miami Tech Talent Coalition, a platform designed to shape the future of the tech industry.
Interested companies can join the coalition, specify their areas of interest in work groups, and attend upcoming meetings to integrate more deeply within the local tech community.
The coalition’s next in-person general meeting is set for June 12, and stakeholders can gain further insights by signing up for the coalition’s newsletter, following updates online, or engaging through social media channels.
With committed involvement, Miami can continue evolving into a prominent hub for technology and talent, paving the way for opportunities and fostering innovation throughout the region.
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