The People Behind The Tech

Daniel Marks – Frontend Team Lead

This is the fourth blog in our series, the People Behind the Tech, where we share a sneak peek at the all-stars behind our market-leading digital asset custody and management solutions. For those of you who missed it, last time we met up with Nadav Schliefer, our CFO.

This time we had the pleasure of sitting down with our Frontend Team Lead, Daniel Marks. Let’s jump in and get to know a bit more about Daniel, his position here, and importantly, what he is looking for on his team.

Fast Facts

• Name: Daniel Marks
• Title: Frontend Team Lead
• Tenure at GK8: ~1 year
• Age: 30
• Place of birth: London, UK
• Hobbies: Musician, record collector (vinyl), and sports enthusiast

Tell us a little bit about your position here:

I am the frontend team lead at GK8 for a little over a year now. This means that my team and I oversee the development of GK8’s applications, both desktop and mobile, both iOS and Android. Before joining GK8 I worked at various firms in different industries and sectors, such as gaming, telecommunications, fintech, and crypto, both developing and managing app projects.

I find that I enjoy developing the user interface. Interestingly, regardless of sector, I find that most apps have more in common than they are different. I admit, I prefer developing for the iOS environment (more than Android) because I find that iOS enables me to focus more on functionality and UX, rather than adapting the interface across many different devices. Since working at GK8 I have enhanced my knowledge by being in charge of the desktop app, as well.

What does an ‘average’ day look like as Frontend Team Lead?

I start every day by going over the sprint board with the team, seeing what each member is doing, if any item is delayed or in danger, or if anyone on the team needs help. If anything comes up, I address these items first and only then start working on my tasks for the day.

During the day, besides actual development time, I have meetings and the team comes to me for questions, decision-making, and approvals. I work closely with the product and design team to ensure their vision is implemented in the best way possible.

Tell us about an experience you are particularly proud of:

When I arrived, I helped update the company’s apps. With a new user interface and new technologies (Android refactoring, Kotlin, Swift UI, Jetpack Compose and more), the app is more stable, faster, and ‘more appealing’. Today, building new screens takes us half the time.

Since arriving at the company I have implemented multiple mechanisms to improve the day-to-day work, maximize delivery and also keep the team at its best. I’m always proud when a team member tells me that a practice I introduced helped make their work easier or better. Especially if they were skeptical at first.

How did you come to work for GK8?

After working in London for a time, I came back to Israel to take what I learned and implement it across additional verticals. I find I am drawn to app aesthetics. I believe that users feel an app is better when the app is more polished. As I mentioned, when I came back I started working at Paybox, to develop their mobile app and user interface.

After a while, a friend dragged me to a crypto company – which to me was ‘the future’, cutting-edge and interesting. I worked there for a while developing their app and the project came to a close. I heard that GK8 was in need of a mobile-oriented developer/lead. When I came in to meet the team, I was impressed with the different team members and believed we had a strong connection. Most importantly I was, and still am, a big believer in the company and its cutting-edge technology.

Luckily they felt the same way because they took me for the position. I believe it was one of the best decisions of my career. And the rest, as they say, is history.

What do you like most about working here at GK8?

As I mentioned, I find major similarities across apps in different sectors. What matters most to me, is the company, and the people. If I have the right setting – I can excel. And that is what I look for.

At GK8, I feel the setting is right. I like my direct manager, I wanted to work with him from the get-go. He is always around to help, giving you the feeling that your success is his success. His confidence in me helps me succeed and push things forward.

I also really appreciate the vibe you get working here, the teamwork, and the confidence the team has in me to keep on pushing things forward and improving the business.

What position are you recruiting and what are you looking for?

I am looking for a mobile developer with experience in both iOS and Android. Someone who can share my vision, ideology, and passion for good-looking, next-gen apps. I am looking for a team player. Someone agile, who can help us get our deliverables in on time.

Today, my team works well together because we are more than just co-workers – we’re also friends. This ‘one for all and all for one’ mindset is something I am looking to retain – as it means we can overcome just about anything. Since joining GK8, I personally have learned a lot. And I am hoping that my next team member will too.

Click here to see our open positions.

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