With Colin's assistance, the Compliance Department has been able to post additional resources to its Compliance page that, hopefully, customers of Document Systems, Inc. ("DSI") are finding useful. This year the Compliance Department has posted information and matrixes on predatory lending, default late fees, and RESPA/TILA requirements. In addition, Colin has ensured that The Compliance Wizard is published in a timely manner.

People should know that there is more to the man who works in the Information Technology Department. Not only is he kept busy with many other projects at DSI, outside of work Colin is usually training for the next marathon or triathlon. As a super-athlete, he is constantly in need of more fuel (i.e., food). Thus, many employees gladly share their leftovers from lunch with Colin, to the delight of people in charge of keeping the kitchen clean!

We sometimes joke around DSI that Colin is our human food disposal. He'll eat almost anything - and a lot of it! Where all that food goes though remains a mystery since Colin never seems to gain an ounce of weight! What I learned from my interview of Colin is that he is a multi-faceted person. One of the things that I find interesting about him is that he majored in a subject in college that has nothing to do with programming. I invite you to read more about Colin and his personal interests below:

When did you start working at DSI?
Colin: I became part of the team in August, 2000. My five-year anniversary at DSI was this past year.

Describe what you do for DSI. Have you always played this role at DSI?
Colin: My current 'job title' is Web Developer, but my job description is more in line with that of a Web Designer. I spend most of my time working on the front-side of DSI (i.e., the website). The majority of web content that a customer sees online has been built my myself or, at the least, been through my hands before final production. When I was first hired, my first six months consisted of building the website that customers currently see today. Now, my time is spent working on new web features and making updates and improvements to the site that currently exists.

Explain what you do for The Compliance Wizard and DSI's website, in general.
Colin: I am responsible for the overall look and feel, publishing new content and maintenance of The Compliance Wizard and www.docmagic.com. I work closely with other departments in doing so, from Technical Support to Information Technology to the Compliance Department. In regards to The Compliance Wizard, the publishing process consists of creating the initial look and feel of the newsletter, the Compliance Department submits the articles that are to be published and I then take those articles and "publish" them on the website. This is the same process I use in publishing information from other departments.

I also work closely with Susan Iannitti, DSI's Advertising and PR Manager, in creating new pages that detail new products and product features. DSI is continually expanding, so we are kept quite busy.

For whom did you work prior to working at DSI and what type of work were you doing?
Colin: Prior to working for DSI, I was employed as a Webmaster for one of the country's largest dive retailers. And, prior to that, I was employed as a cruise ship musician.

What do you like best about being a programmer?
Colin: For me, it is the creativity aspect. Programming and designing are both necessitated, in essence, by a requirement to solve a problem. The fun is in creating the solution.

What do you like best about working for DSI?
Colin: I love the challenge DSI offers in striving to be one step ahead of the industry. There is always a lot to learn due to changing technology, and DSI is a great place to foster personal growth. Employees love to work hard and tackle everything they can get their hands on and, because DSI is a small company, we are encouraged to be as ambitious as time permits.

What changes have you seen at DSI since you started working here?
Colin: The Company, as always, has a larger-than-life feel to it. DSI strives to set standards for the industry and, in doing so, the company has grown considerably. Since I was first hired, the company has nearly doubled in size. Production has followed suit, and the products offered are extraordinary. A few changes that I've had the luck to take part in are the release of DocMagic Online (the online version of DocMagic), LoanMagic (our loan presentation and 'more' application) and the recent launch of eDisclosures. It is great to take part in DSI's growth, and I look forward too much, much more.

Most people here know that you are a super athlete. I know you're a runner and cyclist. What are some of your most recent achievements - marathons and other competitions?
Colin: My "A" race this year was the Long Beach Marathon. It is a small race, so I was able to place 10th overall with a time of 2:50:28. I also compete in shorter road races, triathlons and adventure races. Highlights include placing 3rd overall in the Baldy Peaks 50k, an ultra marathon with 11,000 feet of elevation gain (and loss). Another great race I competed in this past season was the Explore CA Catalina Adventure race. This is a 24+ hour race that consists of kayaking, mountain biking, navigation, trekking, swimming and coasteering. The race began with a paddle to Catalina Island, 26 miles off the coast of California!

What else do you like to do for fun?
Colin: After work and training, other things I like to do for fun are eating and sleeping!

Melanie A. Feliciano is Assistant General Counsel of Document Systems, Inc. and a member of its Compliance Department.