What does it take to transition from building log homes to building enterprise applications? In this episode, I sit down with Ian McKain to unpack his incredible journey into the small-screen world. From earning his first paycheck at 14 to running his own construction company at 18, Ian’s early career was all about grit, resilience, and hard work.

But when the 2011 housing crisis hit, Ian had to pivot. Over the years, he launched businesses—including a hookah lounge and a coffee shop empire—and dabbled in real estate, all while chasing fulfillment. Eventually, his quest led him to coding, where late nights and long hours of self-teaching paid off in a big way. Now a Senior Engineer releasing enterprise applications, Ian reflects on the lessons he learned, the risks he took, and the mindset shifts that helped him rewrite his career.

This is a story of reinvention, proving that with determination and a willingness to adapt, you can transform your life—no matter where you start. Whether you're looking to break into tech or seeking inspiration to make your next big move, this episode is packed with practical advice and powerful insights.

From Log Homes to Log Files: Ian McKain's Path to Tech

In this episode, Henry Saint-Juste interviewed Ash Barrett, a Solution Architect who has mastered the art of building enterprise applications at scale. Ash’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, starting in a call center at Nationwide Insurance and rising to prominence as a key figure in their engineering team.

Ash shares how their firsthand experience as a representative sparked the creation of a groundbreaking software co-pilot—long before the age of AI assistants—that revolutionized the way call center reps worked. The impact was so profound that it caught the attention of Nationwide’s executives, who quickly realized Ash’s talents were better suited to engineering than answering calls.

Tune in to hear Ash’s unique perspective on bridging the gap between front-line challenges and technical solutions, the lessons learned along the way, and advice for those looking to transition into tech from unconventional beginnings. This episode is a testament to the power of curiosity, innovation, and believing in your potential.

From Call Center to the Boardroom: Ash Barrett’s Journey to Engineering

Are you curious about how people break into the tech industry without following the traditional path? In Degree Optional, host Henry Saint-Juste—a seasoned solution architect, dynamic speaker, and thought leader—invites tech professionals from diverse backgrounds to share their inspiring journeys into the world of technology.

Whether they launched their careers with a degree, a bootcamp, or pure hustle, Henry uncovers the pivotal moments, challenges, and lessons that shaped their paths. Together, they explore practical advice and actionable strategies for breaking into tech today, including how they would start from scratch in this ever-evolving industry.

Tune in for honest conversations, insider tips, and empowering insights designed to show that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success in tech. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or just tech-curious, Degree Optional will inspire you to chart your own course into this exciting field.

Henry Saint-Juste

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