Kommander K

By Erin Connolly, Wednesday,6 May, 2009 at 10:42 am

Erin Connolly has nominated Brad Gallen.

Anyone who knows Brad knows he's the definition of IT Rockstar. Currently planning the nth national tour for his band Keller Kinder whilst simultaneously determining requirements for integrating two content management systems (on different platforms), Brad - stage name Kommander Kind (it's German) - is no stranger to the rockstar life-style nor the workplace culture of Wellington's Public Sector.

Too cool to bother with coding, Brad spends his work hours multi-tasking between designing web applications, writing functional and technical specs, coordinating maintenance, testing applications and features, offering user support, trouble-shooting issues and diagnosing bugs. This is of course is after he's arrived at work still wearing make-up from a photo-shoot the night before, and while surviving on a diet that consists primarily of caffeine and booze.

Both work and music have seen Brad travel overseas to do what he does best - making sure the fans/users get exactly what they want, and meeting people worthy of name-dropping back at home. Outside of work he writes for and performs in Keller Kinder, one of NZ's premier industrial rock bands. Through the band he's seen more miles of road and in-flight-safety demonstrations than he can remember, broken more instruments on stage than he can afford to replace, and seen weird after-show-groupie-happenings that would make even Marilyn Manson wince. To top it off, Keller Kinder's debut album is selling well and they have fans around the globe.

Work has seen him responsible for the successful delivery of a bespoke data management system (where he was responsible for everything across the SDLC from initial database design to user training), manage the flawless deployment of our website's new information architecture and design, and in between doing everything mentioned above, he now even gets paid to tweet on the business' behalf.

Brad loves technology, and is proud that all technology employed in his music (and at work) is purely digital (in Brad's words, "none of this 'vintage' analogue crap!"). Check out Keller Kinder's music, pics and videos at http://www.myspace.com/kellerkinder and follow Brad's personal it/rockstar musings on twitter @bradgallen

Lastly, Brad/Kommander Kind would like to throw a big pair of goats to his employers for fostering such an awesome, rockstar-friendly workplace. Rock on. m/ m/

15 Comments

  1. Gill

    27 May, 2009 at 1:08 pm

    You have my vote bro - ‘cept I think voting has closed…amazing skills - has both fully functioning right brain and left brain - plus cool/geek balance. We are lucky people

  2. Adam Thomson

    22 May, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    One day, I hope I can be just like Brad… ^_^ He IS an actual rockstar. I remember when he played in a band years ago when we were teens and he used to have a big piece of sheet metal (?) onstage, hanging by his drumkit to smash occasionally because he liked the sound it made. I’ll never forget it. Mawbicide for life cuuuuz. Go Brad!!

  3. Maleficent

    22 May, 2009 at 6:18 pm

    I’m voting yes because Duncan said so.

  4. D.A.D.

    12 May, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    Being forced to play the piano and learn music at a very early age has paid dividends. Just have a listen and you will understand. Go Brad.

  5. Nicky Sowry

    11 May, 2009 at 8:28 am

    I would vote YES if my vote would register. If you are having problems voting for Brad, use the contact below so that you votes count!

  6. Meta

    10 May, 2009 at 2:42 am

    I’m a bit baffled as to why this exists.

    But it Brad through and through for sure…

  7. angelina

    7 May, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    Brad is my pick for IT rockstar - explains techie things in layman’s terms and always a team player. you can rely on brad to work out a solution to any web problem, cheers Brad!

  8. strudel

    7 May, 2009 at 11:35 am

    Awesome - go B-rad. You’re my fave.

  9. WJ

    7 May, 2009 at 11:18 am

    voting YES

  10. Marie McManemin

    7 May, 2009 at 3:45 am

    Couldn’t think of a more apt or awesome entry! Definitely got my vote :)

  11. rufguts

    6 May, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    can you help me with Guitar hero world tour??? GO KK !!!

  12. Linulaskips

    6 May, 2009 at 6:16 pm

    B-rad rocks! Not only does he sport THE raddest Dennis the Menace hoodies but he also combines pure professionalism and a broad scope of techno-know-how with an absolute hardcore sweetheartness. Love Brad LOVE x

  13. Jean

    6 May, 2009 at 4:54 pm

    This dude definitly knows his stuff! From computers to synthesizers, brad is a virtuoso when there’s a keyboard plugged in. Just ask, and Brad as a fix for it.

  14. Nicky Sowry

    6 May, 2009 at 4:01 pm

    A total IT Rockstar!

  15. Kakaotrinker

    6 May, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    This guy is awesome and what a great picture. The great thing about Brad is that he is really good in whatever her pursues and always has the patience to explain to people any of his thinking. He draws for instance London-underground type process maps and recalls all info presented without having to twink an eyelight.
    A good work-life-balance makes him a fantastic candidate for this. It’s all about balance in life and yes, Brad has to learn more about a well-balaced diet - really or not :-)

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