Harry was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario with his older sister Maggie and younger brother Lewis.
Harry attended the local public school and later went to high school in downtown Toronto. It was during high school that Harry began a part-time job working as a supervisor at Harbourfront Centre (a key cultural organization on Toronto’s waterfront) where he was responsible for site and ground maintenance, something he really enjoyed as he loved being outside. Harry continued to work at Harbourfront after high school for a few more years while he decided what direction he wanted to take next.
During this time, the computer boom was just underway and there was a lot of hype promoting computers as the wave of the future. Harry who, up until this point, did not have much computer experience, decided to enroll in Seneca College’s computer programming program, to ensure that he was well armed for what the future might hold. Harry excelled in computer programming and even worked as a C/C++ tutor throughout his college years. In 2000, he graduated with a degree in computer programming and analysis.
Harry was first introduced to Avanti while working as an intern through Seneca College’s internship program. Upon graduation, Harry began his first full-time job with Avanti in 2001, in a hybrid role which focused both on support and programming. After two years in this role, he quickly moved into a full-time development position where he remained for the next three years.
In 2006, after working for Avanti for five years, Harry decided he wanted to pursue his interest in the trades and began a position working in HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) as well as home renovations. After three years of working in the trades, Harry had had his fill and really missed the challenge of computer programming. In 2009, Avanti was very pleased to welcome him back on board as a software developer. What Harry enjoys the most about working at Avanti, in his current role, is problem solving – being presented with a customer problem and figuring out how to solve it. He also enjoys the coffee and is happy to be part of such a great team of talented people!
Harry met his wife Laura at a café in Brampton, Ontario and, a few years later in 2007, was married in Chinguacousy Park. In 2009, their first son Jack was born. Then, in 2010, they bought a house an hour north of Toronto in the city of Newmarket, where Harry put his renovation skills to good use, installing hard wood floors and painting. Harry and his wife gave birth to their second baby girl Madeline 9 months ago.
Harry really enjoys being a dad. As a father of two young children, Harry doesn’t get much time for anything but watching the occasional TV program or reading. Although he tends to hibernate during the winter and loves the first signs of spring, you will always see Harry walking at lunchtime at Avanti, rain, snow or sun.
A year and a half ago, Harry and Laura visited their relatives in Belfast (Northern Ireland). This was their first trip off the continent which they really enjoyed and they would like to visit Hawaii in the future.
As an Avanti veteran, being with the company for 9 years now, Harry looks forward to continuing in his development position.