Kenect is a fast-growing company that is constantly adding new employees and is recognized as one of the top emerging technology companies in North America.

We received several honors over the past 12 months, including being one of the best places to work, according to Utah Business. This is a particularly high honor because the survey was done by employees who were asked specifically about what it was like to work for Kenect.

Given the numerous honors and rapid growth, its no surprise that Kenect continues to add new team members. Today we want to introduce you to one of those team members, Waidon Nielson, who has a passion for his job, and reptiles!

What is your role at Kenect?

Sr. Manager of Sales Development

What is your favorite part about Kenect?

I love our company value, Team Is Family. It’s always felt like a family to me.

What have you learned during your time with Kenect?

I have learned that there is no substitute for work. You can plan, theorize, and strategize all day, but without work, you’re wasting your time.

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

TV Show: Game of Thrones

Movie: The Lord of the Rings trilogy

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go, and why?

The Galapagos Islands

What is your favorite activity?

I’ve got 3:

Watching movies

Gardening

Keeping reptiles

How do you like to spend your free time?

Between my family, my garden, and the reptiles I keep, I stay pretty busy!

How long have you been handling reptiles?

I have been working with animals since Jr. High School. I took inspiration from Steven Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter growing up. Now my goal is to be as close to Steve Irwin as a Utah based Tech Salesman can be!

Do you bring them to parties or events?

I don’t often take them to parties or events, though I have brought them into the office a few times. My main goal with keeping animals is more for the conservation and preservation of a lot of different species that may be endangered or threated in the wild.

What is your favorite reptile to handle?

My favorite animals are turtles & tortoises. I have over 50 turtles, and over 12 different species. I really enjoy keeping the Utah native Desert Tortious. I have two of them that I adopted from the state of Utah last year. Both are 40+ years old, they stay outside in enclosures I built for a large portion of the year, and for the winter they hibernate in my homes cold storage until they wake back up in spring.