Get to know Tim Ossenfort (aka Timbo) our VP of Engineering and resident lifeguard (in case you ever find yourself in an emergency)! Tim’s been part of FREENOW for over 11 years, having worked in almost every tech role imaginable before taking the lead of our entire Tech team, including Engineering, Data and IT. Today we chatted with him about his unexpected path into tech, what keeps him motivated after more than a decade and why he still finds the ride exciting.
What’s something about you most people wouldn’t guess right away?
I actually always wanted to become a policeman, as my dad was, and I applied three times to the police in three different federal states in Germany (Bundesländer). All three times I got rejected for different reasons, but I ended up in a job in tech and hold a lifeguard license (which was a requirement for the police). So I'm good company for beach trips, as I can be your lifeguard :-D
How did your career get started, and what brought you to FREENOW?
Uff... I started my career in e-commerce and worked for many years in the tech team of an online fashion retail business. At FREENOW, I'm a dinosaur 🦖 and have been in the business for more than 11 years. One of my managers said I’ve done every job you can have in the tech team, and nowadays I lead the whole tech organisation, including Engineering, Data and IT. It comes with a lot of responsibility and a lot of joy, working with so many talented people.
What makes your job exciting (or just really challenging in a good way)?
I think the whole industry is very interesting and dynamic in itself. Connecting different people across Europe to give them either a ride or a job to drive someone, and making the best use of our marketplace product, is pretty exciting. We're trying to maximise the work and earnings of our drivers and help our passengers get from A to B quickly and conveniently. This thrills me, as it's a complex problem to solve that helps both people and cities. Solving these problems with such a talented and fun team drives me every day.
What’s something that makes FREENOW a special place to work for you?
The people!!! Working with so many talented, motivated and committed individuals is what motivates me the most. We have a great culture of collaboration, and it’s fun working with everyone. If I had to name another thing, it’s that everybody can use our product. My family, my friends, and it really engages me to see all the cars with ads on the side and know that everyone has access to mobility.
If someone’s thinking of applying to FREENOW, what would you tell them?
Be open, be hungry, and don’t be scared to take the ride at FREENOW.