This Month’s Spotlight: Scott Lee - Software Developer
From Journalism to JavaScript
Scott Lee’s journey to becoming a software developer at Common Knowledge Technology is anything but conventional. While he briefly explored computer science in college, he ultimately graduated with a degree in Journalism. That foundation in storytelling and communication led him into digital marketing, which evolved into running his own successful digital marketing and advertising business for 11 years. Most of his clients remained loyal until the very end, a testament to his dedication and results.
After closing that chapter, Scott enrolled in a coding bootcamp, where he not only excelled but also served as a teaching assistant for two cohorts. He joined CKT partway through the last one and found the experience deeply rewarding.
Bridging Code and Client Communication
At CKT, Scott holds the title of Software Developer, but his responsibilities span far beyond writing code. He’s often the first point of contact for clients, whether it’s launching a new project, checking in on progress, or implementing updates and new features. He also leads the WordPress side of CKT’s web development work, which makes up about half of the firm’s projects. In addition, Scott is well-versed in the MERN stack and is eager to apply that expertise more extensively in future projects.
What Fuels the Passion
Scott thrives on building strong relationships with clients and teammates alike. On the technical side, he finds immense satisfaction in solving complex problems. “I think that’s the most common why-do-you-do-it answer for software developers,” he says. “It’s just incredibly rewarding.” Whether managing a project or collaborating on code, Scott loves the teamwork and shared victories that come with seeing a project through to completion.
Childhood Dreams and Creative Pursuits
As a child, Scott dreamed of being everything from a firefighter and astronaut to a singer, game developer, psychiatrist, and artist. He pursued music and art seriously and even took enough psychology classes for a minor. And who knows? That game developer dream might still be on the horizon.
Hobbies That Keep Him Grounded
Scott is a lifelong gamer and a movie buff. He’s also an avid reader, consistently outpacing the national average of 12.6 books per year. When he’s not immersed in a story, you might find him swimming or enjoying a peaceful evening walk.
Family as Inspiration
Scott draws deep inspiration from his mom, Nan, and his brother, Alex. Alex, who is severely autistic, has taught Scott the value of empathy and compassion. Watching his mother’s strength and optimism as she cared for Alex for over two decades has shaped Scott’s character and outlook in profound ways.
A Unique Academic Experience
During his undergraduate years, Scott was invited to participate in post-graduate research funded by a federal grant, focused on video games and community. It was a unique and formative experience that blended his interests in technology and human connection.
Favorites That Reveal Character
- Superhero: Spider-Man. “Who wouldn’t want to swing through the city like that?”
- Book: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. (He’s also a big fan of The Martian; both are packed with humor and heart.)
- Movie: Like fellow developer Nick, Scott’s favorite film beautifully visualizes alien worlds and theoretical science.
- Food: Sushi. No contest.
- Place to Visit: San Francisco or Seattle. “Dreary doesn’t feel dreary to me.”
- TV Series: Severance. “What a thought-provoking concept.”
In His Own Words
“I’m one of those people who likes helping people with problems, and here I get to do it for a living. Whether it’s writing code or managing a project, I get to make things better and that’s a great feeling.”
Closing Thoughts
Scott Lee brings a rare blend of creativity, empathy, and technical skill to Common Knowledge Technology. His journey, from journalism to entrepreneurship to software development, reflects a deep commitment to growth and service. Whether he’s solving a coding challenge or guiding a client through a new initiative, Scott’s impact is felt across the firm. We’re lucky to have him on the team.
