Building a dream team: A conversation with Milen Yorgov and Krasimir Kolev

At Blankfactor, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for ongoing learning is a core value woven into the fabric of our culture. This collaborative spirit fosters both individual growth and the creation of dream teams that tackle complex projects, delivering exceptional results for our clients. We've seen this team spirit come together in the tight-knit friendship between Milen Yorgov, Senior .NET Lead, and Krasimir Kolev, Lead Front End Developer. We sat down with Milen and Krasi to discuss their journeys at Blankfactor, their unique specialties, and the secret behind successful teamwork.

Milen, tell us a bit about your background and what drew you to a career in IT?

Milen: "I began my journey in the IT sector after completing both a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Business Information Systems at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE). There, I acquired a solid foundation in technical skills, as well as substantial business and analytical knowledge, which later proved invaluable in my career as a programmer. I learned that success in the IT world hinges not only on technical expertise but also on a deep understanding of project-specific or client-specific problems. Over the past eight years, I have gained diverse professional experience by working on various projects across multiple business domains, significantly broadening my horizons."

Krasimir: "I began my journey in the IT sector 8 years ago with a course from IT Talents in Sofia. With a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, I transitioned into tech, leveraging my analytical and creative skills to excel in front end development. I am currently serving as a Lead Front End Developer, where I lead projects, manage a team, and provide mentorship to developers."

You've worked with teams across the world at Blankfactor. What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Milen: "In a recent project for a major American company in the insurance sector, I led a globally distributed team from inception to delivery. Initially, the challenge was significant due to the diverse locations and cultural differences of team members spread across the USA, Brazil, Bulgaria, and India. We tackled these challenges by finding overlapping work hours conducive to all time zones and emphasizing strong, proactive communication. These strategies helped us transform our geographical and cultural diversity into a source of strength, enabling us to build a cohesive and efficient team despite the physical distances."

Krasimir, let's shift gears and talk about front end development. What does your role at Blankfactor entail?

Krasimir: "I wear many hats. I help interview and build new teams, mentor developers at all levels, manage my assigned team members, oversee the technical aspects of projects, and ensure successful client deliveries. Effective communication across cultures is also a big part of the job."

What are some of the tools you rely on to streamline your work and ensure project success?

Krasimir: Mostly React, but sometimes we have to adapt and use other frameworks and libraries like Vue and Angular as well as some legacy JavaScript.

These tools facilitate the development process by providing efficient workflows, code organization, collaboration, and project management. They contribute to the success of our projects by enabling faster development cycles, better code quality, effective team communication, and timely delivery to clients.

Continuous learning is a key factor in staying relevant in the IT industry. How does Blankfactor support your professional development?

Milen: "Blankfactor has contributed to my professional development by allocating a specific budget that we can use for various trainings, certifications, or materials that aid our growth. Additionally, last year, the company organized a series of highly engaging and informative training sessions focused on successful leadership." 

Krasimir: "At Blankfactor, we prioritize continuous learning and skill development for our front end engineers. Some strategies and resources provided to support this include online courses and tutorials, which provide access to online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Pluralsight for self-paced learning. There's also conference attendance, which offers support for attending relevant conferences and seminars to stay updated on industry trends. Finally, we have a mentorship program, which pairs junior developers with experienced mentors to provide guidance and support."

In your experience, what are the key qualities of a successful front end engineer at Blankfactor?

Krasimir: "Our front end engineers at Blankfactor are not just technically proficient; they're also great communicators, adapting easily to clients from diverse regions. They tackle complex projects with positivity, fostering a cool and fun atmosphere among colleagues."

Milen and Krasimir speak to the power of collaboration and the potential of ongoing professional development at Blankfactor. By bringing together diverse skill sets, fostering a supportive environment, and prioritizing continuous learning, we empower our teams to excel and create a truly enjoyable work experience.

At Blankfactor, we are a global leader powered by superior engineers. We are trusted by industry giants to engineer impact for the betterment of all. Join us and work with a team that shares your passion for innovation, ongoing learning, and excellence in engineering! https://lnkd.in/eh3rCG2Z