ASCENT INNOVATION
Software engineer helping connect IT community By Andy Greenman
Jeremy Warner wants to help your business grow. The software engineer with Omnitech, Inc. works alongside a small team in Rapid City that is helping area businesses and organizations with software and data solutions. While COVID-19 has slowed some businesses, Warner says that has not been the case for Omnitech. “People need help. They still need help. It hasn’t slowed down. We’re working every day to help clients solve problems and get stuff done.” Omnitech also does consulting for South Dakota businesses looking for long-term growth. They’re able to address technology needs and build custom software solutions. Warner spends his days boosting the business community, and after hours he’s contributing to build a network of software engineers. He and other members guide an informal group called Compile Black Hills. “Many businesses in Rapid The group’s City have some IT needs and purpose is to have a couple developers build a support on staff. But you don’t structure for software have enough for a strong engineers in community." the area. While -Jeremy Warner Rapid City’s population continues to increase, the number of software engineers is limited, so Warner knows how important it is to have a strong network. “Many businesses in Rapid City have some IT needs and have a couple developers on staff. But you don’t have enough for a strong community. How do you find out new things, [and] see what other developers are doing?” You gather around a cold beverage. That’s how the last few events have taken place. Employees from Black Hills Energy, Golden West Technologies, B9Creations and even remote workers take part. Notes are swapped, new friendships are created and new skills are shared, all of which are creating a better community of software engineers. COVID-19 has put the group on hold, but Warner is hopeful that he’ll be planning the next event soon. 38 ELEVATE • JAN. 2021
Jeremy Warner
THIS OR THAT Sitting Desk Standing Desk Form Function1 Dark Mode2 Light Mode Motorcycles Mountain Bikes3 Ski Snowboard Auto Manual Coffee Tea Rare Steak4 Well-Done Steak Music Podcast Dogs5 Cats
1. Sometimes form is function. In my line of work it matters if it looks good. But it matters less if it looks good and more if it works. 2. It's easier for me to look at screens in dark mode. 3. I ride both motorcycles and mountain bikes, but I'd chose the bike first. 4. Whatever they're doing at the Alpine Inn, give it to me. 5. I have both dogs and cats, but I'll chose my lab.
