Employee Spotlight: Michael Yancey
Written by a la mode on June 27, 2018
When you encounter a software question, your first step is often to seek out help. Many of these questions make their way to our tech support line — but not all of them! Sometimes, simply sitting down with a step-by-step guide or a quick how-to video is enough to get you back up and running. We know this, so we've spent years building up a support database like no other.
As our Documentation Manager, Michael Yancey's mission is to empower all of our customers to succeed, regardless of skill level. With a quick search on help.alamode.com, experienced appraisers and trainees alike can find answers to just about any technical question imaginable. He's equal parts writer, designer, and developer — and we think that's pretty special.
How would you describe your job at a la mode?
Michael: I create, manage, and maintain all of the support material and help-related content for our products. That includes everything from support docs and user's guides to videos and blog posts, as well as the search engine that lets you find them and the website that hosts it all.
What’s your favorite aspect of the job?
Michael: My favorite aspect is the creative freedom I have to come up with ideas for videos and other support content. I love coming up with new styles, new layouts, and new visual elements to convey ideas in the simplest way possible.
If a la mode were a TV show, which character – from any sitcom, drama, or reality show – who would you represent and why?
Michael: I'd say I'm a friendlier and less abrasive Greg House, M.D.
I tend to appear aloof and reclusive, but I think that stems from being good at what I do and letting my work consume me. I go to great lengths to ensure everything in our products is documented comprehensively. If something is inaccurate, left out, or forgotten, I take it as a personal failure.
Who do you admire most and why?
Michael: Elon Musk. He works to achieve everything he sets his mind to, and is unfazed by the limitations that people try to place on him — and even the limitations that most people set for themselves.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Michael: Without hesitation, pizza.
What is your key piece of advice for appraisers that use a la mode?
Michael: Don't let all of the features and options intimidate you. We have instructions for everything. Just take it a piece at a time — you can keep your workflow as simple as you want.
If for some reason you can't find what you're looking for with a simple search on our help website, or if you don't find our resources helpful, use the feedback button to let me know. I personally read every piece of feedback you send, and I'll do whatever I can to fix or improve it.
What's kept you working for a la mode?
Michael: For the most part, it's the people, the culture, and our superior products. But I also just really enjoy what I do.
We depend on each other to get through every day, whether our role involves directly helping appraisers over the phone or working behind the scenes to make things happen. We know you depend on us, too, which is why we get to come to work with a purpose. Thank you for that, and thanks for being part of a la mode.