As FusionReactor celebrates its 20th anniversary, we’re taking a moment to look back at the journey through the eyes of one of its longest-serving members, Greg Spencer. Having joined back in August 1999, Greg’s tenure spans the company’s entire evolution – from a multifaceted design and project house to the focused product company we know today. Known to many as the “glue” that holds the team together, Greg isn’t just an Intergral veteran; he also plays a huge part in shaping our culture, from organizing online Christmas parties to keeping our morning stand-ups running strong.
We caught up with Greg to discuss his role, the biggest changes he’s witnessed, and what he’s most proud of over the past two decades.
The Evolution: From Graphics to Code
When Greg first walked through the door, his role was focused squarely on the visual and user-facing aspects of the business.
“When I started I was doing graphics, design, logos, website, UI and promotional materials,” Greg recalls.
In those early days, the company was involved in a diverse range of projects, including the document management system, Tornado, and various website design jobs. Over time, however, Greg’s path veered sharply away from design and toward development.
“Over time though I’ve been moved away from the design side and more towards code. I took over support for our internal order system. I think I’ve somehow been involved in every part of the company over time.”
This hands-on experience across multiple departments is often the mark of a veteran in a dynamic tech company – a person who has touched every phase of the business’s life.
The Biggest Change: Focusing on FusionReactor
For Greg, the most pivotal moment for the company was the shift in focus that defined its future.
“The biggest change in the company was going from working on multiple things like Website projects, design work, and Tornado… to creating FusionReactor which was much more of a mass appeal product which really focused the company into a certain area.”
This decision to streamline efforts and concentrate on a single, powerful observability tool was the catalyst that changed the company’s trajectory forever.
When asked to describe FusionReactor’s journey in three words, Greg gave the perfect, punchy summary: Zero to hero.
Moments of Pride: Creative Fun and Soft Skills
When reflecting on his achievements, Greg’s memories are a brilliant mix of early creative freedom and later impactful problem-solving.
He fondly recalls the early days of the internet boom, where creative projects were often the most satisfying:
“Some of the early design and graphic work was really satisfying… I put together a randomised Monty-Python-esque screen saver for [a local brewery] as part of the launch of a new beer… The brewery hired out a local bar/nightclub for the launch event, and they played all of the different animations for everyone on a big projection screen! It was quite surreal but really cool.”
Equally rewarding was the experience of applying emotional intelligence to a seemingly technical issue, proving the value of soft skills in a complex environment.
“Being able to make a huge difference in what appeared to be a technical project by applying emotional intelligence and soft skills was a really rewarding experience where I felt really valued.”
The Glue: Keeping the Culture Strong
While Greg’s official duties have shifted from graphics to code, his unofficial, yet critical, role has always been that of the team’s central pillar – the “glue.” This position has solidified recently as he’s taken on the mantle of Head of Culture.
In a modern, remote-first environment, Greg ensures the team’s connection remains strong, organizing memorable online Christmas parties and, notably, leading the daily stand-ups. He keeps energy high and communication flowing, often kick-starting the day with his unique and often humorous “Days of the Week.”
This dedication to cohesion aligns perfectly with one of his proudest moments: resolving a major external project issue not with technical skill alone, but by applying “emotional intelligence and soft skills” to bring people together. For Greg, making a huge difference often means fostering better human connections.
The Team and the Vibe
A company’s history is also defined by the moments shared by the team. Greg, the ultimate culture keeper, still cherishes the memories of the relaxed, early-days camaraderie: the Half-Life deathmatches after work and the team lunches at the Thai restaurant (with its “huge aquarium”) below the office.
If FusionReactor were a person, Greg envisions a personality that is:
“Quiet and confident but with the definite impression that they know a lot more than they are letting on. Also very patient because, even though they have studied to do a whole range of clever things, people just keep asking for the same simple stuff over and over and they are OK with that. :)”
Finally, Greg chose the song “Drive” by Incubus as the soundtrack to his time here, a perfect nod to the company’s forward momentum and evolution.
A Message to the Past
Knowing everything he knows now, what message would Greg send to his 2005 self?
“Be braver and trust yourself more. It might not feel like it sometimes but there is value in what you can do. Also, save the money you spend on lottery tickets and buy LEGO instead. It will bring you more joy.”
Greg Spencer’s 20-year journey is a microcosm of FusionReactor’s own story – a path marked by evolution, focus, creative achievement, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing the product inside and out. Here’s to Greg, the “glue,” and to many more years of Zero to Hero!
