Jonathan Kolnik is one of BookBub’s software engineers. After graduating from Boston University College of Engineering in May 2014 and growing up just outside of the city, he jokes that “naturally I would end up working in Boston.” But despite his hometown roots, he likes to travel and has family all over the world — including in the UK, Israel, South Africa, and Canada. He also went on the “stereotypical post-college eurotrip,” during which he visited cities such as London and Paris. In addition to a love of travel, he has always had an interest in books and reading, and says he was thrilled to come back to Boston to work at a company like BookBub.
1) Describe your role at BookBub in one sentence.
I build software features and tools for our subscribers and the other teams at BookBub.
2) What’s one thing people don’t know about your job?
At a certain point you can’t copy and paste millions of email addresses into a mail client and click send. We work really hard to make sure that all of the BookBub emails get delivered in a timely fashion.
3) What’s something you do every day that’s unique to your position?
It varies everyday, but always involves helping build features that we use to constantly improve BookBub as a service for authors, publishers, and readers.
4) What’s the most exciting thing about working for a startup?
There is never a dull moment. There are always new things to work on that are both challenging and interesting. And we have a little fun in between.
5) Why did you join BookBub? What do you love about working here?
It seemed like there were a lot of cool things that I would get to work on with a lot of smart people. Also, everyone seemed really nice and pleasant to work with, and they have made my first job out of college one that I look forward to going to everyday.
6) What’s your fondest book-related memory?
When the Harry Potter series first came out my parents would read it to me. But by the time the second or third one came out I could read it to myself, and at the time that was really exciting.
7) What’s your favorite book?
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
8) Pick one: flying or teleportation. Why?
Teleportation. It is more feasible that one day humans will be able to fly in some capacity. Then I’ll be able to do both. Boom.
9) Where would you go if you could fly anywhere in the world right now (for free), and why?
First of all, I’d teleport there. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan. I would just eat my way across the whole country. I probably would be very out of my element, but some culture shock every once in a while is good for you.
10) Why did you choose the book you’re currently reading?
Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado — it’s our book club book!
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