Name:  Alex Johnson
Company:  Umbel
Role:  Market Strategist

1. What brought you to Austin and how long have you been here?
   I came here for a job two years ago, but Austin had always been my goal. My dad lived here a majority of my life, so I’ve been watching it grow since I was a little kid.
2. How did you get connected to AYC?
   At my previous company I had to attend numerous local events. While living in Tulsa, OK for a year I joined their Young Chamber and loved it. When I would come to Austin every few months for work I would plan my trips around AYC events and joined the first week I moved to Austin!
3. What are you involved with in AYC AND what is your favorite part of AYC?
   Several people will laugh when they see this, but I’m kind of involved in just about everything. I focus mostly on being the Accountability Chair for the Ambassador Committee and supporting the Casino Social event. My favorite part of AYC is meeting all the new members and getting them more involved. It’s been my goal to network and connect with as many people as I can to be a personal and professional resource.
   
4. Where can we find you brunching in Austin on any given Saturday?
   Continuously looking for new spots, but Eastside Tavern and 24 hour Diner are tough to beat. And, can’t forget to throw in a Manmosa at Bangers as well!
5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what would you use it for?
   Teleportation like from the movie Jumper or Nightcrawler from X-Men. I love to travel and want to see the world, so being able to be somewhere new in an instant would be incredible. Speaking of, I really need to watch Jumper again.
6. If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be?
   Tough, but either a young Bill Murray or Michael Jordan for the same reasons.  It would be awesome to play some pickup basketball with them or hit the links for the day. I can’t imagine there wouldn’t be laughs or that I wouldn’t learn something new every day from these two people.
   
7. If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them to show them a good time?
   I mean…I feel like you have to take them to Dirty 6th at some point.  But, Lost Creek on the Greenbelt is a must!
8. If you played hooky for a day, where would we find you and what would you be doing?
   Speaking of Lost Creek, I’d definitely be there with with friends and my husky, Ghost.  You could find me golfing a round, as well.
9. When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them?
   I connect and facilitate relationships. Tangibly though, I sell data management software to sports teams and entertainment companies all over the world. I focus my time calling Europe and Australia, as I cover our international territories.
   
10. What technology could you not live without?
    Tough question – since I love camping, we typically don’t need much tech while roughing it.  I guess the internet because it keeps me connected to my family and college friends who are spread out all over the country. I don’t get to see them much, but with Facebook, Skype, and other social platforms, I can stay connected with them.
11. Who inspires you?
    Have to go back to Bill Murray. He’s always a reminder to not take anything too seriously, but you have to work your ass off to be successful.
12. What is your proudest accomplishment?
    Making it to Austin. I couldn’t even choose what college to go to a month before graduating high school, but I always said I would move to Austin. Took 7 year, 2 pit stops, and a lot of work, but it was my dream and I made it happen. 2 years later, I still think to myself everyday how happy I am to be here.
13. If you couldn’t live in Austin, where would you want to live?
    New Zealand. It seems like the most beautiful place in the world. You can surf, snowboard, visit the Shire and so many other great things all on one island. Plus the kiwi accents would hook me instantly.
14. I want to learn how to…?
    Dougie…teach me how to Dougie, teach me teach me how to Dougie.
    
15. Pick:
    Soup or Salad?  Soup
    Indoors or Outdoors?  Outdoors
    Winter or Summer?  Summer
    Tea or Coffee? Hot Chocolate
    Beer or Wine?  Beer
    Mountains or Beach? Both? Ok, Beach.