Meet the DFW team

You’ve got somewhere to go. You pop open the app, someone comes to get you, and you’re on your way – no matter if it’s 3pm or 3am. And that’s Uber. Right? What more could there be?

From driver happiness to rider engagement, there are 25 people (and counting) on the Uber DFW team that keep the local show rolling! For the next few weeks, we’re going to share a little bit about the day-to-day activities inside the walls of the Uber office in DFW.

And now introducing the starting lineup…

Meet Texas’ Communications Team:

The Communications Team loves telling the Uber story. In markets across Texas, we are writing history and these two are helping us manage media relations and roll out strategic communication plans to help support Uber’s business objectives. 

Finish this sentence: Uber is… 
empowering

Uber is where your career is now, but what was your very first job?
I started mowing lawns when I was 9

9?! I bet those yard lines were nice and straight. Where were you mowing  lawns at age 9?
I grew up in Georgetown, Texas, and after I graduated from Southern Methodist University, I moved to DC to work for the US House of Representative for six years. I wish every day was Election Day.

Thank goodness for the 19th Amendment! When it’s not Election Day, what’re you up to?
Trying out all the new restaurants in Dallas, dressing up my dog George, being involved at church, and planning my next vacation.

What’s something else we should know about you, Debo?
The first night I met my husband in 2012, I introduced him to Uber and it’s all we could talk about — little did we know it was a foreshadowing of things to come!

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
the best thing in the world

But what about sliced bread? Ice cream? Hugs from your mom? A bowl full of money? Ok. Sorry.
You’ve been in Dallas for a while, since you went to SMU. Where’s your favorite spot to eat brunch?
Saint Ann

Must-see for visitors?
The skyline from Soda Bar

Favorite DFW place to be outside?
The Rustic

Favorite DFW place to watch the game?
Milo Butterfingers

Meet DFW’s Strategic Finance and Platform Expansion Teams:

The Strategic Finance and Platform Expansion teams are working to make the Uber app as functional as possible. For both riders and driver-partners, Uber has a lot left to offer. Stay tuned for the future of Uber, as these three are working on making it the best-of-the-best. 

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
changing the game

Speaking of games – If you were to play for the Texas Rangers, what would your walk-up song be?
Easy. California Love – 2Pac

Sadly, you didn’t go pro in baseball.. but I hear you were quite the basketball star in college. Where did you play?
Clarkson University

After a morning hoop-sesh at the gym, where is your favorite DFW brunch spot?
Tacos n Tequila

What’s something we should know about you?
I’m tall, with a red beard

You don’t say!

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
constantly innovating

When you’re not at work, doing innovative things, what’re you doing?
Relaxing with my friends and family, brewery hopping or working on my golf swing at TopGolf or the real course

Hollering “FORE!” at the golf course is always a good time. Where else do you enjoy being outside in DFW?
Katy Trail. Both the trail and the Ice House

You’re a Dallas native, what’s a must-see for people visiting town?
Oh man, they have got to check out the view from The Belmont Hotel

What is a fun fact about yourself?
Every job that I have had has been within .5 miles away from my high school

It’s a big world out there, Jenny! 

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
crazy fast

When you were 9, Uber was not around. What did you want to be when you grew up?
An NBA basketball player, and I was pretty sure it was going to happen

It’s never too late! But since you’re not playing pro, where is your favorite DFW place to watch a game?
Capitol Pub

Agreed! Have you tried their Uptown Girl? (It’s a drink) No? Just me? Okay.
Well, what is your favorite place to be outside in DFW?
White Rock Lake

And tell us – what’s your Alma Mater?
Yale

Oh, yeah. Heard of it… 

Meet DFW’s Brand and Data Intelligence Teams:

These two teams could not be more different from each other. One team works with a bunch of words via blogs, emails, and social media, and the other team works with a bunch of numbers via data deep-dives and goal tracking, but they both work to make Uber DFW a well-oiled machine. 

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
always evolving 

When you’re not working, what’re you doing?
Running on Katy Trail, hanging with my pals, causing trouble on Greenville and McKinney Aves, trying new places to eat

Where’s your favorite place to hang with your “pals”?
Depends.. pool days are awesome – or we can hang outside at Capitol Pub/Truck Yard/any bar patio for hours too

What’s a fun fact about yourself?
4th grade intramural knock-out basketball champ – what up!

You realize you’re interviewing yourself?
Yes. It’s weird, awkward, funny, fun, hip, mostly weird.

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
changing the way people move

Speaking of the way people move, someone (you) told me you travel a lot. How many countries have you been to?
22 and counting

Whoa. If you’re not traveling or working, what’re you doing?
I’m a voracious reader and HGTV junkie. I dabble between convincing myself I’m a runner and hating running, but ultimately I like being outside and enjoying the sunshine

Favorite place to be outside enjoying the sunshine?
Amon G. Carter Stadium – Go Frogs!

DFW must-see for visitors?
The Modern in Fort Worth or Billy Bob’s

Gabe, here’s a question for you – Uber is…
helping empower Dallasites

As a Dallasite, where’s your favorite place to catch a game?
AAC – Go Stars

Favorite DFW place to hang outside?
White Rock Lake or Santa Fe Trail

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Taller

What should we know about you?
Pizza master, left-handed, never been to a Disney park, initially raised by wolves, owned one car in my life, always wear my seatbelt, doesn’t vote, grew up 1/4 mile from the home of the 6th richest man in the world, worked a job once demolishing old silos with explosives, worked at an organic brewery in New Zealand

Wait, what? 

Meet DFW’s Driver-Partner Supply Growth Team:

A lot goes in to making sure enough driver-partners are on the road. This team has to make sure the number of requests are matched by the right number of driver-partners to complete the trip. From support help to managing markets outside of DFW, these three are taking things to the #nextlevel.

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
a game changer

Speaking of games, where’s your favorite spot in DFW to watch sports?
Christie’s

If you’re not at Christie’s or at the office, where can you be found?
Working on my golf game, following Chicago & SMU sports (Go Blackhawks), enjoying the local craft beer scene and spending time with my family and friends

If you had family or friends come visit you, what’s a must-see for them?
George W. Bush Presidential Center

Fact: George W. Bush was our 43rd President – what’s a fun fact about you?
I played high school and college lacrosse in DFW and was lucky enough to coach before coming to Uber

Matt, finish this sentence: Uber is…
the best job I’ve ever had

Aww – you’re too sweet! If you’re not at work, what’re you doing?
Watching netflix with my lovely wife, playing big buck hunter, fantasy football, all sporting events. Mavericks, Cowboys, Aggies, I can go on…

Nah, you’re good. We’ve got it.
You live in Fort Worth – tell us Dallasites a little bit about your homeland. Where’s your favorite spot to watch all these sports?
Flips Patio Grill

What about your favorite Fort Worth place to be outside?
Live Oak Music Hall

Favorite Forth Worth place to brunch?
Brewed

Let’s see here. Finish this sentence: Uber is…
the best place I’ve ever worked

I feel like I’ve seen that somewhere. Did you copy that answer from Matt?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A pro athlete

What would your walk-up song be, if you played for the Rangers?
Ride with Me – Nelly 

Technically, it’s “wit”.. “Ride wit Me”, but I’ll let you get away wit this one. What’re you up to during your free time?
Catching up with friends over craft cocktails or wine, hanging out by the pool, and following the financial markets

What’s your Alma Mater?
Lehigh University

Meet DFW’s Community Engagement Team:

From events large and small to raising money via charity campaigns, this team keeps Uber DFW, and a handful of additional Uber Texas cities, a part of the local community. Each city Uber is in has so much to offer, and Uber wants to be a key player in the area. 

Finish this sentence, Sarah: Uber is…
changing the way the world does business

You’re known as the team foodie. So tell us – Where is your favorite DFW brunch spot?
Hands down, Meddlesome Moth

Where is your favorite DFW spot to eat outside?
Trinity Groves – they have the best patios

If you could eat one type of donut for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
Glazed… yum!

It wasn’t culinary school, like it should have been… What’s your Alma Mater?
Fort Lewis College – Google it

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
probably the best thing to come out of The Bay since E-40

Would a song by E-40 be your walk-up song, if you played for the Rangers?
No, no. Tootsee Roll for sure

When you’re not at work or breaking it down to Tootsee Roll, what’re you up to?
Let’s see – Gettin’ swole at the gym, leading teens at Gateway Church, listening to 90’s R&B and arguing with my girlfriend

What are some DFW must-sees for visitors?
Rudy’s in Oakcliff to eat (that’s my hood!), Park Ave in North Dallas for happy hour, and Nebraska Furniture Mart for everything else

What’s something we should know about you?
In high school, I was an exchange student in Australia – Vegemite tastes like sad thoughts

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
saweeeet!

What did you want to be when you were 9?
A lawyer. I always wanted to make things “fair”, and I liked to argue

When you’re not working or day-dreaming about being a lawyer, what’re you doing?
Staying active, running outside, lifting super heavy things inside (heavy is a relative term, right?). Catching up on a few shows or binge watching an entire series on Netflix, depends on the week. Listening to podcasts to fill my head with increasingly random facts and stories. I like to eat too.

Yeah, yep. You have about 10x more hobbies than the average American. What’s another fun fact about yourself?
I’m an identical twin

And your Alma Mater?
Indiana University

Meet DFW’s Driver-Partner Engagement Team:

We are fortunate to have a great group of driver-partners on the road, and we are proud to partner with the best of the best. The Driver-Partner Engagement Team works with to make sure driver-partners are always ready for the next pick up.

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
changing the way people interact with their cities

Uber wasn’t around when you were younger, so what did you want to be when you grew up?
Starting catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals

What would have been your walkup song?
Country Grammar – Nelly

Since you’re watching the TV and not playing on the field (awkward – sorry), where is your favorite place in DFW to catch a game?
San Fransisco Rose

Tell us something that doesn’t have to do with sports:
When I was 2, I won the “People’s Choice” in a cutest baby contest

An original question for you – Finish this sentence: Uber is…
innovative and fun!

When you’re not at work being “innovative and fun!”, what can you be found doing?
Traveling the world, being a hippy at outdoor music festivals – being outside in general when it’s too hot or rainy for that though, I’ll be inside playing PS4

Where is your favorite place to be outside in DFW?
Klyde Warren Park… There are food trucks, proximity to downtown where there are other fun activities, and it’s great people watching

You like to people watch, what else should we know about you?
The arches in my feet are so high the sides of my feet don’t touch the ground, which results in me falling down all the time and one surgery (on the left ankle) thus far

Ouch! Let’s go for something more traditional – What is your Alma Mater?
Texas A&M

Meet DFW’s Growth Team & Senior Marketing Manager:

Managing the process, structure, planning and overall goals of the team, Nicole is the fearless leader of the DFW marketers. One of the teams she oversees is the Growth Team. TJ and Andy are taking charge of the Growth Team and paving a path of success. Their goal at the end of the day is to grow Uber’s presence in DFW via partnerships and strategic alliances. 

Finish this sentence: Uber is…
a lifestyle

With this Uber lifestyle, where is your current neighborhood dwelling?
Well, the place is not really yet a neighborhood but it will be. It’s in between Downtown and Greenville

Got it! Where do you like to do when you want to be outside in Dallas?
Is it cliche to say Katy Trail?

Yes, but we’ll take it.  What’s a quick fun fact about yourself?
There are three things that I’m terrible at.. winking and bowling are the only two I share publicly

Weird. I wink every time I bowl a strike. If you’re not at the bowling alley, where do you hang?
I like to be outside. I’m involved with some church groups, and like to try and teach myself how to play guitar.. but don’t ask me to sing, that’d be a disaster for all.

You know the drill. Uber is…
making DFW more accessible to the citizens that live here

Oh wow, that was a good one! What’s your favorite Uber memory?
Meeting TK (our CEO) and taking him to The Rustic on my first day of work

First day of work? He must have heard you were coming.
So you took Travis to The Rustic, what are some other must-see places in Dallas for visitors?
Fountain Place, Reunion Tower, Truck Yard

You’re doing a back flip in your picture. Which makes me assume you have a nickname from the team…?
T-Money

Aside from your rap album release date, T-Money… what else should we know about you?
My scooter’s name is Serenity

Uber is…
a true game changer in technology and innovation

When you’re not changing the game in technology and innovation, what are you doing?
I like to hang out with my wife at the dog park. Play and watch almost any sport (go Aggies!). Find new places to eat – trendy or not, even if it’s in a gas station, I’m there! Research online deals for things I don’t need and buy them anyway – a steal is a steal.

Right, so that lifetime supply of maple syrup you bought online, I mean.. totally worth it…
If they made a movie about your life, would it be like a coupon-ing movie?
It’d be a story of an awkward Asian boy trying to make friends. Played by the Asian guy from Walking Dead.

Annnd, on to the next question. Favorite place to be outside in DFW?
Griggs Park

Okay Andy, what’s something we should know about you?
I was once on the front page of Reddit

Meet DFW’s Operations Coordinators: 

Sandra and Jennifer, also known as Gibbs and Goebs, work to make the DFW Partner Support Centers top-notch for all of the area partners. After opening the very first Partner Support Center in the state of Texas, they’ve structured the training and development for DFW’s Partner Support Center staff members, built processes to provide accurate and convenient resources for local driver-partners, and are now pushing to have DFW be one of the top Uber cities in the country. 

With your time here thus far, please complete this sentence: Uber is…?
life-changing

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
I like to write, paint, read, play video games, and minimize the number of belongings I own. 

Want to come clean out my closet? Kidding. Kind of.
What else do you like to do? What is a DFW must-see for visitors?
Fort Worth Zoo! I love all the animals 🙂

You like animals. What else should we know?
Made in Japan.
And for how clumsy I am, I’ve never broken a single bone in my body. (Knock on wood..)
Oh, also – I met my boyfriend on Tinder.

How romantic! So you’re in Texas now, but what’s your Alma Matter?
Westminister College, Missouri

To you, Uber is…?
addicting

When you’re not working, what can you be found doing?
Singing, dancing, prancercising

Same. What did you want to be when you were younger?
Britney Spears

Should have known. Hit me with a fun fact:
Well, I’m trying to grow a patio garden. It has been very unsuccessful, but I continue to water the dead plants with hopes they will come back to life – or that they’re just in shock from the heat.

Okay, so let’s stick with what you’re best at – where do you enjoy brunchin’?
Anywhere there are bottomless mimosas

Without this dream team, our Partner Support Center wouldn’t exist. In fact, it didn’t exist until they started. Stay tuned for more fun insight to your local Uber DFW Team!

Saddle Up, Uber On,
-Uber DFW