Michael Crawford

Tech Wizard

In the Beginning...

If the stereotype of a software developer is a guy who is reclusive, introverted, and basically nerdy, our Chief Technology Officer, Michael Crawford wouldn’t really fit that mold. He’s absolutely a card-carrying techno-wizard (sadly, there is no actual card) and in some circles that’d put him squarely in the nerd herd.

Michael is far more than a brilliant software developer, he’s a bit of a renaissance man. He’s a superbly talented musician and vocalist; playing multiple instruments. He’s a songwriter and bandmate who has enjoyed hearing his songs on the radio. Michael is also an Eagle Scout and a martial arts enthusiast.

A self-described perpetual student, Michael’s favorite aspect of software development is learning about new industries and the processes they need to excel. He explains how software has the ability to completely reshape and align a business with its goals, and ultimately propel success. While understanding multiple computer languages is paramount, Michael’s overarching job is to deftly understand a business, how it serves its customer and where the inefficiencies are. He functions as a technically minded business analyst, the solution architect with the plan, and has all the requisite skills to create the software in any number of iterations.

Software Guru

“I saw computers as a means to create your own digital reality.”

Michael’s love of computers was sparked by movies like War Games and Hackers.

“I felt that knowing how to work with computers was like a superpower, and who doesn’t want to be a person with superpowers? Plus, I saw computers as a means to create your own digital reality. That, and I’ve had a propensity for problem-solving, puzzles and knowing how things work since childhood. As a musician, I also like the idea of computer science really being a combination of both art and science. One task at hand can be addressed in a multitude of different ways,” he explains.

Fascinated by the impact that technology can have on business, Michael has never stopped studying and developing his programming skills. Where Michael often differs from his counterparts is with his soft skills. Affable, insightful, funny, kind, and considerate are words the team at Gravity Junction use to describe Michael. He explains that it’s been important for him to employ empathy and conflict resolution skills when working within the teams he’s been a part of or led.

“Understanding motives, knowing what people really want so you can know what makes people tick; being able to see both sides of the equation is vital to a healthy and productive work environment,” he states.

Family Man

Outside of work and music, Michael enjoys boating on Lake Lanier with his beautiful bride, Sharla and their blended family. He’s a father of three and a newly-minted grandfather.

Lacey Knight

Content Specialist

While many editors’ origin stories start with a love of literature, Lacey Knight’s started with a disdain for the English language as a whole. Throughout her early life, Lacey viewed English as just another thing to “know” rather than a tool to be leveraged. (Spoiler Alert: That changed.)

Lacey’s calling was delayed because it was delivered in Spanish. As Lacey learned “por favor” and “gracias,” she also learned about the nature of language: its movement, its rhythm, its significance, and most importantly, its place in her life.

Lacey realized just how connected she was to the power of expression behind language, rooting her career in a love for the written word while utilizing her passion and truly-honed skill to help others reach their goals through copywriting, ghostwriting, and blogging.

“I know there are amazingly talented people out there who have a lot to offer but who may not have the tools to best reach their target audience in a relevant and effective way,” says Lacey. “I hope to be a cog in the wheel that gets these great people to where they are going; you achieving your dream is my dream.”

Lacey has always been a dream-catcher, capturing the beauty of achievement and knowledge, as well as a seeker of Truth, even before she knew what that meant.

Fostering love in everything, even from afar, is one thing Lacey does exceptionally well (which admittedly comes in handy in the marketing world). Before Lacey had access to her true love, equines, she sat on the sidelines learning about them, growing love and expertise before she even got in the saddle.

Viewing life as art in action, Lacey has joined the Gravity Junction team from the painted skies of Colorado. She and her family are nestled below a mountain range with plenty of beautiful horses nearby to keep her passions burning with fervor.

You can rest easy knowing Lacey is certainly wearing matching socks and is readily open to debate herself about comma placements and capitalization. (The nature of language, amiright?)

Having Lacey in our corner is having another advocate in your corner, something we always aim for.

“I often tell people, ‘I'm better in writing.’ They think I am joking.” However, Lacey’s talent is no joke, and we’re beyond blessed to have her here in the saddle at Gravity Junction.