Meet the PROS: Maurice Holt
In celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting the achievements of our Black talent and changemakers across PROS. ✨
Celebrating an incredible 20-year tenure at PROS, meet Maurice, Product Development Manager for Rental at PROS, and a creative with a passion for people, programming and problem solving. When he’s not helping deliver great quality applications and maintaining happy customers, you’ll find this active adventurer traveling, running, and biking.
Fun fact: Maurice has a love for tigers, and in 2018, had the opportunity to visit Doc Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari, a wildlife preserve with the world’s largest big cat – a bucket list experience for any animal lover.
We sat down with Maurice to talk about his tech journey, finding joy at work and growth and career advice.
Let’s get to know Maurice!
Tell us about your journey to PROS (how you came to PROS).
I first learned about PROS through a good friend of mine Andres Reiner, now CEO and President of PROS, with whom I had worked with years before. He encouraged me to interview at PROS, and being a true software company, I felt PROS was a good fit. Twenty years later, the rest is history.
What inspired you to pursue a career in tech?
From the moment I took my first programming class as a high school senior, I discovered a genuine love for programming that has only deepened over time. The allure of creating something tangible from lines of code and the logical, problem-solving aspect of programming immediately resonated with me. It was in those early coding sessions that I realized not only did I enjoy programming, but I also had a natural aptitude for it.
As I delved deeper into the world of technology, I found the dynamic nature of the field captivating. Technology is a constantly evolving landscape, and this continuous change excites me rather than intimidates me. The idea that there is always something new to learn, a novel challenge to tackle, or an innovative solution to create keeps me motivated and engaged.
Moreover, the sense of fulfillment that comes from turning abstract ideas into functional programs and witnessing the impact of technology on real-world scenarios has been incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s developing software to improve efficiency, creating applications that enhance user experiences, or contributing to the ever-expanding realm of technology, I find joy in the ability of programming to bring ideas to life.
Reflecting on my journey, I can’t envision myself in any other industry. The fusion of creativity and logic, the constant learning opportunities, and the potential to contribute to groundbreaking innovations have solidified my passion for a career in tech. It’s not just a profession for me; it’s a calling that allows me to combine my innate skills with my enthusiasm for problem-solving and creativity.
What do you enjoy most about working at PROS? What’s your favorite thing about working in your current role?
One of the standout qualities that I deeply appreciate about PROS is its unwavering commitment to placing people at the forefront of its priorities. The leadership’s emphasis on valuing its employees resonates as a cornerstone of the company’s culture. Over the years, I have witnessed PROS go above and beyond to foster an environment where individuals are not just employees but integral contributors to the organization’s success. This commitment to the well-being and growth of its people sets PROS apart as a workplace that truly values and invests in its human capital.
Within this context, my current role within the company holds a special place in my professional journey. The opportunity to pour my knowledge and experience into molding great developers is, without a doubt, the highlight of my work. PROS has provided me with a platform where I can actively contribute to the growth and development of the team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
What makes my current role particularly fulfilling is the chance to contribute to shaping not just individual careers but also the overall work environment for my team. Being able to mentor and guide aspiring developers allows me to share insights gained over my career, creating a positive ripple effect within the team. The joy of witnessing team members flourish, both professionally and personally, is immensely rewarding and reinforces the belief that investing in people pays dividends not only for them but for the entire organization.
In a role where I can actively contribute to creating a great work environment, I find purpose and satisfaction. It’s not just about delivering on projects; it’s about cultivating an atmosphere where creativity, collaboration, and growth are nurtured. PROS’ commitment to people aligns seamlessly with my own passion for building strong teams and contributing to a workplace that inspires individuals to reach their full potential.
What’s one unique quality you bring to PROS and your team?
Having spent nearly three decades in the trenches as a developer, I’ve cultivated an intimate familiarity with the entire software development lifecycle. This hands-on experience has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the complexities and nuances inherent in crafting high-quality software. As a development manager, this background allows me to approach challenges with a pragmatic understanding, recognizing potential bottlenecks early on and implementing effective strategies to mitigate risks.
Transitioning into the role of a development manager after accumulating 28 years of experience as a developer has been a transformative journey that has afforded me a distinctive vantage point in navigating the challenges of delivering software. This shift not only marks a progression in my career but also represents a significant evolution in my understanding of the intricacies involved in creating a conducive working environment for both job satisfaction and outstanding work.
What sets my managerial perspective apart is the profound insight gained from having been on the frontline of coding and problem-solving for so many years. I understand the aspirations and challenges of the development team on a personal level, having walked in their shoes. This empathy forms the foundation for creating a working environment that not only addresses professional needs but also fosters a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment in the job.
My tenure as a developer has also equipped me with a keen awareness of the importance of team dynamics and collaboration in achieving project success. I’ve come to recognize that a positive and inclusive work culture is not just a nicety but a critical catalyst for innovation and productivity. Consequently, as a development manager, I am dedicated to cultivating an atmosphere that encourages open communication, values diverse perspectives, and recognizes the unique strengths each team member brings to the table.
What is your proudest professional achievement or milestone?
I consider my career here at PROS of 20 years to be one of my greatest milestones. Being able to fully enjoy a career as a developer and then transition to a position where I can mentor and share that experience has been very fulfilling.
What are you a PRO at?
I am a die-hard Aggie and was a PRO at running. I had the great opportunity to run track for Texas A&M. During my time at Texas A&M, I had the honor of being a four-year letterman in track and achieving the status of All American. As for hidden talents, like coding, I like to build things including iPhone apps, wood working, home projects and more.
What career advice would you give to others?
As a guiding principle for career success, the mantra ‘Be the best at what you do. Don’t settle.’ embodies the essence of continuous growth and self-improvement. Striving for excellence not only elevates individual performance but also serves as a magnet for recognition and opportunities. The commitment to excellence sets the stage for a career trajectory where one’s value becomes undeniable, ultimately unlocking doors to new possibilities.
In any professional setting, competence and proficiency are beacons that attract attention. When you consistently deliver high-quality work, your contributions become not only noticeable but indispensable. People begin to recognize your value, and this recognition becomes a powerful catalyst for advancement. Whether within your current organization or in the broader professional landscape, the reputation of being exceptional in your field becomes a passport to new opportunities.
The advice to not settle underscores the importance of a growth mindset—an ongoing commitment to refining skills, embracing challenges, and seeking continuous improvement. Complacency can be a roadblock to advancement, but an unwavering pursuit of excellence fuels personal and professional development.
However, being outstanding at what you do is not solely about technical proficiency; it’s also about interpersonal skills and relationship-building. Networking and building professional relationships are essential tools for career progression and can have a profound impact especially later in your career. Networking is more than just a buzzword; it is a strategic investment in one’s professional future.
Taking the time to nurture connections and expanding one’s network is a deliberate and valuable effort. These relationships, cultivated over time, create a web of support, mentorship, and collaboration. They serve as conduits for new opportunities, career advice, and a reservoir of knowledge and experiences. Building meaningful professional relationships is not only about what you know but also about who you know and, more importantly, who knows you.
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Learn more about our inclusive PROS culture on our Careers page and become a part of our growing team by applying to our open roles. Follow #lifeatPROS on LinkedIn and Instagram for more stories from the bright minds powering PROS around the globe.