Faster projects, more stable code, less friction: Jan-Luca ensures that our development teams deliver at the highest level - so that your B2B stores are performant, maintainable and future-proof.
When you meet Jan-Luca, you quickly realize that structure is not a restriction for him, but rather a source of freedom. As Technical Solutions Lead, he designs the working environment in which our developers do their best work—with clear processes, pragmatic standards, and an eye for the essentials. And yes, a 2-liter water bottle and a CO₂ meter are part of his minimalist setup.
Jan-Luca, your job title is pretty special - what exactly do you do?
I make sure that our developers can work efficiently, with quality awareness and enjoyment. In short: I design structures and processes so that everyone can do what they do best - without getting lost in the chaos. For our customers, this means shorter development times, fewer bugs and better code quality. When a team is well organized, you notice it directly in the project result.
How did this role come about? You've come a long way.
I've been building websites freelance since I was at school - I've been working in IT and software development for over ten years now: as a programmer, tech lead, project manager and product owner. My focus has always been on structuring teams and systems. I understand both sides - the technical feasibility and the business requirements. This helps enormouslywhen it comes to setting up projects pragmatically. For customers, this means realistic assessments, no over-engineering escapades and solutions that actually remain maintainable.
You studied theoretical computer science - and then dropped out. What happened then?
It just wasn't right for me. But it also had something good: I learned Japanese - and that's how I met my wife. (laughs) I'm currently studying IT management, which is much better suited to what I really do.
Japanese - that's unusual. Where does the interest come from?
I've been learning and speaking Japanese for ten years now. Maybe we'll need it at some point when Blackbit conquers new markets. Until then, it's just a nice connection to my wife - and to a culture that I find fascinating.
You often work from home - what does a perfect day look like for you?
When I can concentrate on my work and stillhave myfamily around me: work-life balance in its purest form. My free time is limited anyway because I'm also studying. I prefer to spend it with my wife and my little daughter - or I let off steam with crafts. Process management in everyday life, so to speak. (grins)
Process management in everyday life - that sounds a lot like you. How would you describe yourself?
Good listener, very structured, reliable. I experience the world in systems - I think them and optimize them. This applies to code as well as to everyday life. My desk is minimalist: work tool, 2-liter water bottle, CO₂ meter. That's it.
What tools help you to keep track of things?
I'm pragmatic. For organization: Teams, Jira, calendar. For the work itself: ChatGPT and PhpStorm. And not to forget anything: Todoist - the best to-do app ever. I'd be lost without it.
If you're so into structure - would you say your job is more art or science?
A balanced mix: creative solution finding with a scientific foundation. Sometimes you also need a good gut feeling - but always based on data and experience.
What annoys you about modern software development?
Complexity that brings no real benefit. Modern cars crammed with technology that can only be operated by touch. Meetings that could actually be emails. Abstraction in code that nobody needs. I'm a big fan of pragmatism: if somethingworks and is maintainable, it doesn't need any additional complexity. Our customers don't pay for elegant architectures - they pay for stores that work and generate sales.
You said you admire one of your wife's superpowers - what is it?
Yes! I'm fascinated by how well she can deal with a lack of structure. While I'm still stopping, observing and thinking about what a structure could look like here, she's long since finished with what actually needed to be done. I'd love to have that ability.
If you were an animal - which one?
Preferably a golden retriever. But a beaver is probablymore fitting - pragmatic, builds systems and structures that make life safe and stable. (laughs)
If you could have dinner with a famous person, who would it be?
Prof. Dr. August-WilhelmScheer: I would ask him why he played the saxophone in front of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. (grins)
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't do my A-levels, but go straight into an apprenticeship where I learn programming. Earn money first, become independent quickly - and then enjoy life. But: definitely learn Japanese! That's what eventually led me to my wife.
What's on your bucket list?
Expand my family - and one day buy a Mazda RX-7so I can drive it regularly on the racetrack. But before that, there's still plenty to optimize.
If you could live anywhere - where would it be?
Honestly? Two streets away. There'sa beautiful stone house there. (laughs)
Finally: What would be the title of your autobiography?
"Fullstack Human"
And what lifts your spirits?
My family - and the small successes in everyday life.
Can't do without everyday agency life?
Serenity - and ice cream.
Jan-Luca brings structure, clarity and pragmatic system thinking to our development team - and therefore more speed and quality to your projects. Welcome to the team, Jan-Luca!
Leave us feedback