The best hire I ever made, web developer Jake Schutz, is moving on to greener pastures next week. He’s headed for the division of Garmin that used to be Paul Douglas’ weather firm, Digital Cyclone. I think he’s leaving because I was working him to death (see above).

Jake is an extremely talented programmer and systems administrator that I would have loved to retain, but we just couldn’t afford to pay him what he’s worth right now. I’m very happy for him, though, and would love to have an opportunity to hire him back again sometime down the road.

Jake and I had the opportunity to travel around the country, both on business and for fun. Business trips included server setups in Seattle, WWDC in San Francisco and the new school in Los Angeles. Free tickets and my Mini Cooper took us east to New York to watch the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot.

We’ve become good friends over the years and I look forward to continued nerd chats, ping pong, hockey games and golf outings for many years to come.

Good luck, Jake!