We asked our team members a little Q&A, so that you could learn more about the faces behind the Flybook! Get to know Samir Moussawel, AKA Samir-acle below!
What is your job at The Flybook?
I am a Flybook Senior Advisor. I advise users on best practices for all things related to their Flybook accounts - this includes troubleshooting account issues, submitting requests for possible software enhancements, answering questions via incoming calls and chats, responding to emailed inquiries, etc
Where are you from?
My wife and I live in Marysville, Michigan, right by the St. Clair River - a stone's throw from Sarnia, Canada. It gets very cold and snowy here in winters, but we also get great colors in fall. We moved here to be close to my wife's family. I'm originally from Miami, Florida. Most of my family still lives in Central Florida. I love to travel all over, but the majority of my adult travels have taken me to major cities with professional baseball stadiums. It's an ever-changing bucket-list goal to visit all of them and I've got over 20 checked off!
What are some of your favorite things to do?
I love to play sports with friends - basketball, softball, football, tennis, etc. Like most people these days, I'll never turn down a good movie night or TV binge in general. I'm a big fan of food and eating with family and/or friends, so dinner date nights with my wife or hosting people for a home cooked meal are a regular occurrence for us.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words?
Tall, organized, goofball.
What led you to the Flybook?
In short, my friend & colleague, Kelly. We met back in college (2008) and have had similar paths since. We overlapped working at Disney in FL for a little while and then I was feeling a little burnt out working at a traditional high tech call center. We have always stayed in touch and she ultimately referred me when Flybook started expanding back in mid-2019 due to my extensive background in customer service.
What is an all-time favorite book or movie of yours?
I love Alexander Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. I've read it at least 5 times and have seen the films more times than I can count. I watch lots of TV and listen to the occasional sports podcast or audiobook such as "Moneyball."
What is your favorite feature of the Flybook product?
It's really impossible to pinpoint just one. I'd have to say the overall versatility is what makes Flybook so unique and great. I like that there's usually more than one way to do something, because it gives our clients numerous options and avenues for getting it just right - and feel like it was tailored for just their account.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I'd probably go with pizza. It's versatile enough that you could make breakfast or dessert options too. You can go flat, deep dish, pan, regular, or stuffed crust, and there are infinite toppings and sauces to choose from. Bread and cheese - how can you go wrong? For the same reason, sandwiches would be a close 2nd.
What do you like most about your job?
I like that we, as a company, truly listen to the wants and needs of our clients. We don't just say it, but we back it up. I'd say about 95% of enhancements in Flybook come directly from users telling us what works and what doesn't, and what will make it better for them. I also love that we're not some large, evil empire that just thinks about the bottom line. I'm not just another number that can be replaced at the drop of a hat. I feel like I have a definite say in the daily and overall operation. I am an integral part of a "team" that works toward a common goal, rather than a hamster on a wheel.
Any other fun facts about yourself?
Family time is very important to me. Whether that means time with my wife, our dog (he's an English Cream Golden Retriever) or our respective families - time spent talking, traveling, or just enjoying each other's company is never time wasted. I'm also a bit of dork and love spreadsheets. I use them for a lot of things in my personal life too (i.e. budgets, trackers, you name it.) I'll come up with an excuse to make one just because sports are a big part of my life too. I enjoy keeping up with as much as I can and being a source of knowledge when others come to me with questions.