He enjoys photography, revels in flavor, adores his wife, and absolutely loves the Green Bay Packers! I'm pleased to bring you the fascinating Gerald Guss.
How long have you worked for Kosh?
I’ve been with Kosh for 16+ years! It’s pretty awesome being the first Kosh employee to be hired. It’s amazing looking back at how far Kosh and I have grown over the past decade and a half.
What do you do here at Kosh?
I’m a local technician for the Las Cruces office. That entails spending most of my time onsite troubleshooting or installing hardware/software for our Las Cruces area clients.
Where are you from?
I’m a Las Crucen native through and through!
Before working at Kosh, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I’ve had a few “interesting jobs” over the years! My very first job at 15 was as a swimming instructor for a local daycare. I was also a floral delivery driver. Then I followed those up with a 5-year stint at Blockbuster Video. I’m pretty sure the downfall of Blockbuster happened because I left to work for Kosh!
So how did you go from Blockbuster to working with Technology?
I grew up with computers because my dad was big into them. So I've had a computer for most of my life. Koert and I had a class in high school together learning http and creating websites. We would also hang out after school and mess around on his computer. I assisted with IT at my friend's mom's flower shop for a little bit and studied Business Computer Systems at NMSU. I learned quite a bit on my own computer while working going to college and working at Blockbuster.
It was at that point in my life when I wanted to take the next step and do more with IT. Next thing I know I saw Koert and Josh at a little Christmas party at Josh's house. They had been in business for only a few months and they were looking for office space to expand. Then shortly after, I bumped into Josh again at an evening lecture at NMSU and talked about getting into IT. They had just opened the shop and Josh told me to stop by to check it out. So after working my shift at Blockbuster I dropped by to see the office. Josh offered me a job and I accepted it! I started in February of 2006 and I've been growing with the company ever since.
What did you dream of “being” when you were in high school?
I went from wanting to play in the NBA in elementary school to playing in the NFL in high school. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to play football and be in the marching band. I stuck to marching band and joined the soccer team instead. The rest is history!
What is one or two "passion projects" that get your feet out of bed?
In 2016, I bought my first “real” camera. We had trips planned to WrestleMania 32 in Dallas, an Alaskan Cruise, and Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. I knew I wanted to capture those memories with a better camera. Following those trips, I started hiking for several reasons. The first being to help get my weight and diabetes under control. The second reason being I wanted to do and see more of our beautiful New Mexico scenery. After going on a few hikes, I decided I should take my camera with me to try and capture wildlife, plants, sunsets, Organ Mountains, and whatever else I came across. I was immediately hooked on photography! Friends on social media were quick to like and comment on my photos. As well as helping with my diabetes, photography helps me slow things down and enjoy what my diabetic color-blind eyes would normally miss. If these health benefits weren’t enough already, the stress relief I receive on these photography day adventures outdoes them all!
My other passion is the Green Bay Packers! I always get asked if I’m from Wisconsin. The truth is that when I was a kid, I remember watching Brett Favre get put into the game against the Bengals and make comeback to win the game. Watching his playing style and charisma instantly made me a fan. Not to mention the remarkable history of the Packers and their awesome cheeseheads! But the main factor was having my letter, G, on those beautiful bright yellow helmets! From that day on, I knew they were MY TEAM!!!
What really makes you angry?
When I break something or make a mistake, rude inconsiderate people and don’t even get me started with politics… You definitely can’t forget about COVID-19, 4-way stop signs, slow drivers, fast drivers, not using turn signals, change, brain freeze, telling people that your colorblind then having them ask you what color everything looks like, people touching the thermostat, and kids on my lawn!!!
What makes you really happy?
Oreos, Snickerdoodles, Chocolate Chip Cookies, ice cream, spaghetti, burritos, quesadillas, pizza, Ketchup, Cheesecake Factory, Disneyland, traveling, hiking, more food, photography, concerts, movies, wrestling, and the Green Bay Packers!!! And most importantly, my wife! I’ve been with Mandy since 2005, only one more year than Kosh. And I’ve been washing the dishes ever since… We met while working at Blockbuster Video. We got married at White Sands National Park about 7 years ago. We love traveling, eating out, watching movies, and going to concerts together.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.
I’m an official NFL Owner of the Green Bay Packers. I’ve attended 5 WWE WrestleMania’s. I’ve been to the last 2 Summer Olympic Games (London 2012, Rio 2016). Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 our plans for Tokyo 2020/2021 were canceled…