Meet TaxBit Team Member, Michael Ugrin

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I grew up in the Seattle area, north of the city around Everett. I love the natural beauty of the Northwest, and though I’ve moved around a bit, this is home.

Before TaxBit, I was pursuing careers in healthcare, including a stretch as an EMT in Seattle. I love people and helping those in need; my time in healthcare deepened my empathy and made me a more whole person myself.

I love dogs, sci-fi, music, and tech, and I am always down for rabbit hole conversations about anything!

Q: What made you choose TaxBit? 

The excitement of a start-up attracted me to TaxBit. More specifically, my personal interest in cryptocurrency and how TaxBit fills a need in this industry.

I work on the Escalations Support team, and my days are often spent giving critical thought to some of our customers’ more complex and in depth needs, so I can troubleshoot and problem solve. The work leads to improvements in our product and procedures.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working at TaxBit? 

I love the open, kind environment we have built and maintained at TaxBit. I always feel welcome to speak to any of my colleagues, and I feel that we mutually benefit from the teaching and learning culture.

My role is a great place to give our customers a top-tier experience, and also continually improve our productivity as a company. The role I play in increased efficiency and product quality is very fulfilling!

Q: What interests you most about the digital asset space? 

The potential is limitless. I have always been excited to be of the Millennial generation; I was raised during the biggest shift in technology in human history. I see cryptocurrency as another iteration of how we trade for goods and services and express value. I think it’s an admirable and thrilling way to harness the power of computing.

Q: What are some of your favorite activities outside of work? 

I spend a lot of time listening to music and watching movies. I obsess over my speaker and headphone setups, and I love to relax with a favorite album or movie. I also love mountain biking, trying new places to eat, and riding my motorcycle!

Q: What is an item on your bucket list? 

Skydiving is a big one. I also want to see many of the wonders of the world, such as Machu Picchu, Petra, and Taj Mahal. I also really want to visit my family’s namesake settlement of Ugrini in Buzet, Istria, Croatia!

Speed Round

Favorite movie: It’s difficult to pick only one. I think The Shawshank Redemption offers a full meal of fine acting, engaging story, and personal development. My second pick is Arrival. I’m a huge sci-fi fan, and this film is one of the most emotional and unique takes on a first-contact story. It’s based on a 1998 novella titled "Story of Your Life" by Ted Chiang, and it’s truly incredible.

Go-to karaoke song: “On Top” by The Killers for an upbeat pick. “Georgia” by Ray Charles for a slow dance.

Favorite food: Sushi, and it’s not even close! I can eat it always, any time, forever.

Current Netflix or streaming binge: The Sopranos, and I’m almost finished. It’s my first watch.

I also recently watched The Wire, and I give it 10/10! It’s an unflinching look at the drug trade, policing, organized labor, media, and politics in Baltimore, Maryland in the early to mid 2000s. written by a former homicide detective and print journalist. It’s incredible.

Book you’ve read more than once: Treasure Island. I’ll never get over how exciting, smart, and engaging this story is. And it’s over 135-years-old! Like Jim says at the end of the story, the boom of the surf on the island stays in your mind after reading.

Interested in joining Team TaxBit? We’d love to hear from you—check out our open positions!