Meet Marcellus Haynes | Software Consultant, Founder & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcellus Haynes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcellus, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
First and foremost, I like to help people. And in my community there has always been a need to help people learn and use technology. From my very first business removing viruses from PCs to my current business Technologists of Color; the impetus has always been to help people with technology. Second, I enjoy the ability to conceive and construct everything about a business, making important decisions and the satisfaction (or even euphoria) of getting paid directly for something you created or a service you provided.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
– I’m a lifelong software developer…20+ years of professional software development and consulting. I started my career with the thought of entering corporate america and “climbing the corporate ladder”. However, after stints of 5 and 3 years as an FTE (Full Time Employee), I began to realize that I wasn’t a fan of the corporate environment. In 2007 I learned the benefits of working as a contractor, so at that point I created my corporation eTech Atlanta and have worked through it ever since. Working as a software developer (and contractor) has been great because it pays very well, offers incredible flexibility and there’s always another opportunity as long as you have the skills. Even through the Great Recession I had a contract and didn’t miss a beat financially. The biggest challenge has been navigating the tech industry as a Black man, almost always being “the only one”, always feeling like an outsider and feeling like I have to justify my presence everyday. And I don’t feel as if I have overcome these challenges because they persist. It is indeed a constant battle. – The thing I am most proud of is creating, growing and maintaining the Technologists of Color platform. It has provided me the opportunity to do what I love practically everyday. Early in my life I was the “computer guy” in my family and community. Not everyone was “into computers” back then, so I was the nerdy computer guy. I taught several of my family members how to use PCs including my mother and father-in-law. And at this point, I think they each probably spend more time on computers than I do! I didn’t realize it at the time, but one of the things that I truly enjoy is helping people. I love to see people grow and learn and win. – My brand story: I love my family, I love Black people and I’m passionate about both of them winning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a pretty boring guy so this is VERY difficult for me! lol Some of the things I love (and think my best friend would love) are music, sports, great restaurants and perhaps comedy. So here goes… Monday: Whiskey at home and a long night of catching up Tuesday: Braves Game / Wings at Taco Mac Wednesday: Live Concert at City Winery / Dinner at The Optimist Thursday: Hawks Game / Pizza at Slim and Husky’s Friday: Laughing Skull / Dinner and drinks at The Consulate Saturday: Ponce City Market, Krog Street, Atlantic Station / Dinner and drinks at Poor Calvins Sunday: Brunch at Ms. Icey’s Kitchen and Bar

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people that served as mentors and helped me along the way, but I want to give a very special shoutout to my wife Dena for supporting me and allowing me to devote so much of our time, energy and even money to helping others. She’s the real MVP!

Website: https://techsofcolor.org
Instagram: techsofcolor
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/techsofcolor
Twitter: techsofcolor
Facebook: techsofcolor
Other: https://meetup.com/Technologists

Image Credits
Fat Boy Pictures Simply Zee Imagery Phrozen Memories