What's your origin story?

I’ve always felt lucky to know what I wanted to do with my life. Not everyone has that clarity. For me, it wasn’t a single lightning bolt moment but rather a gradual pull, a curiosity that kept building over time. I’ve always had an affinity for technology, gadgets, and things you could build (and break!). Growing up in a family of DIYers, I was surrounded by projects. If something broke, we fixed it. If we couldn’t fix it, we got creative. That mindset of curiosity and problem-solving was baked into me early on.

But if I had to pinpoint the moment my life took a clear trajectory, it was a random trip to Barnes & Noble with my mom. She told me I could pick out any book I wanted. I wandered the aisles, not particularly drawn to anything… until I saw it: a massive book titled “HTML.” Something about it grabbed me. I didn’t know it at the time, but that book would change everything. I brought it home, started reading, and it was as if a whole new world opened up. The idea that I could type something into my computer and make something real appear? That was magic. From that book, I dove into BASIC, Perl, C, and beyond. But it all started with that one moment, that one book.

Looking back, I realize how pivotal that experience was. It wasn’t just about learning to code; it was about discovering how much I loved creating, solving problems, and building something from scratch. That passion is what’s driven me ever since, from my early days as an engineer to my role now as CTO. The tools and languages may have changed, but the core of what I love has stayed the same: using technology to bring ideas to life.

We all have origin stories. They’re not always as obvious as a dusty book in a bookstore, but they’re there. Maybe it was a high school teacher who saw potential in you, or a college project that sparked something you didn’t know was inside you. Maybe it was a mentor who took you under their wing, or a moment where you realized you could solve a problem no one else could. Whatever it was, that story matters. It shapes who you are, what you value, and how you lead.

For me, that HTML book didn’t just teach me to code. It taught me the joy of mastery and diving deep, learning something inside and out, and using that knowledge to create solutions that last. It taught me the importance of clarity to break down complex ideas so they make sense, whether to myself, my team, or a client. And it taught me trust, that the work I do has to be reliable, solid, and something people can count on.

So, what’s your origin story? What was the moment, big or small, that set you on the path to where you are today? It’s worth reflecting on. Because understanding where you started can help you see more clearly where you’re headed. And maybe, just maybe, your origin story is still unfolding.

Author Bios

Steven Zgaljic is the Chief Technology Officer at Jahnel Group, Inc., a custom software development firm based in New York. At Jahnel Group, we're passionate about building amazing software that drives businesses forward. We're not just a company - we're a community of rockstar developers who love what we do. From the moment you walk through our door, you'll feel like part of the family. To learn more about Jahnel Group's services, visit jahnelgroup.com or contact Steven at steven@jahnelgroup.