Daz Employee Spotlight: Brannon Laveder, Website Design Senior Manager

The hardworking individuals at Daz 3D keep everything from the website to the software running smoothly so you can bring your creative visions to life. And we’re excited to introduce you to them.

Meet Brannon Laveder, Senior Manager and web extraordinaire. He’s been with Daz since June 2015 — an impressive seven years! We enjoyed getting to know this integral member of our team, from his professional life to his personal one.

The Interview

Thank you for your time, Brannon! Let’s start with your time at Daz. What do you like most about working here? 

I’ve always enjoyed the diversity of employees, good growth opportunities, team environment, and the content of what we work on.

We’re sure you’ve witnessed plenty of good times over the years too, so what are some of your favorite memories at Daz?

The Christmas parties are always memorable. It’s always a blast just getting together and joking while having fun.

Absolutely. We pride ourselves on making the office a fun place to be. What has been your favorite project at Daz?

Coding and designing up the UX/UI for DazCentral. I learned a lot.

And what is your proudest moment or accomplishment since joining Daz?

Probably being promoted from just doing emails, to lead designer, to management.

Congrats! You’ve put in a lot of hard work to get where you are today. Before working at Daz, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had? 

I was a Boatswain’s Mate in the U.S Navy. I painted, drove, and maintained an aircraft carrier. 

The image I provided is of me receiving an award for sewing over 600 feet of bunting and managing a team of 15 sailors to paint the entire side of the ship — all in a month before the President’s arrival. This kind of task usually takes about three months.

That’s incredible! What would you say is the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

Sometimes, you’ve got to look in the mirror and square yourself away. It’s a Navy thing, but it taught me to always find ways to improve myself and be better everyday.

That’s great advice. Now, let’s talk about you outside of work. What’s something about yourself that would surprise us?

I met President Obama and shook his hand; he thanked me for my service. I also had the same dentist. 

And what do you like to do in your free time?

I like to 3D model and create animations, make movie posters, and play with my kid in my free time. 

What’s your favorite and least favorite food?

I love burgers. 

I’m not a huge sushi fan. The idea of willingly eating a raw animal just because people in ancient times did it never made sense to me. 

You can never go wrong with a good burger! On to beverages. If you could only drink one beer for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Beer for the rest of my life? I suppose a good hefeweizen. 

And if you could only have one “specialty drink” for the rest of your life, what would it be?

An Old Fashioned.

Classic choice! What is your favorite travel destination?

I’ve been everywhere around the world (minus Europe), and it’s all the same. They’ve all got a Mcdonalds around the corner or a KFC. So my favorite place is home with my family. 

We love that. What is your motto or personal mantra?

Do better than yesterday. And be the dad your son needs, not wants.

Wise words! Thank you, Brannon, for taking the time to tell us more about yourself, and thank you for your contributions to Daz over the last seven years. We can’t imagine the team without you.

Want to join the Daz 3D team? Check out our current Daz careers!