Hidden behind a vintage 1976 Coke machine, Ocusell CPO Will Ogles has brought his passion for retro gaming to life by transforming the back of his wife’s art studio into a fully functional speakeasy arcade. What started as a few arcade machines for fun quickly spiraled into a personal haven packed with ‘90s classics like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, complete with original cabinets and neon lights.

In this episode, Will shares how his love for video games evolved into a full-blown restoration project, where he brings old arcade machines back to life and uses modern tech like Alexa to power his games. His journey from product management to arcade designer and restorer is filled with creativity, challenges, and a true dedication to keeping the magic of ‘90s arcades alive.

Highlights:

• Arcade Co-working Space Transformed: Initially meant to be a co-working space with a few games, the arcade grew until the desks disappeared, leaving only the games.
• Recreating 90s Arcade Nostalgia: Will explains how he designed the space to mirror the dark, immersive feel of ‘90s mall arcades, with games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat.
• Alexa-Controlled Arcade: Will has integrated his arcade with Alexa, allowing him to turn on games and control the space with voice commands.

Jump Into the Conversation:

(00:00) Introduction to Will Ogles and his transformation of a back room into an arcade

(01:55) How the arcade was hidden behind a vintage Coke machine

(04:01) How Will discovered his passion for building arcades

(06:42) Differences between ‘80s and ‘90s arcades

(12:38) Restoring original arcade cabinets and the challenges of repairs

(18:34) Transporting arcade cabinets in an SUV

(21:55) Restoring a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cabinet back to its original form

(26:49) Plans to open a public arcade in the future

(28:30) How arcade restoration has influenced Will’s professional skills in product management

What does it take to achieve motocross excellence? Our guest today can certainly tell you. Ulf Viney, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Precisely and a dedicated father, has turned his sons’ interest in motocross into a full-on family adventure complete with feats of track engineering. With the type of earth-moving machines you’d expect around a construction site, Ulf builds professional-grade motocross tracks in his own backyard.

Hear how Ulf got started in the motocross game, the parallels between his professional and race track-building life, and the challenges and triumphs that define his family’s motocross journey. From the meticulous process of sourcing and shaping dirt to the high-speed thrills of the race itself, this is an episode every bit as exhilarating as the world of motocross.

Highlights:

• Family First, Always: Ulf Viney's journey into motocross began because his son showed an interest in riding. Fast forward to today, and it's a full-fledged family affair with both of his sons rising up the ranks in motocross.
• Building Dreams (And Tracks): Ever wondered what it takes to build a supercross track in your backyard? Ulf gives us a peek behind the curtain, sharing the nitty-gritty of dirt composition, machinery, and the precise art of track building.
• Overcoming Challenges: Whether it's handling challenging terrain or solving complex engineering problems, Ulf emphasizes the value of facing and overcoming obstacles.

Jump Into the Conversation:
(00:00) Introduction to Ulf Viney and his views on growth through challenges
(01:14) How Ulf’s son’s interest sparked the family’s motocross journey
(04:45) Ulf’s involvement in designing custom motocross tracks
(09:58) Motocross vs. Supercross: Ulf explains the differences
(12:54) How to build a supercross track
(26:44) Applying engineering skills to track construction
(37:42) Testing tracks with top riders for quality assurance

Imagine the quiet serenity of an attic turned art studio, where the hum of the outside world fades, and the canvas becomes a space for exploration. In this episode of 5 to 9, Tacita Morway, the CTO of Textio, shares her passion for art and the meditative escape it provides.

Hear how Tacita manages chaos by putting charcoal to paper. Marvel at the differences in painting mediums and the ideas they express. This episode is a true moment of Zen for anyone looking to jump into art or simply balance professional commitments with personal passions.

Highlights:

• Finding Balance Through Art: Tacita shares how painting and drawing offer her a peaceful refuge amid her overloaded workdays.
• The Creative Process is Chaotic – and That’s Okay: Tacita breaks down her artistic process, filled with spontaneity and embracing the unexpected— creativity often lies in reacting to chaos and refining what emerges.
• Embracing Constraints to Fuel Creativity: Whether in art or software development, working within limits can help us focus and innovate.
• Art as a Journey, Not a Destination: Tacita talks about the satisfaction of problem-solving in both her art and tech careers, underlining that neither journey aims for a final "perfect" piece but rather the enjoyment of the process.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Art 101 with Tacita Morway
(03:55) How doodling led Tacita to art school
(12:04) The role of improvisation in artistic expression
(29:22) How Tacita’s engineering background influences her art
(37:46) Getting Started with Oil Painting and Knife Techniques