Jason Hudson

Jason Hudson is Technical Product Manager for the Shuttleworth Foundation and founder of the Freedom Toaster project. An open source enthusiast and highly qualified Linux professional, when Hudson is not building Freedom Toasters with his bare hands he is evaluating funding proposals and running technical projects for the foundation.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in East London - the ‘ghost on the coast’.
What did you study?
I did a PC technician course at Varsity College, after which I studied electrical engineering at the Cape Technikon. I then completed my Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) qualification and studied project management at the University of Stellenbosch Business School and, finally, completed the New Managers Program at the University of Cape Town’s business school.
What is your professional background?
Before joining the Shuttleworth Foundation I worked for a company that developed and supported medical software. I managed a small team of developers that focused on their dental product, while also working on the team that was developing the product for clinics and hospitals.
How did you become involved in open source?
I was dared. My colleagues told me that I wouldn't be able to run Mandrake Linux on my office desktop for more than 3 months. That was about 5 years ago, and I haven't looked back. I saved as much money as I could to go on Linux courses and learn more about this dynamic operating system.
What is your involvement in the Freedom Toaster project?
I started the project and continue to manage it.
What is your portfolio at the Shuttleworth Foundation?
I am Technical Project Manager. It is my job to evaluate funding proposals that have a technical element to them and to run technical projects that the foundation decides to implement.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy running (I'm currently training for the Comrades Marathon), black and white photography, reading and watching the Discovery Channel - especially American Chopper.
What motivates you in your work and what do you love about your job?
I'm motivated by the fact that we change lives for the better. I love that we are slowly being acknowledged by the global community for the work that we do. I also love my job because we're focused on doing things in an innovative way. Mark (Shuttleworth) wants us to create phenomena - I love the challenge.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I would like to see myself building Freedom Toasters to meet the overwhelming demand :)
What advice do you have for people who want to get involved in projects like yours?
Think globally, act locally. And give us a call if you have a good idea that
will help us achieve our goals.

Associated photos:
Jason Hudson