After more than two decades at MesserSoft, Andrey Golubkov, software developer and passionate problem solver, is retiring. In this interview, he reflects on his beginnings, formative projects, special challenges, and his plans for his time after retirement. A look back at an extraordinary career:
How did you come to work for MesserSoft?
Andrey: I joined the software department at Messer Cutting & Welding in 2001 (later renamed MesserSoft). I was asked to develop software for pipe cutting. This software was urgently needed, but all the programmers in the department had turned down the job.
What was the best thing about working here – and why?
Andrey: I enjoy solving geometric problems – just like some people enjoy solving crossword puzzles. My work presented me with many such challenges, which I found very enjoyable.
What challenges did you appreciate the most?
Andrey: A good example is my first task: developing software for pipe cutting. The contract between Messer and a customer was essentially worded as follows: Messer should implement everything the customer wants. And the customer had many wishes. It was a company that manufactures advertising installations and therefore needed many special software functions.
I developed the software and visited the company in Gijón (a beautiful place in Asturias). The people were satisfied, and together we used the new software to create works of art – such as candle holders made from tubes. At first, I wasn't sure if I could complete the task successfully, but in the end everything worked out well. I think you can call that a real challenge.
Was there a particularly memorable moment or event that you like to look back on or are proud of?
Andrey: At Messer, it was decided to purchase a new automatic nesting library. We had the opportunity to test this library. Nevertheless, I was asked to develop something better in a short period of time. My colleagues thought this was impossible and believed that I was just looking for a reason to be dismissed.
When I had finished our own library, no one wanted to do a comparison test at first because everyone was sure that the result would be in favour of the purchased solution. Nevertheless, our library produced the better plan for every test task and achieved the shortest processing time.
What are your plans for after work?
Andrey: I have lots of ideas and I'm not sure if I can implement them all. Here are a few of them:
- Read Homer and go sailing – using the Odyssey as a kind of travel guide.
- Live in Italy, learn Italian and study Italian art.
- Cycle the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela.
- Doing the Kora around Mount Kailash, trekking in Nepal and visiting monasteries in Ladakh.
What advice would you give to younger colleagues?
Andrey: I can quote a well-known saying from chess: A goal is better than no goal – even if it's the wrong one.
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Dear Andrey, we thank you sincerely for your tireless commitment, your wealth of ideas, and your sense of humor. We wish you health, inspiration, and many fulfilling adventures in this new chapter of your life.
Your MesserSoft Team
