20 Under 40
Jonathan Sessions
Owner, Gravity
Age: 33
Job description:
Gravity is mid-Missouri’s Apple authorized service provider. We can fix any Mac made between 1980 and tomorrow. Whether in warranty or not, our goal is to get you up and running as quickly as possible. Additionally, we provide training, consultation and contracted support. My work revolves around making technology understandable, keeping it running, and fixing it if it breaks down. In other words, when it comes to computers, my job is to make your life easier.
Hometown:
Columbia
Years lived in Columbia:
See age.
Education:
I went to Russell, Smithton (Kinda. It’s a long story. Ask Wanda Brown & Jack Jensen), West Jr. and Hickman. I started at MU, but job opportunities drew me away. I eventually returned to earn my bachelor’s in elementary music education.
Professional background:
I starting working for Apple as a campus representative while at MU, where I was part of the team that transitioned the journalism school to Apple computers. After working for Apple, I managed service and sales for an Apple reseller. I restarted school, and while still a student at MU, I opened Sessions Consulting, which grew into Tech 2 and has now expanded into Gravity.
Mentor:
Too many to count. I was lucky to have teachers that gave this bored, hyperactive kid a break.
What don’t people know about your job?
— Rice will not dry out your wet phone and/or computer.
— The term for fire is “Thermal Event”
— If you didn’t backup it today, you’ll need it tomorrow.
— Sometimes we’re like the car repair shop; things start working when you walk in our door.
— If a random person calls you and wants to have control of your computer and your credit card, STOP! Hang up.
What is the best thing about your job?
The look of relief on someone’s face after I’ve recovered all their family photos.
A favorite recent project?
I worked with three very bright students from West Middle School on a digital signage project for REDI. They designed, prototyped, tested, and produced the hardware necessary for the project using 3D printing. Then they spent a day on-site installing, configuring, and testing their equipment. It was a great example of what CPS students can do. REDI ended up with a solid, easy-to-manage solution to their problem and the students got first-hand experience solving problems and working with clients. And best of all, the kids got out of school for a day.
What was your New Year’s resolution in 2015? Did you accomplish it?
Was thinking about upgrading to 4K TV, but still at 1080p.
What are your specific professional goals for 2016?
2016 is all about the success of Gravity.
What about your day do you look forward to most?
Meetings in Conference Room B.
What motivates you?
I believe we can make our community a better place through education. Whether it’s taking a big-picture view of how to educate our kids or teaching one person how to create something on their laptop, it all adds up.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Bartending.
Community involvement:
Anyone that has met me knows I’m actively involved in the community. I have served on countless city committees, commissions and task forces; led youth programs and choirs; and I’m an active member of Columbia Chamber of Commerce. I am in my sixth year of serving as member of the Columbia Public Schools Board of Education.
Accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Turning in this questionnaire.
What do you do for fun?
Tinker, fiddle, build things.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Feeding the dog when nobody’s watching, Conference Room B, and cookies.
Greatest lesson learned?
There’s always another lesson to learn.
Want more 2016 20 Under 40? Check out Tyson Hunt’s Q&A.
