Sign In

Tommy Geoco

Digital Product Designer, Builder and Mentor (UX/UI)

Tommy Geoco is a design generalist and product thinker with a keen interest in creating products to solve people's problems.

With a background of 4 years in the Marine Corps, Tommy transitioned to leveraging technology to tackle critical challenges.

He boasts over 11 years of experience in designing products, focusing on user research, user experiences, and user interfaces.

Tommy has a track record of founding three successful products and a service-based business that was acquired in 2015.

Having worked with renowned companies like 20th Century Fox, Dropbox, and Quantcast, he excels in addressing B2B, B2C, and enterprise product issues.

He has established product design teams, fostered cultures, and implemented standard operating procedures for various startups and small to medium-sized businesses.

Currently, he serves as the Lead Product Designer at NinjaRMM and has held key roles at Sojern, Quantcast, Happy Dev Shop, Streamlabs, ParaCore, and BlueReach.

Tommy Geoco welcomes new connections and inquiries, always eager to meet individuals in the industry.

Highlights

Aug 26 · linkedin

Use my "First 90 Days" game plan as a new design hire:

  1. Dig into the knowledge-share

  2. Get in front of everyone you might work with

  3. Create a personal backlog of small bets

  4. Plant a seed for what you'd like to be known for

  5. Grab an oar and start rowing

  6. LEARN: Dig into the knowledge-share

Recurring meetings, email distros, Slack channels - that's the easy stuff.

What you need to find out is where the research and planning documents live: relevant PRDs, competitive analyses, company forecasts, and roadmaps.

Your goal is to pour through these documents to build your POV about the business. Designers often skip this step and go straight to the design assets. Don't make this mistake.

  1. MEET: Get in front of everyone you might work with

Don't hide away with your team!

Pop 30 minutes on the calendars of Product Leadership, Product Management, Marketing, Engineering, Sales, Support, Growth, HR, and whomever else you might share a Zoom meeting with in the next 12 months. Get to know them, let them know what you'll be working on, and ask how you might be of service down the road.

These casual introductions can turn into key alliances the next time you're advocating for improved research infrastructure or a front-heavy workshop.

  1. PLAN: Create a personal backlog of small bets

There is always room for improvement. Look out for opportunities to improve efficiency (communication standards, engineering handover, research methods, velocity roadblocks).

Document these quietly. This list will change as you learn more.

Once you're settled in, you may be tasked with an initiative that pairs well with one of your small bets. That will be the time to take a risk and add more value - warts and all.

  1. CULTIVATE: Plant a seed for what you'd like to be known for

If a co-worker were asked about your superpower, what would you like them to say?

For me, it's open collaboration. I make it a point to seek the opinions of cross-functional partners and bring to life the ideas of sales folks and support teams. For you, it might be quality. Or reliability. And it can be all of these things over time.

For now, pick one area that you'd like to stand for. Make it a point to excel in this area, and grow from there.

  1. CONTRIBUTE: Grab an oar and start rowing

You were brought onto this team to contribute, and they sure need your help. You may be the change agent destined to 10x velocity and revenue, but for now, it's "heave ho!" Finding ways to contribute to planned, small wins in the first 90 days is a great way to build early trust. Plus, it'll provide you with ideas for working smarter and building faster.

The shape of work at each company varies, but going into a new role with preparedness is the best way to combat imposter syndrome.

Aug 16 · linkedin

I've noticed a trend among designers and professionals:

Quick dismissal of new tools, platforms, or methods without giving them a genuine trial.

  • "Figma is just a fad."
  • "AI is a hype bubble."
  • "There is only one right way to design well."

I follow up by asking how much they've actually used the new tools or methods.

Usually, it's surface level, or not at all: "Well, I haven't really tried it..."

Here's the hard truth:

If you're cynical, you'll forever be reliant on others for innovation.

Being skeptical is healthy and necessary in our field. But there's a crucial difference:

Skepticism + willingness to try = Growth Skepticism - willingness to try = Cynicism

Cynicism is the quiet killer of ambition and innovation in design.

It's the voice that says, "That won't work" before you've even attempted it.

It's the mindset that keeps you stuck in comfortable, but potentially outdated, ways of problem solving.

In design, cynicism can manifest as:

  • Refusing to learn new tools
  • Dismissing new insights that. challenge your assumptions
  • Scoffing at others who attempt to create change

But it extends beyond our professional lives. Cynicism in life can lead to:

  • Missed opportunities for personal growth
  • Strained relationships due to constant negativity
  • A narrow worldview that limits your potential

Next time you feel that knee-jerk cynical reaction:

  1. Pause and recognize it
  2. Ask yourself, "Have I given this a fair chance?"
  3. Commit to a small experiment or learning session before passing judgment

Some of the most groundbreaking innovations in design and beyond came from people willing to challenge their own cynicism and try something new.

Are you being a skeptic or a cynic in your design practice and life?

The answer might be uncomfortable, but it's crucial for your growth.

Tommy Geoco
Add to my network

Location

Phoenix, Arizona, United States