Thomas Krackl

‘Expert for everything’

‘Captain’ Thomas Krackl joined ISE in 2006. He is in charge of all IT systems used by ISE.

What is your favourite memory from a previous ISE show?

My favourite moments of ISE usually come twice a year: the opening of the show and the closing of the show. To see everything coming together and then opening the gates to visitors is always a rush. And likewise, once everything has worked out and we close our doors it gives me a feeling of relief – and also means it’s time to party!

Where would we usually find you outside of work?

When would that be??

What are you currently watching?

I am watching Last Chance U on Netflix – a series about junior college football. It is interesting to watch as it shows how very junior footballers try to find their way into the NFL. Also, it really helps me brush up my swearing in English. After seasons 1 and 2 I felt well equipped to engage in any language brawl, but realised later that I am still a beginner when I saw seasons 3 and 4, which took the F-word to a completely new level…

Do you have any pets?

Yes, I have two cats: Kex and Smilla. Technically they are probably only 1.5 cats, as Kex only comes by every couple of days, usually when he is beat up and needs a vet. That’s very different compared to Smilla, who has trained us very well to get up from the sofa to let her out, then giving us just enough time to sit down before we have to get up again when she wants back in, 30 seconds later.

If you could only have three apps on your smartphone, which three would you pick?

OMG, I have 268 apps on my phone. This is not an exaggeration. Do I use them all? Most of them probably not. But I am always amazed about how many I am actually using when I close them all. So let me quote three apps which I think are not so mainstream:

• TeamViewer: This app changed my life. As an IT person, I am always in need of a PC somehow to fix something quickly. I once really impressed my colleague Danielle when during an emergency request I fixed the online floorplan of ISE via my phone from a beer-tent at the Oktoberfest.
• Fantastical: A fairly new addition. I have multiple calendars from various sources and this app brings them together quite nicely in various practical views. I’m still trying to find the best solution here: anyone with a recommendation for a good calendar app, let me know!
• MyMeasures: A fantastic app for taking measurements. You make a picture of a room and can easily mark dimensions. Very good when you are shopping for furniture or things like that.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

“Don’t just study audio engineering; also learn about the business side of the music industry.” I was told this when I was trying to decide what to study, and am glad I took this person’s advice (and later took an artist management class with him). Even though audio engineering was fun, I quickly realised that I was better at business/management and IT than audio engineering. I was lucky enough to later work as a product manager with artists like Prince, Whitney Houston, Santana and others, which I would have not been able to do had I only stuck to audio engineering.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know.

One thing that most people do not know about me is that I perform in impro theatre. I always wanted to be an actor, but my problem is that I am no good at learning lines by heart. So when I stumbled across impro theatre, that changed everything. I was part of a group for a few years but eventually it fell apart, so for the last few years I have not been able to do it. Maybe it’s something to pick up again when it becomes possible 😊