Team
Chip Gracey
Chip Gracey is the founder of Parallax. Chip’s interests in coding, electronics and microcontrollers started with the Apple II computer.
Since the 1980s, Chip has created microcontroller development tools, custom microcontrollers and circuit boards, programming languages and applications that have been used around the world. Chip has five children and lives on a walnut orchard in Northern California
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Aristides Alvarez
Aristides Alvarez found the BASIC Stamp in a magazine as a Vo-Tech instructor in Argentina. He asked Parallax for permission to translate its Stamps in Class tutorials into Spanish for his students.
One translation led to another, and Ari relocated to California with his family. Since then his teaching, engineering, international logistics, and staff-wrangling skills have been put to use under many different hats at Parallax.
Today, Ari is a US citizen and Parallax’s Vice President. He’s usually working behind the scenes but you may see him representing Parallax in meetings or teaching Educator Workshops.
Ken Gracey
Ken is our optimistic and fearless leader of Parallax for over 20 years. Ken has some diverse interests in robotics, clarinet and holds the record of highest altitude traveled by any Parallaxian.
Ken earned his preliminary Career Technology Education (CTE) credential and worked within the local school system for seven years, putting Parallax products and curriculum to the test.
He continually talks about working “smart”, having fun, and keeping one’s life in balance.
Robin Steffen
For many years, we relied on Robin to ship packages and cycle count Parallax inventory!
Today she is also coordinating production jobs, sourcing and purchasing materials, receiving, and assisting with production as needed. Every successful warehouse needs a “Robin”!
Jeff Martin
As a kid, Jeff spent his time tinkering with electronics and engineering mostly-mechanical contraptions “for the fun of it.” At age 11 he learned to program and while in college he mastered the BASIC Stamp 1.
Soon after, he took a job supporting many products here at Parallax; working in Tech Support, IT, management, and now in our R & D department as our Senior Software Engineer. If you’re enjoying programming the Propeller via Propeller Tool or BlocklyProp, Jeff is one of the people you can thank!
He is a kind and considerate person who is energized by inquisitive people creating with technology. Jeff’s personal hobbies include camping, hiking, traveling, cycling, and spending time with family.
