HaaS on SaaS

Jonathan Haas

I'm a product manager at Vanta with a passion for security and privacy.

FAQ

Answers to questions people often ask me about.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to solve complex problems and build products that have a real impact on people’s lives. I love working with talented teams and collaborating with others to create innovative solutions to challenging problems. I’m passionate about building products that are user-centered and data-driven, and I find it incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact our products have on our customers.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the tech industry?

Be willing to take a temporary pay cut to get your foot in the door. The tech industry is competitive, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices to get your foot in the door. Once you’re in, work hard, learn as much as you can, and be open to new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things – that’s how you’ll grow and advance in your career. And most importantly, find a mentor who can guide you and provide support and advice along the way.

Which grilled cheese sandwich is your favorite?

I love Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar grilled cheese sandwiches. They’re simple, but the cheese is so flavorful and delicious. I could eat them every day! If you’re ever in Seattle, I highly recommend stopping by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese to try one for yourself.

Which movie do you think is the best of all time?

Good Will Hunting is my all-time favorite movie. I love the story, the characters, and the message it conveys. It’s a powerful film that resonates with me on a personal level, and I never get tired of watching it. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend checking it out – you won’t be disappointed.

Why is your Instagram only pictures of your cats?

Because my cats are adorable, and they bring me so much joy! I love sharing photos of them with my friends, and I enjoy capturing their silly antics and cute poses. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cat photo? If you’re a cat lover like me, you’ll appreciate the daily dose of feline cuteness on my Instagram feed. And if you’re not a cat person, well, I’m sorry – you’re missing out!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Surround yourself with nice people. Life is too short to spend time with people who bring you down or make you feel bad about yourself. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, support you, and encourage you to be your best self. Choose friends, colleagues, and partners who inspire you, challenge you, and make you a better person. Your life will be richer, happier, and more fulfilling when you’re surrounded by nice people who bring out the best in you.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?

I’m a big fan of hiking and spending time outdoors. I love exploring new trails, taking in the fresh air, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Hiking is a great way for me to relax, clear my mind, and recharge my batteries. I also enjoy reading, watching movies, and spending time with my family and friends. I’m always up for trying new things and seeking out new adventures, so if you have any recommendations for fun activities, I’m all ears! I’m also globally ranked in the top 15,000 players on RuneScape, so if you’re looking for a challenge, hit me up!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own company?

Starting a company will fundamentally change your life. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and you’ll experience highs and lows like never before. But if you’re passionate about your idea and willing to put in the hard work, it can be incredibly rewarding. My advice to anyone thinking about starting their own company is to do your research, validate your idea, and surround yourself with a strong support network. Find mentors who can guide you, advisors who can provide expertise, and a team who shares your vision. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to take risks and learn from your failures. Starting a company is a journey, and the lessons you learn along the way will shape you as an entrepreneur and as a person.

Can you angel invest in my startup?

I’m not currently angel investing beyond my network, but I’m always happy to chat with entrepreneurs and provide advice and guidance. If you have a startup idea and you’re looking for feedback or support, feel free to reach out. I’m passionate about helping others succeed and sharing my knowledge and experience with aspiring entrepreneurs.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Eating a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches and hiking in the mountains. In all seriousness, I see myself continuing to build products that make a difference in people’s lives. I’m passionate about creating innovative solutions to challenging problems and helping businesses improve their security posture. I hope to be working on exciting new projects, collaborating with talented teams, and making a positive impact on the world. I’m always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow, and I’m excited to see where the future takes me.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Seattle?

My favorite thing about living in Seattle is the natural beauty that surrounds us. I love being so close to the mountains, the water, and the forests. There’s something magical about the Pacific Northwest that I can’t quite put into words. I also appreciate the vibrant tech community in Seattle and the opportunities for growth and innovation. The food scene is fantastic, the people are friendly, and the coffee is top-notch. Seattle is a great place to live, work, and play, and I feel lucky to call it home.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

I recently read “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant” by Eric Jorgenson, and it blew me away. Naval’s wisdom and insights on life, happiness, and success are incredibly profound and thought-provoking. The book is full of practical advice and timeless principles that have had a profound impact on my thinking and decision-making. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It’s a book that I’ll keep coming back to for years to come.

What’s your favorite thing about working in the tech industry?

My favorite thing about working in the tech industry is the pace of innovation and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge products that have a real impact on people’s lives. I love being surrounded by smart, creative, and passionate individuals who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn and explore. I’m excited to be part of an industry that’s shaping the future and creating positive change in the world. It’s a dynamic and challenging environment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I can’t imagine doing anything else!

What’s your favorite thing about being a product manager?

My favorite thing about being a product manager is the opportunity to bring ideas to life and create products that solve real problems for real people. I love working with cross-functional teams to define a vision, set goals, and deliver innovative solutions that delight our customers. As a product manager, I get to wear many hats – from strategist to project manager to customer advocate – and I enjoy the variety and challenge that comes with the role. I’m passionate about building products that are user-centered, data-driven, and impactful, and I find it incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact our products have on our customers. Being a product manager is a dynamic and exciting role, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love every day.