Meet Our Team: Kevin Stewart-Mercurio

“Kevin's an instantly likable person. He's genuine, funny, creative, and kind. Everyone wants to be his friend!” - Cecily Milligan , Digital + Content Manager?

Kevin Stewart-Mercurio 's dual degree in computer science and mathematics makes him a huge asset to our team of creative developers. He’s a fast learner who knows the ins and outs of all things digital, tackling projects from unique angles and innovative perspectives. Our newest Actual Sizer always comes prepared with questions - and at least a few solutions - making him an invaluable player on our team.?

He’s only been with Actual Size for a few months, but impact doesn’t have a timeframe - and Kevin’s proof of that. “Kevin is so much fun… he’s a great addition to the environment here!” says Designer Clare Connell .

Keeping Up With Kevin

When he’s not in our East Liberty office, the New York native is biking around the 412, seeking out coffee shops and parks, and playing Pittsburgh Ultimate Frisbee - Go Crucible! You may wonder how Kevin keeps track of his busy schedule, but calendars have no place in this Developer’s life. As Kelly Clarkson sang in her chart-topping hit Breakaway, “I won’t forget all the ones that I love.” As a huge fan of the 2002 American Idol winner, Kevin took this tune to heart.?

He took a risk. (Moving to Pittsburgh)

Took a chance. (Becoming an Actual Sizer)

Made a change. (Took over our Slack channels)?

And for that, we’ll forever be grateful.?

What does your role entail?

“I work within the Development department to create and maintain websites that are exciting to use and accessible to everyone.”?

The Swarthmore College alum is part of a three-person team, led by Director of Digital Operations, Eric Yeamans . Kevin makes up one-half of a dynamic developer duo. “Working with a developer as experienced as Alexander Grattan is the best thing about my role. I feel like I grow as a developer each time we talk about code.”?

Alexander’s equally happy to have another software savant by his side. “Kevin’s positivity and learner’s spirit is intoxicating to be around.”?

Kevin joined Actual Size in March and quickly hit the ground running. Eric’s a firm believer in teamwork and credits Kevin’s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn for some of their recent creative feats, noting how impressed he is with the recent graduate.?

Tell us about your favorite projects.?

“I've only worked on a handful of projects in my short time with Actual Size but I think I'll remember the SAFE site for a while. It was my very first project and I got to see the whole process of turning a design into a website. I certainly made mistakes but I got a lot of support from Eric and Alexander and it felt great to help the team in my first couple weeks on the job.”

Kevin jumped in head first, working with our entire team to take the advocacy group’s site over the finish line. Actual Size is small by design and our creative crew finds our greatest success in collaboration. Kevin’s been an integral part of the Development Team since day one, but the impact reaches far beyond those cluster of desks.?

“Kevin is always trying to push the boundaries of development and looking for the latest trends,” says Mary Kiernan , Actual Size Partner. The Operations team sings praises to Kevin’s communication skills. “He’s never afraid to ask questions to help him gain more insight into what our client's needs are,” says Project Manager Addison Reckley . Director of Operations, Larissa Sweitzer agrees. “When he is working on a project, he goes all in.”?

Strategic design and messaging are nothing without functionality. Creative agencies are under huge amounts of pressure to deliver high-quality, innovative work that surprises, delights, and engages - while staying under budget, maintaining scalability, and adhering to best practices. None of that deters Kevin. “He takes ownership of what he’s working on,” says Bob Kiernan , Founder. “He pushes forward technically as much as possible.”

Another thing we love about Kevin? His competitive streak. Michael Cauley , Operations Controller,?was one of four other Actual Sizers on Kevin’s team for our first annual Social Media Engagement Games. “Working with Kevin is a blast. He immediately dubbed us 'The Good Team' and was really able to ramp up the competition.”

"The Good Team" didn’t take home the gold, but they easily laughed it off - thanks to Kevin. Michael, Clare, and Creative Director Joe Shumbat gave shoutouts to the easygoing humor and wit Kevin brings to the lunch table. Those endorsements earned him the coveted title of “Second Funniest in the Office” (according to Larissa, who considers herself the First Funniest in the Office).?

We love Kevin, and we’re happy to say that the feeling’s mutual.?

What’s your favorite thing about working at Actual Size?

“My coworkers! Whenever I tell my friends about my job I always mention how lucky I am to work with people who I enjoy being around.”

Moving to a new city, starting a new job, and taking over a Slack channel is no easy feat, but Kevin did it with easy confidence and overflowing kindness. We literally can’t shut up about how much we like him.?

Tell us something you admire about Kevin.?

• “His humor and welcoming personality.” - Addison
• “He’s always open to working on a new challenge with me and I’m very lucky to have him around as a coworker.” - Alexander
• “He's very mature in his approach and handles projects with a cool head.” - Bob
• “Kevin really seems to get excited about the work he is making and you can really feel this in the outcome of each project he works on.” - Clare?
• “He's incredibly smart, imaginative, and excited about the work he does. He's also a great communicator!” - Cecily?
• “I admire Kevin’s ability to take on a challenge and not get overwhelmed. Taking on challenging work and tasks is something that’s demanding, and learning how to keep a cool head can take years. Kevin has brought a cool head and calmness to our team that allows us to focus on the tasks at hand, solve problems, and deliver results.” - Eric?
• “I've never seen him heated or visibly stressed, he is always calm.” - Joe
• “Kevin is just one of those genuinely kind people that you want to be around. He really thinks about what he is saying and how he is making the people around him feel, and that is such an under-appreciated trait.” - Larissa?
• “His independence!” - Mary?
• “His decision-making abilities are unparalleled. He only viewed one apartment before signing a lease and moving to Pittsburgh.” - Michael?

Kevin represents everything Actual SIze strives to be: thoughtful, creative, agile, and dynamic. We’re thrilled to have him on our team - someone to make us laugh, think, discover, and imagine.?