Barry Nolte: A Life of Tech, Tradition, and Totem Poles
Barry Nolte, born in Portland and raised in Eugene, Oregon, is a man who has successfully woven together a career in technology and a passion for traditional Native American carving. After graduating from South Eugene High School, Barry was determined to pursue a career in engineering, focusing on either computer science or electrical engineering. His journey to Oregon Tech, however, was a bit unconventional.
In the early '80s, college options were abundant, and Barry found himself navigating through a sea of catalogs from various universities. Oregon Tech (OIT) became his final choice after considering a few other schools, including Oregon State University and the University of Portland. This decision proved to be the right one, providing him with the perfect balance between electronics and computer systems, which set the foundation for his future in the tech industry.
Starting his college career at Oregon Tech in the winter term of 1984, Barry quickly adjusted to the Klamath Falls climate—quite a shock for someone coming from Eugene. With feet of snow on the ground, Barry’s introduction to Oregon Tech was marked by early morning electronics classes with Dr. Newell, a tough but fair professor. The demanding coursework gave Barry a strong foundation in both theory and practical applications, shaping his skills for what would become an illustrious career in technology.
Barry’s senior year at Oregon Tech brought about an opportunity to work for a professor who ran a company, Deft Engineering, specializing in military contracts. This work experience allowed Barry to hone his skills in electronics design and problem-solving, particularly in finding replacement parts for discontinued military equipment. His time at Deft Engineering introduced him to the world of vendor communications and contract presentations, giving him valuable professional experience before graduation.
Upon earning his degree in 1988, Barry began applying for jobs, initially focusing on positions in Oregon but eventually expanding his search to Portland and then Seattle. His wife, Lisa, whom he met at Oregon Tech during their freshman year, secured a job at Boeing, prompting the couple to move to Washington. Barry soon found employment at a small company specializing in printer interfaces for mini and mainframe computers. Not long after, Lisa moved on to a role at Microsoft, and Barry followed suit, joining the tech giant as a software engineer.
Barry’s career at Microsoft was marked by significant contributions, particularly in software development and performance tools. He worked on printer testing for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and later became involved in more technical projects, including bug-tracking systems and performance tools used internally at Microsoft. His work on precise timing within programs earned him several patents, cementing his legacy in the tech world.
In addition to his tech career, Barry's creative side flourished after a friend introduced him to Native American carving. What began as a casual interest turned into a five-year passion, with Barry creating intricate carvings such as bear masks, canoes, and paddles. His artistry allows him to explore a different kind of precision and creativity, much like his work in software engineering.
His advice: "Absorb information from subjects you don't think you’ll need, because eventually, it will come in handy."
Looking back, Barry’s journey from Oregon Tech to leading teams at Microsoft was shaped by his adaptability and the solid foundation he gained at Oregon Tech. His advice for current students?
Today, Barry continues to balance his love of new technology with creative pursuits, and alongside Lisa, he enjoys life in Redmond, Washington, with their two daughters.