30 years of F5 through the eyes of F5ers

Jackie Morley, Human Resources Generalist

Chertsey, England

Joined F5 in 2004

“Witnessing the remarkable growth of F5 over 22 years has been an incredible experience. There’s a shared energy among F5ers—warm, welcoming, and genuine. And that includes our office cat, Teddy! I’ve been in the Chertsey office my whole career here, and it truly feels like family. The sense of belonging is just incredible. I look forward to continuing this journey with F5 and hope to feel the same sense of pride and connection for the coming years.”

Ken Salchow, Global Director, Education Services Business Operations, Learner Experience, Certification

Spearfish, South Dakota, USA

Joined F5 in 2000

“When I started 26 years ago, I was the only engineer covering eight U.S. states. I supported another three or four states, as well as the eastern two-thirds of Canada. A lot has changed since then, but for me, what’s important are the things that haven’t changed—one being the general culture here. I’ve had a chance to work with so many bright, passionate, and dedicated people. Over the years, we didn’t always agree on everything, but we were all trying to make F5 the best it can be.

F5 has always been a place where ideas could be shared, debated, and argued, but also always respected. Although it sounds cliché, the people and our ways of working have truly been F5’s greatest assets. Despite the growth and the change, the spirit of those early days lives on. I still hear the echoes of that original culture every day.”

Lee Orrick, Director of Engineering

Houston, Texas, USA

Joined F5 in 2004

“A big part of any engineer’s job is problem-solving. What stays with me most about the biggest challenges I’ve helped resolve over the past 22 years is how we handled them as a team. It was engineers from support staff, professional services, sales, and product development all working together to ensure we met our customers’ needs.

F5 has always been about the people just as much as the technology. Even as we’ve grown, we’ve managed to keep a sense of family. Two decades after joining F5, the company is positioned to take advantage of our deep knowledge and existing product technology to build our future. This excites me and gives me hope.”

Mariella Castillo, Senior Business Manager

Guadalajara, México

Joined F5 in 2021

“I recently celebrated my five-year anniversary at F5, and I’ve loved every part of the journey so far. I’m surrounded by talented, curious, and genuinely supportive F5ers who are always thinking about how to make things better. We work hard, we learn a lot, and we have fun along the way, with a lot of laughs.

I’ve had the opportunity to work across different teams and projects, grow in ways I never expected, and feel truly supported, both personally and professionally. I recently stepped into a new role, which would not have been possible without the encouragement and trust of the people around me. Feeling valued and part of something bigger is what motivates me every day, and it’s why I’m excited to continue building my career at F5 for many years to come.”

Joe Reifel, Global Services Supportability Lead

St. Augustine, Florida, USA

Joined F5 in 2000

“When I joined F5, I planned to learn everything I needed about networking, then go back to gaming in two years. I must have grown up quickly because after just a year, I forgot all about the gaming industry. That was 26 years ago. By year five, I was committed for the long haul. I was thinking not about my resumé, but about what I truly wanted to do for a living. I enjoy this job, and this company—always have.

My wish is that F5 continues to be a place where smart employees can get into a role where they enjoy doing what they do best, serving both F5’s needs and their own needs. I’ll be 85 in 30 years, and that will still be my wish.”