It’s Thursday, people. So come meet some of our people. This week, we spent some time catching up with Mario Estrada: our X-Games-qualified web engineer and UI genius.

What do you do for BitTorrent?

My title is “Web Engineer,” but I’m really not officially in any team. So far, I’ve worked on a Metro-UI prototype for µTorrent, an upcoming product release for BitTorrent, and I’m writing the search detection and engine.

Where are you from originally?

I’m originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Although I also have an Italian citizenship that I only use for traveling.) I loved growing up in Guayaquil. The only thing I didn’t like about living in Ecuador is that the tech scene over there is so behind.  The tech culture here in SF is something that you can’t find anywhere else.

What’s the best part of your job? 

I really enjoy designing and developing UIs. I love little details like animations on certain UI elements that might go unnoticed but actually have a purpose. In iOS 6 the Mail app has a pull-to-refresh blob-like element that I just love the way it works.

I guess figuring out ways to make products simpler and easier to use is the most rewarding thing for me. I love trying to figure out how people will use a product and what I need to do to make sure they’re delighted by the experience.

What is one thing you wish people knew about BitTorrent?

BitTorrent is not synonymous with piracy. Some companies are using it internally for deployment. It can also be a great tool for sharing big files with friends and family.

It’s the most reliable content delivery system out there and more people should be taking advantage of this.

What’s on your legal download list?

Currently, my favorite is Girl Talk. I love his music and how he makes it freely available for fans to download. Now I’m dying to see him perform live and can’t wait until he tours next. I wish more artists would take this approach.

What keeps you busy, outside of BitTorrent? 

When I was younger, I loved to rollerblade and I still do. I got into rollerblading when I was really young and that was my main thing for about 10 years. I travelled to Brazil, Peru and Venezuela for competitions and exhibition. In Brazil I competed in an X-Games qualifier and placed 10. I haven’t rolled for a some years but now that I’m living in SF I would love to start again.

Currently, I’m getting into golf and a few co-workers and I are going to play a round this weekend.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Happy.

Truth and fact. Thank you, Mario.