From 1968-1972, I worked for Complex Systems, a software house specializing in TP code. I did application programming but spent most of my time doing Systems Programming, Systems Engineering and Systems Design.
NYSE was one of our primary clients and I consequently spent a lot of time on the 1/2 floor overlooking the machine room at 11 Wall St. I admit to being a bit of a maverick, including my attire. I was particularly noted for a dark blue ‘western-cut’ suit, navy blue Stetson and black cowboy boots (which got me christened ‘Midnight Cowboy’).
Some equipment arrived in bubblewrap and I laid out a stretch of it about 2 feet wide and 15 feet long, just outside the control center and the offices of the VP in charge. I did my best impression of a flamenco dancer, pounding my way poppingly down the corridor, ending with a grand flourish right outside the VP’s door.
My ‘ta da!’ moment was somewhat dimmed by the discovery that the VP was entertaining an Executive VP whose jaw dropped in shock at my dramatic performance. Right then I was very glad to be a consultant rather than an employee. 😀