Growing Future Operators

by Rick Mendes

In Growing Future Operators, innovation meets education in a bold experiment to prepare the next generation for a technology-driven world.

Frank Spencer and Jack Whitaker lead two very different school systems—one focused on tradition, the other on pragmatism. Their paths cross with Freddie Lima, a visionary technologist whose groundbreaking idea challenges the way schools approach learning.

Freddie, co-founder of All Things Operations (ATO), has built an extraordinary career as a software engineer, systems engineer, and cybersecurity executive. Now, he believes the future of DevOps, SecOps, and DevSecOps should begin not in universities, but in elementary classrooms. His plan? Start by training teachers, then prove that even 10-year-olds can grasp the fundamentals of operations. To test his theory, he hires his young niece and her friends as summer interns.

But Freddie’s vision meets resistance at every turn. School systems push back against more technology, teachers’ unions fight to protect non-tech educators, and parents worry about screen time and digital overload. Meanwhile, administrators like Whitaker and Spencer must weigh the risks and rewards of embracing Freddie’s unconventional ideas.

Growing Future Operators is a thought-provoking novel that blends storytelling with real-world insight, sparking critical conversations for teachers, administrators, parents, and students. It asks a powerful question: what if the future of technology education could start in the earliest years of learning?

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2023

About the author

Rick Mendes spent thirty five years in the technology sector before retiring early to pursue his passion for writing. His first novel, Growing Future Operators, grew out of his professional experience and interest in how technology and education intersect. The story takes place in a fictional city where public and Catholic schools race to be the first to teach DevOps, drawing on Rick’s expertise in software engineering, systems engineering, and cybersecurity.

His second novel, The Chameleon Killer, marks the beginning of a gripping crime fiction series featuring Detective Alma Rossi of the Hillsford Police Department. Inspired by Rick’s lifelong love of crime novels, TV thrillers, and suspenseful films, this series delves into the complexities of justice, morality, and obsession. Atmosphere Press will publish that book on 1/13/2026.

Rick’s writing journey began late in his career when he crafted a short story to explain the advantages of moving his company’s infrastructure to a container platform. To his surprise, the story was not only effective but enjoyable, sparking enthusiasm from colleagues and even the CEO. That response gave him the confidence to blend technical expertise with storytelling, paving the way for his novels.

Today, Rick writes full time, combining what he knows with what he loves to read. His novels explore themes of innovation, human resilience, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Connect with Rick: facebook.com/rickjmendes

Reviews

[James Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a novel about DevOps and school systems to be this moving. Freddie Lima’s passion leaps off the page. His belief in empowering kids instead of waiting until college? Genius. The young interns brought a burst of joy to every chapter. The mix of realism and optimism kept me glued from start to finish.

[Catherine Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hits differently if you’ve ever worked in a classroom. The idea of starting tech operations training in elementary school is wild but oddly convincing. Some parts were heavy on systems talk, but that’s what made it feel authentic. It’s fiction that feels possible.

[Baravise · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves both storytelling and innovation, Growing Future Operators absolutely blew me away. Freddie’s belief that even 10-year-olds can grasp the fundamentals of DevOps and SecOps is revolutionary. The tension between old-school administrators and forward-thinking educators felt too real. Frank and Jack’s contrasting worlds added so much depth. This isn’t just a novel—it’s a conversation starter about what the future of learning could look like.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an engaging read! I expected a tech-heavy novel, but Growing Future Operators is about so much more — leadership, resistance to change, and the courage it takes to challenge an old system. Freddie’s belief that 10-year-olds can understand DevOps is bold, but Mendes makes it believable. I only wished for a deeper dive into Freddie’s past. Still, an inspiring story that bridges education and technology beautifully.

[Phillip John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely changed how I think about education. I’m a teacher, and reading about Freddie Lima’s experiment to introduce operations and systems thinking into elementary classrooms blew my mind. Mendes doesn’t just tell a story he starts a conversation we desperately need. The characters of Whitaker and Spencer felt real, representing the constant tug-of-war between tradition and innovation. Brilliant, thoughtful, and surprisingly emotional.

[Visionary Impact · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me. I expected another “tech in schools” story, but what I got was a nuanced, emotional journey. Freddie’s idea of introducing operations to young kids felt crazy at first—but the way it unfolded made sense. I loved how the author made complex concepts like DevSecOps feel accessible. The pacing lagged slightly in the middle, but the message? Spot on.

[Susan Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book wasn’t just the technology—it was the humanity behind it. Freddie’s relationship with his niece and her friends gave heart to what could’ve been a dry tech story. Seeing kids light up as they built real systems made me hopeful. It’s a reminder that the next generation is ready, if only we trust them.

[Payne Moana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an educator, I found this book almost therapeutic. It asks all the hard questions: how do we prepare kids for a world that changes faster than we can teach it? Freddie’s program may be fictional, but I wish it wasn’t. I closed the last page feeling inspired—and a little challenged to rethink my own classroom.

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise hooked me immediately—teaching operations to children? Brilliant. Some moments were dense with tech talk, but overall, the story’s heart carried it through. Spencer and Whitaker’s dynamic made the book shine; two philosophies clashing under one big question: what does the future need most?

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just fiction—it’s a manifesto wrapped in storytelling. Every teacher, parent, and policymaker should read Growing Future Operators. It pushes you to think about education differently, not in abstract terms, but through characters who care deeply. Freddie Lima is easily one of my favorite fictional innovators.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how the author didn’t just glorify tech. There was balance—acknowledging both the promise and pitfalls of early exposure to digital tools. Freddie’s persistence, even in the face of resistance, was inspiring. I recommend this book to anyone who believes kids are capable of more than we give them credit for.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me hard as a school administrator. Every challenge Freddie faces — resistance from parents, teacher anxiety, bureaucratic gridlock — is exactly what happens in real life. Mendes gets it. The dialogue was sharp, the stakes were real, and the ending left me hopeful. I’m already recommending it to our district’s curriculum team.

[TheBookAnalyst · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent working in IT, I was hooked from the first chapter. The clash between educators and technologists felt so real. Mendes captures the frustrations of both sides — teachers overwhelmed by change and tech leaders pushing for progress. I finished the book thinking, why not teach systems thinking early? If even a fraction of Freddie’s vision came true, our schools would be unstoppable.

[Joe Bridgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mendes delivers a powerful commentary on how slow our education systems are to evolve. Some parts felt almost like nonfiction — the policy debates, the union struggles — but that’s what made it feel real. I loved the subplot with Freddie’s niece and her friends; it added warmth to a complex topic. Slightly dense in the middle chapters, but overall a fascinating, important read.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I didn’t expect was how human this book would feel. Behind all the tech talk, it’s about connection — between generations, between innovation and tradition. Freddie’s dream reminded me of the best teachers I ever had — the ones who believed kids could do more than we think. By the final chapter, I was in tears. Absolutely beautiful.

[CuratedReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how Mendes managed to weave real-world tech concepts into a moving story without making it feel like a lecture. You don’t have to be an engineer to understand it. The scenes where Freddie mentors his young interns are inspiring. This is The Social Network meets Dead Poets Society. A few pacing hiccups aside, it’s a gem.

[Margaret Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who’s spent 20 years in classrooms, I found this story refreshingly accurate. Mendes captures the exhaustion teachers feel when “innovation” becomes another buzzword, but he also gives us hope that it can be done right. Freddie Lima is the kind of visionary character that makes you question everything about the system. Easily one of my favorite reads of the year.

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate how Growing Future Operators doesn’t just entertain — it teaches. I found myself Googling DevSecOps concepts halfway through! The mix of educational reform, social commentary, and family dynamics was well-balanced. My only critique: the pacing dragged briefly in the middle. But the message? Spot on.

[Wendy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing Future Operators made me rethink how early we can start teaching kids critical thinking. The balance between realism and imagination was refreshing. Some chapters felt like case studies, but they served the bigger purpose of grounding the message. A book that lingers long after you close it.

[Kelvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Future Operators by Rick Mendes is a clear, practical guide to developing the next generation of operational leaders. With real-world insights and a focus on mentorship, adaptability, and long-term success, it's a must-read for anyone looking to build strong, future-ready teams.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of educational fiction, but Growing Future Operators stands apart. It’s daring, deeply relevant, and incredibly timely. The scene where Freddie defends his pilot program against skeptical teachers had me literally nodding along. Every educator and parent should read this.

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of change. It shows exactly how resistance builds when innovation knocks. Frank and Jack felt like real school leaders I’ve met. While some tech jargon went over my head, the emotional beats carried the story beautifully.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never thought I’d tear up over a story about DevOps! But Freddie’s interactions with his niece’s friends were just so pure. The moment when the kids troubleshoot their first mini project was easily my favorite part. The author blended warmth, tech, and purpose perfectly.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing Future Operators” completely blew my mind! The way Frank Spencer, Jack Whitaker, and Freddie Lima’s stories intertwine is so believable and inspiring. It’s rare to find a novel that mixes fiction with real educational insight this well. Every teacher and parent should read this!

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who works in education, this book felt personal. The debate between tradition and innovation was so well written. Freddie’s experiment to teach kids operations at such a young age really made me rethink what’s possible in classrooms.

[Agnes Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. It’s not just a story — it’s a vision for the future. The author did an amazing job showing both sides: the fear of change and the excitement of new opportunities. Highly recommend!

[Loveth Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be on every educator’s shelf. It tackles real issues — tech resistance, teacher burnout, and the balance between innovation and learning. Freddie’s idea to start tech education early might just be the future we need.

[Bisola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the story combines realism with forward-thinking ideas. Watching Freddie test his theories with his niece and her friends was both heartwarming and eye-opening. It made me wish my school had programs like that growing up!

[Chloe A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a refreshing and important read! The authors show that the future of education isn’t about gadgets—it’s about mindset. It’s perfect for educators, parents, and even tech leaders who care about how the next generation learns.

[Benedict Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring book! “Growing Future Operators” bridges the gap between technology and humanity. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about how early exposure to tech can shape children’s critical thinking skills.