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Growing Future Operators

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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

17 people want to read

About the author

Rick Mendes

1 book2 followers
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

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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Evelyn Adams .
155 reviews57 followers
October 16, 2025
Growing Future Operators is a visionary and timely novel that explores what happens when innovation collides with education. Author Freddie Lima takes readers into the heart of a debate shaping our future — how early should children begin learning technology, coding, and operations?

With characters like Frank Spencer and Jack Whitaker representing tradition and practicality, and Freddie himself as the passionate disruptor, the story brilliantly balances human tension with technological ambition. It’s not just a novel — it’s a mirror reflecting the struggles of today’s education systems to keep up with tomorrow’s world.
Profile Image for Kelvin.
11 reviews
June 5, 2025
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.
Profile Image for Blessing Oladeji.
27 reviews
September 6, 2025
"Growing Future Operators" is an inspiring and thought-provoking novel that blends technology, education, and leadership into a truly engaging story.

Rick Mendes introduces us to Freddie Lima, a brilliant yet relatable “technical unicorn,” whose bold ideas about shaping future generations spark debates in classrooms and boardrooms alike. The balance between Freddie’s vision, Ginger’s leadership, and the contrasting approaches of Whitaker and Spencer makes this book not just a story, but also a mirror for today’s challenges in schools and beyond.

It’s rare to find a novel that delivers practical insights for teachers and administrators while also pulling you into the characters’ personal and professional struggles. This book will leave educators inspired, tech professionals intrigued, and general readers reflecting on how we prepare the next generation.

A smart, timely, and impactful read. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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