Life at Blink | Ryan McClarnon

Meet one of Blink’s earliest builders — Ryan McClarnon, London-based Android Developer and proud co-creator of the Blink app itself.

Nearly eight years ago, he joined a tiny team with a big vision. Since then, he’s helped bring that vision to life — architecting our Android experience from scratch and playing a key role in shaping the platform that now powers millions of frontline workers worldwide.

We caught up with him to talk about product pride, purpose-driven work, and what it’s like to grow alongside the app you helped create. Let’s get into it.

1. Which Blink office do you work out of?

London.

2. What is your position at Blink?

I’m an Android Developer.

3. How long have you been at Blink?

I’m about to hit my 8-year Blinkiversary!

4. What initially attracted you to join Blink?

When I interviewed, Blink was still in its infancy. The product looked very different — many of today’s features didn’t exist yet — but in my conversations with Sean I could clearly see where he wanted to take it. His vision of building something people genuinely benefit from, rather than just have to use, really resonated with me. Joining felt like an opportunity to help shape something meaningful from the ground up.

5. What’s a project you are proud of from your time at Blink?

Before I joined, there was no native Android app — only a web version you could load on a phone. My teammate Olly Fox and I built the Android app entirely from scratch and have maintained and grown it over the last eight years. Knowing that a stable, user-friendly app, which millions of people rely on every day, started as our blank canvas is easily what I’m most proud of.

6. How would you describe the company culture at Blink in three words?

I’d sum it up as innovative, collaborative, and driven.

We’re constantly evolving — whether that’s the app itself or the way we work together—so innovation is baked into everything we do.

Collaboration is equally core. Every success here is a team effort, and people genuinely lean on one another’s expertise.

And finally, we’re driven: The company sets clear goals and everyone rallies around them, pushing hard to make them a reality.

7. What’s one thing you’re excited about for the future of Blink?

I’m excited for the day Blink becomes a household name — when any frontline or office worker immediately thinks of our super-app (not the security camera!) the moment they hear “Blink.”

8. Can you tell us about a recent initiative or program launched at Blink that you found particularly exciting?

The Blink for Everyone initiative — the charitable arm of Blink that supports non-profit organizations everywhere — really inspires me. Hearing about the organizations signing up and the impact it can have on them shows how much difference our platform can make.

9. Why do you work for Blink?

Blink’s mission aligns with my own values: We build a product that genuinely helps people. On top of that, as one of the product owners, I have considerable responsibility and variety in my day-to-day work, which keeps things engaging and rewarding.

‍