How I Work: Peter DiPrinzio, Venture for America fellow with Pixelligent

Peter DiPrinzio is one of seven members of the first class of Venture for America fellows in Baltimore.
For two years, he and the six other fellows will work in startups in Baltimore city. As of this August, all seven will have completed their first year. (Clara Gustafson, who works at cybersecurity startup ZeroFOX, was featured in How I Work last week.)
DiPrinzio, 22, works at materials company Pixelligent Technologies, which is creating nanocrystals and nanotechnology for use in LED light bulbs and smartphones.
“We make them brighter and more energy-efficient,” he said.
This is how he works.
What’s the first thing you do every day before doing any startup-related work?
Check Instagram. Short of talking every day, there’s no better way to keep tabs on friends than sharing a photo. Unless it’s a photo of your feet, your dog, or your finished plate.
How often do you check your e-mail, and do you use any program to get to “Inbox Zero“?
Always. I don’t ever get to Inbox Zero, because my inbox is my to-do list.
How do you keep track of your revenues and expenses?
I track my personal expenses with Mint. It’s hard to find a bank or a service that Mint doesn’t integrate with. Splitwise is awesome for tracking shared expenses with my housemates.
When you need to take a break, what are you turning to?
Drink water. Read the news. Get more water.
Where do you turn to for founder’s inspiration when you’re feeling low?
Put on Bob Marley. Read the Fast Company design blog — and Technical.ly Baltimore.
What’s your gear?
Hardware:

• Dell laptop at home, Dell laptop at work, dual screens. Boring but powerful. And an iPhone.

Software:

• My essential apps are New York Times, Feedly, Gmail, and TuneIn for independent radio. Also, Untappd for beer drinkers, and Sleep Cycle for sleep trackers.

What’s one time-saving tip you have?
Get back to work?