Expert full-stack website and web application developer with almost 20 years of experience. Passionate about transforming user and client experiences on the web using the most advanced trends and technologies. Brings a broad range of skills to any team with both new and old, well-known and obscure technologies. Quick-learning, fast-paced, capable and self-motivated. Known for being flexible, friendly, energetic, taking charge, engaging discussion, and precise, strategic integration of solutions.
In 2002, after having built one previous website (using Microsoft Publisher of all things), I agreed to build an ecommerce website for a friend’s board game having absolutely no clue how to go about it. I did the initial layout mockup on some graph paper, and built out the textures that I wanted to use in MS Paint. I did some research how to use CGI PayPal form buttons, opened up Microsoft FrontPage and made the magic happen. Thus began my journey into front-end development - a journey that quickly moved away from FrontPage.
After learning rudimentary PHP/MySQL, my first projects were a custom-built Content Management System, a members-only social space with blogs, a forum, and a photo sharing area, and another online store. Needless to say, diving into the deep-end is one of my specialties!
I pursued freelance work through my late teens and into my early twenties, building more content management systems, member portals, social networks and forums. I also spent that time learning WordPress, CSS2/3, XHTML, the Model/View/Controller approach, and basic UI/UX principles. In 2007, I started my first full-time job where I was challenged to put my skills to the test as well as constantly stay up to date with emerging technologies. Over my years there at AM Digital, I collaborated with other programmers to build three more content management systems as well as countless integrations with third-party APIs, responsive websites, web applications, CMS add-ons, and fully featured e-commerce websites.
In late August of 2017, I began a new journey as a software engineer at Stack Sports (formerly Blue Star Sports) in Frisco, TX. I was initially hired as a 6 month "Software Engineer II" contractor, but within 4 months of joining the company, I had been brought on as a Senior Software Engineer and then promoted to a team leadership position. Over my time at Stack Sports, our primary focus was supporting and re-architecting a legacy Team and League Management Software. As a agile team, we worked on breaking out the old, monolithic architecture into microservices and APIs. I enjoyed working on challenging projects and finding new solutions to old problems in the sports and team web application domain during my time there.
Now, I'm looking for my next role. I'm particularly drawn to companies that are working to "transform" their clients or the industry/arena they serve in. I heard it called a "grand purpose" once. I seem to fit well at places like that. I'm excited for the opportunity to expand my skills and meet new people along this next adventure!
A bit about my personal life: I currently reside in Plano, Texas. I am the oldest of 13 and yes, we all still get along! I have been married to my beautiful wife Grace for almost 12 years, have a precious 6 year old daughter here with us and three more kids waiting for us in heaven. I enjoy photography, xbox gaming, traveling, sports (Football, Baseball, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee are my favorites), storm chasing, singing, composing on the piano, and a little bit of woodworking.