professionally speaking...
I am a full stack web developer with a diverse background in software development and graphic design. A unicorn as they say.
I thrive on continual improvement. I get true satisfaction from crafting new ideas and bringing them to fruition. I take great pride in the work I do, but I've never lost the passion for learning and improving my skills.
history
I started programming in Jr High and loved it. Fast forward through programming classes all through high school. Then, after two years in computer science (on scholarship at Mesa State University in Colorado), I realized I couldn't resist the need to be more creative in my life's pursuits.
I've been drawing and creating as long as I can remember. I grew up with art all around me. Art is in my DNA.
I switched my major to graphic design and moved to Arizona. I went to school and worked to build my portfolio. I landed a job with a sportswear company. This was the dawn of my design career.
At the sportswear company I worked my way up to lead the art department. I moved on to a design firm and worked my way up to Managing Designer.
I spent 10 years as a designer working in a wide variety of media. I'd do everything from illustration and logo design to art direction to print and industrial design.
While at the design firm I found what really fueled me. Web sites, even in the early days, were the perfect combination of my technical and creative interests.
The programmers I knew couldn't design. The designers I knew couldn't code. My design experience proved extremely valuable as I extended my creative realm to incorporate programming. I'd come full circle, from programming to design to both, and I've never looked back.
Through my career I've worn lots of hats and gained experience in many disciplines. Some highlights include:
- Graphic design
- Web Development
- Technical services (CAD, CAM and graphic design)
- Quality (Managing an ISO Certified Quality System)
- UI/UX Design (Designing for both ease of function and aesthetics to benefit the user)
- Jira Administration (Customizing workflows and automations to fit a given way of working)
- Development Team Leadership (Leading and mentoring teams of developers and UI designers)
- Scrum Master (Facilitating all Scrum ceremonies and rituals)
I've been able to have a hand in some really fun stuff along the way:
- Automating AutoCAD design, quoting and manufacturing files and documentation
- CNC processes for custom production
- "Skinning" an MRP system with a custom interface to streamline design, quoting, job management, inventory management and quality control
- Traveling with sales leaders to give live software demonstrations and trainings to help close large accounts (before video conferencing was even a thing)
- Building document and training tracking systems for ISO certified quality systems
- Creating design tools, fully integrated with MRP, for custom manufacturing and distribution
- Driving sales and growth as part of a highly-skilled marketing team
- Designing and developing feature-rich solutions and internal toolsets for both B2B and B2C ecommerce
I know what you're thinking. Websites in the early days? Demo's before Zoom was a thing? How old is this guy? Old enough to know where my passion lies. Solving problems through thoughtful design.
On the personal side...
