Experience

This page provides a detailed breakdown of my professional experience across web development, AI, digital marketing, interactive installations, and more, accumulated over the past 20+ years.

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Web Development / AI and Data / Digital Marketing / Interactive and Experiential / Technology Education & Training / Team Leadership / Projects & Passions

WordPress Development

• Custom Themes & Plugins: Building and maintaining WordPress themes and plugins tailored to unique client needs.
• Performance Optimization: Ensuring fast load times, clean code, and optimal website performance.
• Legacy WordPress Plugin Management: Modernizing decade-old plugins while maintaining legacy functionality for user convenience.
• API Integration: Connecting WordPress with third-party services like Email Marketing platforms, CRMs, and custom API endpoints.
• Security: Implementing industry-standard security practices including SSL, database hardening, and continuous monitoring.

Front-End Development

• HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript: Expertise in modern front-end technologies for building responsive, interactive websites, ensuring compatibility across all major browsers and devices.
• CSS Preprocessors: Utilizing Sass and LESS for efficient, scalable style management, supporting complex design systems and reusable component styles.
• Build Tools: Proficient in using modern build tools like Webpack, Gulp, and Vite to automate workflows, optimize assets, and improve development efficiency.
• Version Control: Extensive experience with SVN, Git and Git-based workflows for seamless collaboration and version tracking in both solo and team environments.
• Responsive Design & Accessibility: Building responsive layouts and ensuring web accessibility (WCAG compliance) for an inclusive user experience.

Back-End Development

• PHP Development: Over a decade of experience in PHP, including custom CMS creation, RESTful APIs, server-side logic, and integration with front-end frameworks.
• MySQL & Database Design: Architecting and optimizing relational databases (MySQL) with a focus on performance, security, indexing, and scaling for high-traffic sites.
• Node.js & Express: Experience with building lightweight, scalable back-end services using Node.js and Express for modern, real-time applications.
• Python: Familiarity with Python for server-side scripting, automation, and basic web app development using Flask and Django.
• Server Administration: Managing and optimizing servers for hosting WordPress and custom web applications, including Nginx, Apache, and Linux-based environments, with an emphasis on security and performance.
• API Design & Implementation: Creating and managing RESTful APIs to power web and mobile applications, focusing on data consistency, error handling, and versioning best practices.
• Containerization & DevOps: Experience with Docker for containerized application development and deployment, as well as basic CI/CD pipeline integration to streamline workflows and ensure code quality.

AI Integration

• Generative AI: Expertise in LLMs (Large Language Models) for creative writing, content automation, and customer interaction solutions.
• AI for Marketing: Using AI for audience targeting, campaign automation, and predictive analytics in digital marketing.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Building tools that analyze, interpret, and generate human language for business insights and automation.
• Data Analysis & Visualization: Leveraging AI-driven analytics platforms to process and visualize data for strategic decision-making.

Machine Learning & Big Data

• Machine Learning: Applying ML algorithms to predict trends, automate workflows, and enhance customer experiences.
• Big Data Platforms: Experience with setting up and maintaining large-scale data infrastructures for analytics and business intelligence.

Strategy & Execution

• SEO & SEM: Extensive knowledge in search engine optimization (technical SEO, content, link building) and search engine marketing strategies.
• Owned Media: Managing content strategy, email marketing, and direct digital channels for customer acquisition and retention.
• Social Media Marketing: Developing comprehensive strategies for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and emerging platforms.
• Content Marketing: Creating and curating high-quality, SEO-optimized content that drives engagement and generates leads across blogs, video, and social platforms.

Campaigns & Analytics

• Campaign Automation: Using tools like HubSpot, Marketo, and Mailchimp for full-cycle campaign management, including lead scoring, behavioral triggers, and multi-channel campaigns to streamline processes and improve customer journeys.
• Data-Driven Marketing: Crafting marketing strategies that rely on A/B testing, data insights, and KPI tracking to drive decisions, ensuring continuous optimization of campaigns for better performance.
• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Conducting landing page tests, funnel optimizations, and user experience audits to improve conversion rates and reduce customer drop-off.
• Marketing Analytics & Reporting: Leveraging tools like Google Analytics, Tableau, and Data Studio to track performance metrics, generate insights, and present actionable reports to stakeholders for ongoing campaign improvements.

Web Animation & Visual Effects

• Pixi.JS, Three.js: Developing high-performance, interactive animations for websites, using WebGL and canvas rendering.
• Dynamic Animations: Creating immersive experiences that respond to user interactions, such as dot formations, roaming behaviors, and word formation.
• Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR): Conceptualizing and building AR/VR solutions for experiential marketing and customer engagement.
• Ambient Intelligence & IoT: Implementing smart systems that react to environmental stimuli, enhancing user engagement.

Interactive Installations

• Creative Installations: Building interactive exhibits and displays that integrate motion sensors, touchscreens, and responsive interfaces, bringing immersive experiences to life.
• Raspberry Pi & Arduino Prototyping: Experimenting with Raspberry Pi and Arduino boards, using various sensors to prototype and build interactive installations for both personal and professional projects.
• Multi-Surface Interactive Experiences: Developing WebSocket-based experiences that create seamless, real-time interactions across multiple surfaces, enhancing user engagement.
• Event Support & Execution: Assisting in running events across the country, from tech setup and troubleshooting to acting as a brand ambassador.
• User Experience (UX): Focus on crafting intuitive, emotionally engaging user journeys through interactive touchpoints, ensuring seamless interactions that leave a lasting impact.
• Creative Inspirations: Drawing inspiration from collectives like Meow Wolf and festivals like Bonnaroo, pushing boundaries in experiential design and execution.

Teaching & Mentorship

• Classroom Instruction: Teaching web development, Flash, and technology courses for both beginners and advanced students.
• Conference Speaking: Delivering talks at conferences on the future of technology and interactive experiences.
• Team Mentorship: Guiding junior team members in learning new tools, frameworks, and best practices.

Online Training & Knowledge Sharing

• Workshops & Meetups: Leading workshops and meetups on the latest technologies, trends and innovations in web development.
• Technology Camps: Teaching at technology camps to share my passion for interactive web experiences.

Leadership Roles

• VP of Technology at AMP Agency: Leading the Innovation team, overseeing technology projects and AI implementations.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Working closely with creative, media, and analytics teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Team Management: Managing developers, engineers, and creatives, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency.

Project Management & Operations

• Agile & Scrum Methodologies: Implementing agile practices for smooth project execution and timely deliveries.
• Client Collaboration: Working directly with clients to understand their needs, propose solutions, and guide them through the project lifecycle.

Music & Creative Expression

• Guitar & Music Production: Exploring personal creativity through music composition and production in Ableton and on my guitar.
• Web-Based Art: Designing websites and interactive experiences as a medium for artistic expression.

Gaming & Video Game Development

• Video Game Enthusiast: Deep passion for gaming, with hands-on experience in creating interactive web-based games.
• Interactive Storytelling: Using technology to explore the intersection of gaming, storytelling, and user engagement.

Outdoor Activities & Survival Skills

• Hiking, Camping & Skiing: Enjoying the outdoors through various activities, from hiking trails to winter skiing trips.
• Bushcraft & Survival: Engaging in bushcraft and survival techniques, with a focus on practical skills and outdoor self-reliance.

Puzzles, Brain Teasers & Magic

• Puzzles & Brain Teasers: A long-standing interest in solving puzzles and brain-teasers, mostly in puzzle boxes as of lately.
• Magic & Juggling: Exploring sleight of hand tricks and juggling, mostly out of curiosity but fun for parties and festivals.