Experience
Project Consultant
The Intersect Group / October 2011 - May 2012
Worked with an Intersect Group client to develop a mobile solution using jQuery Mobile for a high profile company. Also worked with another client as a PHP developer with an emphasis on front-end development.
Web Developer
MODX LLC / May 2011 - September 2011
MODX, LLC, is the company behind the MODX content management system, or CMS. My responsibilities include: providing professional development services for MODX-related projects, developing MODX add-ons, testing, solving bugs, resolving support tickets and maintenance tasks, and assisting the marketing team with the evolution of the MODX website.
Web Developer
Collabpad / February 2008 – May 2011
Collabpad was a web development company originally comprised of the core MODX development team. I helped drive the design, development, and implementation of MODX-driven websites for small business and enterprise clients. Additional responsibilities included the troubleshooting, debugging, and maintenance of client sites. Most projects helped further the development of MODX features and add-ons.
IT Supervisor
Omniplan / May 2004 – January 2008
Omniplan is an architectural firm in Dallas. I assisted the Information Technology Director in furtherance of organizational policies and goals, ensured proper functioning and security of information systems, and strove to improve the efficiency of business operations. I also maintained company hardware and software, and performed upgrades as necessary. I conducted research regarding the technology pertinent to Omniplan's needs and offered recommendations for future purchases, upgrades, and IT policies.
Owner, Designer, and Web Developer
Horizon Innovations / January 2001 – Present
I created Horizon Innovations to provide web design and development services for small business and individual clients. This business model has afforded me the opportunity to utilize emerging standards such as HTML5 and CSS3, as well as the MODX CMS, in many of my recent projects.
Expertise
HTML & CSS
Experience Level: Advanced [10 Years]
I possess a strong foundation in HTML and CSS coding. Recent experience includes implementation of HTML5, CSS3, and responsive design techniques.
JavaScript / jQuery
Experience Level: Advanced [10 Years]
Using the latest version of jQuery, I constantly utilize new plugins and interface techniques with the goal of providing a richer user experience. I also have experience working with jQuery Mobile.
PHP
Experience Level: Intermediate [6 Years]
Active Server Pages (ASP) was my first web programming language, but I adopted PHP in 2007 after experiencing the flexibility it provides. Since then, through continued learning, my focus is on expanding my knowledge on object-oriented programming methods and MVC design patterns.
MODX Content Management System
Experience Level: Advanced [4 Years]
I have used and have been involved in the development of the MODX CMS since its inception. The user experience and level of flexibility that MODX provides to both developers and end users results in complete freedom to build a site virtually without restrictions.
Adobe Creative Suite
Experience Level: Intermediate [10 Years]
I am familiar with virtually every version of Photoshop since 5.0. I primary use Photoshop to convert a final design into useable graphics that can be implemented using CSS. I am also familiar with Illustrator and Fireworks. For many years, Dreamweaver was my editor of choice, beginning with version 3.0.
Project Management
Experience Level: Advanced [4 Years]
Every project begins with the most important phase: planning, and plenty of it. Part of the planning process includes a working wireframe version of the website to better discover all the necessary requirements to complete the project. Wireframes also help bridge the gap between the designer and developer and allow them to work in a more nonlinear fashion.
User Experience
Experience Level: Intermediate [4 Years]
Through personal experience with various projects as well as the various presentations at Refresh Dallas, I have learned a great deal about the importance of user-centered design. I am focused on embracing UX on future projects.
Projects
Headley Brothers Digital
Development
In conjunction with Collabpad, I helped designer Nick Ebdon build a highly modern website for Headley Brothers. The development involved the use of HTML5 and CSS media queries to allow automatic scaling depending on the screen size. Nick provided a fantastic design that made scaling the site a breeze.
Herbie Photobooks
Development
This was the second site Nick Ebdon and I worked on for Headley Brothers. While the site does not make use of any responsive design techniques, the layout and design is highly modern with liberal use of HTML5 and CSS3 techniques scattered throughout.
Supported Fostering Services
Development
This was the second site I helped designer Nick Ebdon build using responsive design techniques. Various challenges presented themselves with the implementation of a responsive design layout. The end result required some clever uses of javascript and CSS to achieve different menu options when scaled to smaller screens.
Riffe Law Firm
Design & Development
In conjunction with Collabpad, I designed and developed a modern website for Brad Riffe. He wanted a clean, professional site that was easy to maintain and yet could rival competitor websites. The design included HTML5 and CSS3, which provided a clean, simple layout with very few images. The result was a fast-loading site that degrades well in older browsers.
District 50 Toastmasters
Design & Development
I volunteered to build and maintain the website for District 50 Toastmasters in an effort to modernize the site with emerging technologies. The site was built using HTML5, CSS3, jQuery, and MODX. The design revolved around the new Toastmasters International branding and incorporates Toastmasters' new color system and typography.
Preston Persuaders Toastmasters Club
Design & Development
I volunteered to build and maintain the website for my Toastmasters club in an effort to provide both new and existing members the best experience in learning more about our club. Based on this work, I was recruited to redevelop the website for District 50 Toastmasters.
Hadleigh's Bespoke
Development
Hadleigh's is a custom clothier based in Dallas. In conjunction with Collabpad, I helped develop the site utilizing a variety of jQuery interface techniques. Just like Hadleigh's business, the site took on a highly bespoke, or custom, nature. The homepage and Looks section highlight the custom interfaces I built for the site.
Horizon Innovations
Design & Development
I created the Horizon Innovations business name, logo and design 10 years ago. I redeveloped the website in 2009 as a way to highlight my professional portfolio. It is a work in progress, but I plan on further enhance the site with emerging standards.
Organizations
Toastmasters International
Member/Webmaster
I am a member of the Preston Persuaders Toastmasters Club in Plano, Texas as well as the webmaster for District 50 Toastmasters.
Refresh Dallas
Organizer
I am an organizer for the Dallas chapter of Refresh, an organizations devoted to sharing ideas and inspiring designers and developers. I also develop and maintain the Refresh Dallas website.
Education
Art Institute of Houston
Associate of Applied Science in Video Production / 1998 – 2000
While I pursued a degree in audio and video production, my passion for computer science led me to the IT field. Web development may be my career, but I still apply audio and video production techniques in my work today.