My web development journey started late, entirely by accident, and all because of a university glitch. In the mid-90s, I was studying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the University of Idaho. A scheduling fluke dumped me into a senior-level cartography course during my very first year.
I forget the exact course name, but my professor absolutely saw the future. Instead of using traditional desktop presentation software, he had us learning how to build web pages with HTML and JavaScript.
I had no idea programming would become my perfect niche. The timing was flawless. This bizarre new paradigm called the World Wide Web was just beginning to encompass us all. Back then, the internet was met with massive suspicion - just like the AI revolution we are standing on the edge of today. I can draw many parallels between then and now.
Given the massive amount of database programming required for my GIS degree, moving into data-driven web applications felt completely natural. It wasn't long before I was developing in Active Server Pages - what we now call Classic ASP. Looking back, it is truly remarkable what developers of that era managed to pull off using a limited scripting language powered by a Microsoft Access database.
Structured Query Language (SQL) was just starting to become a thing. We were essentially inventing modern web architecture on the fly, whipping data around before the tools we take for granted today even existed.
As time went on, I embraced the quantum leaps forward Microsoft made with its .NET technology. I began incorporating SQL databases and robust programming into absolutely everything I built. During this era, I didn't just write code - I handled the whole stack. I became highly astute at server setup, IIS configuration, SQL Server administration, and stitching together diverse server components to guarantee reliable, data-driven solutions.
All the while, I operated as an independent consultant. I was hired to architect and deploy dynamic eCommerce stores and complex member-registration sites across a wildly diverse range of industries, including Section 8 Housing, Aerospace, and Education. Many of those organizations still stand to this day.
Over the years, I have written millions of lines of code. I have built secure, reliable payment systems that have processed tens of millions of dollars in credit card transactions. I have built databases that went on to hold millions of records, and I have been part of public-facing websites that saw thousands of people per day.
Flying solo taught me how to talk to clients, manage entire project lifecycles, and build production-ready infrastructure from scratch.
Part of me would like to tell you that I am what a senior developer is supposed to be. A larger part of me would tell you I am beyond senior. I have been blessed to work on incredible projects. Many times, it was just myself and another business professional looking to use the internet to expand their operation. Other times, it was an astute entrepreneur with a great idea and the resources who just needed someone to put the plan into motion. I don't just write code; I am the technical partner who turns business ideas into reality.
There is a lot more to me than just programming code and databases. Personally, I am an avid outdoorsman who actively participates in fishing, hunting, and cycling, among many other activities.
I am also an entrepreneur at heart. I own a tree nursery here in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, and I am currently exploring a new business venture in the realm of sports data - one that will likely embrace AI to a certain extent.
Speaking of AI, remember those parallels I mentioned? I am now fully immersed in this new paradigm. Building on years of extensive Azure experience, I implement cutting-edge generative AI solutions using both Azure and open-source ecosystems.
Whether you are an established business looking to scale, an entrepreneur ready to launch the next big idea, or someone who just wants to talk tech, AI, or tree farming over a good cup of coffee - I would love to connect. I don't just write code. I build solutions that move businesses forward.
Reach out to me through my Contact form
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