I am absolutely proud of my career and my accomplishments. Up until 2022, all of my experience was in the Minneapolis / St Paul area of Minnesota. I had worked for many of the largest companies in the area, and gained incredible experience in the small, but might tech hub the area offers.
Since 2019, I have been exclusively remote, and personally find that strong remote teams have so many opertunities for increasing productivity. The trick is maintaining strong communication, discipline, and embracing the challenges that remote work can bring head on.
I look forward to advancing my technical, management, and business related skill sets. I can say without any doubt that the best years of my career are ahead of me!
Below you will find a good summary of where I have worked, and what I have done, throughout my decades long career.
Experience
Company
Location
Dates
Role
Computen
Lino Lakes, MN (Remote)
2024 - current
Principal Engineer
Computen
Computen is a small fractile company I co-founded with Tim Peterson. Its mission is to provide IoT network integration and cloud based a B2B SaaS platform allowing clients to view, disseminate and run ML/AI functionality to empower superior management and stewardship of water, a vital resource.
Links
There are no links for this particular placement as all tools are internal and whitelisted as per engagement contracts.
Core Technologies
Next.js, React.js, Golang, Python, DataBricks, Spark, TenserFlow, and many more.
Overview
While I worked with Computen for years, designing and developing the IoT framework and working directly with clients to define new features, the company had some big developments and through a new partnership, has been able to specialize in big data management, as opposed to designing IoT hardware, networking, platforms, and installing and administrating them as well. This focus required a lot of attention through the changes.
Key Contributions
Founded this Fractal business to provided IoT systems and data management to enhance the capabilities of our partner, Best Pools, LLC (Minnesota, US), with a mission prioritizing partnership value over direct revenue generation and aiding in the healthy stewardship of water, water systems management, and data.
Led enterprise-wide engineers, designers in developing data analytics platforms, web applications, and development through the whatever.
Provided technical and business strategy for a greenfield tech company, supporting client water systems totaling over 4 million gallons, driving innovation and scalability.
OPI Systems was a great experience. I was brought in as a Hands-On Engineering Manager to help manage the team and help them with their transition to new leadership and company direction, upskill developers through mentoring and coaching, provide strategic software leadership, and produce features along side other developers. The team was very talented, and it was an absolute honor to work with them.
I was hired along with a scrum master to implement new workflows and organize the team up through some exciting developments.
Key Contributions
Led and grew remote, multidisciplinary engineering teams including engineers, DevOps, and designers while employing inclusive Servant and Transformative leadership styles.
Reduced project development time by 50% through implementing a SAFe framework.
Led the design and development of software features and architecture with a keen focus on performance, scalability, maintainability, and stability.
Collaborated with product, design, quality engineering, and other teams in designing architectural artifacts, designs, strategic roadmaps, and producing code.
Focused on improving the VoC in the technical vertical, improving customer satisfaction.
MDCalc was not what I signed up for, but that does not mean I did not enjoy it. After Bluestem, I was expecting a Principal Developer role to be much different. This role was mainly simply developing on the new Web and Mobile applications.
As Principal Engineer, I spearheaded the modernization and overhaul of a critical application along with a small team of 3 other engineers. The focus was on enhancing speed, resiliency, reliability, and security.
Leveraging my extensive experience with Next.js, I played a key role in coaching the team on best practices, including:
Patterns for scalable and maintainable code
SEO optimization strategies
Hydration techniques to improve performance
Efficient integration of a headless CMS (Strapi)
utilizing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform, the Atlassian stack, and AWS to ensure a robust and automated deployment pipeline.
Key Contributions:
Provided hands-on guidance in DevOps, optimizing the development pipeline for faster, more reliable releases.
Worked directly with end users, gathering feedback to inform product improvements.
Actively participated in company-wide planning sessions, contributing to the long-term roadmap and helping define the future state of the company's product offerings.
Bluestem Brands
Eden Prairie, MN
2020 - 2022 (Remote)
Engineering Manager / Principal Engineer
Bluestem Brands
Bluestem Brands is a $2bn per year e-commerce and fintech company that sells a wide variety of proedcuts through seven retail brands, which includes: Fingerhut, Orchard Brands, Appleseed's, Blair, Draper's & Damon's, Gettinging, and Haband.
Easily my favorite experience in all of my career.
As Principal Developer, I as a hybrid Technical Lead and Engineering Manager, navigating technology restructures, feature & platform development, and new initiatives in response to the pandemic's massive impact on the business. These efforts included a large cloud migration, DevOps transformations, breaking down historic silos, and providing architecture and leadership in support of the fintech and e-commerce aspirations of the organization.
I was directly involved in forming strategic partnerships with GitLab, Oracle, AWS, and Akamai, playing a key role in implementing cutting-edge solutions to drive both technology and business growth.
Upon launching the new Martech vertical, I took on a leadership role in developing cross-functional solutions aimed at improving branding efficiency. I collaborated closely with senior leadership, setting OKRs, defining project scopes, and ensuring alignment with business goals. My responsibilities included reviewing RFPs for B2C partners, ensuring seamless integrations, and driving strategic partnerships.
Key Contributions:
Designed and implemented platform integration and infrastructure updates, resulting in improved efficiency for employees and underlying technologies across the enterprise.
Directed technical enhancements and processes for a high-traffic customer-facing e-commerce site, with a focus on stability, security, and performance optimization through continuous monitoring and incremental improvements.
Played a critical role in the Chief Engineer Group, contributing to technical strategy and collaborating with other directors to drive company-wide initiatives and long-term goals.
Partnered with the Engineering Success Group to establish a DevOps system based on the GitLab Ecosystem, incorporating Checkmarx, Docker, GitLabCI, and Kubernetes, streamlining deployment pipelines and improving development efficiency.
Sportradar
Minneapolis, MN
2018 - 2020
Senior Engineer
Sportradar
I always like to say that Sportradar is the largest company you have never heard of. They are everywhere in the Sports data market, partnering with the NFL, NBA, MLB, and other world wide sports.
Here, I dove into AI/ML to prove out an advanced data monitoring system that would help ensure quality data was being stored in our systems. There was an immense amount of data coming in, and we needed to beat 7 second latency due to the data needing to be head of live "on-air" broadcasts.
Needless to say this was incredibly interesting, and was a favorite position of mine. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic brought everything to a screeching halt.
Key Contributions
Designed and developed ML/AI based monitoring system for analyzing data streaming, improving data capture and categorization, and improving data observability.
Spearheaded monitoring API changes, greatly improving data structure and throughput.
Ambient Consulting is a consulting company, however, I worked full time on a startup which produced a platform called Kintribute. It was the passion and brainchild of the CEO, and I was brought in to help develop the platform.
The platform was aimed at helping people share and research their family history through photos and other media. It was utilized by the Jewish Historical society and other similar organizations.
Core Contributions
Led front-end and design development efforts, spearheading design and development standards while working with VoC to create a customer centric feature roadmap.
Provided change management through pilot to launch, improving customer visibility.
ImageWerks Marketing
Maplewood, MN
2010 - 2011
Engineering Manager
ImageWerks Marketing
ImageWerks Marketing is a marketing firm that specializes in developing marketing campaigns, providing web services including Web Sites, APIs, custom software applications, for small businesses.
Core Technologies
JavaScript, JQuery, Backbone, PHP, Concrete5, YII, Codeigniter, Apache, MySQL Linux. Ruby, Java, Python, FastCGI, Drupal, Ruby, IIS, Apache, Nginx, Windows server 2003, Apple Servers
Overview
I was brought in as the IT Lead to help develop a new system for managing client accounts, billing, and marketing campaigns, and manage the development team as we acquired a large web-development shop bringing over 200 new clients into the fold.
Key Contributions
Provided strategic and technical leadership for a team of developers
Developed extensive front end JQuery driven pages for application mockups
Provided fixes and migration of Drupal based sites
Maintained, developed and administered a wide assortment of over a hundred sites created in various languages and frameworks ranging from PHP (Concrete5, Zend, YII, codeigniter) to ASP to Java
Administered all servers ranging from Linux (Apache, nginx, php, cgi) to Windows (IIS) and even Solaris
Extended functionality for sites served on the Magento platform creating custom functionality for handling taxes, creating new themes, and overriding default behaviors
Use Ruby on Rails to extend core tracking application for the business (RubyMine)
Created technical estimates and applied and implemented agile workflows where possible
Consulted out as development and administrative help to clients set up and administer our web-based applications on their intranet servers (Apache, nginx, IIS)
Represented the development team as a technical subject matter expert both internally and externally to a diverse client base
Implemented a basic Agile (Scrum) workflow
Created and maintained several virtual servers utilizing VMware and VirtualBox and different distributions of Linux
Customized CMS functionality to provide multi-site services using minimal system resources and providing consideration for services such as SSL, SEO, Multiview
Built and administered user desktops, servers and provided support where needed
Designed a new server room and moved servers, racks, and power
Aided in the creation of server, process, and standards documentation
Administered internal and external network
Developed a python-based project management software that would be tailored for aiding in server deployment, and change management as well as keeping the business in line with the two hundred plus active sites which were hosted
Create Health
Waconia, MN
2008 - 2009
IT Lead
Create Health
Create Health was a medical software startup specializing in developing software for matching patients with providers for clinics and hospitals.
Core Technologies
JavaScript, PHP, Apache, MySQL, and Linux.
Overview
I was brought in as the IT Lead to help develop a new system for managing patient records, billing, and scheduling.
I had the opportunity to leave the technology stack and work with potential and existing customer on creating features and workflows that would help them run their business more efficiently.
This startup did exceptionally well and went on to sell to a large hospital network in the area.
Key Contributions
Utilized Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP, JavaScript - jQuery, XHTML, XML, JSON, CSS, SQL, MySQL Server administration.
Served in a very mixed position, filling a lot of diverse needs both technical and managerial.
Aided in the development of a custom MVC style framework using PHP/JavaScript.
Developed and maintained MySQL databases.
Crafted queries, stored procedures and ran other database procedures for developers.
Administered, upgraded, and maintained all Linux servers for production, testing, development, and research & development environments.
Administered shared shell environments and an SSH+SVN server.
Maintained strict Object-oriented approaches in any PHP implementation.
Completed code audits both individually and with team.
Created and maintained most technical documentation on projects.
Leveraged strengths in design to serve as lead user experience and ui coordinator.
Designed wireframes to facilitate a consistent and clean user experience.
Participated in company-wide team building exercises and incorporated them from a technical vantage point for development team.
Great Clips
Edina, MN
2006 - 2007
Senior Developer
Great Clips
Great Clips is a national chain of hair salons. I was brought in as the sole on staff programmer and had a massive task list as the company was going through incredible grown and change management.
Franchise Sites: was tasked with developing a new system for managing the franchisee's various processes. For this, I underwent training and certification for designing and developing BPM systems. The system was launched shortly after my departure, and was a great success. It streamlined the time it took to usher new franchisees through the process of opening a new saloon, filing various reports, and managing their staff.
Server Consolidation: With my linux expertise and experience managing servers, I worked with the infrastructure team to pair down our servers by over 75%, saving a lot of money on hardware, licensing, support, and utilities.
The system was a custom built CMS that allowed the franchisees to manage their own sites, while still maintaining a cohesive brand. The system was built in PHP, MySQL, and a vanilla JavaScript framework. It was a great success.
MySQL Database administration, extension, and cluster implementation.
MSSQL extension and database administration.
Took a week accreditation class for Metastorm BPM in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Worked with Metastorm BPM creating process maps.
Linux (RHEL) server administration for all Linux based development, staging, and live servers.
Windows server 2003, Red Hat Enterprise Linux administration.
Created project proposals and justifications for new software projects.
Aided in the consolidation project which utilized virtualization to cut a server count of over 40 in half.
Attended local forums representing the company’s technological efforts.
MJM3 Consulting
Cottage Grove, MN
2007 - 2017
Principal Consultant
MJM3 Consulting
MJM3 Consulting is my consultancy practice. I started my career as a consultant, and I love the consultancy work. Though I have moved on to focus on FTE roles as the long term ownership of projects and administration of long-term projects and teams of engineers became more of a focus of mine. That said, I am still willing and able to pick up the occasional contract, if time and opportunity arises.
I started MJM3 Consulting as a general IT Store with Consulting services under the name of RECS. This entity is listed below with more information. I spend a few years in RECS, then pivoted to focus on my growing career.
Clients Include: Target Corporation, Medtronic, USBank, Ameriprise Financial, Global Payments, Thomson Reuters, General Dynamics, BloomHealth,Pearson VUE, GFK, GE Capital, MedNet, and others.
Given the dire shortage of web engineers in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, I focused on consulting, as it built upon what I was doing with RECS, but working with much larger clients, including several Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies.
In 2017, I was convinced to all but hang up the consultancy and pursue more vested leadership roles. I still keep MJM3 Consulting going for the sake of flexibility. Case in point, during the pandemic, I picked up several contracts to aid companies suffering from the great resignation that followed.
Table of Contracts
Below you will find many of the contracts I worked on during my time with MJM3. There are a few that I am leaving off the list, as they were fractal or more of a retainer agreement with spotty work.
With a keen eye, you may notice some breaks in the timeline. I was working FTE roles. These were contracts that converted, usually due to team leads and managers not being allowed to contract, even if the placement was on a temporary or contract basis.
Company
Location
Dates
Role
Target Corporation
Minneapolis, MN
2006
Rollout Lead
Target Corporation
For my first gig working directly at a large corporation, I worked to establish a repeatable in implementable strategy for managing technology roll outs. This included the development of a custom software solution that would allow for the tracking of all technology assets, and the ability to track the progress of the rollout of new technology.
Fortunately, the team I was working with was very open to new ideas and was willing to try new things. This allowed me to develop a system that was very successful and was used for many years after I left.
The contract lasted 6 months, and my work there was a great experience and I left a fantastic impression on the corporation as a whole. I would go on to work another fractal contract, as well as another 6 month mobile development contract years later. The mobile contract is listed below (2016)
MedNet was an absolutely gorgeous place to work, and also a revolving door for contractors. I worked with TCL, Javascript
The project involved Web and Data engineering to design and implement a new PoC for an improved double blind study BPM and workflow management system for Medical Study & Research clients.
BI Worldwide was another revolving door for contractors, which was exciting for me as there was a lot of networking and talent coming and going with the wild ebb and flow of projects.
The project involved Web and Data engineering to design and implement training courses and student tracking systems for corporate clients.
I worked with PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, Flash, ColdFusion, Java, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB.
Digital River
Edina, MN
2009
Contractor
Digital River
Digital River was interesting. They had recently landed a giant contract with Microsoft, so I spent most of my time working on the Microsoft Store.
This contract was relatively light and quick, and really only involved feature development utilizing JavasScript and HTML/CSS.
GE Fleet
Eden Prairie, MN
2012
Lead Architect
GE Capital, Fleet Division
GE Capital was a very interesting place to work. I was brought in to help with the development of a new fleet management system that would allow for the tracking of all of the vehicles in a fleet, as well as the ability to track the maintenance and repair of those vehicles.
I was the lead architect on the project, and was responsible for the implementation of a complex dual architecture utilizing Backbone.js and AMD modules for the front end as well as a Java Struts based backend. Despite being an architect by position, I was actively leading the front end development team, and was responsible for the development of the majority of the front end code.
A fun aside, this position had me mentoring and teaching junior and senior back end developers. It got me hooked on training, coaching, and mentoring other developers. Something I would continue to do throughout my career.
This was a quick stop project which simply involved working with one of the most backwards JSON driven javascript architectures I had ever worked with. After coming from Backbone.js, this project was very taxing, as all markup was done in JavaScript.
US Bank was a great place to work, and I was brought in to help with the development of a new customer portal that would allow for the management of all of the high end wealth management customer's accounts, as well as the ability to transfer money between accounts.
The project went on for over a year, and I was the tech lead for the front end AngularJS and vanilla JavaScript features. I had one of the most enjoyable team atmospheres here, and would go on to work with many of the same people at other companies.
My second tour at Target as amazing. I was responsible for mobile app feature development, mobile web parody, and worked on several different teams including Mobile, Everest, as well as Cartwheel.
Core Technologies: Java, Android, Objective-C, Swift, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and Node.js.
Pearson Vue
Richfield, MN
2014
Senior Engineer
Pearson Vue
Person Vue was making a huge migration to AngularJS and needed a front end expert to help with the transition. While I was front end focused, I was pulled in a lot of directions, and ended up working on the back end as well.
Core Technologies: AngularJS, Node.js, Java, Oracle Database, PL/SQL, and Python.
General Dynamics
Bloomington, MN
2014
Contractor
General Dynamics
Working with a defense contractor was a very interesting experience. We worked on public clearance projects, and I was responsible for the development of a new system that would aid in the visual delimitation of drone data to the public.
Bloom Health
Minneapolis, MN
2015
Mobile Developer
Bloom Health
Bloom Health was one of many medical insurance matching companies that cropped up around the same time. Their platform ran on AngularJS, and I was charged with focusing on the mobile web.
Core Technologies: AngularJS, Node.js, Groovy, and Python.
Ameriprise Financial
Minneapolis, MN
2014 - 2015
Tech Lead
Ameriprise Financial
Easily my favorite of all of my contracts. Ameriprise offered a variety of challenges and interesting technology to work on, as well as a stellar atmosphere and terrific team.
The platform was provided agents with a suite of wealth management tools both on the web and mobile. Data security and privacy were among the chief concerns, given the move to rely on heavier JavaScript frameworks. We utilized breeze.js as other data caching and management technologies to clear security requirements.
This was the third position which had me filling a hybrid architect role. With the amazing people I worked with, I learned a lot around creating solid, readable, and supportable architecture artifacts for cross team consumptions.
Core Technologies: .Net, JavaScript, React, Backbone.js, AMD, and Python.
Thomson Reuters
Eagan, MN
2015
Tech Lead
Thomson Reuters
For my second tour at Thomson Reuters, it was absolutely fun. The team I was brought on to was helping with he development of Angular2. We designed, implemented, redesigned, and reimplemented features more times than I can count. As we were providing feedback, code, and implementing our on feature requests, we kept in constant contact with the core Angular team. It was an absolutely positive experience, and I learned a lot about the inner workings of the Angular framework.
For this contract I was brought on to teach and coach the larger team on modern JavaScript development and lead the architecture and development of a new medical document management platform. This was my first big foray into DevOps.
Despite being a company that I helped found, I worked with them on a contract basis to help with the development of a new cloud based IoT platform. The platform was designed to be a drop in replacement for existing IoT platforms, and was specifically tailored to meet my client&s unique needs.
RECS was my own personal consultancy and my foray into the world of software development and IT centric services. Being young and just starting, my focus was on small and local businesses that were local to my area.
I focused on honing my business acumen and developed a strong sense of customer centric service and communication. My clients were often very behind the curve, and I would step in and provide an array services form self hosted web sites to developing a technical strategy that often included customized software solutions as well as hardware, networking, and data management services.
KDM Consulting (2005 - 2006)
While working with my clients at RECS, I gained some great experience working less as a solo engineer, and more as a team member. I was able to work with a few other engineers and developers on larger projects. This was a great experience, and I learned a lot about working with others, and how to manage a project with multiple people. The clients I worked with were both large companies like Kellog's as well as small businesses like Aamodt's Apple Farm .