About Me
As a dedicated engineering leader with a relentless drive for excellence, I consistently strive to elevate both my personal growth and the performance of my teams. My journey from a passionate Full Stack Engineer to an accomplished Engineering Manager has been marked by a commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing user experiences through deliverables, and driving strategic initiatives that align with business objectives.
With strong foundations in programming and an innate desire to work with people, supported by a continually growing modern skillset that includes TypeScript/JavaScript, React/Next.js, node.js, AWS tools and services, and people management skills, I have been able to successfully lead cross-functional teams to achieve high quality deliverables that drive business growth and innovation.
My leadership approach, rooted in Radical Candor, prioritizes transparent communication, fosters continuous learning, and empowers team members to reach their full potential. By cultivating an environment of trust and open dialogue, I ensure that each team member feels valued and supported, enabling us to collaborate effectively and achieve our collective goals.
Building on a strong foundation and strong technical skillset, my passion for leadership, fostering growth, and strategic planning has enabled me to spearhead initiatives such as new product launches, international expansion, accessibility compliance audits, and innovative feature deliverables on both the front and back end, that not only enhance product offerings but also drive user engagement and satisfaction and drive better outcomes for business. I am committed to leveraging my skills and experiences to contribute meaningfully to forward-thinking organizations, continuously pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved.
Skills
Technical Skills
- TypeScript & JavaScript
- React & React Native
- node.js
- Next.js/Remix
- GraphQL & Apollo
- Microservice Architectures
- Agile Methodologies & SDLC
- CSS Modules & SASS
- RESTful API Services
- UX/UI Design Principles
- E2E, Functional & Unit Testing
- SQL & NoSQL Databases
- Database & Schema Design
- AWS Architecture
Leadership & Management
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Resource Allocation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Radical Candor Communication
Philosophy
Ideally each morning I wake up a little bit better a person than the day prior. It's a good pursuit and it's good to have a continued (and somewhat tenacious!) drive to become better each day and I am grateful to strive for that.
In my life I've been fortunate enough to do some neat things, see some cool places, and do interesting things for work. Sometimes I feel like you don't as often hear about all the talented and creative people we get to work with throughout our lives, but I've worked with some really great folks. It remains exciting as ever to know that I can do more and that the only limit to doing more is my ability to continue growing and learning new things and working with others to do great things. In other words, there aren't a whole lot of limits!
Having said that, it makes a whole lot of sense to me that if I keep doing these things and building things that make people's lives better, that I should (and will) continue to learn and grow and that I should (and will) strive to continue to be surrounded by people who want to do the same. That's a pretty amazing way to live life.
Relentless
I decided a long time ago that as much as possible, I can't allow barriers to prevent me from being successful, but philosophy teaches us that sometimes, the obstacle is the way.
As such I will continue to make use of every skill and resource that I have along with all of the things I have learned during my life to work through any obstacle that I encounter in order to achieve the best outcomes possible.
I also know that sometimes working through challenges and obstacles means that we look to others around us when we seek guidance and support and that asking thoughtful questions is okay. It's okay to mindfully ask for help from time to time.
A Champion of Others
I pretty firmly believe seldom few in this world are able to achieve greatness on their own or achieve great things without the help of others. It happens, to be sure. In my case however I know that I haven't.
As fortune has it I have people in my life who are invested in me and believe in me. It is fair to reason then that because I have such fortune in my life that I should continue to turn that outward. By utilizing using the skills and resources that I have I can make things better for the world at large, but also my community, family, friends and those I work with and for. That's good stuff.
At one point in my life (for over a decade!) what being able to meaningfully contribute to others and make a difference looked like -- was being a special education classroom teacher. Now it looks like building software and tools for people to get things done and to be part of great things themselves.
The focus remains the same however in each: making the world we live in better for others. (Or at the very least trying my very best to do so.)
It is very much possible to do real, impactful work through reaching users via keyboards and complex (but beautiful) code through crafting, building, and delivering awesome user experiences and working with a team of empowered peers to that end.
If I'm able to proliferate neat things and excitement into the world through creativity, a passion for growth, and choosing to be fascinated, then it only makes sense to help others do the same, because it's pretty amazing.
Personal Interests
- Woodworking
- Performing stand-up comedy
- Working on vehicles
- Subarus
- Creating music with friends
- Performing card magic
- Exploring new restaurants
- Academia
- Dogs
- Pick-up basketball
- Snowboarding / skateboarding