Why Me?

I am a seasoned full-stack web developer with over 15 years of experience building dynamic and high-performing websites and applications. My expertise spans a wide range of technologies, including JavaScript, PHP, Node.js, React.js, and MongoDB, ensuring I can deliver scalable, secure, and user-friendly solutions. I also bring over a decade of marketing experience, allowing me to integrate technical proficiency with strategic insights to enhance user engagement and optimize digital presence. From backend architecture to frontend functionality, I am passionate about turning complex problems into streamlined solutions that drive business success.

Tech Experience

Recent Projects

Node.js Enthusiast

As a developer, having the ability to use JavaScript both on the frontend and backend allows for a seamless development process. With Node.js, I don’t have to switch between languages or deal with mismatched paradigms when building full-stack applications. This unified approach not only speeds up development but also makes it easier to maintain code over time.

Node.js

React.js Enjoyer

React's component-based architecture allows me to break down complex UIs into smaller, reusable pieces, making the development process both more organized and more scalable. This modularity means I can build, update, and maintain large applications more easily, as changes in one part of the app don’t necessarily impact others. It’s a great way to keep things clean and manageable.

React.js
       

Full Stack Node.js Developer

With 15+ years of web development experience under my belt, I’ve seen the digital landscape change dramatically—and I’ve adapted right along with it. Back when I first started, web development was a lot more straightforward. Static HTML pages ruled the web, with PHP driving dynamic content behind the scenes, and JavaScript providing basic interactivity. Fast forward to today, and we’re building complex, full-stack applications that run faster and smarter than ever before, using a whole range of modern technologies and frameworks.

What I love most about web development is that it’s constantly evolving. No two days are ever the same. Every project presents new challenges, and I thrive on the problem-solving process—whether it’s optimizing an API call to shave milliseconds off load time or finding the cleanest way to handle state in a React app. It’s this constant evolution that keeps me passionate about what I do.

Throughout my journey, JavaScript and PHP have been core pillars of my skill set. JavaScript, in particular, has exploded in capability. I remember the days when it was just used for basic tasks like form validation. Now, it’s the engine behind sophisticated, interactive web applications thanks to libraries like React and Node.js. PHP, on the other hand, has been a consistent workhorse for me on the backend. Its flexibility and power, combined with its extensive library ecosystem, make it a great choice for building reliable server-side logic.

But being a developer isn’t just about knowing the tools. It’s about applying them thoughtfully. Over the years, I’ve worked on everything from small business websites to large-scale web applications with thousands of users, and I’ve learned that building something people love to use is just as much about understanding their needs as it is about writing code. That’s where my marketing experience has really helped set me apart.

With 10 years of marketing experience alongside my development career, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work both on the creative side of digital strategy and the technical side of execution. It’s given me a holistic understanding of how users interact with products online. Whether it’s designing an intuitive user interface or ensuring the site is SEO-friendly and optimized for conversions, I always keep the end-user in mind.

A lot of developers can build technically sound websites or applications, but not all of them consider things like how search engines will rank it, how easy it is to use, or how quickly users can complete the actions they came for. My background in marketing helps me bridge that gap and create digital products that not only work well but also support the overall goals of the business.

When I’m working on a project, I like to take a collaborative approach. I believe the best work comes from clear communication and a shared vision between everyone involved—whether that’s the client, project managers, designers, or other developers. I enjoy digging into the nitty-gritty details of the project early on, getting a clear sense of what the client wants to achieve, and offering my perspective on the best technical approaches to get there. Sometimes this means suggesting a different framework or proposing a simpler solution than initially thought, but it’s always about finding the balance between performance, scalability, and simplicity.

One area I’ve become particularly passionate about is security. With so many websites and apps being targeted by hackers these days, it’s critical to build with security in mind from the ground up. I’ve worked on e-commerce platforms, subscription-based services, and applications that store sensitive user data, so I’m very familiar with implementing best practices for authentication, encryption, and secure database handling. I’ve also worked with payment systems like Stripe, where it’s crucial to get every detail right, from PCI compliance to properly handling subscription models without exposing users to unnecessary risks.

Scalability is another key focus for me, especially as more businesses are looking to take their applications to the cloud. I’ve worked with cloud services like AWS, DigitalOcean, and Azure to ensure that the apps I build can grow seamlessly as traffic and data storage needs increase. It’s not just about getting something live—it’s about building a foundation that can handle thousands, or even millions, of users without breaking a sweat.

I’ve also embraced containerization and CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) tools to streamline the development and deployment process. Docker has been a game-changer for me in terms of creating isolated environments that replicate production as closely as possible, making sure that “it works on my machine” isn’t an issue when handing off a project to the client. GitHub Actions and other CI/CD tools help me automate testing, deployments, and updates so that I can deliver robust, well-tested applications faster, with fewer headaches down the road.

In addition to the technical side, I also have a deep understanding of user experience (UX). I’ve seen first-hand how even small UX improvements can make a massive difference in the way users perceive and interact with an application. Whether it’s reducing the number of clicks it takes to complete a form or optimizing the mobile experience to ensure it’s as seamless as the desktop version, I’m always thinking about the experience from the user’s point of view.

Over the years, I’ve worked in various industries, including e-commerce, SaaS, marketing, and content management. Each has its own unique challenges, but the core principles of solid architecture, clean code, and a user-centric approach always apply. I take pride in delivering projects that not only meet technical requirements but also support broader business objectives. After all, a website or app is often a company’s most valuable digital asset—it needs to be treated as such.

When I’m not coding or working with clients, I’m constantly learning. The tech world moves fast, and I believe it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s diving into new frameworks like Next.js or experimenting with serverless architecture, I’m always looking to broaden my skill set and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. But I’m also mindful not to chase every shiny new tool. I like to pick technologies that are proven, stable, and a good fit for the project at hand, rather than jumping on the latest bandwagon just for the sake of it.

At the end of the day, I’m a developer who loves what I do. I enjoy the challenge of building something from scratch, solving complex problems, and delivering results that exceed expectations. Whether it’s a small business website, a custom-built web app, or a complex e-commerce platform, I bring the same level of dedication and attention to detail to every project.

The combination of my deep technical knowledge and my understanding of marketing and user experience gives me a unique perspective that not many developers can offer. It allows me to not only build applications that are fast, reliable, and secure but also ones that truly connect with the people using them.

If you read all the way to the bottom, I tip my hat. (It was all written by ChatGPT, c’mon).

CSS min() All The Things

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It’s Here! How To Measure UX & Design Impact, With Vitaly Friedman

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