Bio

I've been developing for web, mobile and desktop for more than 20 years. I started out as a computer tech and server systems administrator. So, I understand the underlying hardware and operating systems that support most applications. As a contractor / independent developer, I have worked for companies large and small. My client list includes Anheuser Busch, Edward Jones and UCLA. I love what I do and will bring that passion to your project(s).

Professional Skills

My experience with some of the most commonly requested languages and technologies are listed.

Web Apps

Scripting, styling and programming languages related to web and application development.

PHP 5.x - 8.3
HTML / HTML5 / XHTML
CSS / CSS3
SASS / SCSS
JavaScript
TypeScript
AJAX
Progressive Web Apps
Web Services / APIs
Node.js
Python / Django
YAML

Mobile Apps

Tech used to build modern, mobile applications. Many web technologies are used for modern mobile apps.

React Native
Expo (React Native)
npm
Android Studio
Progressive Web Apps
jQuery Mobile
Ionic
Cordova
PhoneGap

Frameworks / Libraries

Scripting, styling and programming frameworks / libraries that may be used in either web or mobile apps.

jQuery
jQuery UI
Bootstrap 3.x - 5.x
React (React.js)
Angular
UIKit
Symfony
Laravel
Zend
WordPress

Package Mgmt / Version Control

 
 
 

git / GitHub
BitBucket
npm
webpack
Composer
Bower

Additional Knowledge / Skills

Linux server management (LAMP), Google Analytics (setup, installation in code, account management), G-Suite (setup and management),
project management software such as Zoho Projects, Trello, Asana and Basecamp, cloud services - AWS, Google Cloud, Azure.
Database management tools such as phpMyAdmin and HeidiSQL. Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom. Docker and Kubernetes.

Experience

A brief summary of my experience.

Websites & Apps

As a contract, full-stack developer, I have worked with many technologies, frameworks, and environments. I am adaptable and pick up new technologies and environments quickly. As a freelance developer, (as often as possible) I like to develop applications from scratch. I began developing websites back in the mid 90s with static websites. Later I began using JavaScript for UI control and CSS to add style. By the early 2000s, I began using PHP and MySQL to develop dynamic, responsive websites and web application.

Mobile Applications

I normally develop hybrid applications for mobile devices using Ionic, Expo, or straight React-Native. This allows me to use most of the same code for applications that will run on both iOS and Android devices. I also build apps for mobile using the PWA specifications/architecture. I also have limited experience coding for iOS or Android devices natively.

Database Mgmt

I have over 10 years experience working with MySQL databases - this includes creating, optimizing, direct editing, and backups. For this I normally use phpMyAdmin. My experience with databases also includes direct access / management coded with PHP, Python and Java. In addition, I have also worked with MSSQL, PostgreSQL, and 'local' databases for modern broswers and mobile devices.

 

See What My Clients Are Saying

References available on request.

"It's been great working with you these last couple of years. You've been a great part of the team and I wish we could have kept you on longer. I appreciate all your hard work and your contributions to improving the experience for our users.
Good luck in your future assignments. Any teams that brings you on will be lucky to have you."

Kevin Tierney - Jackson Nurse Professionals, Manager

"To sum up our experience with Russ: he is a godsend. It is easy to see that this isn't only his chosen profession, but also one of his passions. We have an incredibly difficult site that has seemingly a million different pieces and puzzles and issues to sort out, and Russ has been incredibly dedicated and patient throughout the entire process (which we are still in!). He is great at problem solving, and will definitely go the extra mile in order to ensure any technical and/or design problem is solved, and that the resolution is something we are happy with. He is also detail-oriented--in both his work and communication--which is so crucial in this field (but I have found so lacking in other web firms/personnel I have worked with)."

Krista Beagin - UCLArts and Healing

"Yes, we have used Russ on several projects over the years. He is always personable and professional. Russ seemed to know what we needed better than we sometimes. We have always been very satisfied. I am conficent he will provide the same service on all his projects."

Ronald Weber - Webber International University

"As a web designer, I've worked with Russ on many projects. His work is always quality and I find him easy to work with. He's as concerned about my clients as he is about his. I look forward to working with him on many more projects."

Mike Bonaventura - Pinscher Designs, LLC

Employment History

Recent employment and project highlights.
Mouse over item for info.

Jackson Nurse Professionals

MANAGER: Kevin Tierney

AGENCY: TEKsystems

FEB 2021 to DEC 2023

Tech Stack: PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, HTML, CSS, Azure

This assignment began as an update to the PHP database access layer for security reason. The internal, proprietary application, TravelWare, used simple mysql and mysqli connections and read/write functions. As part of the security fixes, the project included updates to jQuery and Bootstrap libraries as well. Finally, the project included an update from PHP 5.x to 7.x – during the project, the decision was made to update PHP to version 8.2.

As the project progressed, the development team grew and the project encompassed many visual and functional updates on top of the original stated goal. Additionally, the TravelWare application was moved from in-house servers to Microsoft Azure Cloud servers.

Jonae's Island Twist

CONTACT:

FREELANCE: Mobile App

OCT 2020 to DEC 2020

Tech Stack: React Navive, PHP/MySQL (for back-end data storage), REST API (communicate between app and storage)

The owners found that customers were willing to drive to the restaurant to pick up their food items if it saved them the delivery cost charged by Uber Eats and other delivery apps. Customers can order / pay through the app. The app sends push notifications when their order is ready.

When arriving at the restaurant, customers could go inside to pickup their order or send a message, through the app, letting the restaurant know they were waiting in the parking lot.

Additionally, the application included a loyalty program that tracked orders and awarded points to repeat customers.

UCLArts and Healing

CONTACT: Krista Beagin

FREELANCE: WordPress

2014 through 2021

Tech Stack: WordPress, WooCommerce, PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, HTML, CSS

This site is a collaboration between UCLA and the Arts and Healing Initiative in L.A. The site is a VERY customized WordPress site. I created several plugins from scratch that give functionality to both the front-end and back-end of the site.

In addition, this site used the WooCommerce plugin and USPS plugin for their store, cart, billing and shipping. Most of their products were courses - some which included manuals. So WooCommerce and the USPS plugin where both heavily customized.

During the COVID pandemic, they had to cut costs drastically (their courses were in-person). So they moved away from a custom WordPress site and began using Shopify. The Shopify store was created and is managed by internal personnel.

Multiplica, LLC

CONTACT: (no longer working with Multiplica)

FREELANCE: multiple sites

FEB 2018 through DEC 2019

Tech Stack: PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, jQuery, Liquid (Shopify), WordPress, Bootstrap, HTML, CSS

This is an international company based in Spain. Trying to break into the US market, they opened an office in Boca Raton, FL. I contracted through the Boca Raton office and worked with US based, South American based and Spain based development teams.

Projects / Websites:

  • For Eyes (glasses and contact site)
  • For Eyes - Sunglasses (prescription sunglasses)
  • Opternative (online prescription service, interfaced with above sites through APIs)
  • TruShield Insurance
  • OrbyTV (dirct broadcast satellite provider, defunct: Mar, 2021)

Web Design Companies

2007 through 2021

During this period, I worked with several web design companies when they had projects that required a back-end developer. Some of the companies that I had recurring contracts with:

  • Pinscher Design
  • Play Nice Together, NY
  • Jacob Simon Design
  • Forward Jump, NY
  • Kraupp, LLC
  • BuildWP

Dynamics Fitness

CONTACT:

FREELANCE: Mobile Applications

2013 through 2018

App Version 1.x

Tech Stack: Early version of PWA standards, jQueryMobile, jQuery, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL

The first version of the app was written specifically for the iPad. Dynamics Fitness had been using a paper trail process to keep track of classes and the participants in those classes. Gym goers could purchase a number of classes at a time and enjoy a discount. Or they could pay for classes with cash. The system to keep track of classes used on the 'pre-purchase' plan was called, "punch cards" - similar to the old school lunch punch cards. This system was prone to errors at many steps of the process. The owner of Dynamics Fitness ask for a system that would solve the punch card system headaches. Additionally, instructors where paid according to the number of participants in their classes. The system tracked this information as well.

App Version 2.x

Tech Stack: React-Native, MySQL, REST API

Version 1 of the Gym Management application had been running successfully for 5 years. And there was no reason for it not to continue running. But, the owner of Dynamics Fitness had a bigger vision and decided on a new app. Version 2 could be installed on any member’s phone, as well as used in the gym locations. With this version, users could sign in to classes from their phones, make payments in app for gym services, and much more. This app includes the trainer and admin functionalities of the old app (with some updates), but was created for the convenience of members.

Weber Art and Media

CONTACT: Ron Weber

FREELANCE: Website

2019 through 2021

Tech Stack: WordPress, WooCommerce, jQuery, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL

This is a website for a new, startup business. The brothers are great artists that have been working for others. They recently decided to strike out on their own. Their goal was to have a fun, informative website that could handle high traffic and also highlight their art. The site is built on the WordPress platform with a custom theme. Because custom artwork is a very personal thing, several custom forms have been added to the site, including forms on the WooCommerce product detail pages.

Other Freelance Pojects/Clients

2002 through 2009

2002-2005 Howard Johnson's Maingate West

  • Web Developer

2005-2009 The Florida Hotel

  • Web Developer
  • Google AdWords Manager

Clients Through Agencies

1998 through 2023

These were non-web, non-mobile developer positions.

  • BJC Health Systems - network administration
  • Edward Jones - custom Windows System development
  • IBM/Lucent - custom Windows System development
  • Anheuser Busch, Busch Agricultural Resources - network administration
  • CitiCorp Mortgage - network administration, tech support

Contact Me

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