I enjoy creating things, ideas, and processes that no one else has:
Things like the products I have created and brought to market to make the iPod, iPhone, and iPad experience even better.
Ideas like the website and retail packaging I have created to start and grow a business.
Processes that bind things and ideas together to make them happen.
We're not born with knowledge, we have to attain it. You have to be humble and realize that there are always more things to learn. I feel that it's important to stay humble, and to always keep exploring and discovering.
After you have learned something new, you have to repeatedly put it into practice to become proficient at it, and to be able to share that knowledge with others.
I am not ashamed to admit that I may not be the best designer or developer around. I have a long way to go to become great, but I continue to learn new things each and every day. It is that humility and sense of being an "underdog" that makes me the person that I am.
Here are the tools that enable me to do what I do:
Coding in these languages is done primarily in Coda 2, after it became my new go-to editing program, ending a glorious six-year run with TextMate.
Apple Mac Pro (1,1 model, circa 2006)
Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
Apple Cinema Display 23-inch DVI (2)
Apple iPad (rev 3)
Apple iPhone 6
Mac OS X 10.13
Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 10, Others)
Linux (Ubuntu)
Wordpress
Textpattern
Subversion
Git
Monday
Jira
Confluence
Here is a sampling of some of the work that I have done.
Valley Irrigation
Sole UX/UI designer onsite for the client (Valley Irrigation) to create user interfaces for the company’s new ICON® 10" and 5" touchscreen irrigation panel products.
Architected complete user navigation and interface structure for multiple touchscreen interfaces with different and multiple input methods comprising hundreds of individual screens.
Created new-to-the-industry main/home screen concept featuring icons and unique input methods that mimic physical switches and buttons that end users are familiar with.
Valley Irrigation
Assorted collection of web and tablet screens that I have created.
Various work showing iconography, toolbars, color schemes, typography, etc.
Valley Irrigation
Assorted collection of mobile screens that I have created.
Various work showing iconography, toolbars, color schemes, typography, etc.
cometD, London Ajax User Group, Salon Extasy
Here is a sampling of some of the logos I have created:
PodShop, LLC
PodShop is my one-man entrepreneurial venture. It is a business I created in 2002 out of the need for a few unique accessories for iPod.
I talk at length about PodShop in the "Here's Where I've Worked" section, so I will just include a few screenshots of the website I created for my company here.
SitePen, Inc.
Redmine is an open-sourced project management application that is used for tracking all aspects of projects, including progress, tickets, and reporting.
The image below on the left is the default Redmine theme. Ugh.
The other two images show separate themes that I created.
Note: These screenshots were taken from my local test install of Redmine, hence the Chicago Bears-related projects. I love football, is that so wrong?
I've been in the information technology field since 1997 and have been doing web design and development since 2002. If you need a copy of my resume in PDF format, you can find it here.
Program Manager
Serve as a product owner and product manager for ICON product line, driving change in agriculture technology offerings to create simpler, more intuitive products that customers can easily use and understand.
Continuously foster feedback from numerous global sources: growers, dealers, service, territorial technology managers, non-technology managers, product managers, and sales divisions.
Be the liaison for ICON in cross-functional meetings, projects, and company collaborations.
Lead a team and inspire, encourage, and challenge them to do their best work in an environment where they are always allowed to speak up, introduce ideas, think outside the box, and contribute in various ways.
Create and maintain a collaborative, passionate, and fun work environment that instills pride, a sense of accomplishment, and mutual respect and admiration.
Jump in and take on new tasks, roles, or any work that will help the team, our products, and company.
User Experience Architect, Design Team Lead, Project Lead
Design team lead across a global organization driving the look and feel of all software and touchscreen panel products.
Design all of the company’s interactive mobile, tablet, and desktop prototypes and mockups. Adobe XD is my tool of choice due to simplicity and functionality.
Design work is spread across different divisions (software, marketing, technical, publications, and others) and as part of a cross-functional team.
Creation of iconography, mobile app icons, user interface style guides, and other design and marketing assets.
Working on the creation of a design language to tie all of the organization’s previous disparate software products together.
Lead and direct a team of global design employees, onsite and remote.
Additional role of project lead for large upcoming global product launch.
UX/UI Designer
Hired specifically to be the sole UX/UI designer onsite for the client (Valmont Industries) to create user interfaces for Valley Irrigation division’s new touchscreen irrigation panel products.
Architected complete user navigation and interface structure for multiple touchscreen interfaces with different and multiple input methods comprising hundreds of individual screens.
Created new-to-the-industry main/home screen concept featuring icons and unique input methods that mimic physical switches and buttons that end users are familiar with.
Gathered subject matter and information from various sources (employees, growers, technicians) to let the needs of these various sources be the end result of the interface driving the products.
Created and/or provided all UX/UI-related mockups, wireframes, graphical assets, icons, Photoshop files, and specification documents.
After completion of all UX/UI tasks, assisted to complete the product by launch date (including working overtime) by providing HTML, CSS, JS, and work on language translations.
Web Designer & Developer
My job consisted of writing HTML and CSS code and creating multiple types of graphics and images for a company that creates web applications for clients worldwide.
SitePen is set up as a 100% telecommute company. Based out of California, all of the employees work from home and keep in constant contact via IM and Skype.
First project involved writing HTML, CSS, and graphics files for the product launch of a wifi-based picture sharing company.
Provided majority of the HTML, CSS, and graphics files for a web-based communications suite created for a very large, well known company from California.
Part of a two-person team that helped streamline and optimize CSS code for a very large, well-known social media company.
Project lead on implementing and documenting a new UI theme for use with the Dojo toolkit for a large, well-known financial company. I wrote majority of the HTML and CSS and small portions of the JavaScript code.
Created various graphical assets including wireframes, mockups, logos, UI themes, icons.
Created UI and HTML, CSS, and graphics files for RSS app, Sensei.
Founder, President, CEO, One-Man Band
Entrepreneurial, sole-proprietorial, online venture at podshop.com in which I envisioned, designed, and brought to market accessories for use with the Apple iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
Envisioned, invented, designed, and brought to market in the fall of 2002 my product, PodHolder: a clear, acrylic stand for holding iPod. At the time, there was no dock for Apple's iPod, so I created one myself.
Envisioned, invented, designed, manufactured, assembled, and brought to market in winter of 2004 my product iDrops: an all-in-one solution for cleaning, polishing, and removing scratches from iPod. I invented the product, it's product label, retail packaging, the website, and all print literature including customized sales receipts and invoices.
Designed and implemented innovative company website featuring compliant, validated, hand-coded XHTML and CSS; Textpattern CMS; and online shopping/checkout.
Designed and created print and web advertisements for products in Macworld magazine, Google newspaper ad tests, and banner ads for numerous online sites.
Implemented, scripted, and automated order processing with customized FileMaker database.
Implemented and managed SEO campaigns and customized website analytics.
Systems Engineer
Implemented Windows 2000, Systems Management Server (SMS), Symantec anti-virus, and Windows Software Update Services (SUS) throughout global organization.
Designed, architected, and implemented complete Omaha campus desktop operating system migration to Windows 2K Professional in a 1,000+ node environment. Migration was executed using internal solutions and self-built scripts to substantially reduce project costs.
Implemented and administered Microsoft SMS 2.0 in 1,600+ node global environment.
Duties included gathering reports of hardware and software inventory, deployment of software, remote administration, and numerous others.
Implemented and administered Symantec Anti-Virus in 1,600+ node global environment. Duties included deploying anti-virus software, keeping definition files up to date, virii outbreak response, and numerous others.
Implemented and administered Microsoft critical security updates in 1,600+ node global environment. Duties included testing and deploying update patches deemed critical by Microsoft, gathering data on patch level, status, and applicability, and numerous others.
I received both my master's and bachelor's degree from Bellevue University. Additionally, I have been recognized for my achievements by my employers.
Master of Science, Data Science, Bellevue University, 2021
Bachelor of Science, Business Information Systems, Bellevue University, 2000
Dean's List throughout academic career at Bellevue University
Attended University of Nebraska at Kearney
Attended Chadron State College (The alma mater of both Don Beebe and Danny Woodhead. CSC Eagles, represent!)
Employment Recognition:
CompTIA A+ Certified Computer Technician; Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Yearly bonuses and salary increases from SitePen, Inc.
Recognition award from CIO of Transaction Systems Architects, Inc.
Growing up with the great music that my parents introduced us to, I've developed a true love and appreciation for it since I was very young.
Some random information about my love for music:
I have lost track of how many concerts I have been to, but I still have the ticket stubs from all of them.
My first concert was Def Leppard in Lincoln in the fall of 1992. My second concert was Guns N' Roses in the spring of 1993 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Rapid City was only about an hour away from Chadron State College, where I was a freshman at the time.
I was going to see Nirvana in Lincoln in 1991 or 1992, but made the decision not to go. I've regretted that decision many times.
A handful of the other shows I have seen: Brooks and Dunn, Alice in Chains, Gin Blossoms, Third Eye Blind, 311, Tonic, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Everclear, and Green Day.
I've written one song called "Grow" and I do a mean cover of Nirvana tunes, especially "Polly."
Seeing Pearl Jam play on a stage in the outfield at Wrigley Field is a life-changing experience.
Taking only a backseat to my love for family and friends, these teams are my light, my love, my everything.
Born and bred to love all things Husker
My dad has been a hard-core Nebraska Cornhusker fan since before I was born. Growing up in Grand Island, our house was known as the "The Husker House." Here's why:
My dad had his ‘76 Ford Pinto painted up red and white and adorned with decals of Herbie. Big decals. I thought I was hot stuff getting picked up from school in the "Huskermobile."
My dad turned our entire basement into somewhat of a Husker museum. Nothing was safe from red and white paint. Not even the TV.
My great-great-great uncle, Gus Lofgren, played as a member of the Nebraska Bugeaters. His sideline blanket, featuring his nickname "Swede" hangs proudly on my parents' wall.
Random Husker-related tidbit:
I am related to former Husker and NFL star Russ Hochstein.
Monsters of the Midway
Another team I fell in love with due to my dad, the Chicago Bears are my favorite NFL team, and my favorite of favorite teams. I love them like a child; I rejoice when they win and am sad when they lose.
Walter Payton was the best running back of all time. If you're not convinced, all you need to do is watch "Pure Payton" one time, and you will be a believer. Dude was a beast. Sure wish he was still with us.
More unnecessary information about me and my love for the Bears:
My basement is adorned like a sports bar in Chicago. There are also some Cowboys and Red Sox things down there as well. (I can't leave my wife's teams out of the sports cave decorations!)
Behind Walter Payton, Mike Brown was my favorite Chicago Bear of all time.
I have autographed stuff from Brian Urlacher, Jim Miller, Mike Brown, and Mike Singletary.
I have six different Bears jerseys to pick from on game day.
My wife and I have had a subscription to DirecTV's Sunday Ticket since we got married in 1999. We HAVE to be able to see our teams play on Sunday.
My fantasy football strategy of drafting mostly Bears players is a true sink or swim affair. Some weekends I notch a victory, others, not so much. I'm only playing in two fantasy leagues this year, as I'm trying to cut back. I might have a problem.
I'm hoping that Mitchell Trubisky is FINALLY the Bears' first-ever franchise QB. Time will tell.
I will spare you from some of my superstitions when it comes to game day, but suffice it to say, there was a commercial some years back that ended with the saying "It's only crazy if it doesn't work." I have felt this way for many years.
2016!
It took 108 years, but the Cubs finally got that ring! 2016 was a magical season, and in August of that year I attended my first ever Cubs game with my wife and some close friends at the sacred Wrigley Field during this history-making run.
My younger brother and I and a really close friend impulsively got tickets on a late Friday afternoon for the Saturday evening 2016 NLDS Game 2 matchup against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. We hit the road early Saturday morning and had an amazing time in Chicago. Taking in a postseason Cubs game during the year they won it all was one of the best things I have ever had the chance to experience.
It goes without saying that people love their families, but for me, my family is especially important. They are my rock and my constant in life in which everything seems to change so quickly these days.
I met my soul mate, Shawna, in June of 1997 and we were married in October of 1999. She is my best friend and biggest supporter and is always there for me no matter what. I am a truly blessed man to have someone like her in my life and I am extremely proud and grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to meet her all those years ago, and for the fact that she believes in me – and me in her – for all of these years. It is this faith in each other that has allowed us to start our own businesses, to take risks, to keep learning and growing together in our careers, our family, and our lives.
We have two children and it has been such a rewarding experience to witness our kids grow up and become their own individuals. To see the skills that they are developing and maturing as they grow is one of the most amazing things a parent can experience. Like I've said before and will continue to say, I feel that I am an extremely lucky and blessed man, and my children are a huge part of the reason why.
To me, working on cars is not at all dissimilar to creating things for the web: I might not know exactly how to get from initial idea to the end result when I first start out, but knowledge, perseverance, and not being afraid to do something I have never done before normally lead me to success.
I enjoy doing all the maintenance and repairs on our vehicles, and am not afraid to tackle such tasks as replacement of shocks/struts and timing belt changes. My daily driver is a 2000 Honda Insight that averages nearly 60 mpg. It's such a unique vehicle and I hope to keep it on the road for many, many more years.
I also enjoy working with tools, and have a pretty good assortment of stuff in my shop that enable me to fix or build to my heart's content.
I'm usually learning more about working on cars and fixing things around the house via the shows "Ask This Old House," "Wheeler Dealers," or "Chasing Classic Cars."
I lived in Nebraska for the first 25 years of my life, and after getting married to my lovely wife, we put down stakes across the mighty Missouri River in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
We lived in a small house there for the first seven and-a-half years with our two children, and eventually were able to achieve our dream scenario of owning an acreage. While we don't have any livestock or horses, we do have quite a few dogs so a lot of times I will lovingly refer to our place as "The Dog Ranch."
The song "Flyover States" by Jason Aldean perfectly describes how I feel about living in the Midwest and how most folks on the coasts view our special section of the country. I cannot and would not imagine living anyplace else than here in the Corn Belt. There is just a sense of community and pride here that I don't think can be had in any other area of the United States.
I come from a long lineage of self-sufficient farmers and ranchers. The first six years of my life were spent in a really small town in northeast Nebraska where I believe the roots of my modesty, DIY, work hard ethic, and appreciation of and for rural life began.
I have been blessed to be able to call this area my home and believe it is the ideal location to raise a family.
I think my love for old stuff and history started with my fascination with the Titanic when I was about 10 years old. I couldn't get enough information on it: how it sank, how it was built, what it looked like inside. I have to say that getting to see actual artifacts and pieces from the ship a few years back at the Titanic exhibit that came through Omaha was a surreal experience and one the great highlights of my Titanic-obsessed existence.
When I'm not designing, building, making, fixing, hanging out with family and friends, or watching my teams, I am most likely to be found trying to score good deals on cool old stuff at garage sales, flea markets, auctions, or antique shops.
If I'm not out hunting for treasures, I am learning about them or watching shows like "American Pickers" and "Auction Hunters."
