
Stratos Nikolaidis
Verified Expert in Engineering
Software Engineer and Developer
Xemxija, Malta
Toptal member since January 20, 2014
Stratos has been a professional programmer since 2000 and is an established software engineer. His next goal is to become a software architect and consultant. Stratos's deep knowledge, experience, technical, and communication skills will enable him to face any challenge.
Portfolio
Experience
- PHP - 17 years
- WordPress - 14 years
- JavaScript - 13 years
- jQuery - 13 years
- Ajax - 12 years
- Responsive - 11 years
- SCSS - 8 years
- Node.js - 5 years
Preferred Environment
MySQL Workbench, Apache, Ubuntu, Git, Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Windows, Linux
The most amazing...
...app I've built is a search engine for a betting site using Node/Vue/Firebase. It is 100% integrated with the site, modifying the betslip directly.
Work Experience
Director
Nexus Media Co Ltd
- Built our own online survey platform based on WordPress and Vue 3, leveraging the latest technologies and providing a unique experience to increase user interaction.
- Contributed to online stores using WordPress/WooCommerce, Shopify, and Gelato/Printful (dropshipping services).
- Developed websites based on WordPress for our clients.
- Built automations based on n8n, hosted on our own servers.
- Produced our own podcast on Spotify and YouTube to increase engagement with our products.
WooCommerce UPS Integration
Sociallyin, LLC (via Toptal)
- Extended an existing WordPress/WooCommerce/UPS website with new functionality.
- Modified the UPS plugin to calculate the dispatch date based on the delivery date, reversing the typical process.
- Introduced a flexible delivery date option to potentially reduce costs.
- Designed additional functionality from scratch, ensuring it matched the current website's look and feel while providing a user-friendly experience.
Head of Development
Youwin
- Made site adjustments using Google Tag Manager and a Google Firebase real-time database.
- Implemented marketing strategies and techniques on site.
- Maintained back-end tasks using Node.js. Tasks included domain updates, QA systems, and communication/process with third-party platforms.
- Extended the usage of the Bootstrap grid system; most of the internal-use sites are using Bootstrap—it's really easy and friendly to work with.
- Performed dynamic updates using jQuery and push technologies (Pub/Nub).
- Developed and maintained multiple WordPress sites (single and network installations).
- Built NoSQL databases using MongoDB; all our back-end systems are using MongoDB to store all data.
- Created my own search engine using Node/Firebase/Vue for sports searching.
- Build widgets based on Vue.js using Firebase as a back end.
- Managed a small team of four developers working on separate projects; my primary role was to organize the team and be the communication point between the dev team and the rest of the company.
WordPress Developer
Blue Virginia
- Refactored Disqus to load on interaction or viewport entry, removing render-blocking impact. Deferred scripts and prevented loading on non-article pages. Reserved layout space to eliminate CLS and improve perceived performance.
- Built a lightweight custom WordPress theme focused on readability and fast navigation. Designed a clear content hierarchy and optimized typography for long-form news consumption across devices.
- Removed unnecessary plugins and reduced script bloat. Minified and deferred CSS/JS. Implemented lazy loading for media. Optimized database queries to lower server load during peak traffic.
- Restructured HTML with proper semantic markup and consistent heading hierarchy. Added structured data for articles. Optimized meta tags and social previews to improve indexing and sharing.
- Improved Core Web Vitals by reducing LCP, CLS, and input delay. Delivered smoother mobile performance with responsive layouts and optimized asset delivery.
- Simplified the WordPress back end for editors. Streamlined publishing workflows to reduce friction and enable faster article turnaround during high-traffic news cycles.
- Hardened scalability for traffic spikes. Improved compatibility with caching and CDN layers. Reduced reliance on heavy third-party scripts for more stable performance.
Senior WordPress Front-end Developer
MARK B. MILROT, P.A.
- Migrated the current (old PHP) website to a new WordPress-based website.
- Built a lightweight custom WordPress theme focused on readability and fast navigation. Designed a clear content hierarchy and optimized typography for long-form news consumption across devices.
- Minified and deferred CSS/JavaScript. Implemented lazy loading for media. Optimized database queries to lower server load during peak traffic.
- Improved Core Web Vitals by reducing LCP, CLS, and input delay. Delivered smoother mobile performance with responsive layouts and optimized asset delivery.
- Simplified the WordPress back end for editors. Streamlined publishing workflows to reduce friction and enable faster article turnaround during high-traffic news cycles.
- Hardened scalability for traffic spikes. Improved compatibility with caching and CDN layers. Reduced reliance on heavy third-party scripts for more stable performance.
- Wrote first drafts of the content (legal-based) and coordinated with the client to modify/provide the final content and images.
Senior API Developer
Mathew Kapela
- Redesigned the website, suggested a theme matching the content, and developed the theme with all necessary adjustments, ensuring it's fully responsive and mobile-friendly.
- Maintained and updated existing article feeding functionality.
- Improved the article feeding functionality using AI models.
Full-stack Developer
Foxana
- Developed a series of web applications targeting the insurance industry in combination with WordPress plugins (to process the submitted data).
- Ensured a friendly and seamless user experience for the visitors, as applications were based on the Vue framework.
- Developed integrations with 3rd-party services such as Zoho, feeding information in marketing and CRM tools.
WordPress Developer
Rosen Advertising
- Developed law firm websites in WordPress, focusing on SEO performance.
- Created a child support calculator using Vue as a WordPress plugin, integrating with several 3rd-party platforms (marketing and law).
- Provided web development services to the company's clients.
WordPress Expert
Cellar Technologies Inc.
- Developed a WordPress-based solution for a winery company to connect their website with their POS system, using WordPress as their storefront.
- Implemented a feature for clients to create dynamic websites within a multisite installation; a wizard provided necessary fields to be completed, and the system auto-generated a new site based on the wizard information.
- Built the wizard using Vue, adhering to the client's design and logic requirements, and integrated it into WordPress as a shortcode.
WordPress Developer
Dillon Taylor
- Created a library to scrape properties from websites and store them in a local database. The process stores and updates +25,000 properties daily.
- Developed a search form for the data stored by the scarping process. All search results are stored in the database, allowing the client to review and modify them if needed.
- Transferred all client and search information into Salesforce lead entries.
WordPress/JavaScript Developer
Omid Aghazadeh dba RentDuo
- Provisioned JavaScript apps using the AWS Lambda platform.
- Implemented Adobe Sign (e-signature service) on the site.
- Migrated JavaScript (Lambda) functionality to WordPress.
PHP/WordPress Developer
Gatemore (via Toptal)
- Modified a WordPress theme. The basic requirement was the loading speed with had to remain as good as it was already, making sure it won't break.
- Provided necessary guidelines to the client on how to improve the website content.
- Improved Core Web Vitals by reducing LCP, CLS, and input delay. Delivered smoother mobile performance with responsive layouts and optimized asset delivery.
PHP Expert
Freediving Instructors International
- Provided expertise with PHP, Signagle's API, and programming.
- Communicated with the client to provide information and guidelines on improving the website's performance.
- Upgraded PHP to the latest version, ensuring the website's stability and leveraging all new features.
WordPress Developer
Jonathan Bethune
- Developed back-end features in WordPress, building communication with 3rd-party services.
- Integrated communication with the Bitly API through a WordPress plugin to automatically retrieve new Bitly links.
- Shortened URLs using bit.ly's API in a custom-built WP plugin.
WordPress Developer
Hookist
- Converted the desktop site to a fully mobile-friendly one; not just responsive but with elements redesigned to match the mobile UX.
- Created a social media-like interface and functionality where users are contributing by adding lyrics in songs-to-be-written, with summaries, top tracks and lyrics.
- Used caching extensively to improve database queries using WordPress's transient API.
WordPress Developer
End Party Politics, LLC
- Designed a WordPress theme from scratch for an existing site, based on designs and guidelines provided by the client.
- Suggested necessary design changes, which were accepted without any issues.
- Developed a custom-built plugin as part of the site redesign to work alongside the theme, providing additional functionality in the final version.
Full-stack Web Developer (via Toptal)
Themindfulnesssummit.com
- Maintained and developed high-traffic WordPress sites and provided extended theme development.
- Developed automations with Eventbrite, Intercom, and Mailchimp.
- Administered and managed WPEngine during high traffic periods, where WPEngine had to provide load-balancing solutions to handle incoming traffic.
- Extended 3rd-party pixel tracking and developed a single-page WooCommerce instance.
Mobile Application Back-end Developer (via Toptal)
Justin Trouard
- Developed a WordPress plugin and theme tailored for the cannabis industry.
- Designed the plugin to manage personnel and watering/maintenance schedules.
- Ensured the solution could accommodate a range of installations, from simple to very complex configurations.
Developer
Mixergy (via Toptal)
- Created a WordPress search page that will have infinite scrolling and be fully responsive. Search can be done based on search text or specific tags. Admins have the functionality to modify article tags directly from the search results. Search operates while the user types in the search field.
- Created a plugin (not connected to the specific theme) using only WordPress API.
Senior PHP Developer
DNX Corporation
- Enhanced use of JavaScript using Ajax calls.
- Used event-driven jQuery and the Symfony 2 framework.
- Developed a platform to display different outputs for desktop, mobiles, and tablets.
- Collaborated with four different development teams across Europe.
- Optimized the website for traffic approaching 25 million visits per month.
- Created testing scenarios with Selenium library and Java.
IT Specialist
4th Regional Health Authority of Macedonia and Thrace, Greece
- Worked for PROHEALTH - Interreg Greece - Bulgaria
- Developed a portal for the 4th Regional Health Authority of Macedonia and Thrace.
- Handled electronic transmission of incoming mail.
- Managed and supported the IT departments in all hospitals in Macedonia and Thrace.
IT/Scientific Consultant
Bits and Bytes Software
- Enabled live communication between e-shops and ERP systems.
- Merged e-shops and TecDoc databases.
- Created complete custom ERP systems.
- Developed mobile applications using the Kalipso engine.
- Developed complex custom solutions for ERP systems.
IT Analyst
General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece «AGIOS PAVLOS»
- Supported the data and computer installation in the hospital.
- Handled applications development for the needs of the hospital’s departments.
Software Developer
Protasys S.A.
- Worked on DLL development for Altec Atlantis ERP.
- Used JSP, JavaBeans, and EJB under the JBoss Application Server.
- Built custom applications using Delphi and Oracle.
Software Engineer
Martel S.A.
- Developed a fleet management application.
- Created the pilot program for real-time fleet management for the public transportation of Thessaloniki, Greece (oasth).
Software Developer
Unisoft S.A.
- Integrated the Euro currency into the main ERP (Capital).
- Handled analytical accounts in industrial pricing.
Experience
ThumbsUpSurvey - Customer Satisfaction Platform
https://thumbsupsurvey.com/I have built the whole project from scratch, including a separate VPS server hosting the automation platform.
Web Applications for the Insurance Industry
http://foxana.chAdditionally, I developed integrations with 3rd-party services such as Zoho, feeding information into marketing and CRM tools.
The Mindfulness Summit
https://www.themindfulnesssummit.comNoveBagno
Spare Parts Website
1. The e-shop communicates with the client's ERP system, synchronizing its product database.
2. Custom TecDoc search engine
3. The results of the TecDoc search are merged with the client's products.
4. In TecDoc results, products that already exist in the ERP can be purchased and the rest can be ordered.
5. When an online order is downloaded to the client's ERP, there is an intermediate state where:
• If an order contains only actual products, it is imported in the ERP.
• In case of the order containing products for order (products not existing in stock), then the client can cancel the order, remove or replace the nonexistant products, automatically create products in the ERP with data retrieved by the database, and complete the process by importing the invoice to the ERP.
* TecDoc: A joint electronic catalogue for the Automotive Aftermarket that unites different competitors under one roof.
ProOffice E-shop
Coffee Ouzounoglou Mobile App
Marsanis Mobile App
http://www.marsanis.gr/Municipality Emmanouil Pappa Mobile App
Thilasmos
HealthMed
Master Organic Chemistry
Senior API Developer with WP Experience for a Sports Site
https://3riverssports.com/Moreover, the client was using an article feeding functionality, which I had to maintain and eventually improve using AI models.
WordPress Developer for A Political News Platform
https://bluevirginia.us/WordPress Developer for Real Estate App
Created a custom rental request form that triggered automated searches across multiple property platforms. Indexed and normalized listing data into a structured database for fast querying and filtering.
Implemented back-end logic to process, store, and update scraped property data efficiently. Optimized database structure and queries to support scalable search performance and future platform growth.
Designed the system to reduce duplicate listings and improve result consistency across multiple sources. Focused on reliability, maintainability, and seamless user experience throughout the search process.
Integrated automation workflows to streamline data collection and reduce manual overhead. Ensured compatibility with WordPress while maintaining performance under large volumes of indexed listings.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Software Engineering
Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece - Thessaloniki, Greece
Skills
Libraries/APIs
REST APIs, WordPress API, WordPress REST API, jQuery, jQuery UI, Vue 2, Vuex, Nginx-rtmp, Node.js, Vue, React, Zoho API, Elevate API, Bitly API, UPS API, QuickBooks API, Facebook API, Salesforce API, Vue 3, OpenAI API
Tools
Microsoft Excel, Bitbucket, GitHub, Sublime Text 2, Git, GitLab, Chrome Developer Tools, Subversion (SVN), Paint.NET, Asana, Trello, Slack, Sublime Text, Figma, InVision, Facebook Pixel, NGINX, WP eCommerce, Zen Coding, MySQL Workbench, Apache, PrestaShop, Redmine, Printful, n8n, Zapier, ChatGPT, Claude, Claude Code, Mailchimp, Microsoft Access, Crystal Reports, Vagrant, Google Optimize, AI SDK, DeepSeek, Make (formerly Integromat)
Languages
HTML5, CSS, Sass, SCSS, Less, SQL, CSS3, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, TypeScript, UML, XML, Python, Pascal, C#, Delphi, Java
Frameworks
Bootstrap 3, Bootstrap, Zend Framework, Symfony 2, Laravel, Selenium, Smarty, Divi, Next.js, Tailwind CSS, NestJS, PhoneGap
Paradigms
Responsive Web Design (RWD), Responsive Coding, Responsive, Class-based OOP, Model View Controller (MVC), Object-oriented Programming (OOP), REST, Web UI Design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Responsive Layout, Agile Software Development, UX Design, Event-driven Programming, Scrum, Automation, Hosting, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
Platforms
Linux CentOS 7, NetBeans, WordPress, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Windows, Ubuntu, Linux, Oracle, LAMP, Google Ads, Zoho CRM, WooCommerce, AWS Lambda, SocialEngine, Joomla, Oracle Database, Shopify
Storage
MongoDB, MySQL, WP Engine, Relational Databases, MariaDB, JSON, Redis, Redis Cache, Firebase Realtime Database, Oracle SQL, Firebird, Microsoft SQL Server, Data Pipelines, Database Caching
Industry Expertise
Marketing
Other
API Integration, APIs, Front-end, Front-end Design, Front-end Development, WordPress Themes, WordPress Design, HTML to WordPress, Ajax, Google Tag Manager, Programming, WordPress Plugins, Web Development, Excel 365, Full-stack, Integration, Mobile First, Full-stack Development, UI Templates, Headless CMS, Bug Fixes, Upgrades, Maintenance, Plugins, WordPress SEO, Data Management, Migration, Back-end, Back-end Performance, Webhooks, OAuth, User Interface (UI), Pixel Perfect, Responsive Design, Responsive UX Design, Kalipso Mobile Development, Single-page Applications (SPAs), GitFlow, SEO Tools, User Experience (UX), Web Scraping, Finance, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), SaaS, Content Management Systems (CMS), Financial Services, Web Marketing, Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Lead Generation, OpenAI, Web Hosting, VPS, Digital Marketing, Page Templates, Technical SEO, Quality Assurance (QA), AI Integration, Anthropic, Data Scraping, Server-side PDF Generation, AI-generated Code, Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI Automation, AI Research, Large Language Models (LLMs), AI Agents, Documentation, Eventbrite, Intercom, Payment APIs, QuickBooks Online, Make, Supabase, Disqus, AI Model Training
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