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Chuck Max Wood
Verified Expert in Engineering
Software Developer
Lehi, UT, United States
Toptal member since June 17, 2024
Bio
Chuck is a Ruby on Rails developer with over 18 years of experience building web applications. Skilled in utilizing Hotwire and Tailwind for front-end development, he has also distinguished himself as a mentor to development teams. In his career, Chuck has guided diverse organizations in establishing robust processes and leveraging tools that enhance their software's speed, security, and maintainability without compromising quality.
Portfolio
Sofware
Ruby, Ruby on Rails (RoR), GitHub Actions, Vite, Stimulus, Hotwire, SQL...
Intentional Excellence Productions, LLC
Ruby on Rails (RoR), WordPress, RSS Feeds, RSS Directory Submissions...
Cleaning Services Group
Ruby on Rails (RoR), Ruby, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, jQuery, Bootstrap...
Experience
- Ruby - 20 years
- Ruby on Rails (RoR) - 20 years
- REST - 16 years
- PostgreSQL - 14 years
- Docker - 6 years
- Stimulus - 2 years
- Hotwire - 2 years
- Turbo - 1 year
Work Experience
Ruby on Rails Developer
2024 - PRESENT
Sofware
- Revamped and updated the event scheduling systems for missions and military training, enhancing efficiency and modern features.
- Created a compliance methodology for military personnel to confirm the reading of mandatory files, adhering to regulatory standards.
- Incorporated training plans into the GraphQL API, enabling related systems to link user behavior with training plans and monitor current training statuses.
- Implemented end-to-end feature-level testing within a core repository.
Technologies: Ruby, Ruby on Rails (RoR), GitHub Actions, Vite, Stimulus, Hotwire, SQL, Full-stack, Que, Tailwind CSS, HTML, CSS, GraphQL, Full-stack Development, Honeybadger.io, Slim, Webpack
Podcast Systems Automation Developer
2010 - PRESENT
Intentional Excellence Productions, LLC
- Built systems to automate podcast guest workflows, integrating ScheduleOnce for bookings, organizing show preparation, managing calendar invites, and overseeing the recording process.
- Developed automation systems for podcast releases, including posting to social media, updating RSS feeds, and alerting guests about new episodes.
- Engineered a system that mirrors RSS feeds and permits editing of RSS feed entries.
- Implemented tracking of podcast episode downloads and geocoding using listeners' IP addresses.
- Established sponsorship tracking and created a system for accessing podcast episode information.
- Orchestrated collaboration between transcriptionists, show note writers, editors, hosts, guests, and developers to enhance automation and podcast hosting systems.
- Built a system that generates web pages and RSS feeds specifically for podcast distribution.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails (RoR), WordPress, RSS Feeds, RSS Directory Submissions, Podcasting, PostgreSQL, Tailwind CSS, Bootstrap, MySQL, Docker, Docker Compose, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Linode, DigitalOcean, Sidekiq, HTML, SQL, JavaScript, REST APIs, CSS, Rails Engines, AWS Lambda, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Serverless, Shopify, Large Language Models (LLMs), Architecture, Software Architecture, Stripe, Full-stack Development, Stripe API, Stripe Connect, Finance, Stripe Checkout, DevOps, Honeybadger.io, New Relic, Sinatra, Webpack, Data Pipelines, Solution Architecture, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Data Flows
Ruby on Rails Contractor
2023 - 2024
Cleaning Services Group
- Ported functionality from an old desktop app running on SQL Server to a Ruby on Rails web app.
- Reverse-engineered database structure and migrated data from the original system to PostgreSQL tables compatible with Rails.
- Restructured several workflows to remove redundant steps and provide direct functionality to avoid workarounds that existed in the original system.
- Implemented full-text search across multiple models and fields.
- Built an inventory system for equipment and parts to handle numerous input sources.
- Clarified vague requirements from users in multiple business roles and reconciled the variations in those requirements.
- Constructed a system for generating PDF reports and invoices that were automatically emailed to team members.
- Implemented a notification system to alert team members via email upon completion of equipment work orders or inventory changes.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails (RoR), Ruby, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, jQuery, Bootstrap, Slack, SQL, Sidekiq, Full-stack, HTML, JavaScript, Heroku, RSpec, Scalable Web Services, Architecture, Software Architecture, Full-stack Development, DevOps, Honeybadger.io, Data Pipelines, Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Ruby on Rails Contractor
2022 - 2023
Whiplash Merchandising
- Upgraded the Whiplash codebase from Ruby on Rails 4 to Ruby on Rails 6.
- Refactored and maintained REST APIs, including managing access levels and ensuring appropriate data availability.
- Developed an integration script to enable data synchronization between the Whiplash API and various inventory and logistics systems.
- Mentored and guided other team members on Ruby and Rails capabilities.
- Assisted in updating setup and maintenance documentation.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails (RoR), Bootstrap, Ruby, PostgreSQL, Bootstrap 2, Grape, REST, APIs, Docker, API Integration, Ruby on Rails API, Sidekiq, HTML, Pandium, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Technical Leadership, Full-stack Development, Finance, REST APIs, Honeybadger.io, Webpack, Data Pipelines, Data Flows
Senior Ruby on Rails Developer
2020 - 2022
Morgan Stanley
- Ported functionality from an application that collected corporate numbers written in Groovy on Grails to Ruby on Rails.
- Maintained legacy Groovy on Grails application during the port.
- Managed the Dockerfile and docker-compose.yml to facilitate local application setup and streamline deployment processes.
- Conducted code reviews and offered mentorship to several emerging Ruby developers.
- Created documentation and procedural guidelines for building and sustainably maintaining the application.
- Managed multiple screens in a multi-stage survey using Stimulus and view_component gem.
- Created a PDF report for distribution to various customers involved in the survey.
- Oversaw the import and export of survey data to and from Excel files, including the association and synchronization of modified data.
- Built a system that allows custom fields to be added to any point in the survey.
- Assumed project management responsibilities during the crucial phase of transitioning from Groovy to Ruby.
Technologies: Ruby, Ruby on Rails (RoR), PostgreSQL, Grails, Groovy, Docker, Docker Compose, Microsoft Teams, Scalable Web Services, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Full-stack Development, Finance, Banking & Finance, React, DevOps, Webpack, Data Pipelines
Lead Ruby on Rails Contractor
2015 - 2015
Boon Group
- Developed a Facebook-like social network for customers of the Boon Group.
- Integrated posting and commenting features into the application.
- Implemented groups and permissions to manage and administer groups, posts, and comments in the group.
- Built a support request and asynchronous chat system for answering questions and handling issues.
- Implemented the Like button functionality for posts and comments within the application.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails (RoR), Bootstrap, PostgreSQL, jQuery, Scalable Web Services, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Full-stack Development, Finance, Banking & Finance, DevOps, Solution Architecture
Spree Contractor
2014 - 2014
Kapitol Reef
- Customized a Spree Commerce installation to sell snorkels on the internet.
- Tracked and managed sales and shipping for online sales.
- Implemented design changes for the online Kapitol Reef store.
Technologies: Spree Commerce, Ruby, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Scalable Web Services, Architecture, Software Architecture, Full-stack Development, DevOps, eCommerce
Ruby on Rails/Canvas Contractor
2013 - 2014
US Merchant Systems
- Customized internal wiki to show earned certificates.
- Built the Authorize.net payment system to allow people to pay for access.
- Added mechanisms for organization employees to manage, work with, and track the growth of students.
- Set up a self-installed version of the open source Canvas LMS. Managed updates.
Technologies: Ruby, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Canvas LMS, Canvas API, Canvas
Lead Ruby on Rails Developer
2013 - 2014
Acima (previously Simple Finance)
- Designed interactions with payment APIs to collect payments for appliances.
- Hired a team of subcontractors to help build interfaces and data models.
- Created a custom system that constructs custom data files and transfers them via the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to Wells Fargo to initiate ACH transactions with the primary bank account.
Technologies: Ruby, Ruby on Rails (RoR), PostgreSQL, APIs, REST, Technical Hiring, ACH, Digital Payments, Scalable Web Services, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Full-stack Development, Finance, Banking & Finance, REST APIs, DevOps, Solution Architecture, eCommerce
Senior Ruby on Rails Developer
2012 - 2013
Basenine
- Developed a medical billing portal for insurance companies.
- Built a medical reporting system that processes claim codes for submission to insurance companies.
- Integrated it with an EFT platform to transfer funds between claimants and insurance companies.
- Safeguarded personal information in compliance with HIPAA and various privacy regulations.
Technologies: Ruby, Ruby on Rails (RoR), PostgreSQL, APIs, jQuery, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Full-stack Development, REST APIs, DevOps
Ruby on Rails Developer
2011 - 2011
ZUwire
- Developed a social network for triathletes modeled on Twitter, featuring post capabilities akin to tweets and allowing users to follow others and view their posts.
- Engineered a way for users to add icons to their posts to indicate different aspects of their workouts.
- Designed a coaching system enabling coaches to publish workouts to athlete timelines and allowing the athletes to acknowledge completion by accepting them.
- Intercepted links to products and converted them to Amazon affiliate links.
Technologies: Bootstrap, Ruby on Rails (RoR), MySQL, jQuery, Scalable Web Services, Architecture, Software Architecture, Full-stack Development, DevOps, Apache Solr, Solution Architecture
Primary Ruby on Rails Developer
2010 - 2011
Gannett
- Maintained a content management system (CMS) that published community and cultural articles at Thebolditalic.com.
- Customized a WYSIWYG editor to provide special headers, dividers, and other design elements for articles.
- Added hero sections and other page specific elements and updates to the page.
Technologies: Ruby, Ruby on Rails (RoR), MySQL, WYSIWYG Web Builders, Scalable Web Services, Architecture, Software Architecture, Full-stack Development, Banking & Finance, DevOps
Senior Ruby on Rails Developer
2009 - 2010
Public Engines
- Developed geocoding functionality for crime data, organizing the information by block.
- Contributed to the development of a neighborhood watch portal that facilitated local organization and communication regarding residential area concerns.
- Linked crime data by location and time to offer heatmaps, route planning, and additional analytical tools to law enforcement agencies.
- Designed and built APIs to provide crime and sex offender location data to the front-end flash program to display crime data within a localized window.
- Coordinated and conducted "lunch and learn" sessions to promote knowledge sharing among participants.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails (RoR), Bootstrap, Git, Linux, Bash, Flash, PostGIS, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Scalable Web Services, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Full-stack Development
Ruby on Rails Team Lead
2008 - 2009
PMA Media Group
- Built a lead-generation system with various landing pages and domains to gather and administer data for colleges and universities.
- Designed and built a lead management portal, including report and data management.
- Created a call center portal that enabled the internal call center to validate and qualify lead information by calling prospects.
- Integrated it with diverse APIs and email systems to dispatch qualified leads to colleges and universities.
- Created an engine that dynamically assessed lead information, presenting related affiliate educational opportunities to prospects after completing a survey.
- Collaborated with the call center manager, CEO, and other business leaders to integrate their requirements and feedback into the management and call center portals.
- Divided the application's architecture, transitioning from a monolith to a suite of distinct services.
- Implemented designs created by the internal design team.
- Held meetup groups and training sessions for community members and team members.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails (RoR), Ruby, MySQL, Linux, Deployment, Server Management, jQuery, Architecture, Software Architecture, Technical Leadership, Full-stack Development, Banking & Finance, DevOps, Solution Architecture
Project History
Top End Devs
Developed "Top End Devs," a dynamic content management system tailored specifically for software developers. This versatile platform facilitates the hosting and organization of podcast show notes and provides infrastructure for online courses and coaching programs.
My vision is to evolve the system to incorporate a comprehensive membership model. This expansion will encompass various features, including weekly training calls, mastermind group sessions, exclusive screencast series, premium podcast content, and continuous coaching support. This project is an ongoing venture, and these enhancements aim to create a more immersive and enriching learning environment for developers.
My vision is to evolve the system to incorporate a comprehensive membership model. This expansion will encompass various features, including weekly training calls, mastermind group sessions, exclusive screencast series, premium podcast content, and continuous coaching support. This project is an ongoing venture, and these enhancements aim to create a more immersive and enriching learning environment for developers.
Top End Devs Podcasts
Engaged in the tech community through podcasting since 2008, with a primary focus on Ruby and JavaScript. I also cover other technologies and topics, including React, Angular, Vue, DevOps, machine learning, Elixir, iOS development, blockchain, open source, and Rails.
Feedwrench
A Ruby on Rails platform that allows users to manage and update their RSS feeds as podcasters. It can ingest other podcast RSS feeds and allows you to update the entries.
I have used this system for many years to host RSS feeds for the Top End Devs/Devchat.tv podcasts.
I have used this system for many years to host RSS feeds for the Top End Devs/Devchat.tv podcasts.
Education
1998 - 2006
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering
Brigham Young University - Provo, UT, United States
Skills
Libraries/APIs
jQuery, Devise, Stripe, Rails Engines, Stripe API, Stripe Connect, Sidekiq, Resque, Ruby on Rails API, REST APIs, React
Tools
Stripe Checkout, Honeybadger.io, Hotwire, Slack, Docker Compose, Webpack, Turbo, Microsoft Teams, Git, Flash, RSpec, Apache Solr, Canvas LMS, Canvas
Languages
Ruby, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Groovy, Bash, SQL, GraphQL
Frameworks
Ruby on Rails (RoR), Stimulus, Bootstrap, Bootstrap 2, Grape, Tailwind CSS, Sinatra, Grails, Slim
Paradigms
REST, DevOps
Storage
Data Pipelines, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostGIS, Amazon S3 (AWS S3)
Platforms
Linux, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Docker, AWS Lambda, New Relic, MacOS, WordPress, Heroku, Linode, DigitalOcean, Pandium, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Shopify
Industry Expertise
Banking & Finance
Other
APIs, Full-stack, Technical Leadership, Full-stack Development, Solution Architecture, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Data Flows, Design, Italian, Kamal, Serverless, Scalable Web Services, Architecture, Software Architecture, Finance, eCommerce, GitHub Actions, Vite, RSS Feeds, RSS Directory Submissions, Podcasting, Spree Commerce, Technical Hiring, ACH, Digital Payments, WYSIWYG Web Builders, Training, Deployment, Server Management, Que, API Integration, Large Language Models (LLMs), Canvas API
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