James is available for hire
Hire JamesJames Strocel
Verified Expert in Engineering
Full-stack Developer
Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Toptal member since January 8, 2025
Bio
James is a senior full-stack developer specializing in Ruby on Rails, WordPress, and Shopify. He has 20+ years of experience working in diverse industries, including real estate, eCommerce, emergency services, and government agencies. James excels in finding new efficiencies in legacy software—saving his clients thousands of dollars and generating millions in revenue.
Portfolio
Seaker LLC
ArcGIS, ArcPro, Story Maps, Whitespace Maps, GIS, Data Analysis...
Reynolds Asphalt & Construction Company
React Native, Web App Development, Web Development, Database Design, Full-stack...
Philips Auto LLC
JavaScript, SQL, PHP, Shopify, Supabase, Software Development
Experience
- SQL - 20 years
- JavaScript - 20 years
- HTML - 20 years
- PHP - 20 years
- REST - 10 years
- Shopify - 7 years
- Shopify API - 5 years
- Shopify Design - 5 years
Preferred Environment
Ruby on Rails 7, JavaScript, React, PHP, WordPress, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Ruby on Rails 8
The most amazing...
...thing I've developed is a database app for Shopify that produced $2 million in revenue for a single client.
Work Experience
GIS/ArcGIS Developer
2026 - 2026
Seaker LLC
- Developed a marketing map to track the different revenue flows over multiple geographic areas.
- Trained non-technical users how to create and implement GIS maps.
- Oversaw policies and procedures related to the creation of future maps.
Technologies: ArcGIS, ArcPro, Story Maps, Whitespace Maps, GIS, Data Analysis, Software Development
Web App Developer
2025 - 2026
Reynolds Asphalt & Construction Company
- Developed an app that builds quotes based on the type of material being transported and where it is being transported to.
- Created a user management interface for the app that accounts for multiple roles and responsibilities.
- Designed a simple and elegant user interface tailored for non-technical users.
Technologies: React Native, Web App Development, Web Development, Database Design, Full-stack, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Software Development
Senior Shopify Developer
2025 - 2025
Philips Auto LLC
- Developed an auto-parts Database using Supabase with a React front end.
- Integrated the app with Shopify to produce custom listings on the platform.
- Communicated and adjusted user requirements for non-technical users and stakeholders.
Technologies: JavaScript, SQL, PHP, Shopify, Supabase, Software Development
Senior Ruby on Rails Developer
2025 - 2025
Apex Dental Partners, LLC
- Developed a Gmail clone for patient and inter-departmental communications.
- Created a new interactive front end using Hotwire and Stimulus based on the previous version in Vue.js.
- Implemented Claude Code to accelerate the development process.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails (RoR), JavaScript, Docker, ECMAScript (ES6), Amazon Web Services (AWS), Claude Code, Software Development
Digital Commerce Enablement Lead | Shopify Admin Developer
2025 - 2025
Evelyn & Bobbie LLC
- Developed new Shopify themes based on Figma designs to advertise sales and new product rollouts.
- Provided tech support for custom supply chain software.
- Facilitated discussion between design, development, and marketing teams.
Technologies: Shopify, HTML, CSS, Business Analysis, eCommerce, GitHub, Digital, Shopify API, Liquid Template, Klaviyo, IT Business Analysis, User Experience (UX), Software Development
ArcGIS Developer
2025 - 2025
Aerovision Global Corp
- Developed GIS workflows for drone pilots inspecting electrical infrastructure.
- Provided documentation for the online maps that could be understood by non-technical users.
- Oversaw the rollout of the process and made changes based on user feedback.
Technologies: ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online (AGOl), ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET, Python, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Esri, Data Analysis, Software Development
Senior Integration Engineer
2025 - 2025
Datanamic, Inc
- Developed custom accounting pipelines for large legal firms using AI.
- Balanced LLM output with custom coding to build a comprehensive user experience.
- Managed communication between stakeholders to determine the needs of the user vs. platform functionality.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails (RoR), Python, APIs, API Integration, MuleSoft, Ruby, Large Language Models (LLMs), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Software Development
Senior Software Developer - Ruby, Shopify, and SQL
2022 - 2024
Place
- Created a script for the app's user offboarding process that saved the company $10,000 a month.
- Fixed bugs in their Shopify site and maintained an automated testing regime over at least five high-volume microservices.
- Implemented and documented technical onboarding processes for new hires.
- Helped maintain a PostgreSQL DB and enhanced the schema.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails 7, AWS SDK, React, REST, Redis, RabbitMQ, Elasticsearch, Docker, Kubernetes, Node.js, Algorithms, Data Structures, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Full-stack, GitHub, APIs, PostgreSQL, React Native, TypeScript, Amazon Web Services (AWS), CSS, jQuery, Ruby, Git, Linux, Code Review, Back-end, API Integration, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), REST APIs, Data Scraping, Web Scraping, SQL, Shopify, Twilio, Software Development
Senior Software Development Manager - eCommerce Shopify
2017 - 2022
Fire Parts
- Developed the number one eCommerce Shopify site for gas fireplace parts on the internet.
- Maintained a database of 10,000+ fireplace manuals that synced thousands of SKUs across Amazon, Shopify, and eBay.
- Oversaw and implemented warehouse picking, packing, and scanning procedures.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails 6, PHP, Shopify API, PostgreSQL, Amazon S3 (AWS S3), Angular, Redis, Elasticsearch, Node.js, Algorithms, Data Structures, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Full-stack, GitHub, eCommerce, APIs, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Shopify, Shopify Customizations, Shopify Plus, Shopify Design, CSS, jQuery, Ruby, Bootstrap, Git, Linux, Code Review, Back-end, API Integration, Shopify Storefront API, Google Analytics, PayPal, Stripe, Google Analytics API, Custom Shopify Apps, REST APIs, Liquid, SQL, Data Analysis, Software Development
PHP & WordPress Developer
2016 - 2017
Dyrand Systems
- Created a WordPress app that allowed users to trade in internal combustion engine cars for electric or hybrid vehicles.
- Integrated provincial vehicle identification, car insurance, and offsite cloud databases.
- Designed the user interface using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Technologies: WordPress, MySQL, Amazon RDS, PHP, Algorithms, Data Structures, Full-stack, GitHub, APIs, CSS, jQuery, Git, Linux, Back-end, API Integration, REST APIs, SQL, Software Development
Web Developer
2015 - 2016
Speed Shift Media
- Built a JavaScript tracking software for automobile dealer websites.
- Created back-end forms that allowed automobile dealers to manage their online advertising campaigns.
- Participated in design discussions that determined the product roadmap.
Technologies: jQuery, PHP, AWS SDK, Algorithms, Data Structures, Full-stack, APIs, Amazon Web Services (AWS), CSS, Git, Linux, Back-end, API Integration, REST APIs, Data Scraping, Web Scraping, SQL, Software Development
Rails Developer
2013 - 2015
Interlinked Technologies
- Developed registration, assessment, and individual education plan systems for Regent Christian Academy.
- Oversaw and implemented a transition from Magento to Shopify.
- Developed a scraping software that interacted with Netflix's REST API.
Technologies: Ruby on Rails (RoR), JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Algorithms, Data Structures, Full-stack, GitHub, APIs, PostgreSQL, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Shopify, Shopify Customizations, jQuery, Ruby, Bootstrap, Git, Linux, Back-end, API Integration, REST APIs, SQL, Software Development
Application Developer
2012 - 2013
i-Open Technologies
- Built an HTML5 mapping app for the District of North Saanich's emergency services.
- Created a mapping site of fossil fuel resource deposits for the oil and gas industry.
- Developed an online floorplan display system for Jones Lang LaSalle.
Technologies: .NET, ArcGIS, Microsoft Silverlight, HTML5, jQuery, Algorithms, Data Structures, Full-stack, APIs, CSS, Back-end, API Integration, GIS, REST APIs, Web GIS, Mapping, Maps, Data Scraping, Web Scraping, SQL, Data Analysis, Software Development
Owner/Operator
2010 - 2012
V2S Web Design
- Designed websites using WordPress and Zen Cart content management systems.
- Built a social media tracker in Ruby on Rails that consumed data from the Facebook API.
- Developed a client-patient communication platform in Ruby on Rails.
Technologies: PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Algorithms, Data Structures, Full-stack, GitHub, jQuery, Ruby, Git, Linux, Back-end, API Integration, REST APIs, SQL, Software Development
Geographic Information System (GIS) Technician
2008 - 2009
Government of British Columbia
- Standardized and acquired soil data from many municipalities for the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
- Used water purveyor, water license, and aerial and groundwater data layers to indicate water sources for each lot in the Nicola, Bonaparte, and Similkameen valleys.
- Generated land use and water demand reports for the Okanagan, Nicola, Bonaparte, and Similkameen Valleys.
Technologies: ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, FME, GIS, Mapping, Maps, Software Development
Assistant GIS Instructor
2008 - 2008
BCIT
- Provided students with research and programming strategies for completing their GIS final projects.
- Answered questions regarding course material on aerial map classification, stereoscopic image processing, and various web mapping services.
- Supervised GIS computer lab time and offered technical assistance where needed.
Technologies: ArcGIS, ArcObjects, Visual Studio, .NET, ASP.NET, Python, FME, GIS, Mapping, Maps, SQL
CAD/GIS Specialist
2008 - 2008
Franz Environmental
- Translated CAD data to GIS format using tools such as Spatial Analyst, AutoCAD, and FME.
- Reviewed and translated government schematics of dumping sites on the BC-Alaska Highway.
- Presented data that contributed to the cleanup of the dumping sites.
Technologies: ArcGIS, AutoCAD, FME, Microsoft Access, GIS, Mapping, Maps, Software Development
GIS Technician
2007 - 2007
City of Maple Ridge
- Optimized and maintained the ArcSDE database for the District of Maple Ridge.
- Programmed and implemented utilities for use with the ArcSDE database.
- Created maps for use in various city departments, including electrical service areas, community policing maps, multifamily strata, and bylaw violations.
Technologies: ArcGIS, ArcObjects, Microsoft Access, FME, ArcSDE, GIS, Mapping, Maps, Software Development
Customer Support Representative
2006 - 2006
eBay
- Assisted customers in accessing accounts, posting items for sale, and resolving disputes through a proprietary online chat system.
- Accessed information on eBay interface and procedures to help resolve tickets.
- Maintained a high-volume resolution rate for tickets.
Technologies: Microsoft Office, PayPal
Document Scanning Technician
2006 - 2006
Cascade Law
- Created a workflow process for the archiving and disposal of legal documents.
- Scanned legal documents into TIFF image format for storage on optical media.
- Provided general computer help for the Aldergrove office.
Technologies: IRIS, Microsoft Office
Application Programmer
2006 - 2006
Environmental Criminology Research
- Designed a user interface update for Rigel, a criminal profiling software package.
- Implemented the changes for the ArcGIS and MapInfo versions of the software.
- Created a presentation of the changes for my final GIS project at BCIT.
Technologies: ArcGIS, ArcObjects, MapInfo, Microsoft Access, Algorithms, Data Structures, Full-stack, Back-end, GIS, Mapping, Maps, Software Development
Senior Tier 1 Call Center Technician
2005 - 2005
V-link Solutions
- Supported wifi hotspots in hotels and truck stops all over North America.
- Trained new call center technicians in our corporate procedures.
- Assisted clients in restarting routers, changing VPN settings, and retrieving passwords.
Technologies: Linksys, Windows, Microsoft Office, VPN
QA Analyst
2004 - 2005
Electronic Arts
- Provided quality assurance on the career mode of Need For Speed Underground 2.
- Conducted quality assurance for the league mode of Rugby 2005.
- Created documents detailing procedures for reproducing bugs found in AAA titles.
Technologies: DevTrack, Microsoft Office
Experience
Fire-parts.com Website
The number one eCommerce site for gas fireplace parts on the internet, hosting a database of 10,000+ fireplace models that maintain thousands of product groups across multiple platforms. The back-end manages inventory, scrapes new manuals, and generates border paperwork.
YouTube Watch Later Cleaner
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/youtube-watch-later-clean/onbmpkohankjignfhdedhjdnoaekcidm/A Google Chrome extension that can save the YouTube Watch Later playlist to a CSV file and remove all videos from the playlist. The project is made from Vanilla JavaScript and uses MutationObservers to reach all videos on the playlist.
Campaign Builder for Warhammer 40,000
A Ruby on Rails app for organizing narrative play for the miniature wargame "Warhammer 40,000" by Games Workshop. This app keeps track of games and campaign army lists and automatically matches players.
Product Creation App
http://www.newarkauto.comI built an app for creating and managing product options for car interior parts. The app would rely on their product database to create variants and options for thousands of different car mats and other interior parts.
Heartstone Farm Theme optimization and App Audit
Heartstone Farms is a grocery retailer on the East Coast of the US that provides subscription boxes of meat and other goods. I was hired by Heartstone Farms to make various UI changes to its theme and audit all the marketing and design apps that the store was using.
Star Crusade
An interactive online map for organizing Warhammer 40,000 Crusade campaigns. The site uses Ruby on Rails 8 and PostgreSQL, along with WebGL to render the online map. Users can create and name planets, starlanes, infrastructure, and war theatres to enhance their campaigns.
Education
2006 - 2007
Advanced Diploma in Geographic Information Systems
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) - Burnaby, BC, Canada
2002 - 2004
Associate Degree in English Literature
University of the Fraser Valley - Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 - 2003
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems
University of the Fraser Valley - Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Skills
Libraries/APIs
ArcGIS, Shopify API, jQuery, Shopify Storefront API, Stripe, Google Analytics API, REST APIs, Liquid, React, Node.js, Three.js
Tools
Microsoft Access, GitHub, Shopify Plus, Git, Google Analytics, GIS, Web GIS, AWS SDK, AutoCAD, CAD, RabbitMQ, Microsoft Silverlight, FME, ArcObjects, Visual Studio, MapInfo, VPN, Hotwire, ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET, Esri, Claude Code
Languages
JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP, Ruby, SQL, Java, Python, TypeScript, HTML5, Shopify Liquid, Liquid Template, ECMAScript (ES6)
Frameworks
Ruby on Rails 7, Ruby on Rails 6, Ruby on Rails (RoR), Bootstrap, Next.js, React Native, Angular, .NET, ASP.NET, Tailwind CSS, Stimulus
Paradigms
REST, Database Design
Platforms
Shopify, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Vercel, Twilio, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Firebase, ArcGIS Server, Docker, Kubernetes, WordPress, Linksys, Windows, MuleSoft, ArcGIS Online (AGOl), Klaviyo
Storage
PostgreSQL, MySQL, Elasticsearch, Redis, Amazon S3 (AWS S3)
Other
Full-stack, eCommerce, APIs, Shopify Customizations, Shopify Design, Back-end, API Integration, PayPal, Custom Shopify Apps, Mapping, Maps, Data Scraping, Web Scraping, IT Audits, Data Analysis, Software Development, Algorithms, Data Structures, Code Review, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Networks, Operating Systems, Writing & Editing, ArcGIS API, Amazon RDS, ArcSDE, IRIS, Microsoft Office, DevTrack, Supabase, Web App Development, Web Development, Large Language Models (LLMs), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Business Analysis, Digital, IT Business Analysis, User Experience (UX), Ruby on Rails 8, ArcPro, Story Maps, Whitespace Maps, Shopify Development and Coding
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