Chuck Max Wood, Developer in Lehi, UT, United States
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Chuck Max Wood

Verified Expert  in Engineering

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, GitHub Actions, Vite, Stimulus, Hotwire, SQL, Full-stack...
Intentional Excellence Productions, LLC
Ruby on Rails, WordPress, RSS Feeds, RSS Directory Submissions, Podcasting...
Cleaning Services Group
Ruby on Rails, Ruby, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, jQuery, Bootstrap, Slack...

Experience

Ruby - 20 yearsRuby on Rails - 20 yearsREST - 16 yearsPostgreSQL - 14 yearsDocker - 6 yearsStimulus - 2 yearsHotwire - 2 yearsTurbo - 1 year

Availability

Part-time

Preferred Environment

MacOS, Linux, Ruby, Ruby on Rails (RoR), PostgreSQL, Hotwire, Stimulus, Turbo, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Docker

The most amazing...

...thing I've built: a platform for the podcasts I produce, featuring the publication of show notes, an integrated player, and a searchable database for episodes.

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, GitHub Actions, Vite, Stimulus, Hotwire, SQL, Full-stack, Que, Tailwind CSS, HTML, CSS, GraphQL

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, 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)

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, Ruby, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, jQuery, Bootstrap, Slack, SQL, Sidekiq, Full-stack, HTML, JavaScript, Heroku, RSpec, Scalable Web Services

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, Bootstrap, Ruby, PostgreSQL, Bootstrap 2, Grape, REST, APIs, Docker, API Integration, Ruby on Rails API, Sidekiq, HTML, Pandium, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

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, PostgreSQL, Grails, Groovy, Docker, Docker Compose, Microsoft Teams, Scalable Web Services

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, Bootstrap, PostgreSQL, jQuery, Scalable Web Services

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, Scalable Web Services

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, PostgreSQL, APIs, REST, Technical Hiring, ACH, Digital Payments, Scalable Web Services

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, PostgreSQL, APIs, jQuery

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, MySQL, jQuery, Scalable Web Services

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, MySQL, WYSIWYG Web Builders, Scalable Web Services

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, Bootstrap, Git, Linux, Bash, Flash, PostGIS, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Scalable Web Services

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, Ruby, MySQL, Linux, Deployment, Server Management, jQuery

Top End Devs

https://topenddevs.com
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.

Top End Devs Podcasts

https://topenddevs.com
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

https://feedwrench.com
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.
1998 - 2006

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering

Brigham Young University - Provo, UT, United States

Libraries/APIs

jQuery, Devise, Rails Engines, Sidekiq, Stripe, Resque, Ruby on Rails API, REST APIs

Tools

Hotwire, Slack, Docker Compose, Turbo, Microsoft Teams, Git, Flash, RSpec

Languages

Ruby, Groovy, Bash, SQL, HTML, JavaScript, CSS, GraphQL

Frameworks

Ruby on Rails, Stimulus, Bootstrap, Bootstrap 2, Grape, Tailwind CSS, Grails

Paradigms

REST

Platforms

Linux, Visual Studio Code (VS Code), Docker, AWS Lambda, MacOS, WordPress, Heroku, Linode, DigitalOcean, Pandium, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Shopify

Storage

PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostGIS, Amazon S3 (AWS S3)

Other

APIs, Design, Italian, Kamal, Serverless, Scalable Web Services, GitHub Actions, Vite, RSS Feeds, RSS Directory Submissions, Podcasting, Spree Commerce, Technical Hiring, ACH, Digital Payments, WYSIWYG Web Builders, Training, Deployment, Server Management, Full-stack, Que, API Integration, Large Language Models (LLMs)

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