Founder
2020 - PRESENTDraft.dev- Developed standard operating procedures for writing, editing, and content planning with clients.
- Recruited and managed dozens of independent freelance engineers to act as writers.
- Implemented a sales, marketing, and customer acquisition strategy that led to doubled revenue for the first three months of operation.
Technologies: C++, Python, CSS, HTML, PHP 7, Docker, Kubernetes, TypeScript, JavaScriptChief Technology Officer
2016 - 2020The Graide Network- Created a plan to transition away from a buggy, insecure CodeIgniter app and onto a modern, service-oriented architecture.
- Set up a local Docker environment that cut onboarding time from one week to one hour.
- Built the codebase that helped the company scale to delivering hundreds of thousands of pieces of feedback to students every year.
Technologies: Linux, Docker, Angular, Laravel, PHP, JavaScript, TypeScriptHead of Engineering
2013 - 2016Packback- Managed an offshore development team to build the company's textbook rental MVP, then hired the in-house team that pivoted to a classroom question and answer product.
- Created standardized processes for hiring, onboarding, and training new engineers. I also led sprint planning and retrospectives.
- Wrote and oversaw the architecture of most of the company's codebase.
Technologies: Linux, Laravel, Angular, PHP, JavaScriptDirector of News
2011 - 2013Uloop- Oversaw the creation and growth of a college news blog to include 500+ writers publishing 600 articles per month.
- Designed a gamified sharing system that increased daily social media interaction by 250% in 2012.
- Created a national writing team that increased monthly visits by 300% in 2013.
Technologies: JavaScript, WordPress, PHP
Karl Hughes
Software and Content Developer in Chicago, IL, United States
Member since June 15, 2020
Karl is has been building software and teams for edtech startups for the past eight years. In 2020, he founded Draft.dev, a technical content marketing agency that helps clients create high-quality technical content for software engineering blogs that reach developers. As an entrepreneur, writer, and speaker, Karl also runs CFP Land (www.cfpland.com), where he helps tech conference speakers find new opportunities.
Karl is now available for hire
Portfolio
- Draft.devC++, Python, CSS, HTML, PHP 7, Docker, Kubernetes, TypeScript, JavaScript
- The Graide NetworkLinux, Docker, Angular, Laravel, PHP, JavaScript, TypeScript
- PackbackLinux, Laravel, Angular, PHP, JavaScript
Experience
- Technical Documentation 10 years
- Writing & Editing 10 years
- PHP 7 8 years
- Startups 8 years
- JavaScript 8 years
- Python 5 years
- Docker 4 years
Availability
Part-time
Preferred Environment
CSS, HTML, Python, Node.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, PHP, Docker, Linux, JetBrains, MacOS
The most amazing...
...experience I've been a part of was when my previous company got a $250,000 investment from Mark Cuban on Shark Tank.
Employment
Experience
- CFP Landhttp://www.cfpland.com
CFP Land helps technology conference speakers find the best opportunities. I've maintained the website, written for the blog, and built a "Pro" plan to fund the project. It's built on TypeScript and Gatsby.
- Content Development (Writing)
I started programming because I loved writing. In college, I created a campus blog with around 30 of my peers. As a business, the venture was terrible, but it forced me to learn WordPress and basic web development.
Now, 10 years later, I’ve written almost as much prose as I have code. In addition to almost 200 posts on my blog, I’ve contributed to and started a number of great publications.
Skills
Languages
PHP 7, JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, HTML, CSS, C++, PHPOther
Writing & Editing, Technical Documentation, Leadership, StartupsLibraries/APIs
Node.jsPlatforms
Docker, Kubernetes, MacOS, Linux, WordPressFrameworks
Laravel, AngularTools
JetBrains
Education
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Business2006 - 2012University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN, USA
