Project Manager
2017 - 2019Insurance Broker (via Toptal)- Guided the Toptal client from initial concept to a web-based application handling their mission-critical functions from customer enrollment through to invoicing.
- Opened the project with in-depth discussions on requirements, created a detailed backlog, and presented project proposal for time, budget, and scope.
- Coordinated closely with each team member to build the envisioned product according to specifications and within tight delivery deadlines.
- Worked with the client to ensure that the highly complex set of business requirements was implemented in an optimal fashion and within expectations.
- Collaborated with third parties, including ADP Payroll, to implement data integration functions as needed for the system.
- Selected and onboarded Toptal team members, including a designer, developers, and QA.
Technologies: ADP, Heroku, PostgreSQL, Ruby on Rails (RoR), RubyFreelance iOS Developer
2015 - 2019Superlative Home Shopper- Took responsibility for existing code base for an app targeted at home buyers.
- Implemented improved search functionality within the app.
- Upgraded the app to iOS 9 compatibility.
- Upgraded Core Location functionality to iOS 8 compliance.
Technologies: Objective-CProject Manager + iOS Team Lead
2016 - 2018Duodecad (via Toptal)- Managed a rapidly expanding team of worldwide iOS developers.
- Converted Parse-based iOS code to a custom back end.
- Implemented significant new video editing functionality.
- Converted an app to HTTP Live Streaming.
- Enhanced layer-based video messaging functionality.
Technologies: HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), AVFoundation, Core Animation, Objective-CLead Back-end & iOS Developer
2016 - 2016Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturer- Led ground-up development effort of an iOS app and back-end services that communicate with a hardware device via Bluetooth.
- Worked with hardware engineers to ensure maximum data throughput between device and iPhone.
- Built the interface to a Bluetooth device via Apple's ExternalAccessory Framework.
- Designed app wireframes for review and approval by business owners.
- Implemented a Laravel-based API, including documentation and automated tests.
Technologies: External Accessory, Bluetooth, Laravel, PHP, SwiftProject Manager
2016 - 2016Brightfox (via Toptal)- Led the team in a fast-start initiative to scope and estimate an educational iPad concept.
- Worked closely with the client to create a detailed set of user stories.
- Completed the project successfully, on time, and comfortably within budget.
- Delivered wireframes, product backlog, and related technology advice during concept development.
Technologies: Agile, iOSProject Manager
2016 - 2016The Ansel Adams Gallery (via Toptal)- Led the team in a fast-start initiative to scope and estimate a mobile app concept.
- Worked closely with the client to create a detailed set of user stories.
- Completed the project successfully, on time, and comfortably within budget.
- Delivered wireframes, product backlog, and graphic design.
Technologies: Agile, Mapping, Linux, PHP, iOSSDET for iOS App
2016 - 2016Minds + Assembly (via Toptal)- Led daily and weekly planning meetings throughout the project.
- Handled the QA process from conception to App Store submission.
- Tested mission-critical AWS SNS-based push notification functionality.
- Managed the user acceptance testing process and resulting issue resolution.
- Supervised App Store submission process for a successful on-time launch.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Firebase, AWS Simple Notification Service (AWS SNS), Swift, Scrum, AgileiOS & Back-end Developer
2016 - 2016Glass Financial (via Toptal)- Migrated the app from Parse to a custom-built PHP/MySQL API.
- Created the database and PHP-based API used by the iOS app.
- Set up and maintained the AWS infrastructure required for the project.
- Implemented in-app purchases for three recurring subscription options.
- Integrated the app with Plaid API for financial transactions.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Plaid, MySQL, PHP, Objective-C, ParseiOS Developer & Product Manager
2015 - 2016instaMelody- Took responsibility for the pre-existing codebase.
- Stabilized code in preparation for App Store submission.
- Worked with the founder to prioritize and implement required features.
- Optimized the design to facilitate sharing of audio files.
Technologies: AVFoundation, GitHub, Objective-CApp & Web Developer, Server Admin
2015 - 2016SESH Release (via Toptal)- Took responsibility for pre-existing code, fixing remaining issues.
- Updated Objective-C to support ARC and iPhone 5 screen layout.
- Reconfigured handling of image files to reduce bandwidth requirements.
- Optimized AWS configuration for web and database server, and implemented SSL support.
- Made critical enhancements to the mobile and web applications prior to App Store submission.
Technologies: Amazon Web Services (AWS), ImageMagick, HTML, jQuery, Ubuntu, MySQL, WordPress, Objective-CTechnical Product Manager
2015 - 2016Insight Notes- Joined a small team as the first product manager, formalizing the role and coordinating product releases.
- Functioned as lead QA engineer, working closely with the developers on enhancements and bug fixes.
- Handled server setup and configuration for both live and dev environments.
- Introduced a structured process for version management.
Technologies: NGINX, RHEL, iPad, Encryption, Objective-C, iOSCTO
2013 - 2016NoteStream- Managed a programming team from concept to beta delivery.
- Took over QA responsibility to maximize app stability.
- Directly oversaw significant enhancements to the app since 2014.
- Implemented support for VoiceOver, Apple's accessibility function for the visually impaired.
- Implemented full support for iOS 9 search functionality, NSUserActivity, and CoreSpotlight API, making the app compliant with AMSO standards.
- Implemented deep links, universal links, and web markup to fully support iOS Applebot search functionality.
- Implemented Apple push notification service for back end and front end.
- Handled all work on PHP and MySQL back end, implementing REST API for the app.
- Implemented SQL queries and procedures to support business reporting requirements.
Technologies: CSS, Apache, CentOS, HTML, MySQL, PHP, Objective-CApp Developer
2015 - 2015Crew Tools- Developed an app from the ground up, designed both for iPhone and iPad.
- Wrote code to scrape the existing website, gathering complex data for presentation in the app.
- Coordinated with a graphic designer for layout and branding.
- Implemented Auto Layout to support iPad and iPhone screen formats, including split landscape view.
Technologies: Huhtamaki PPL, WebKit, XPath, Objective-CProject Manager
2013 - 2014Major Insurance Services Company (via Toptal)- Guided the client from concept to a web-based application that imports data files from a number of client customers, emails a survey to the appropriate people based on complex and customizable criteria, records responses, and manages business workflow based on customizable response criteria.
- Kicked off the project with an in-depth process of business analysis, story-writing, and backlog building to define scope.
- Worked closely with client executives to build an agreed-upon project plan and budget, based on 250+ stories in the backlog.
- Coordinated with the client as product requirements evolved, ensuring maximum agility during product development while avoiding unnecessary rework.
- Selected and onboarded the Toptal team, including designer, developers, and QA.
- Worked closely with each team member to build the client's product according to specifications.
Technologies: Oracle, React, Spring Boot, JavaProject Manager
2013 - 2014Global Pharmaceutical Company (via Toptal)- Managed a team of developers and QA engineers building an internal web-based business application.
- Led Agile development processes with weekly sprints and daily stand ups.
- Handled the transformation of user requests into actionable, implementation-ready Jira stories within a highly specialized scientific domain.
- Managed the implementation of formal QA processes.
- Supported the resolution of issues raised by PostgreSQL database over one terabyte.
Technologies: AngularJS, Django, Python, PostgreSQLTechnical Project Manager
2013 - 2013Multi-dwelling Real Estate Developer (via Toptal)- Developed specifications for a futuristic smart home concept, incorporating custom voice interface and IoT control.
- Designed technical architecture for the proof-of-concept application.
- Worked with the designer to create a complex, cross-platform UX/UI framework.
- Evaluated a variety of voice interaction platforms for strategic incorporation into proposed solution.
Technologies: IFTTT, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Speech to Text, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Internet of Things (IoT)ERP Product Management
1994 - 2005Sage Group, Plc.- Negotiated with engineering teams to establish project scope and timelines.
- Prioritized features and ROI to align sales and marketing objectives with engineering schedules.
- Facilitated senior executive decision-making regarding product release cycle and resource allocations.
- Represented sales and marketing in engineering design discussions.