Benjamin D. Wright

Plano, TX 75024

619-850-4867


wright.benjamin@gmail.com


http://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminwright


Professional Summary:



Technical Summary:


Programming Languages: PHP 4/5, XML, SQL, Shell Script, BASH, Perl, HTML, DHTML, XSLT, CSS, DOM, Drupal, Javascript, jQuery, Java, C, C++, Python, PL/SQL, PL/PgSQL, PEAR, JD Edwards

Programming Practices: AJAX, OOP

Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL (Postgres), MSSQL Server, Oracle, Views, Triggers, Stored Procedures

Code Revision/Bugtracking Systems: Git, SVN, CVS, Trac, Bugzilla, Redmine, Unfuddle (including API)

Web Related: Apache, Quercus (Resin), DNS, IIS

Operating Systems


Experience:


Freelance

8/2010– Current                  


VP of Technology

10/2008 – 7/2010                Big Jump Media - tangle.com - GodTube.com, Plano, TX

Directed the application architecture and data migration during the site rebranding from GodTube.com to tangle.com.  Directly managed and mentored developers, while contributing with hands-on daily code development.  Led the effort to convert the applications supporting the user facing website and the internal content administration system to PHP5 and implemented use of OOP.  Implemented systems to allow content-safe functionality for a family friendly social networking experience while maintaining near real-time display of content.


Introduced deployment procedures for QA and live environments, including a new SVN branching structure that provided more predictable and stable deployments.  Designed an automated deployment system with revisioning for quick deployment rollbacks as needed.  Assisted with the use of a CDN to manage spikes in traffic from "viral" content.


Planned and led the relaunch of the video sharing focused GodTube.com site.  Successfully doubled traffic (visits and page views) for the two sites, while cutting infrastructure and IT costs in half, still allowing for over 60 TB of monthly data transfer.



Lead Developer

5/2007 – 9/2008                   Achieve Internet, San Diego, CA

Directly mentored developers for multiple simultaneous development projects.  Assist with improving overall team efficiency and skill sets through training, code reviews, hiring and resource allocation.


Responsible for identifying the initial scope of projects from a technical perspective, as well as, definition and verification of technical and functional project requirements.  Directly contributed to client proposal documentation and SOWs.  Helped to lead effort in producing more accurate estimates through proper discovery.


Development experience with extensive Drupal websites, including knowledge of the most effective contributed modules, proper customization without modifying core code, custom module development, advanced theming, multisite configurations and consulting for other companies developing within the Drupal framework, including IBM, DC Comics, Experian, Sony BMG and others.


Examples of projects having a key development role or directly managed include:


Experience working with a team and independently while embedded in remote client environments for training, development and deployment.  Handled coordination and team development efforts between multiple teams within a single client environment.  Recently worked with the DB2 Database Infrastructure, Systems (hardware), Open Source Development and Management teams at a client location to deploy a true LAMP environment using PHP and Drupal.


Architect and developed an internal intranet application that later became a product that would be sold to clients.  Within the company, this led to more active internal blogging, open communication and provided a location for a central knowledge repository that brought together the technical knowledge of the company.  This ultimately provided a medium to increase the overall knowledge of each team member and provide a valuable resource for previously implemented solutions.


Worked closely with formally trained team of scrum masters.  Consulted for Scrum methodologies and development practices.


Played a key role in the hiring process, including the implementation of a techincal 'test' for screening candidates, more complete job descriptions, initial phone interview and team interview.  Reviewed candidate code samples and made recommendations for filling gaps within the team.


Interacted daily with Clients, Project Managers, Product Owners, the Executive team and multiple teams of developers.


Development Manager

1/2007 – 4/2007                    Credit Solutions, Addison, TX

Managed a large team of developers in 3 teams: Application Development, Web Development and Quality Assurance

Developed inter-department relationships to improve overall image of IT. This made an immediate impact through the use of proper communication and follow-up, as well as, timely turn-around times for requests.

Increased team morale by properly distributing work load, implementing best practices and more efficient management.

Often managed resources of other teams for projects, including Network Systems team and Data Services Team.

Managed and Implemented the following:
- Automated call system using Sound Bite for Revenue, Retention and Collection departments
- SEO (search engine optimization) for corporate website and content
- CRM upgrade for the Sage SalesLogix CRM
- Company-wide email signatures with Exclaimer
- Internal mail routing with IronMail
- Active Directory integration with CRM, internal web sites and faxing solution
- Migration from RightFax to FaxCore
- @Task Project Management software
- Marketing lead management
- Intranet rewrite

Other Projects Involved In:
- Predictive Dialer technology with NEC
- Multiple building moves

Implemented Proper Development Procedures:
- Enforced reusable and abstracted code to allow for quick turn around time and flexible development
- Dependency lists for all production systems for disaster recovery, including primary and secondary contacts, dependent systems, internal and external code access locations and server information
- Code documentation
- Production Go Live checklists and procedures to ensure stable and predictable code release
- Standard release schedule



Sr. Lead Developer

8/2006 – 1/2007                     Stream Energy, Dallas, TX

Maintained and improved internal CRM written in PHP with a MySQL backend.

Implemented:
- TeleVox, an automated call system to notify customers of late or past due payments and cut off dates.
- Dynamic system architecture to provide a common object base and user interface for multiple systems using PHP, SOAP, XML, XSLT and AJAX.



Project Manager, Sr Developer

8/2005 – 8/2006         Automotive Technology Solutions, Addison (Telecommute), TX

Managed 3 developers and 2 graphic designers on 3 separate projects from start to finish. Designed the back end of a customer lead management system, an in-house and Internet inventory control system, a complete sales interface for multiple automotive dealerships, as well as a corporate web presence. Integration points include all 3 credit bureaus, Carfax, AutoTrader, Cars.com, KBB and Chrome Data Systems. Extensive use of OOP PHP5 and AJAX. Used both MySQL and PostgreSQL for databases. Implemented a template system with PHP and CSS to allow unique and custom designs and layouts.


.NET Architect

6/2005 - 8/2005                 Verizon / Adea Solutions, Irving, TX

Created deployment management tools for several environments in various lines of business. Architected and built a central management system to integrate several teams and provide access to automation tools through a web-based interface on a Unix backend. Built automated reporting tools with MSSQL and ASP .NET. 3 Month Contract Position.


Lead Software Developer

11/2003 - 3/2005                 Miracom Network, Richardson, TX

Responsible for design and development of an Internet based print management application. Implemented database abstraction layer and converted MySQL database back-end to PostgreSQL. Skills used include: OOP, PHP5, PHP4, PostgreSQL, XML, Pl/PgSQL, CVS, linux, bash, shell scripting, database optimization, complex object models and business analysis.


Software Developer

5/2002 - 11/2003                 Skywire Software, Frisco, TX

Full development cycle experience with enterprise web-applications and database administration. Skills used include advanced OOP development, cross-platform integration, client Relations at both business level and technical level and systems Administration (Linux and Windows).


Editor, Developer

10/2000 - 6/2001                 Internet.com, Darien, CT

Manage site layout, handle e-mail requests and contributions, and write JavaScripts for the JavaScript Source web site. (http://www.javascriptsource.com) Manage site layout, handle e-mail requests and validation/verification of content added to ScriptSearch. (http://www.scriptsearch.com)


Network and Systems Support

6/2000 - 10/2000                 Sears Roebuck, Dallas, TX

Work as a team member for the Dallas Information Solutions Center that supports the Sears Accounting Center.-Help Desk and Business Partner experience providing common to complex support-Project Development: 1. Center-wide (soon company-wide) central knowledge base for FAQs and support via intranet web site2. Redesign of local Intranet for the Sears Accounting Services Center