Software as a Passion

Since elementary school, on the Apple II, in the languages of BASIC and LOGO, and please, respect the turtle, I have had a passion for software development. This was fostered over time into QBASIC and then into Pascal, C, C++, Java, Perl, JavaScript, and other languages. The more ways that I found I could create something, the more passionate I became for software development. I bring that passion to projects that I work on today. Building, no, crafting, something with passion results in a high quality product that I am vested in.

Open Source as a Passion

I found myself often frustrated by looking at a commercial program and not having the freedom or ability to make fixes or enhancements for myself. This frustration was mostly calmed by the open source software community. This simple idea of making software open to others, to allow them the freedom to enhance and fix software, is something that I very much support. My first open source experience was with an AberMUD derivative named DiRT. After tinkering for some time, making bug fixes and adding in my own enhancements, I turned around and released it for others to use. That release became iDiRT. Over the years I tinkered with other open source products and have contributed where I can.

When working on projects, I prefer to find a way to solve challenges and problems with Open Source software. Why? Open Source provides you with freedom. Not just freedom of choice, but the freedom to evaluate software, change the software, and enhance the software. You can change the software to do what you need or you can work with the authors to reach your goals.

What I Do

So, what do I do? I do a variety of different things, but to give you an idea...

I Code

This should be fairly obvious, but yes, I code. I write code. I debug code. I present code. I mentor other coders. I follow the design principle of less is more, and simplistic design patterns should take the place of complex design patterns. Frameworks and APIs are the future, not relying upon large monolithic systems.

I Lead

I enjoying leading teams of developers and business analysts to create high quality software. I am always looking for ways to help lead and guide team members and to help them grow which in turn helps me to grow.

I Volunteer

I believe that volunteering in your community is a great way to give back. I volunteer as a leader for the chess club at Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy and also volunteer as needed for other activities.

I Inspire

Inspiring individuals to new heights is something that I greatly enjoy. Through everything that I do, I hope to inspire and enrich the lives of others.