Argo Group is a international underwriter of specialty insurance. I was tasked to create a multi-language capable, fully localized, modular ASP.NET architecture for 11 sites that comprise the bulk of Argo Group's online presence. The challenge was to develop an architecture that was consistent from site to site, while addressing all of the unique functionality and needs of each individual site and corresponding business division. Despite having virtually no technical specs, ever evolving front end designs, and an extremely aggressive timeline, I was able to meet or exceed all deadlines and create a rock solid, efficient, highly functional foundation for Argo Group's completely redesigned sites.

The new architecture made it easy for internal programmers to integrate both existing and rewritten applications. Per the client's requirements, core site features, such as navigation and SEO content can be managed simply through XML. Acknowledging both the needs and capabilities of the client, I created a custom, multi-language content management process that enables developers to rapidly create and integrate content into the 11 sites. The process is modular; avoids the inefficient, inflexible, and often inappropriate storage of site content and markup in a database; and ensures a proper separation of code and content.

Throughout the project, I rigorously employed and enforced best practices, including intelligent caching routines, a multi-tiered architecture, and the use of agile XML data sources. Along with developing the core architecture for the sites, I created applications such as a career search; developed and helped to troubleshoot various UI features; and provided trusted, expert advice to key decision makers throughout the development process.

BrandGames is a leading interactive agency in Manhattan that pioneered the use of video games for marketing, brand awareness, and product promotion. I programmed the backend and designed a SQL Server database for a Flash game used to promote a new line of mobile phones and wireless services for a global telecommunications company. Developing an architecture that combined agile HTTP handlers, traditional ASP.NET pages, and XML, I created a fast, efficient online bridge between the game and the web server/database, enabling players to register, login, save scores/game results, and view top scores. I also developed an admin system with detailed reports that can be easily exported to Excel with the press of a button.

IPIX is the leader in 360 degree, full immersion photography. After a change in IPIX ownership, I was tasked with helping the CEO take stock of and evaluate the company's various internet assets, including multiple sites and an online store. The online store was not working properly, resulting in the potential loss of revenue and clients. Despite the complexities inherent in working with completely undocumented code, I got the online store up and running again in no time. I also developed a new registration and download process for users interested in free trials of IPIX software. The new process is integrated with SalesForce.com and allows IPIX to better track and communicate with potential leads. In addition to programming, I provided many hours of technical consulting and advice and laid the groundwork for a future site migration to a new host and payment gateway.

CapeCodCoupons.com is a site offering online, printable coupons for restaurants, hotels, and other businesses local to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Business owners can quickly register and create coupons to attract new customers and keep current ones coming back. Users can conduct simple or advanced searches and find the coupons that best suit their vacation plans. Coupons can be added to a queue (much like adding items to a shopping cart on an eCommerce site) and printed at home. The site is beautifully designed with a color palette consisting largely of warm tones (red, orange, yellow) balanced by cooler shades of blue. The design captures the playful, inviting atmosphere of Cape Cod and evokes warm summer days by the ocean. The site features a CSS-only layout. (NOTE: This site is not yet in production. The site owner is still in the process of finalizing her business plan.)

ICVM Group is a web development firm that focuses on the legal field. I programmed a powerful, secure application for ICVM that allows law firms to create and manage all aspects of a client pitch online. The system integrates seamlessly with the law firm's website/intranet and allows information featured on its site, such as attorney bios or the history of the firm, to be easily retrieved and added to a selected pitch. This application is currently being used by a major, global law firm and is also being offered by ICVM as a solution that can be customized and implemented for other firms.

Emergency Treatment Associates provides physician staffing and emergency room management to hospitals in New York state. I created a dynamic recruitment site for ETA where medical job applicants can quickly search and apply for open positions. Both the contact form and the job application form utilize a custom, client-side "wizard" format that makes it easy for the user to navigate through the various fields and enter in the required information without being overwhelmed. The site features a custom content management system that allows ETA admins to maintain and update the site through their browser.

Sea Gull Lighting is a nation-wide manufacturer and distributor of lighting fixtures and supplies. I created a comprehensive web application for Sea Gull where customer service, sales staff, and contractors can (1) define and manage the lighting options and details (room types, builder information, project owners/contacts, etc.) for a given construction project and (2) configure and generate perfectly formatted, custom Microsoft Word brochures detailing the same. The brochures, generated online, include dynamically scaled product images, multiple layouts per page, customizable headers/footers, a table of contents, and index. The site allows Sea Gull employees and remote contractors and sales personnel to easily collaborate on projects and grant various levels of secure access to appropriate individuals. Even large brochures involving 100+ pages and hundreds of product images are created efficiently with virtually no impact on the server's performance.

Open Hospitality provides online reservation systems for hotels world-wide. I created multiple modules to augment the functionality, security, efficiency, and stability of their system. I created a site-wide error handling and logging system to better track and solve online issues, a translation component to allow for the dynamic rendering of site content in the language preferred by the user, and a revamped session management routine. I also developed a handful of components to encapsulate frequently used routines and logic and to allow for easy reuse of existing utility functions. Finally, I reviewed existing code and provided mentoring services to the programming staff.

Vax-D is a medical provider with offices world-wide. I worked with one of their Philadelphia offices to create a web-based insurance billing application. The application needed to incorporate, enforce, and rigorously adhere to complex business rules and legal regulations, while simultaneously providing an easy to use interface for Vax-D employees to manage patient billing. The application met this challenge under a tight budget and smoothly integrated with the office's existing 3rd party patient management software and associated database.

Blue Panic Photography is a showcase for my own photography. I hand-coded the current version of the site in ASP.NET 2. The user interface and core functionality is 100% AJAX and DHTML. This minimizes the load on the server and provides a fast, responsive user experience, even over slower connections. The site is cross-browser and cross-platform compatible and offers efficient thumbnail paging, dynamic RSS feed, and multiple ways of navigating through the thousands of images. The site design is elegant and minimalist, maintaining the focus on the photographs themselves; at the same time, this design effectively organizes the site content and ensures that the navigation and site features are easily accessible at all times.

Digital FM is a web design and application development firm. I developed a complete eCommerce system with AJAX UPS shipping integration, credit card processing, customizable online store, and extensive inventory and invoice management capabilities. The system features an exceptionally secure session management system and shopping cart to safeguard customer transactions and data. This system is designed to be resalable to multiple clients and includes a fast, automated set-up script to get a new instance up and running in seconds.

HRN Management Group is a company specializing in online human resources software. I developed the latest version of Performance Pro, HRN's flagship performance appraisal application and database. The completely rewritten application is more secure, stable, feature-rich, efficient, and user-friendly than its predecessor. This product is the main source of income for HRN; the success of this program is the driving force behind HRN's rapid growth and has made the company one of the fastest growing in Utah. I also created an automated free trial setup of this application as well as web-based conversion programs to upgrade users from earlier desktop and online versions to the far more powerful version currently available.