Fueling Your ProductivityHi, my name is Jamie and I live in Calgary, Alberta (Canada) close to the Rocky Mountains. The mountains are a favorite adventure destination of mine, which is why you might see a mountain picture or two on this website.
My goal is to "fuel your productivity" by creating software tools, online courses, blogging as well as offering software consulting services. I don't have all of that available just yet, but stay tuned. |
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The products can be found on the Products page so on this page I'll provide you with some information should you be interested in my software consulting services.
If you just want to see the career and education highlights, then visit me on LinkedIn. But, if you want a more in depth view into my journey OR are just curious about my story then read on...
If you just want to see the career and education highlights, then visit me on LinkedIn. But, if you want a more in depth view into my journey OR are just curious about my story then read on...
I Am ...
I am a Father, a Husband, a Brother, a Son, a Friend, a Colleague... and a Software Developer.
It's probably that last label that brought you here, but it's those other labels that inspire me to do what I do... perhaps like you I expect.
So, the reason you may have found yourself here is that you've run into a computer software problem and are looking for a software developer who is:
I aspire to deliver all the above and will do my best to help you.
It's probably that last label that brought you here, but it's those other labels that inspire me to do what I do... perhaps like you I expect.
So, the reason you may have found yourself here is that you've run into a computer software problem and are looking for a software developer who is:
- Experienced and knowledgeable
- Good at problem solving in new business domains
- Has a positive and upbeat attitude
- And most importantly: can speak in plain language that anyone can understand
I aspire to deliver all the above and will do my best to help you.
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I enjoy helping people resolve their computer software challenges whether it is a desktop application, an online website or a mobile app.
I am able to help in a variety of ways such as:
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Of course, I cannot resolve every computer software challenge or know about every software program - the ocean of technology is indeed vast! But, I can promise to be transparent in my knowledge, talk in plain language and enthusiastically engage your challenges with optimism and a smile.
So, if you love learning and want to be part of the process of solving your computer software challenge then you are my ideal client - let's talk!
So, if you love learning and want to be part of the process of solving your computer software challenge then you are my ideal client - let's talk!
The Backstory
Jamie, how did you get here ?
The chronological sequence of my experience is of course, listed on LinkedIn - feel free to follow along to see where I've been. You'll notice I do not have a Computer Science degree but do have an advanced science and engineering education. That may or may not check off some boxes for you.
Although my degree is not in Computer Science I have always enjoyed the process of developing software: from talking with customers, to designing and implementing a solution, to re-connecting with customers to see if what was delivered matched what they thought they wanted... because often "you'll only know it, when you see it".
My education taught me how to think analytically and to attack a problem from every angle until it's solved (or that you decide it's no longer a problem worth solving). The software industry attracts all types of backgrounds and you need them all, from the artistically creative to the detail-oriented scientific. There's usually a spectrum of that in everyone.
Although my degree is not in Computer Science I have always enjoyed the process of developing software: from talking with customers, to designing and implementing a solution, to re-connecting with customers to see if what was delivered matched what they thought they wanted... because often "you'll only know it, when you see it".
My education taught me how to think analytically and to attack a problem from every angle until it's solved (or that you decide it's no longer a problem worth solving). The software industry attracts all types of backgrounds and you need them all, from the artistically creative to the detail-oriented scientific. There's usually a spectrum of that in everyone.
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In the early stages of my career, developing software was simply a way to get the "real job" done. I first worked in the medical device industry, then in a hospital as a clinical engineer and finally in medical imaging research. It was fascinating being in those worlds because if I ever got tired of programming, there was whole lot of biology/physiology/medical problems to learn about and solve. But life intervened and for family reasons I moved from Washington, DC back up to Calgary in 1999. |
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Software development was the transferable skill I had when looking into other industries outside of the medical industry. My goal was to work full time as a Software Developer so I applied to those job postings. After several interviews I was fortunate to have someone take a chance on my potential and got hired.
I was hired by a company, based in Silicon Valley in California, that had an R&D outpost in Calgary, AB. I learned a lot in those first years about software industry techniques, life cycle and best practices. I worked with some brilliant software developers both locally and from around the world. It was a great opportunity. The company's product lines centered around Enterprise Search and Information Management which is where I developed an interest in finding those digital artifacts we all create in abundance but sometimes misplace. You may know those 'digital artifacts' as computer files: ie. documents, spreadsheets, slides, images, music, video, etc.
In the subsequent post dot-com years I also learned about layoffs, mergers, and getting gobbled up by technology giants. As my career progressed, I began to move from hands-on development into management without thinking too much about what fundamentally inspired me to go to work everyday. There was something in that 'transferable skill' that I really did enjoy!
I was hired by a company, based in Silicon Valley in California, that had an R&D outpost in Calgary, AB. I learned a lot in those first years about software industry techniques, life cycle and best practices. I worked with some brilliant software developers both locally and from around the world. It was a great opportunity. The company's product lines centered around Enterprise Search and Information Management which is where I developed an interest in finding those digital artifacts we all create in abundance but sometimes misplace. You may know those 'digital artifacts' as computer files: ie. documents, spreadsheets, slides, images, music, video, etc.
In the subsequent post dot-com years I also learned about layoffs, mergers, and getting gobbled up by technology giants. As my career progressed, I began to move from hands-on development into management without thinking too much about what fundamentally inspired me to go to work everyday. There was something in that 'transferable skill' that I really did enjoy!
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In essence, as I moved further from what I loved about software development I forgot about who the software development was ultimately for. Fortunately, I had a 'wake up call' that sent me back to re-discover what drew me to software development in the first place.
One thing I do know is that I could not tear myself away from writing code. I continued to develop a side project - which then became my main project. Soon, I grew to discover that in addition to writing the code I really enjoyed the connection of who I was writing the code for. The way I have come to understand it is that the who was the most important thing to me. It had to be front and center, not buried by layers of roles, separate responsibilities and management. |
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In summary, I got on the career train some 30 years ago and learned a ton about software development both on the "outside looking in" as well as "on the inside looking out". Fortunately, my career train stopped for some unscheduled maintenance which allowed me to re-discover what fueled my curiosity, what fueled my motivation, and what fueled my productivity.
What would I love to do for you?
What I love about software development is observing how it directly benefits you! If I am involved in directly helping you "fuel your productivity" through software technology, whether I develop the product or not, that is what gets me excited and engaged!
I love being on the front lines. I love the challenge of deciphering what we think we need into what we actually need.
Because sometimes... you won't know it until you see it!
- What software applications do use?
- What files of information do you have and how do you organize it?
- If you could wave a magic software development wand and have your problems resolved, how would it make your life easier?
I love being on the front lines. I love the challenge of deciphering what we think we need into what we actually need.
Because sometimes... you won't know it until you see it!
I try to approach each circumstance from where the customer is. What are they comfortable with, what are they not?
Do they really need that latest, fanciest, buzzword compliant software or can we make their existing version of 1997 software work for them and just add a few modern bells and whistles behind the scenes so they are more productive.
They answer is that in some cases yes and some cases no - software is like that, it's soft!
It's that possibility that gets me out of bed every day. And it's the possibility that I might be able to help you!
If you are interested Contact me.
Do they really need that latest, fanciest, buzzword compliant software or can we make their existing version of 1997 software work for them and just add a few modern bells and whistles behind the scenes so they are more productive.
They answer is that in some cases yes and some cases no - software is like that, it's soft!
It's that possibility that gets me out of bed every day. And it's the possibility that I might be able to help you!
If you are interested Contact me.
How have I been helping ?
Here are some highlights:
Interested in learning more?
Contact me
- Developed a desktop application to help people visualize all their file and folders at once. See my Products page!
- Implemented an open source ERP system as well as developed custom integration tools for a medium-sized manufacturing company.
- Developed a custom desktop application to process quality assurance test data for a battery manufacturer.
- Developed a custom desktop application to visualize and manage data from an industrial size lithium battery.
- Wrote a code generator to help convert a large Excel spreadsheet (~20 sheets, ~300-800 columns each) into a well logging analysis program.
- Automated a website's static PayPal integration to auto-generate customer emails when products are purchased.
- Advised an Oil & Gas professional society's steering committee on their website requirements.
- Assisted an Oil & Gas exploration company with their information management system integration.
- Assisted a transportation safety company with their initial development infrastructure.
Interested in learning more?
Contact me
Still with me?
What's with that logo ?
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I love bikes! I commuted to work for approximately 30 years by bicycle. All year round, in all kinds of weather; snow, cold (-30 celsius) and freezing rain! When you ride a bike there is nothing like getting into the big gear and rolling effortlessly along. Sure it takes energy to reach that speed, but once you are there and flowing there is nothing like it!
So, my logo is that part of the bicycle that does the heavy lifting, transferring energy into forward progress. The two different sized cogs represent the "Big Gear" - big ring up front, small ring in the rear. The bicycle chain connects the two rings and is represented by ones and zeros (computer code) on top and my tagline "fueling your productivity" below. By writing code I help you move forward faster. My company's mission is to help you get into your big gear with your software challenges. |
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Family and Friends
Most of the following information is in the public domain thanks to social media. However, I will just consolidate it here for your convenience.
As I mentioned, I am a father and a husband. Two of my boys are break dancers - to be honest, they did not get that from me :-). My eldest son has now graduated from university with a math degree - again he did not get his love of math from me. My wife is both a fitness instructor and champion pickleball player and coach - definitely not from me.
Starting your own business, whatever it may be, is no small task. Apart from the basic marketing, financial, and legal logistics there is also you. I have received help and advice from several sources as it is difficult to do it all alone. I will say it has been important for me to develop daily practices as well as to continually cultivate sources of new ideas and different perspectives (eg. reading and podcasts). I am always happy to discuss any of these aspects with others who are also starting their own businesses - no matter the industry.
As I mentioned, I am a father and a husband. Two of my boys are break dancers - to be honest, they did not get that from me :-). My eldest son has now graduated from university with a math degree - again he did not get his love of math from me. My wife is both a fitness instructor and champion pickleball player and coach - definitely not from me.
Starting your own business, whatever it may be, is no small task. Apart from the basic marketing, financial, and legal logistics there is also you. I have received help and advice from several sources as it is difficult to do it all alone. I will say it has been important for me to develop daily practices as well as to continually cultivate sources of new ideas and different perspectives (eg. reading and podcasts). I am always happy to discuss any of these aspects with others who are also starting their own businesses - no matter the industry.
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Did I mention I love the mountains!?! Since Calgary is relatively close to the Rocky Mountains I try to get out hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter OR is it skiing in the summer and hiking in the winter - really depends on the weather. If you are interested, I tend to keep my Instagram feed up to date with recent adventures (@jamesreverett). Outside of my family and business, I also enjoying volunteering my time instructing disabled skiers with CADS Calgary - check them out if you are an enthusiastic skier (any level) and want to share that enthusiasm! |
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Thanks for reading.
- Jamie
- Jamie