Sowrey.org

I’m a web developer who crossed the line … I really wanted to direct!

Resume

Overview

I am a marketing technologist, or a technical marketer, depending on your point of view. Over a decade of experience in the interactive space has taught me what works, what doesn’t work, and what is possible. Blending those two aspects to best support a client’s business goals is my specialty.

Experience

Technology Director
Critical Mass, Calgary, Alberta
June 2005 - Present

Direct technical solutions on Rolex account for Rolex.com (maintenance of previous site and redesign) and nine other Rolex-sponsored web properties
Team lead for 10 developers on Rolex with responsibilities for mentorship, standards guidance, meeting coordination, resource management, and training
Responsible for RFP authoring and review; content management system (CMS) vendor selection, administration, and coordination; technical architecture for Rolex.com redesign; hosting solution management and relationships; and content distribution oversight
Directed Reliant Energy microsite delivery, and provided specifications for corporate website redesign
Directed Smithsonian Magazine redesign project, working with the client and with CMS vendor to achieve the project goals
Co-directed technical solutions for Michelin North America, covering Uniroyal.com, BFGoodrichTires.com, new multi-brand Tire Selector and Dealer Locator application, Michelin Careers, and technical discovery for Truck Tires
Provided technical consultation for projects with Andersen Windows, Dell, New Balance, Kaiser Permanente, USAA,Travel Alberta, Pampers, and Moen
Researched and co-wrote intranet solution proposal for DDB
Technical oversight and consultant for CriticalMass.com
Formed and lead intranet project team, creating project plans, arranging purchase and configuration of Google Appliance, defining specifications for additional software and services, working with vendors to configure network, mentored and directed developers on project implementation
Web Development Practice Lead for Critical Mass, responsible for research and development, and ensuring standards adherence across accounts, between production offices, and a team of 35 developers
Execute business and functional analysis for projects, resulting in requirements documents, process flows, data exchange diagrams, and time estimates
Guided staff with performance management
Active member of strategic account planning
Provided input and assisted in development of various new business pitches, promotional materials, and departmental/corporate policies

Web Development Manager
Critical Mass, Calgary, Alberta
April 2003 - June 2005

Marketing initiative technology lead on Mercedes-Benz USA, responsible for technical design and implementation of all product, branding, and media related projects
Web Development Practice Lead for Critical Mass, responsible for research and development, and ensuring standards adherence across accounts
Resource for project managers, designers, and developers, addressing technical concerns, interface requirements and standards, and internet technologies and processes
Regularly participated in strategic account planning, including client meetings
Executed business and functional analysis for projects, resulting in requirements documents, process flows, data exchange diagrams, and time estimates
Guided staff with performance management, leading to stronger team members
Consulted on DeVry and SBC projects, providing some technology direction
Directed technical solution for new Critical Mass corporate website, adhering to best practices and web standards
Provided input and assisted in pitch for Daimler-Chrysler Corporation
Promoted to Technology Director in June 2005

Contractor
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Toronto, Ontario
August 2002 - October 2002 (Contract)

Personally invited to join the CBC 50th Anniversary VIA Rail museum train
Managed the New Media exhibit, ensuring correct configuration at shows, and directing other exhibit staff and volunteers
Responsible for computer setup and support for all exhibits and staff
Wrote daily journals and took photographs for posting to the CBC website
Active part of 40-person team, and liaison for thousands of visitors across Canada (Vancouver to Halifax)
Contract position held during an approved leave of absence from Critical Mass

Interactive Marketing Consultant / Web Developer
McKinley Masters Custom Homes, Calgary, Alberta
May 2001 - January 2005 (Contract)

Developed corporate website based on new design, including gallery and better navigation
Performed analysis, leading to improvements in user experience and search engine optimization; rankings in search engines improved dramatically as a result
Performed regular site maintenance and updates, and providing technical advice for website operations
Contract position executed during personal time

Senior Web Developer
Critical Mass, Calgary, Alberta
February 2001 - April 2003

Web Development team co-leader (13 members at largest size) on Mercedes-Benz USA account, responsible for ensuring standards adherence across projects
Executed business and functional analysis for projects, resulting in requirements documents, process flows, data exchange diagrams, and time estimates
Developed legacy JavaScript navigation library for UnitedHealthCare project
Consulted on NASA, Busch Entertainment, Hyatt Hotels, and Kaiser Permanente projects, providing some technology direction and code
Provided input and assisted in pitches for Telus Mobility, Mercedes-Benz Global, and NASA
Promoted to Web Development Manager in April 2003

Web Developer
Critical Mass, Calgary, Alberta
April 2000 - February 2001

Directed and developed interface solution for Presiva.com
Directed and developed technology solution for new Critical Mass corporate website
Directed and developed interface solution and integrated with rich media components for Samsung Monitors project
Identified and solved development difficulties with third-party systems integrators; required to travel to client site
Lead and directed wireless technology research group; wrote, edited, and produced final documentation
Consulted on Kaiser Permanente, Mercedes-Benz USA, Nike, Proctor & Gamble, Reflect.com, and Thermacare projects, providing code and critical review
Responsible for maintenance on Denny’s Restaurants, Smirnoff, IAMS, Western Union, and eSupplies projects
Promoted to Senior Web Developer in February 2001

Technical Communications and Relations Manager
Radical Entertainment, Vancouver, British Columbia
February 1998 - March 2000

Designed and implemented new intranet system to enhance information sharing across the company. Created all artwork on the system, designed and built the database interface and backend. Attempted to use Java applets to solve automation problems.
Designed, maintained, and edited technical documentation for 3D graphics rendering engine used by game teams, reducing support call volume.
Wrote and edited Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax reports, leading to over $1.5M in refunds.
Established and maintained relations with hardware and software vendors through on-site visits and introduction of a developer relations newsletter that provided standardised information to vendors.
Researched, designed, wrote, and edited documentation for a new spline-based modeling plug-in for 3D Studio MAX. Wrote text, created tutorials, designed and converted images, and addressed user interface issues.
Worked with IT team and senior management to design and implement new workstation configurations, enhancing productivity and reducing strain on our support team.

Technical Standards Editor
Prologic Corporation, Richmond, British Columbia
January 1998 - February 1998 (Contract)

Edited guides and materials, implementing Prologic styles to standardise the documentation set.

Technical Writer / Web Developer / Producer
Arkipelago Incorporated, Toronto, Ontario
October 1996 - December 1997

Developed several websites, including all HTML code, graphics, and CGI scripting. The sites increased awareness of the company and its products, resulting in several requests for information.
Led a team of six people in concept development for new version of software product. The resulting design drastically increased usability and functionality.
Developed several important applications using Visual Basic and Microsoft Access. Developed an online scheduling system using Microsoft Project linked with a Microsoft SQL Server database, with a website using ASP and VBScript as the front-end.
Completed competition studies and new product reviews.
Researched, developed, maintained, and produced documentation for software product, resulting in two manuals.

Business Writing Consultant
Xerox Canada Ltd., Toronto, Ontario
June 1996 - August 1996 (Contract)

Designed new proposal template, for maximum flexibility while maintaining a simple interface. Provided all necessary graphic artwork.
Edited and wrote for a 130-page Request for Information, which was well received both internally and by the client.

Ecommerce Developer / Internet Consultant
Movie Poster Warehouse, Toronto, Ontario
March 1995 - January 1998 (Contract)

Developed original MoviePosters.com project and marketing strategy, increasing sales; Internet sales now account for over 50% of revenues.
Redesigned product catalogue for the web, improving ease-of-use for readers and data entry operator.

Junior Technical Writer
Oasis Technology Ltd., Toronto, Ontario
January 1995 - April 1995 (Contract)

Primary writer for developing system administration and development guides for most recent release of flagship product; produced 300 pages of documentation in three weeks, complete with diagrams.

Desktop Information Systems Specialist
Digital Equipment of Canada Ltd., Kanata, Ontario
May 1994 - August 1994 (Contract)
August 1993 - December 1993 (Contract)
January 1993 - April 1993 (Contract)
May 1992 - August 1992 (Contract)

Fielded up to 50 calls from internal users per day; directly responsible for over 4000 internal PC systems.
Appointed Support Point Manager for End User Services.
Developed network connection kit for sales staff, enabling remote access and increasing communications.
Administrated department VAX/VMS server.
Managed company-wide order system for Microsoft software.

Technical Skills

Operating Systems	DOS/Windows, UNIX (Linux/Solaris), MacOS
Programming Languages	.NET, ASP, BASIC, C#, C/C++, CSS, ECMAScript (JavaScript/JScript/ActionScript), JSP, Java, PHP, Perl, SQL, XHTML, XML, XSL
Methodologies	Agile (XP, Scrum, Feature-Driven Development), Iterative, Test-Driven Development
Leadership	Estimating, website architecture, component architecture, documentation, consulting, team management, mentoring, performance management
Software Experience	ATG Dynamo, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Altova XMLSpy, Apache Web Server, BEA WebLogic, Borland StarTeam, CVS (WinCVS, Tortoise CVS), Cisco VPN, Firefox, Google Analytics, Google Desktop, Google Earth, HTTPLook, IBM WebSphere, Internet Explorer, Macromedia Homesite, Microsoft IIS, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access), Microsoft Project, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Visio, Mozilla, MySQL, Netscape, Omniture, Opera, Safari, WebTrends
Networking	LAN setup and management, Ethernet, ATM, Wi-Fi, VoIP, DNS, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, SSH, DHCP, NTP, Samba, IMAP, LDAP, POP3, OSI

Education

English Rhetoric and Professional Writing with Computer Science Minor
University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario
September 1991 - April 1996

Courses in Management Information Sciences, Software Development Processes, Networking, Real-Time Programming, Rhetoric, Spanish, Psychology, Philosophy, Economics (Micro and Macro), Advertising, Creative Writing.

Additional Training