About Steve: What it’s like to be a Continuous Learner

After a couple of years in design, I wanted to learn more. I began learning HTML-5 and CSS-3, implementing these languages in scratch WordPress sites. What started as interest turned into a never-ending adventure of learning and adapting. As my PHP skills grew, I also increased experience jQuery,  Bootstrap, and media queries were added to my list of development talents.

I expanded my experiences, working with various Content Management Systems like Rhythmyx, AdobeCQ, and Magento. From WordPress’s custom themes to Magento’s tiered scheme, there is plenty to learn, each CMS provided their own challenge.

Building more complex sites and applications, I worked with the Microsoft tech stack: WPF, C#/.NET, XAML, and Telerik UI. I also gained experience in Kentico CMS through a side project. Leveraging automation, I used Gulp and SaSS for quicker and easier management of code.

Leveraging CI/CD through VSTS, GIT, Octopus and Jenkins, I ingrained myself in my Agile team. For the next two years as a Scrum Master-Business Analyst, I grew the skill of writing effective user stories incorporating Acceptance Criteria and Gherkin for automated testing. The gap-filling works well for my personality.

“One of my strengths revolves around filling gaps where there is a need.”

Next up, I was as Testing Coordinator and Release Manager. I familiarized myself with management of client expectations around testing and high-level communication around managing product releases. These roles exposed me to international client, proactively managing expectations (international), and setting timelines for testing and deployment of applications. Both roles were quite a ride.

I absorbed the role as a Scrum Master. Working with an organization based out of the Netherlands, I built a high-performing team made of proactive, skilled members. International work was a blast. I always welcoming working with folks from other countries.

I earned my way into a Global Deployment Coordinator role. Working between the business and technology (IT), I managed four projects and over 120 clients. I owned the technical set-up and delivery of our products. Within the four projects, I deployed applications to 30 – 40% of all clients across the Americas and EMEA.

“Would I rather be feared or loved?

Umm…easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.”
Michael Scott

The Office, Season 2, Episode 6: The Fight

Following my global experience, I jumped into a hybrid Business Analyst and Project Manager role. I helped integrate a testing platform called testioIO into the development workflow. I integrated Zephyr for Jira back into the testing process. The long-term goal of implementing automated testing into our process, so my goal was achieved by the end.

I spent the next two-and-a-half years consulting as a Scrum Master. I launched project teams and guiding them through high-performance. Metrics leverage revolved around throughput, velocity, predictability, WIP management, etc. At minimum, I managed two teams, assisted another two teams, managing two Scrum Masters, and contributed a high amount of work to the internal Agile practice. Highly productive and highly motivated. Since then, I’ve moved in a manufacturing company helping mobilize an infrastructure and client services team leveraging the Scrum framework through an Agile transformation.

Appreciate you reading my story. Reach out if you have any questions, are looking to connect, etc. Feel free to scour my LinkedIn page or my Resume for recommendations and experience. I’m happy to network and discuss potential opportunities.

Dolphins at Hilton Head

Back in 2021, I headed to Hilton head with a few family members. This was the first time I travelled with my drone. I was working to fly the drone out to sea when I spotted a small pod of dolphins. Head to 2:35 if you want to jump ahead.