My Path
My journey, experience, and expertise
First Computer - Atari 800XL
At 9 years old, discovered a fascination with computers through a family Atari 800XL. Self-taught from manuals how to load programs from cassette tape and 5-inch floppy disks. First experience with BASIC programming by accessing and modifying game code to change behavior.
First IBM Computer - 8088 with DOS 3
At 13, purchased first IBM 8088 computer. Self-taught MS-DOS 5.0 from Goodwill purchase. Mastered AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS, custom batch files, and QBASIC programming. Swapped disks at school sharing games and utilities.
Upgraded to 386SX
Advanced to 386SX system and continued learning with Windows 3.11 and programming. Era of self-reliance with only books and BBS systems for support—had to figure everything out independently.
Hardware & Software Mastery
Continued upgrading systems and developed deep expertise in both hardware and software aspects of computers. Thrived in the pre-internet support era where problem-solving required pure resourcefulness.
Joined Startup - Web Hosting
Joined self-funded startup with friends building websites and providing hosting and DNS services. Ran hundreds of sites off a small T1 connection, managing all infrastructure.
Founded Computer Solutions
Started computer consulting company serving small to medium businesses needing IT support without full-time staff. Ran successfully until 2014.
Built blinkyou.com
Built and scaled blinkyou.com using Linux servers, PHP, MySQL, Piranha clustering, BIND, rsync, memcache. Hosted in Seattle Westin datacenter. Managed all servers maintaining 99% uptime for 1,000,000 daily average users. Later sold to larger company.
Data Center Infrastructure
Before cloud computing, with Blinkyou.com getting nearly 1 million daily visitors, expanded to our own data center. Built 33+ Linux servers leveraging Rsync, MySQL cluster, round-robin load balancing, scalability, and uptime.
First CNC Machine
Website sale enabled purchase of first CNC machine. Began deep dive into robotics, electronics, and CNC operation—new area of fascination.
Laser CNC Power Control System
Created the first CO2 laser CNC system for the glass industry with linear power scaling. Developed software to read encoder speed and dynamically adjust pulse width modulation (PWM) signal controlling laser power output as machine accelerates and decelerates through complex shapes, solving the corner-slowing power matching problem.
Robotic Sandblasting Systems
Built robotic sandblasting cabinet (2013) and booth (2014) for frosted glass production, replacing manual hand-blasting process. Addressed safety, quality, and speed issues. Reduced average blast processing time from 20 minutes per part to 3 minutes per part.
Sold Consulting Business
Sold Computer Solutions consulting business and started full-time position at Electric Mirror Inc.
Smart Mirror for Hotels
Created the first Smart Mirror for hotels worldwide. (Hotel Network)
IoT Data Collection Network
Utilized NodeMCU SBC to build a data-collecting node network for machine monitoring. This included 3D printing the board housing, adding sensors, and writing the software. All data was uploaded to InfluxDB for production reports.
IBM Watson Integration
Worked with IBM's Watson Hospitality team to implement A.I. into our smart mirror for use in hotel rooms.
IFOV CNC Fiber Laser
Created an early prototype of IFOV (Infinite Field of View) CNC Fiber laser table to generate large artwork images on glass.
UVC Disinfecting Tower
Directed the team and was hands-on in designing and testing our UVC disinfecting tower. The UVC tower included an Android app for remote control, Lidar, AI awareness, motion detection, and all circuit board design. (Safeology UVC Tower)
Mobile Air Purifier
Directed the team on UVC air purifiers. (Mobile Air Purifier)
VR Showroom
Learned Unreal Engine and built a VR showroom for customers worldwide to visit through the Oculus Quest VR headset to view our new and unique mirror offerings. (Photos/Video)
AI Computer Vision Automation
Implemented robotic automation with A.I. computer vision to improve quality and efficiencies for Electric Mirror Inc.
Advanced Laser Technologies
Implemented new laser technologies to remove sandblasting and switch to a more efficient, safe, and automated solution.
Ransomware Response
Managed response to a targeted ransomware attack by the Akira group, where a threat actor exploited a firewall vulnerability. Achieved minimal downtime through robust backup and recovery strategies.
Professional Experience
Leadership in technology and innovation
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Electric Mirror Inc
July 2014 - Present
Directed IT strategy and technological innovation, leveraging over 20 years of IT expertise to drive the development of cutting-edge products and secure, scalable infrastructure for a leading manufacturer.
Led a team of researchers, engineers, and IT professionals in designing and deploying advanced technologies, including IoT-enabled smart mirrors, AI-integrated systems, and secure network architectures.
Developed and implemented robust cybersecurity frameworks, including proactive threat detection, incident response, and vulnerability management, to safeguard company assets and data.
Successfully mitigated a 2025 targeted ransomware attack by the Akira group, exploiting a firewall vulnerability, achieving minimal downtime through strategic backup and recovery protocols.
Architected and maintained comprehensive backup and disaster recovery systems, utilizing cloud-based solutions (Azure, AWS) and on-premises redundancies to ensure business continuity and data integrity.
Conducted regular risk assessments and implemented security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, and encryption protocols, to protect sensitive data and intellectual property across distributed networks.
Managed end-to-end R&D projects from concept to commercialization, delivering innovative, technology-driven products within budget, timeline, and quality constraints, resulting in multiple patented technologies.
Fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration, mentoring IT and engineering teams to adopt emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and IoT while prioritizing cybersecurity best practices.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and manufacturing, to integrate secure IT solutions and translate research into market-ready products.
Oversaw intellectual property strategy, securing patents (e.g., US-10634910-B2) and managing a robust IP portfolio to protect proprietary technologies.
Championed modern IT practices, including Agile methodologies, DevOps tools (Git, Jenkins, Jira), and OKR frameworks, to streamline development and enhance system reliability.
Designed and implemented advanced data analytics systems using InfluxDB and MySQL, enabling real-time production monitoring and data-driven decision-making, with secure data handling protocols.
Presented strategic IT, cybersecurity, and project status reports to C-suite executives and stakeholders, articulating technical achievements, risks, and mitigation strategies to align with business goals.
Owner
Computer Solutions LLC
January 2003 - July 2014
Led a team of IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining contracted companies' remote and local IT infrastructure.
Developed and executed strategic IT initiatives aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
Oversaw IT projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to budget, timeline, and quality standards.
Managed vendor relationships and negotiated contracts for optimal terms and pricing for IT services and solutions.
Conducted regular risk assessments and implemented security measures to protect company assets and data.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Sock Puppet Inc
November 2005 - July 2008
Created a second company and invited friends to participate in bringing an idea to reality.
With a team of 4 friends, built alongside MySpace a social networking platform that was bought by Brad Greenspan, one of the founders of MySpace.
Sold the website "Blinkyou.com" after it reached more than 1 million daily users.
Skills & Expertise
Comprehensive technical and leadership capabilities
Programming Languages
Java, Python, C/C++, SQL, PHP
Software Development
Agile methodologies, Git, Jenkins, Jira, OKR
Electronics
Circuit design, PCB layout, Microcontroller programming
Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning algorithms, Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning frameworks (TensorFlow, Watson)
Operating Systems
Windows, Linux, Unix
Databases
MySQL, PostgreSQL, MSSQL
Networking
TCP/IP, LAN/WAN/VLAN, VPN
Servers
DHCP, DNS, AD, WEB
Cloud Services
Azure, AWS, Google, InfluxDB
Leadership
Strategic Planning, IT Management, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Communication
Education & Certifications
Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland
January 1998 - March 1998