I intend to work hard, design well, develop accessible and standards-based web sites, learn something new everyday, and treat others with the utmost respect.
All of my code is written by hand. This allows me to scrutinize every line, word, and character. Each of my abilities is ranked according to the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition. The following key is here for your convenience:
I also enjoy tinkering in the following programming languages. My knowledge of each is mostly cursory.
I am responsible for a variety of tasks including front-end development, back-end development, user experience design, visual design, and server setup and maintenance.
Oak has worked with many clients. I've had the pleasure in helping build web sites for StudioBooth, Quarterly, Tattly, Dropmark, Let's Swap, CCOH, NASDAQ, and UNICEF.
I was responsible for all development and some design aspects of NewSpring Church's web entities. I also administered our dedicated Red Hat Enterprise Linux server, which included setting up and maintaining Git and Subversion repositories, an Apache web server with virtual hosts, and other general system administration duties.
I built most of NewSpring's web sites using the ExpressionEngine CMS, but I also created a few custom applications in PHP using the CodeIgniter framework.
Some of my proudest achievements were flawlessly migrating all of NewSpring's web sites (including MySQL databases) from shared hosting to a dedicated server. I increased site performance by minifying and compressing (gzip compression) all CSS and JavaScript and serving static content from cookie-less domains. I streamlined the web team's workflow by keeping code in a repository and writing a build process (in bash) that minifies, compresses, adds a version, and pushes all static content live.
I was responsible for the look and feel of all OkCupid's web sites, including OkCupid, HelloQuizzy, and Crazy Blind Date. I was also responsible for the front-end code-base comprised of thousands of lines of code, and I managed a team of three front-end developers who reported directly to me. The occasional piece of printed paraphernalia, including business cards, letterhead, envelopes, and marketing materials was also my responsibility.
Some of my proudest achievements were converting our HTML to valid, standards-compliant markup; maintaing 4 translations, including Arabic; successfully leading a small team of front-end developers; and being responsible for the most successful and positively received—by the site's users—redesign in the company's history.
My parents are both computer geeks, so I was able to get an early start following in their footsteps. I've been designing and developing web sites since my junior year in high school. Since then, I've worked on quite a few freelance projects for weddings (print and web design), small businesses, and independent bands, most notably, Bishop Allen.
Relentless work ethic, self-management, a healthy desire to learn (inside and outside his core competencies), and meticulous attention to detail and craft—I've never worked with a better web developer. As a designer, I can trust that my pages will be built in pixel perfect fashion. As a strategist, I know I'll get solid feedback and pushback from Adam where it's needed. He's a rare talent, elevating projects and teams.
I've been working with designers for over ten years, and Adam would be my first pick for any project. He approaches each assignment with all the considerations it deserves: the business angle, the aesthetic goal, and the technical limitations of the medium. What he designs appeals to everyone around him, and he's a pleasure to work with.
Adam defines the perfect employee. He is motivated by his aggressive work ethic which helps define his imitable character. His code is efficient and clean. I really appreciate his contrarian nature which brings freshness to stock situations. His wit and personality make him a joy to be around both at work and at play. I am quite happy I know Adam.
Adam was a tremendous contributor to our company. He led by example, demonstrating a tireless work ethic and dedication to excellence in his work. His managers, colleagues, and direct reports uniformly praised his interpersonal skills and greatly enjoyed working with him. Adam also positively impacted everyone's morale, making the office a more positive and enjoyable place for others to work.