Trevor Nielson
Education: |
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY, Logan, B.S. Degree May 2007 Major: Computer Science: Information Systems Emphasis Maintained a GPA of 3.126 while working 40+ hours/week. |
Front-End
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I get asked my preference between these a lot. I thought I would dedicate a tiny bit of space to it. If I were forced to choose, I would pick front-end.. building the site first in Photoshop and then putting it together with PHP and CSS. But I am also completely comfortable doing back-end work with MySQL and API's. I also find that most back-end work requires some front-end (even though it's not seen by the public) work anyway. So I'm good either way. I am, however, not a big fan of writing device drivers and similar things to that. A good example of this is one of my websites, ThePrincessDress.com. I loved designing it and putting the front-end together. But I also geeked out over the postage calculator and the back-end functionality. I work where I'm needed. |
Computing: |
I've had a couple of lifelong passions. The first of which is computers. We got our first computer (an 80-86) when I was very young and had learned to use DOS and to type without looking at the keyboard by 8 years old. I was quite bothered when Windows 3.1 came out, because it meant "normal" people would be able to use computers too. I got big into the BBS scene in the early 90's, enough that I launched my own. I could type 72 wpm with a high level of accuracy by 7th grade. Got my first taste of programming at around age 10 when I was given a handheld "computer" that would allow you to type in basic commands such as goto and print statements. Then I got my appetite for programming in 1999 when I started messing around with visual basic in Excel and automating macros. |
Art
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My passion for art also began early. I have always loved to draw and paint and continued to develop those skills throughout life. I've tried lots of mediums including pencil work, watercolors, scratchboard, acrylic painting. I also discovered photography and got into black and white darkroom work for a while. Enough so that I put a darkroom of my own in the basement of my house and processed my own prints that way for a while. Now I've moved on to digital, but still love film work when I have time. |
Knowledge
PHP (4+ years)
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I started using PHP and MySQL long before I completed my studies at Utah State University. I have used on a daily basis since then. |
Python, PyQT (1 1/2 years)
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Prior to working at First Support Solutions I had never used Python. Since hire, I have not only learned Python, I successfully implemented a full scale Call Center phone solution using it within 6 months. This included Event Listening (Freeswitch), Network TCP/IP communication (Twisted), compiled executible code, database connectivity (MySQL), and a Graphical User Interface (PyQT). |
XHTML, CSS, MySQL (4+ years) |
I started using these heavily while developing scripts for Call Center Plus. I've continued to use these on a very regular basis since then. I normally hand-code these and don't usually use builders unless it will substantially speed up the process. |
Javascript and AJAX (4+ years)
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I started using Javascript and Ajax for DiTrend Inc. while building websites for them, as well as for contract clients that needed work done. |
C++ (4+ years)
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Most of my C++ programming happened while at school, but it is the language I was trained in and feel very comfortable using it. But have not done so on a regular basis since I left school. |
Linux (2+ years)
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While I wouldn't consider myself a Linux expert, I feel very comfortable using Linux and do so on a regular basis. I can install aps using apt-get and yum, but I can also build aps from scratch using make if necessary. |
FreeSWITCH (1 1/2 years)
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I feel very comfortable using FreeSWITCH as a VOIP solution. I've built and configured it from scratch several times, built custom dialplans, and more. |
Organic SEO, Keyword Analysis (3+ years)
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I have a sound understanding of how PageRank and Keyword Search Optimization website can produce amazing search results. If you search "princess dress" on any popular search engine, you will find ThePrincessDress.com holds the first or second spot. |
Photoshop (4+ years)
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Every website I develop first starts in Photoshop, where the layout is first created using lots of layers. I think take the pieces apart and put them back together using CSS. I also use Photoshop on a very regular basis for my photography work. There are few days that go by where I don't work in Photoshop. |
Misc.
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Other areas that I have experience include: Google Analytics, Cron Scheduling, Google Adwords, USPS Shipping Calculation, Payment Gateway Integration, Database Design, OOP Programming, Debugging, Code Integration, API Creation and Use, Social Networking, Fraud detection, PCI Compliance, Credit Card Security |
I have not had a large amount of exposure to popular frameworks (most frameworks I've used have been internally developed ones). I have looked at several and feel very confident in my ability to learn and use them quickly. I love to learn and have tested in the 95th percentile for reading comprehension.
I also type 85 words per minute (with 98% accuracy)
Work History
(August 2009 - Present)
Python/PHP Call Center Developer and ManagerIT Department Head
Graphic Designer, CRM Developer
Lead Developer and Manager for custom Call Center VOIP system
I was brought in to write a Call Center Solution from the ground up using Python, PHP, PyQT, XML, MySQL, Python's Twisted Framwork on the Freeswitch VOIP Platform. This included a self-updating executable graphical user interface, server scripts to enable communication between agent and server, and web management and reporting tools. After implementation the system was capable of handling 1000 simultaneous calls. During my time I was promoted to Manager of the Call Center System
IT Department Head:
During budget cuts, our IT Manager was let go and I was asked to take his place. I am not an IT professional, but know enough to successfully manage IT employees. This included direction over new LAMP server creation, server redundancy, mysql management, data backup, security, movement of colocation services, office relocation and PCI compliance. I was in charge of the continued operation of 15+ Servers, 2 Coyote Point Load Balancers, 5 Firewalls and 3 Offices
Graphic Designer and Developer:
When our lead Graphic Designer and CRM Developer left, I was given his responsibilities. These included landing page design, CRM report generation, analytics and the new development of affiliate fraud detection.
| Specific functionality that I developed: | |
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Summary:
Prior to working at First Support Solutions I had never used Python. Since hire, I have not only learned Python, I successfully implemented a full scale Call Center phone solution using it in about 6 months. This included Event Listening (Freeswitch), Network TCP/IP communication (Twisted), compiled executible code, database connectivity (MySQL), and a Graphical User Interface (PyQT).
I am a quick learner and creative thinker. The result of my employment has been a direct savings of approx 1/2 Million Dollars per year, plus the ability to bring all customer service in-house instead of farming it out.
During that time, I was also promoted 3 times and developed countless system features.
Some of the public sites and related systems I have supported during my time here include:
- Innovative Matrix (The commercial version of our CRM)
- CrankTECH
- Eazy Rich
- Colon Health MD
- PureCleanse
- Acai Energy
(2007 - Present)
Web Development and Search Engine OptimizationFull Life Cycle Store Development:
DiTrend Inc is a small home-based business that my wife and I started in 2007. I have been responsible for the full life cycle of new web-store implementations.
| Responsibilities include: | |
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We started very very small and have grown substantially every year since (including during the recession years). The two sites we have launched at this point are ThePrincessDress.com and BatteryBucket.com. Although there are more expansions in the works.
Keyword and Product Research:
Before launching new product sites, I first perform a full analysis of current market saturation to determine how much work it will be to become competitive in that area. I also analyze what keywords would work best for optimization and keyword trees that would best drive traffic to a site once defined. I also find available relevant domains that will perform well in later optimization.
Website Design and Product Photography:
Once a new product line is decided upon, I build a new website design from scratch using Photoshop and other tools incorporating a very layered design that makes future reincorporation of pieces using CSS easier. This includes logo design and branding. If photos of products are not available, I also shoot new images for site use.
Site Development with Search Engine Optimization:
Upon design completion, I write the necessary PHP/Xhtml/CSS/Javascript/Ajax code to implement the new site design. This includes dynamic page generation and mysql integration and cross-browser compability. I also implement proven organic search engine optimization techniques to create high page rankings in search engines. The flagship site of DiTrend Inc. is ThePrincessDress.com which is in the top 2 Search Results for the optimized keyword combination "Princess Dress" in Google, Yahoo, Bing, and other search engines.
Database Design/Maintenance:
Without a strong database backend, eCommerce sites become difficult to manage. I am responsible for implementing good MySQL database design and implementation that makes it possible to have dynamic changes made to our sites on the fly.
API Integration and Management Tools:
To be truly versatile, websites need to be able to gather live postage information and process payments. I write the necessary back-end API calls that provide on the fly shipping calculations and payment processing. I also write the management tools necessary for handling customer orders and inventory.
(2001 - 2009)
Programmer, Tech Support and TechnicianBuilt and serviced custom scripts using PHP, Javascript and XHTML for local, national, and international answering service clients for use by Call Center Agents. Provided customer support and dial-up Internet access to people throughout Cache Valley. Handled email technical support for Netmop.com’s internet filtering software.
PHP Scripting included integration with Telescan's Spectrum Prism and Agent programs. Call Center clients that required scripting support included: Planetfone, NoteLead.com, Wild Planet, Mobal Communications, Candle Moods, Thermolife, Outsidepride.com, Southwest Data Protection, HoofPrints.com, SeaBand, Epco, IncreasingShoes.com, FritoLay, Data-Bus Engineering Inc, TraderHanks.com, EleCrete, CatGuys.com, 5PD, CorvetteGuys, TheRaveDiet, Ghost-Mart.com, American Muscle, A1 Education, WheelHQ.com, Spider Tie, Netmop, GreenSwitch, Bishop Kevin J. Foreman Ministries, Pur-Sleep, Money Mammals, Travelhost, Synergy Institute, Pond Algae Solutions, ReMAX, Border Billiards and countless others..
Design
The Princess Dress.com
ThePrincessDress.com has been around since 2007, but got an facelift in 2010. It's design is simple, user-friendly and trendy looking. It has dynamic page generation, search capability, and is keyword optimized. It's cross browser compatible, has a custom shopping cart, order tracking ability, dynamic shipping calculation, a one page checkout and immediate payment acceptance. That's just the front-end.
It also has a robust back-end allowing dynamic inventory control, automatic product image resizing, order recall, operator notes and billing capabilities. The invisible back-end allows the owner of the site to view orders, insert items and incorporates the use of UPC guns to scan inventory with, eliminating annoying human errors. This website is primarily UPC based and is remarkably complex
The management system for this site includes inventory management, store management, referrals information and prior year statistical information. It allows updating, reviewing and tracking of current and previous orders. It will check where customers are arriving from, let the user review statistical information about sales and other powerful features. The site also allows the owners to view current and previous year's sales information in graph form, as well as add new product categories, change store information on the fly and view referrals. In the future, it will automatically build orders from suppliers using statistical information from prior sales and demand, allowing the user to change inventory types based on seasonal items sold and also budget restraints.
The keyword phrase "princess dress" was the phrase the site was optimized for. This site became ranked on the first page of Google within four months of launch. Two months later and it was and is still the number one result of the keywords "princess dress" for Google. It also ranks 1st on MSN.com, 1st on Ask.com and 1st for Yahoo!. The site now averages 1,250 page views per day. This website is compatible with all major browser systems including Firefox, Internet Explorer 8, Opera, Safari and older versions of Internet Explorer. It uses behind the scenes key-wording and references to enable optimization for Google indexing and rank placement without blatent repeating of important keywords.
Google Yahoo Bing Ask.com
ThePrincessDress.com has been around since 2007, but got an facelift in 2010. It's design is simple, user-friendly and trendy looking. It has dynamic page generation, search capability, and is keyword optimized. It's cross browser compatible, has a custom shopping cart, order tracking ability, dynamic shipping calculation, a one page checkout and immediate payment acceptance. That's just the front-end.
It also has a robust back-end allowing dynamic inventory control, automatic product image resizing, order recall, operator notes and billing capabilities. The invisible back-end allows the owner of the site to view orders, insert items and incorporates the use of UPC guns to scan inventory with, eliminating annoying human errors. This website is primarily UPC based and is remarkably complex
The management system for this site includes inventory management, store management, referrals information and prior year statistical information. It allows updating, reviewing and tracking of current and previous orders. It will check where customers are arriving from, let the user review statistical information about sales and other powerful features. The site also allows the owners to view current and previous year's sales information in graph form, as well as add new product categories, change store information on the fly and view referrals. In the future, it will automatically build orders from suppliers using statistical information from prior sales and demand, allowing the user to change inventory types based on seasonal items sold and also budget restraints.
The keyword phrase "princess dress" was the phrase the site was optimized for. This site became ranked on the first page of Google within four months of launch. Two months later and it was and is still the number one result of the keywords "princess dress" for Google. It also ranks 1st on MSN.com, 1st on Ask.com and 1st for Yahoo!. The site now averages 1,250 page views per day. This website is compatible with all major browser systems including Firefox, Internet Explorer 8, Opera, Safari and older versions of Internet Explorer. It uses behind the scenes key-wording and references to enable optimization for Google indexing and rank placement without blatent repeating of important keywords.
Google Yahoo Bing Ask.com
BatteryBucket.com
BatteryBucket.com uses PHP, Javascript, Ajax, CSS and XHTML to build a clean and attractive website. It is also cross-browser compatible with Internet Explorer 8, Firefox Opera, Safari and older versions of Internet Explorer. Because Google does not like indexing dynamic pages, a back-end solution was added to force each page to index properly. Each new item added creates a new .php file associated with each item, so they will all be indexed properly. The back-end also does image editing to make adding new products easy. The user just selects an image (of any size) to use and the back-end manager will create new image files to use named and sized properly. This site also has a built in shipping calculator that will calculate the EXACT postage needed to ship an item anywhere in the US.
The shopping cart from this site implements a very accurate internal shipping calculator. It calculates exactly what the amount of shipping will cost, preventing the customer from paying extra shipping fees because of inaccurate shipping information. Shipping calculations are based on weight, package size, destination and current postal service rates. The shopping cart also uses Ajax to dynamically encrypt the information to send to PayPal to maintain a secure site, preventing users with ill intent from manipulating cart data to steal unauthorized bargains. However, if the client does not have Javascript enabled, it will detect and display alternate checkout pages allowing these users to still use the site properly.
The back-end management application allows the dynamic insertion and maniupation of new inventory. It allows updating, reviewing and tracking of current and previous orders. It will also check where customers are arriving from, let the user review statistical information about sales other powerful features. During product editing/insertion, the management system will write dynamic pages for each product to allow easier and more thorough indexing by Google and other search engines. It also will allow the user to upload any size of image for the product and will then alter the image and save it in the names and formats that will display best and be optimized for search engine recognition of keywords.
The elements of this website were built in Photoshop CS4, then rebuilt using CSS style sheets, PHP and XHTML. The site viewable across 98% of browsers in use today. It is compatible with Internet Explorer 8, Firefox, Opera, Safari and older versions of Internet Explorer.
BatteryBucket.com uses PHP, Javascript, Ajax, CSS and XHTML to build a clean and attractive website. It is also cross-browser compatible with Internet Explorer 8, Firefox Opera, Safari and older versions of Internet Explorer. Because Google does not like indexing dynamic pages, a back-end solution was added to force each page to index properly. Each new item added creates a new .php file associated with each item, so they will all be indexed properly. The back-end also does image editing to make adding new products easy. The user just selects an image (of any size) to use and the back-end manager will create new image files to use named and sized properly. This site also has a built in shipping calculator that will calculate the EXACT postage needed to ship an item anywhere in the US.
The shopping cart from this site implements a very accurate internal shipping calculator. It calculates exactly what the amount of shipping will cost, preventing the customer from paying extra shipping fees because of inaccurate shipping information. Shipping calculations are based on weight, package size, destination and current postal service rates. The shopping cart also uses Ajax to dynamically encrypt the information to send to PayPal to maintain a secure site, preventing users with ill intent from manipulating cart data to steal unauthorized bargains. However, if the client does not have Javascript enabled, it will detect and display alternate checkout pages allowing these users to still use the site properly.
The back-end management application allows the dynamic insertion and maniupation of new inventory. It allows updating, reviewing and tracking of current and previous orders. It will also check where customers are arriving from, let the user review statistical information about sales other powerful features. During product editing/insertion, the management system will write dynamic pages for each product to allow easier and more thorough indexing by Google and other search engines. It also will allow the user to upload any size of image for the product and will then alter the image and save it in the names and formats that will display best and be optimized for search engine recognition of keywords.
The elements of this website were built in Photoshop CS4, then rebuilt using CSS style sheets, PHP and XHTML. The site viewable across 98% of browsers in use today. It is compatible with Internet Explorer 8, Firefox, Opera, Safari and older versions of Internet Explorer.
AnswerCalls.com
This site was intentionally designed to be simple with a lot of wording. Competition in the answering service market is rough. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) was absolutely critical to the final performance of this site. Optimized by using alt image tags, emphasis in the h1 and h2 tags, keyword phrases in regular human style sentences, in the title of the site and includes using the phrase "answering service" at least 50 times. This website has been absolutely optimized for searching. AnswerCalls.com was designed in Photoshop CS4, then cut apart and put back together using style sheets. It provides a live chat feature, as well as a well-designed information packet in .pdf form that can be downloaded for more information.
Because of the fierce competition for the keyword phrase "answering service", some drastic measures were taken when developing this site to ensure it was recognized as very relevant when being indexed for that phrase. In addition to the use of the phrase in many normal sentences throughout the website, it also uses the phrase in links, in header tags, in image tags and everywhere else that helps get a website recognized for being relevant to keyword searches. This site was developed in Photoshop CS4 then reassembled using .PHP, XHTML and CSS. It also tracks user referral and other statistical data for help in keyword advertising.
Because of the critical nature of speaking with clients as soon as possible, this site offers many immediate response opportunities for client to be contacted about services within minutes. By phone the client is directly connected to a sales representative 24 hours a day, as does online chat. Information packets contain all the necessary information to sign up and look attractive and professional. Custom scripting allows email messages to be sent directly to cell phones that are constantly monitored allowing email responses within minutes of sending.
.PDF information packets allow the customer to "take the information home" with them. It also allows for printing and distrubution for use in office meetings where decisions about services occur. The site will also provide interactive forms within the .pdf file so the client can simply fill out the form while viewing service information in the .pdf file. Then simply submit the data or print and fax.
This site was intentionally designed to be simple with a lot of wording. Competition in the answering service market is rough. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) was absolutely critical to the final performance of this site. Optimized by using alt image tags, emphasis in the h1 and h2 tags, keyword phrases in regular human style sentences, in the title of the site and includes using the phrase "answering service" at least 50 times. This website has been absolutely optimized for searching. AnswerCalls.com was designed in Photoshop CS4, then cut apart and put back together using style sheets. It provides a live chat feature, as well as a well-designed information packet in .pdf form that can be downloaded for more information.
Because of the fierce competition for the keyword phrase "answering service", some drastic measures were taken when developing this site to ensure it was recognized as very relevant when being indexed for that phrase. In addition to the use of the phrase in many normal sentences throughout the website, it also uses the phrase in links, in header tags, in image tags and everywhere else that helps get a website recognized for being relevant to keyword searches. This site was developed in Photoshop CS4 then reassembled using .PHP, XHTML and CSS. It also tracks user referral and other statistical data for help in keyword advertising.
Because of the critical nature of speaking with clients as soon as possible, this site offers many immediate response opportunities for client to be contacted about services within minutes. By phone the client is directly connected to a sales representative 24 hours a day, as does online chat. Information packets contain all the necessary information to sign up and look attractive and professional. Custom scripting allows email messages to be sent directly to cell phones that are constantly monitored allowing email responses within minutes of sending.
.PDF information packets allow the customer to "take the information home" with them. It also allows for printing and distrubution for use in office meetings where decisions about services occur. The site will also provide interactive forms within the .pdf file so the client can simply fill out the form while viewing service information in the .pdf file. Then simply submit the data or print and fax.
CallCenterPlus.com
This site was designed in Photoshop CS4, then dissembled and put back together using CSS to make it sleek and professional looking. This business website is cool and clean, not a bad way to present yourself to the web
Another of the site's pages, where the content is shifted, but style sheets allow data to be changed without having to reinsert graphics and background information for each page.
This site was designed in Photoshop CS4, then dissembled and put back together using CSS to make it sleek and professional looking. This business website is cool and clean, not a bad way to present yourself to the web
Another of the site's pages, where the content is shifted, but style sheets allow data to be changed without having to reinsert graphics and background information for each page.
Projects
Projects:
As you must have heard before, usually it's the portfolio site that suffers the most due to lack of time to work on it. That is no exception here. This site has been scraped together very quickly in an attempt to get as much information out there about my abilities as possible. Looks like this is the section that is suffering the most. Here's a list of some of the projects I've been working on lately:
Fraud Detection
Search Engine Optimization
Keyword Analysis
eCommerce
API Integration/Development
Shopping Cart Solutions
Payment Gateway Integration
Shipping Calculations on the fly
VOIP Call Center Phone System
W3C Html Compliance
PCI Compliance
Encryption and Credit Card Security
Payment Gateway/Merchant Account Integration
Keyword Analysis for locating optimal keywords
As you must have heard before, usually it's the portfolio site that suffers the most due to lack of time to work on it. That is no exception here. This site has been scraped together very quickly in an attempt to get as much information out there about my abilities as possible. Looks like this is the section that is suffering the most. Here's a list of some of the projects I've been working on lately:
Fraud Detection
Search Engine Optimization
Keyword Analysis
eCommerce
API Integration/Development
Shopping Cart Solutions
Payment Gateway Integration
Shipping Calculations on the fly
VOIP Call Center Phone System
W3C Html Compliance
PCI Compliance
Encryption and Credit Card Security
Payment Gateway/Merchant Account Integration
Keyword Analysis for locating optimal keywords
Copyright © Trevor Nielson 2011