SkipList
SkipList, a tech consultancy based in Cleveland/Remote, represented a significant milestone in my consulting career. From March 2018 to April 2019, as the Vice President of Engineering, I was instrumental in evolving SkipList from a startup phase to a multi-million-dollar tech consultancy. As the first engineer and lead, I laid the foundation for a remote, collaborative engineering culture and delivered high-stakes projects using innovative technologies.
By integrating agile practices and promoting techniques such as mob programming and collaborative pairing, I enhanced productivity and software quality across the team. Additionally, I spearheaded initiatives focused on continuous professional development, including a daily SkipList School and staff-led business and productivity reading groups. My role also involved leading significant projects for key clients, ensuring high-quality deliverables tailored to their needs.
The categories for this project include Agile Transformation, Software Development, Engineering Leadership, and Continuous Learning.
Key Projects and Contributions
Establishing the Engineering Department and Culture
Project Overview: As the first engineer and lead at SkipList, I established the engineering department, fostered a remote, collaborative engineering culture, and drove the company's growth from a startup to a multi-million-dollar tech consultancy.
Technologies and Applications:
- Languages: React.js, Node.js, Python, SQL
- Frameworks and Tools: Agile, Mob Programming, Collaborative Pairing Techniques
Features and Processes:
- Engineering Leadership:
- Led the engineering team's growth and development.
- Introduced agile practices and mob programming to enhance productivity and software quality.
- Collaborative Culture:
- Fostered a collaborative environment through daily SkipList School and staff-led business and productivity reading groups.
- Established an autonomous engineering union with a rotating delegated leader, promoting a sociocratic approach to team management.
Outcomes: This initiative laid a robust foundation for a high-performing engineering team, driving productivity and delivering high-quality software solutions. The collaborative culture and continuous learning environment fostered innovation and professional growth, contributing significantly to SkipList's success.
Client Projects
United Talent Agency:
- Developed several applications, including the Julias call sheet process management app and the React Native employee directory app.
- Technologies: React.js, Node.js, Python, MongoDB, React Native, Scikit-learn.
Restore:
- Created an MVP application for physical therapy sessions, integrating with HTML5/Flash games.
- Technologies: React.js, Python (Eve), SQL.
Ballotpedia:
- Developed a custom CMS to enhance article publication workflows.
- Technologies: Python Flask, React.js, MongoDB, Google Authentication.
Network Watchdog:
- Built a POC network monitoring device, API, and mobile app prototype.
- Technologies: Node.js, React Native, C bindings, AWS.
MedaSync:
- Developed an AWS serverless Lambda pipeline for medical code extraction.
- Technologies: Node.js, AWS Comprehend Medical, GCP.
Outcomes Across Projects: Through these client projects, I demonstrated the versatility and efficiency of modern technologies in solving real-world problems and enhancing business operations. Each project showcased innovative solutions tailored to client needs, resulting in improved workflows, enhanced data management, and robust systems that drove client success.
Impact and Practices
Agile and Collaborative Practices
At SkipList, I promoted agile methodologies and collaborative practices such as mob programming and collaborative pairing techniques. These practices were instrumental in enhancing team productivity, improving software quality, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Continuous Learning Environment
I established a daily SkipList School and staff-led reading groups focused on business and productivity. These initiatives ensured continuous professional development, encouraged knowledge-sharing, and helped maintain team cohesion.
Engineering Leadership
As the VP of Engineering, I led the establishment of an autonomous engineering union with a rotating delegated leader, promoting a sociocratic approach to team management. This empowered team members encouraged leadership development and fostered a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Outcomes and Reflections
The transformational journey at SkipList underscored the critical role of solid engineering leadership and collaborative culture in driving company growth and delivering high-quality software solutions. SkipList evolved from a startup to a multi-million-dollar tech consultancy by fostering a sustainable, innovative, and learning-oriented environment. These projects and practices demonstrated the impact of combining agile methodologies, continuous learning, and collaborative approaches in achieving remarkable business growth.
Conclusion
Partnering with SkipList was a landmark experience that showcased the transformative potential of innovative engineering practices and leadership. By establishing a robust engineering foundation and fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented culture, I contributed significantly to SkipList's growth and success. These initiatives align with Dev3loper.ai's mission to leverage cutting-edge technology and best practices to drive transformative change across diverse industries.
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have a question about our services, need a consultation, or just want to connect, our team is here to help. Reach out to us through the form, or contact us directly via social media.
