Darren Sopiarz
Developer / Consultant
dsthedev.com
dsthedev@gmail.com
Github | LinkedIn
Work Experience
Freelance Web Developer
Owner / Developer / Consultant, Dec 2018 – Present
After ending up on the unfortunate end of corporate financial downsizing, I decided to pursue independent part-time work based on the relationships and rapport I’ve built with people over the last 5+ years in the industry.
I have two main focuses: being a developer and being a consultant. I have found that both are extremely important to any project. Sometimes all it takes is a quick discussion with an expert to avoid unnecessary work; on the flip-side it can also lead to a decent amount of necessary work.
Main Responsibilities:
- Start to finish project responsibility, from planning to execution
- Client, agency, and other freelancer collaborations
- Scheduling of meetings, deadlines, and other project-related dates
- Complete and sole project estimations and potential overflow
- Invoicing, estimates, taxes, and other independent contractor fiscal responsibilities
- Market research, client relations, and other various managerial tasks
Adams Publishing Group
Web Developer, Feb 2017 – Nov 2018
I started as a Web Developer for the Eau Claire Press Company primarily maintaining and improving their major internal sites; The Leader-Telegram, The Country Today, and Leader Printing Online. I also worked with their System Administrators to take care of some of their smaller help-desk tickets so they could focus on maintaining and upgrading internal systems (VMWare hosting, Phone Systems, etc). After a few months, we got everything up to par, and I started a shift into their Digital Online Group, with a focus on improving their overall digital presence.
On June 1st, 2017 the company was acquired by APG, and some restructuring occurred soon after. This caused my position to shift again, moving me into a pure digital fulfillment role. This is my current role, and it consists of a few main responsibilities. I build custom websites for their internal creative agency, Pixel Ink (New site coming soon!), assist advertising in trafficking ads with DFP, build custom email templates, and help maintain / update smaller internal websites and projects.
I was also a part of their Midwest Division Digital Group, which is in charge of brainstorming, planning, testing, and executing processes to improve APG’s digital products. This includes website development and hosting, email marketing, banner and programmatic advertising, personnel training, sales materials, and more.
Main Responsibilities:
- Website front and back end development, including custom integrations and builds
- Website maintenance, backups, and updates
- Ad trafficking
- Building custom e-mail templates
- Participation in team & client meetings
- Work with sales to accurately quote cost and delivery time for development projects
- Research & Development of internal software tools and workflows
Satellite Six
Senior Developer, Dec 2013 – Dec 2016
I worked with a small team in the roles of Developer and Senior Developer from December 2013 to December 2016, primarily responsible for development of websites on the WordPress CMS, utilizing a theme I customized from Foundation, called Mercury. In addition to website development, other key responsibilities I had included contributing to Mercury, reviewing and merging code into Mercury and client projects, meeting with clients for preliminary project planning, and assisting in the quoting process. I also worked with the team to mentor new developers and build deliverables processes.
My skills grew alongside the company’s growth. I was the first employee and joined while still a student. I was a significant part of the company’s growth for their first three years.
Main Responsibilities:
- Website front and back end development, including custom integrations and builds
- Participation in team & client meetings
- Bi-weekly development with company management
- Work with sales to accurately quote cost and delivery time for development projects
- Mentor new developers
- Coordinate development team growth with company management
- Research & Development of internal software tools and workflows
Education
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Software Development, 2014 – 2016
Learned the fundamentals of programming, scope analysis, syntax, and the basics of many common languages such as PHP, JavaSript, etc. I participated in a number of group projects as well, and ended up taking the lead on each one. I maintained a 4.0 GPA, developed strong relationships with a few instructors as well as students, and used all of that as a catalyst to push my growth in my first position at Satellite Six as a Junior Web Developer.
Technical Skills
- PHP (5-7+)
- HTML (4-5+)
- CSS (2-3+)
- SASS / SCSS / Less
- Javascript
- JQuery
- 3rd party libraries
- WordPress
- Custom Theme & Plugin Development / Customization
- Process Malleability
Letters of Recommendation
Additional Information
I believe my biggest strength lies somewhere between my passion for knowledge and my malleability in process. I am regularly looking for newer or better ways to solve problems. I am also always willing to hear alternate ideas or solutions, and am flexible when it comes to adopting new methods or ideologies.
My highest priority is also producing the best results in everything I do. Programming and Design are two massive passions of mine, and drive me to do so. Problem solving, and the reward of finding a solution are something that never get old. Just like seeing that “Wow!” response to a design makes me love what I do.
If I had to choose three words to describe myelf, they would be Passionate, Proficient & Perceptive!
You can read more about me here.
References
Kayla Fullington: Inbound Marketing Specialist, says:
“During the year and a half that I worked with Darren, it was nothing short of impressive. Aside from building quality custom websites, he acted as a resource for myself and other team members. He was always willing to take the time to thoroughly explain how various elements worked when it came to web development. His confidence and commitment made him a great leader and influenced others in a positive way.”
– Kayla can be contacted here.
Todd Otto: Fellow Developer, says:
“I started under him as a junior developer. Once he left Satellite Six, I would have been lost if it was not for what he did in development. We set up a process that was autonomous and efficient, that made others ask how we could get the same thing done in less time.”
– Todd can be contacted here.
Baxter Bauer: Designer, says:
“Darren was able to develop each design we worked on together with speed and precision I’ve rarely seen from other developers I’ve worked with. He has an attention to detail with a true eye for the small consistencies. Being able to take website designs from being average and disorganized to exceptionally user-friendly is a strength he possesses. Due to his innate attention to detail and organization I would recommend him to anyone who wants a meticulous and talented developer that strives for more than being ordinary. He is one of the best developers I’ve had the pleasure to work with.”
– Baxter can be contacted here.
Other Professional References: Rachel Baarson, Robbie Lund.