“Imagine this: It’s 2 AM, and your website suddenly crashes right before a big product launch. That ‘update’ button you clicked? It’s now showing a blank screen instead of your carefully crafted content. I’ve helped dozens of businesses recover from these digital emergencies – here’s what 25 years of experience has taught me about keeping websites running smoothly.”
The Reality of Website Issues:
Technical problems don’t care about your schedule. A feature that worked perfectly for months might suddenly cause chaos. While backups are essential, they’re not always enough – especially when the root cause requires expert troubleshooting. That’s where my experience comes in. I’ve spent decades recognizing patterns in website behavior and using specialized tools to diagnose issues efficiently.
Value-Driven Services
CTO
As a fractional CTO, I’ve helped clients of all sizes select the right technology stack* to meet their goals, whether it’s assisting a marketplace seller in building a brand, guiding a client through a hosting provider change, or helping businesses fully utilize the tools offered by their host. I firmly believe there are no small projects, and I approach each engagement with respect and patience.
* The combination of software and hardware used to build and run applications/websites.
WP
As a WordPress developer, I’ve developed custom plugins to improve website functionality, including one for managing user access securely, automating content from sources like the Associated Press, integrating election software for results reporting, and adding AI to enhance client content with personalized interactions. Each plugin is designed to streamline operations and boost efficiency.
Laravel
As a Laravel developer, I designed a system for the accounting department to automatically import bank transactions, creating detailed cash reports and General Ledger (GL) entries that integrate with the Accounting Package. I also developed an HR application that integrates with ADP Recruitment, simplifying the creation of FCC reports to ensure EEO compliance.
PHP
As a PHP developer, I used PHP extensively within both WordPress and Laravel frameworks and collaborated on developing various internal PHP applications, helping create robust, customized solutions.
AI Integration
As a skilled AI integrator, I have added AI technology like Google Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, and Ollama into WordPress and custom systems to enhance efficiency, functionality, and user experience.
Python
As a Python developer, I create complete AI solutions using Python, integrating top AI tools like Google Gemini, OpenAI, Claude, and Ollama into systems and workflows. I develop custom scripts and APIs* to automate complex tasks, streamline operations, and build scalable, robust solutions that connect AI technologies with platforms like WordPress. My focus is on delivering optimized, user-friendly AI solutions that are easy to deploy and drive real business impact.
*Specially written pieces of code that allow different systems to talk to each other automatically.
Oracle
As an Oracle* developer, I developed Stored Procedures to extract data for the accounting department, created Schemas, Tables, and Views for both intranet and internet applications, and crafted scripts to streamline data import/export. I optimized performance with indexes and successfully migrated systems from other databases, ensuring smooth transitions and integration.
*A Database.
JetReports
As a JetReports specialist, I developed over 100 reports ranging from basic vendor lists to complex Profit & Loss statements. By implementing custom tables in our Microsoft Dynamics Nav* environment, I enabled dynamic report generation with flexible account ranges based on specified parameters.
*A business management software
ColdFusion
As a ColdFusion developer, I developed a custom Content Management System (CMS*) for TV stations, creating tools that allowed web content producers to easily update the site. I integrated the Associated Press API for automatic, timely content updates and engineered an Election Results module, seamlessly connecting the News Department’s election software with the website for an efficient workflow.
* A tool to easily manage and update website content
SQL
As a SQL* developer, I designed and implemented multiple PL/SQL Stored Procedures to extract and process data for critical business operations, tailored to departmental needs. I also established Schemas, Tables, and Views to support scalable applications for both internal and external systems. Additionally, I optimized query performance by implementing and fine-tuning indexes across production, staging, and development environments.
*Helps you store and find information in databases
Solving Problems: Real Examples
CMS Migration from ColdFusion to WordPress
One of my final major projects at Hubbard was migrating our five TV station websites from a custom ColdFusion-based CMS to WordPress. This initiative gave me hands-on involvement across the entire tech stack — from hosting decisions to front-end development.
We faced two major roadblocks: first, determining the right hosting strategy. The original plan involved a hybrid setup using AWS and on-prem servers. But weeks before launch, our Architecture Engineer resigned. Rather than let this derail the project, I led a strategic pivot — opting for a fully cloud-based solution through a managed hosting provider, improving scalability and reducing complexity.
This transition happened as we were also forced into remote work with no existing protocols. Despite the challenges, my team and I quickly adapted, learning WordPress, Git, and the new hosting tools on the fly — turning what could have been a failure into a successful deployment.
Automating Financial Reporting in Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision)
Our accounting department used Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision), which relied on JetReports to generate financial reports. Due to the structure of the chart of accounts, we had to create multiple versions of the same reports to support different scenarios — a time-consuming and error-prone process.
Working closely with the VP of Accounting, I helped design a dynamic reporting solution using custom tables. This allowed JetReports to generate tailored outputs based on input parameters, eliminating the need for duplicate reports.
The result was a dramatic reduction in hours spent on report development, maintenance, and troubleshooting — saving time for the accounting team, the VP, and myself.
Streamlining Check Printing in PeopleSoft
At Hubbard, the check printing process in our PeopleSoft accounting system had become a major bottleneck, taking over two hours and requiring batch processing. I was tasked with identifying the cause. After analyzing the code, database tables, and indexes, I discovered that Oracle was retrieving all invoices — even unpaid ones — and filtering them afterward.
The root issue wasn’t in the code, but in Oracle’s use of outdated table statistics. It was making inefficient queries based on data snapshots taken when key temporary tables were still empty. I resolved this by creating a custom index that guided Oracle to retrieve data efficiently.
The result: check printing dropped from hours to minutes, improving employee productivity and reducing wasted time.
The “Free” Plugin Trap
We needed a plugin to let editors control the order of posts by category-a feature WordPress doesn’t handle naturally. We found a free plugin that worked perfectly in our test environment. But when we deployed it on the live site, with dozens of editors and thousands of posts, it caused the website to crash.
The lesson? Your test environment must be as close to the real site as possible to avoid surprises.
The Custom Plugin That Didn’t Scale1
We built a custom plugin to automatically pull news stories and images from the Associated Press API. After a year in production, strange issues started appearing with the stories managed by this plugin. Upon investigation, we realized the plugin wasn’t designed to handle the growing volume-over 50,000 posts had been added.
The key takeaway? Always plan for growth and potential failure, not just initial success.
Lessons Learned
Prevention Over Cure
While crisis management is compelling, as a business owners you want to avoid emergencies. Musts:
- Maintenance plans (daily backups, security hardening, performance audits)
- Proactive monitoring tools (e.g., New Relic)
- Cost of downtime stats to emphasize urgency
- Diagnostic tools you use (e.g., Query Monitor, New Relic)
- Collaboration workflow (Slack updates? Weekly reports?)
- Security (e.g., WordFence, Sucury)
- CDN1 and Caching2
How I Can Help you with Your Business
- Business Reporting: As a JetReports specialist, I create custom reports-from simple lists to detailed financial statements-so you always have the data you need.
- Fractional CTO & Tech Guidance: I help you choose and implement the right technology to reach your business goals, from website hosting, workflow automation to scaling3 your environment.
- Website Development & Customization: I build and enhance websites, especially on WordPress, including custom themes5 and plugins6, membership features, automation, Headless4, and AI-powered content. I also work with PHP and Laravel for more complex web applications.
- Custom Application Development: I design and build software to automate your unique business processes-no matter the size of your company or project.
- Database Design & Management: I set up, optimize, and manage databases (MySQL, Oracle, SQL) to ensure your business information is secure and accessible.
- AI Integration: I add AI features to websites and apps, using models from Google, OpenAI, and others, to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and improve customer experiences.
- A CDN is a network of servers around the world that delivers website content faster by storing copies closer to users.
- Caching works by temporarily storing website data (like images) so pages load quicker on repeat visits.
- Scaling means making sure your website can handle more visitors and content without slowing down or crashing.
- Headless setups separate your content from design – letting you update either without breaking the other.
- Theme controls how your site looks and feels to visitors.
- Plugins are add-ons that expand your website’s capabilities, like adding contact forms, SEO tools, or online stores.