Web Development: Jobs Landed

I help manage the main TechSmith.com website, including the store.

Design and code user interfaces for websites and web applications.

1. Working with stakeholders to streamline CMS content to the TechSmith Website and troubleshoot problems
2. Adding new features and enhancing existing features of the TechSmith websites (English & Foreign)
3. Working with product teams to ensure that new product releases and information regarding them become accessible on the web
4. Working with the WP team to devise internal strategies aimed at:
   1. Enhancing our team’s development methodology, organization, productivity, and efficiency
   2. Putting TechSmith in a position to better serve its customers and keep them satisfied with our both products and web support services
5. Finding other new and innovative ways to make TechSmith better as a functional business entity

Okemos based web design, development, and internet marketing firm Web Ascender specializes in creating custom websites, functional mobile apps, and practical online systems to suit the needs of both local clients and clients across the globe. Web Ascender was founded in 2005 and since has rapidly grown into a leader in its field. I was instated as full time at the start of 2011 when my current internship as a graphic designer opened up into a full time position. As a graphic designer, I work on the front end of web design and development by seeing ideas through from concept to implementation. The most rewarding part for me is being able to see my work materialize and ultimately provide clients with real results.

I have the best job in the world. I get to talk to interesting people, most of whom want my advice regarding their online and offline marketing efforts. On any given day, I'm guiding project development, writing proposals, producing work plans, reviewing budgets, hiring contractors or meeting with clients. Well, I take that back. That's the second-best job in the world. The best job is getting to play with my wife and four kids at the end of the day. Oh, and in my spare time I'm putting together a book of marketing tips for small business and non-profit organizations which will be out this fall.

Web Ascender is a Michigan-based website design, development and internet marketing firm. Our philosophy is to work side-by-side with clients, enabling them to leverage Web Ascender's talents and skills as their own. With a plethora of experience in IT software consulting, we see the big picture for each project and help clients integrate their website into their business as an effective sales and marketing tool that works 24 hours a day.

With our headquarters in the East Lansing/Okemos area, I’m in the process of creating a presence for us in the Detroit market.  We have provided solutions for municipalities, financial institutions, retail outlets, legal firms, medical and dental offices as well as movie production companies.  I’m starting to gain traction as more and more people find out how Web Ascender can improve their presence on the web.

My job is great because I’m helping businesses either discover a completely new resource or teaching them how to better utilize one that they already have.  The variety of clients and vast array of requests keep each day unique, so I always have to be on my toes!  I learned a lot working for Palace Sports & Entertainment and I’m trying to apply some of those practices and strategies to what we do, which is definitely challenging.   

Since all of us at Web Ascender grew up in Michigan, we feel it’s important to give back to the community.  In Lansing, we sponsor the Give Camp, which is a weekend-long event where software developers, designers, and database administrators donate their time to create custom software for non-profit organizations. This custom software could be a new website for the nonprofit organization, a small data-collection application to keep track of members, or a application for the Red Cross that automatically emails a blood donor three months after they’ve donated blood to remind them that they are now eligible to donate again. The only limitation is that the project should be scoped to be able to be completed in a weekend.

I will be spearheading similar efforts in the Detroit area and started it by sponsoring a recreational basketball team in Troy.  I’m definitely looking forward to giving even more back to the Metro-Detroit area!