99 Dev Problems

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel sits down with David Marshall, a Kansas City-based software engineer with a fascinating journey from professional musician and car sales to coding. David shares how he transitioned into tech through a coding bootcamp, landed his first developer role, and leveraged his sales background to become a more effective engineer and communicator.The conversation dives into the intersection of creativity and engineering, the reality of AI in software development, and the challenges junior developers face breaking into the industry. David also shares insights into working with Angular, React, and Node, his thoughts on the state of developer hiring, and why investing in junior engineers and continuing education is critical for the future of tech.Whether you're navigating a career shift, struggling with imposter syndrome, or curious about the evolving tech landscape, this episode is packed with real-world insights, humor, and practical advice.Where to Find David Marshall: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidmarshalldevPortfolio: davidmarshall.dev

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel talks with Matt Whitworth, founder of PureType, about his journey from building his own operating system as a teenager to leading fintech teams and now launching a developer education platform. They discuss imposter syndrome, why developers struggle to invest in their own learning, and how PureType helps engineers level up without the time sink of traditional courses.Matt also shares why he built PureType using Elixir and Phoenix LiveView, the challenges of being a solo founder, and how AI is changing how developers grow their skills. If you're looking for smarter ways to advance your career, this episode is packed with insights.Where to Find Matt Whitworth:Website: PureType.aiLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mwhitworth88/

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel sits down with Kevin Griffin, a seasoned software consultant, Microsoft MVP, conference organizer, and president of the .NET Foundation. They dive into Kevin’s 20-year journey in tech, from his early days hacking on computers to leading development teams and organizing developer events.Kevin shares his insights on consulting, the evolving role of a CTO, and the importance of system-level thinking for developers. They discuss his lessons from making an $8,000 serverless mistake, the challenges of running conferences like Revolution Conf, and why multi-threaded income is crucial in today’s unpredictable job market.Whether you're a junior developer navigating your career or an experienced engineer looking for ways to diversify your income, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real-world tech wisdom.Where to Find Kevin:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/1kevgriff/Website: Consult with GriffX: x.com/1kevgriffBluesky: @consultwithgriff.comMulti-Threaded Income Podcast; podcast.multithreadedincome.com

In this candid episode, Tessa Kriesel chats with Clark Sell, founder of That Conference, Unspecified, and From Code to Clarity. The conversation explores the emotional highs and lows of building a community-focused event, lessons learned from navigating a rapidly changing tech landscape, and the challenges of balancing innovation with sustainability.Clark opens up about the evolution of That Conference and the difficult decision to pause its operations. He shares his passion for fostering human connection among developers, his vision for smaller curated gatherings, and his ongoing journey to harness his unique ability to bring people together meaningfully. Tessa and Clark discuss the impact of AI on developers' roles, the importance of creative problem-solving, and the value of investing in personal and professional growth.With humor and vulnerability, this episode offers insights into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and the need to adapt in an ever-changing industry. Whether you're a developer navigating your career or an entrepreneur building something new, Clark’s reflections will inspire you to stay curious, prioritize meaningful connections, and embrace the unexpected.Where to Find Clark Sell Online:Website: From Code to ClarityYouTube: @ClarkSellSocial Media: @clarksell on most platformsDon’t miss this deep dive into the human side of the tech world—listen now!

On this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel is joined by the incredible Tejas Kumar, a seasoned technologist and AI DevRel engineer at DataStax, with over 20 years of experience at companies like Vercel, Spotify, and Zeta. Broadcasting from Berlin, Tejas dives into the art of democratizing AI, showcasing tools like Langflow, a drag-and-drop, low-code solution empowering developers and non-developers alike to build AI agents with ease.The conversation spans diverse topics, including the empowering role of teaching others, dismantling imposter syndrome in tech, and creating accessible AI sandboxes. Tejas shares insights on productivity techniques like "offensive and defensive work" and leveraging focus windows to tackle complex projects like Langflow. They also discuss the transformative potential of AI agents and the importance of preserving foundational tech knowledge in the evolving AI landscape.Tessa and Tejas brainstorm an exciting new project: a developer experience scoring agent that evaluates and improves developer tooling, exemplifying their shared passion for enhancing the developer ecosystem. They conclude with advice on overcoming challenges, staying motivated, and living life to the fullest.Where to Find Tejas Online:Website: tejas.asTwitter/X: @tejasKumar_Check out Langflow

In this engaging episode of 99 Dev Problems, host Tessa Kriesel welcomes guest, Amy Dutton, a seasoned web developer with 24 years of experience. Amy shares her journey from starting web development at 16 to becoming the lead maintainer of RedwoodJS. The conversation touches on her evolution from design to development, her early career experiences, and her latest ambitious project, Build Twelve—a year-long challenge to develop 12 projects in 12 months.Amy dives deep into the tech stacks and decision-making processes behind her projects, including her experiences with Laravel and Next.js, as well as the complexities of framework development. She also discusses the challenges of balancing technical work with building and maintaining a community, particularly in her Part-Time Startup initiative.The two share insights on getting unstuck as developers, leveraging AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT, and balancing the desire for perfection with the need for progress. Amy highlights the importance of walking away when stuck and embracing tools and workflows that play to individual strengths.This episode is packed with valuable lessons for developers at every stage, from overcoming technical hurdles to balancing the human and technical aspects of community-building.Where to Find Amy DuttonTwitter/X: @SelfTeachMeWebsite: buildtwelve.com – Subscribe for project updates and insights.Podcast: Compressed.fmTune in to hear Amy’s inspiring journey and practical advice, and stay connected for future collaborations and insights!

In this engaging episode, Tessa Kriesel chats with Nick Taylor, a Developer Advocate at Pomerium, about his journey from software engineering to developer advocacy. They explore the nuances of transitioning into DevRel, the importance of technical expertise, and the unique challenges of advocating for complex products. Nick shares insights from his career in open source, his love for community building, and his strategies for creating authentic connections in the developer ecosystem.From rugby tales to building backyard ice rinks, Nick reveals the importance of networks, passion projects, and staying connected to the developer community. The conversation highlights how open source has transformed his career and the evolving role of DevRel in fostering developer engagement.Where to Find Nick Taylor: Connect with Nick and explore his live streams and content:Website: nickyt.onlineLivestream: nickyt.liveX/Twitter: @nickytonlineLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nickytonlineYouTube: youtube.com/@nickytonline

In this heartfelt episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel sits down with Alex C. Berk, a seasoned front-end developer at Shipium, to explore his journey through tech, the challenges of scaling systems, and how faith and family shape his career.Alex shares his story of growing from a self-taught coder to a pivotal member of a reunited team of Zulily and Amazon alumni. He dives into his work with modern tools like TypeScript, React, and Node.js, and the collaborative culture at Shipium that fuels innovation in supply chain optimization. From solving complex database scaling issues to building a supportive remote-first environment, Alex offers insights into thriving as a developer in today's dynamic tech landscape.Key themes include:Mentorship and the value of building relationships in tech.Strategies for balancing family life and career in a remote-first world.Tackling large-scale technical challenges with creativity and teamwork.How faith influences decisions and impacts community building.Whether you're navigating your early career or leading teams, Alex's thoughtful reflections provide inspiration for every stage of your journey.Where to Find Alex C. Berk: LinkedIn: Alex C. Berk X: @alexcberkGitHub: alexcberkDon’t miss this engaging conversation packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories from the world of tech!

In this heartfelt episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel sits down with David Beale, a self-taught technologist and Site Reliability Engineer at PayNearMe, to explore his incredible journey through adversity, creativity, and the tech industry.David shares his story of resilience, beginning with a challenging childhood and unconventional start to his career, building from skateboarding websites and MySpace themes to leading impactful technical initiatives at companies like Etsy and Glossier. He reflects on the lessons learned from roles in DevOps, sales engineering, and site reliability, emphasizing the importance of grit, adaptability, and the connections we form along the way.Key themes include the power of vulnerability, navigating imposter syndrome, and the unique value of enthusiasm, curiosity, and integrity in tech careers. David's thoughtful insights on balancing personal and professional challenges, as well as his reflections on the art of career-building, offer inspiration to developers at every stage of their journey.Where to Find David Beale:LinkedIn: David BealePersonal Website: beale.shAdditional Resources:Listen to the AI Panel featuring David from December 30th at hub.builtfor.dev.

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel welcomes Aaron Francis, co-founder of Try Hard Studios, to discuss his unique journey from accountant to developer educator, his love for Laravel, and the grit it takes to thrive in tech and business.Aaron shares how his background in accounting shaped his problem-solving mindset and led to a passion for teaching complex topics like databases and development frameworks. As a self-taught developer, Aaron emphasizes the value of perseverance, curiosity, and putting your work out there—even when you feel unqualified. He discusses his latest project, an open-source Laravel library, and the balancing act of preparing for its big reveal at an upcoming conference.The conversation also dives into the joys and challenges of running Try Hard Studios, a developer education company specializing in high-quality video courses on topics like SQLite and Postgres. Aaron reflects on the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, navigating family responsibilities, and the unexpected twists of starting a business.Where to Find Aaron Francis:Try Hard Studios: tryhardstudios.comX/Twitter: @aarondfrancisYouTube: Aaron FrancisPersonal Blog: aaronfrancis.comAdditional Resources:Laravel Framework: laravel.comCheck out Aaron’s courses: High Performance SQLite and Mastering Postgres on Try Hard Studios' website.

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel is joined by Brian Casel, founder of Instrumental Products, to discuss his journey from front-end dev to full-stack mastery and his passion for building tools that empower developers. Brian shares insights from his unique career path, transitioning to Ruby on Rails, and the pivotal role AI plays in accelerating development workflows.Brian explains how Rails remains a premier choice for building MVPs and SaaS products, thanks to its simplicity and developer-friendly philosophy. The conversation also dives into how AI tools like Cursor have transformed his productivity, unblocking challenges that once took weeks in mere minutes.Tessa and Brian explore deeper topics like the evolving landscape for junior developers, the value of taking risks early in your career, and the joys and struggles of building a business as a technical founder. Brian also shares details about his exciting new projects: a Rails components library and a block editor for Rails, both designed to make development faster and more intuitive.This episode is packed with actionable insights, whether you're a junior developer navigating your first steps, a seasoned coder exploring Rails, or a founder looking to build products smarter and faster.Where to Find Brian Casel:Instrumental Products: instrumentalproducts.comPersonal Site: briancasel.comSocial Media:Blue Sky (@briancasel)X./Twitter (@CasJam)Brian’s New Podcast:The Panel: Panel Podcast (Launching February 2025)Additional Resources:For Rails enthusiasts: Keep an eye on instrumental.dev for the upcoming Rails components library and block editor.Don't miss this inspiring conversation that reminds us why we love building, solving problems, and collaborating in the developer community!

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel sits down with long-time friend and developer extraordinaire Carl Alexander. Carl shares his journey from building robotics projects as a child to becoming a prominent figure in the WordPress and PHP communities. With a passion for programming deeply ingrained in his DNA, Carl dives into the challenges of navigating a non-linear career path, the joys of building developer tools, and the importance of creating spaces where developers can thrive together.The conversation explores fascinating topics, including Carl’s insights on neurodivergence and the “double empathy problem,” how developers communicate, and why connecting with other like-minded individuals is crucial for growth. Carl also highlights the evolution of developer tooling, the role of AI in programming, and how his product, Emyr, is simplifying infrastructure management for WordPress developers.Whether you’re a developer who loves solving problems, building communities, or just nerding out about PHP and Laravel, this episode has something for everyone.Where to Find Carl Alexander:Ymir: https://ymirapp.com/Personal Blog: carlalexander.caGitHub: github.com/carlalexanderLinkedIn: Carl AlexanderAdditional Resources:Carl’s book on object-oriented programming in WordPress: https://carlalexander.ca/object-oriented-programming-wordpress/Developer community hub: hub.builtfor.devTune in to discover how Carl’s love for programming has shaped his life and how his innovative tools are empowering developers around the world.

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel chats with Noah Harris, a senior engineering manager based in Buffalo, New York. Noah shares his journey from Atlanta to Buffalo, his transition from electrical to computer engineering, and his deep passion for coding, leadership, and community.Noah dives into:Why he sees coding as playing with Legos and an art form.His leadership philosophy rooted in servant leadership and empowering teams.The productivity boost he gets from mastering Vim motions.The importance of finding your tribe and staying connected to the developer community.He also shares his unique approach to coffee (hint: it’s his Friday superpower) and how Commit Your Code reignited his love for tech connections.Where to find Noah:LinkedIn: Noah HarrisBlueSky: @nharris31Watch his talk, “Benefits of Joining the Mob"Tune in for actionable insights on coding, leadership, and community building from Noah's inspiring journey!

In this episode, Tessa Kriesel chats with James Q. Quick, a seasoned developer, speaker, and teacher currently serving as the Head of Developer Experience at MakeSwift, a visual builder integrated with Next.js and part of the BigCommerce ecosystem. James shares his insights on blending developer-centric and marketer-friendly tools, crafting effective documentation, and navigating the ever-evolving challenges of DevRel roles.Highlights include:Career Journeys: From education and self-taught paths to boot camps, James reflects on the diverse routes into tech..DevRel Challenges: Balancing startup agility within larger organizations and building tools that meet both developer and marketing needs.Practical Tips: Tackling documentation hurdles, leveraging feedback effectively, and building confidence in tech roles.Tools of the Trade: James reveals his love for tools like Warp (a next-gen terminal) and Raycast (a productivity booster for Mac users).Whether you're interested in developer experience, tech career advice, or cutting-edge tools, this episode offers invaluable insights for developers at every level.Where to Find James Quick:Across Socials: @JamesQQuickWebsite: JamesQQuick.comJoin us for this engaging discussion and discover why building things remains at the heart of James’ journey in tech.

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel is joined by Joe Casabona, a systems and automation coach, and the creator behind an incredible resource of podcast and automations templates. Joe shares his journey from software engineering to helping entrepreneurs and content creators streamline their processes through no-code automation. He talks about his unique approach to automation and how his technical background allows him to create systems that reduce complexity for others.They dive into topics like automation tools such as Zapier and Make, Joe’s use of AI in workflows, and his experiences with automating business processes without writing custom code. Joe also shares personal anecdotes, including the unexpected joys of getting his family a dog, Bandit, despite not being a dog person. The conversation touches on balancing family life with career ambitions and the evolution of Joe’s approach to productivity and systems.Join Tessa and Joe for a candid chat that not only touches on the technical side of automation but also explores the human side of career shifts, managing change, and the joy of solving problems creatively. Joe’s insights are a must-listen for anyone looking to streamline their own work or build systems for their businesses.Folks can find Joe Casabona and his work at the following:Website: casabona.orgAutomations Resource: casabona.org/automations – Get access to his free database of over 40 automation templates for tools like Zapier, Make, and Apple Shortcuts.Joe’s resources are great for anyone looking to optimize their processes with automation tools, and his storytelling style makes learning from him an enjoyable experience!

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel sits down with Flo Merian, a seasoned developer, founder, and marketer with a rich history of supporting DevTool startups and building communities. Flo shares insights into his journey, starting from self-taught coding as a teenager to co-founding impactful initiatives like Marketing to Dev, a thriving community for DevTool founders and marketers, and his latest venture, Launchweek.dev—a platform for showcasing new developer products.Key Highlights:Origins of a Developer: Flo recounts how his brother introduced him to coding, leading to his lifelong passion for building and innovation.The Power of Giving Back: Tessa and Flo dive deep into the "give first" mindset, exploring how openness and community engagement foster growth and trust in the developer ecosystem.Building for Developers: Flo discusses Launchweek.dev, a platform bridging gaps for DevTool startups to gain visibility, and emphasizes the long-term value of nurturing developer advocacy.Problem-Solving with AI: Flo shares how tools like Raycast and Zed enhance his workflow, showcasing the evolving role of AI in development.The conversation also touches on the unique camaraderie in the developer world, the challenges of measuring community-driven growth, and actionable strategies for engaging with developers authentically.Connect with Flo:x.com/fmerianlinkedin.com/in/fmerian/marketingto.dev/launchweek.dev

This week on 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel chats with Tim Banks. Tim brings a wealth of experience from the tech industry and a unique perspective as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner and five-time Pan American medalist. Together, they explore parallels between the discipline of martial arts and the challenges of DevOps, including navigating complex systems, maintaining resilience, and fostering continuous learning.In this candid conversation, Tim shares:His journey into tech and lessons from DevOps.Strategies for tackling burnout and staying focused in high-pressure environments.How diverse life experiences can shape your approach to problem-solving.Practical advice for developers at all levels to grow and thrive in their careers.Whether you're balancing code, life, or jiu-jitsu mats, this episode offers wisdom, inspiration, and actionable insights for grappling with the ever-evolving landscape of tech.Tune in for an authentic deep dive into the human side of DevOps and discover solutions to some of the toughest challenges developers face.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of 99 Dev Problems, host Tessa Kriesel chats with the multifaceted Kevin Blanco, a DevRel advocate, film enthusiast, and tech professional from Costa Rica. Kevin shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings, discovering computers in high school, to becoming a passionate community builder and a creative force in developer advocacy.Topics covered include:Community Power: Kevin highlights how the Drupal community's generosity shaped his career and emphasizes the importance of giving back to the communities that uplift us.From Developer to Advocate: Transitioning from a 15-year tech engineering role to DevRel, Kevin discusses how his love for storytelling and creativity aligns with his work at AppSmith, an open-source low-code platform.Creative Approach to DevRel: Kevin reveals his process of blending film school storytelling techniques into developer advocacy, focusing on empathy-driven video content, user empowerment, and building meaningful partnerships.Lessons in Simplicity: The duo explore the pitfalls of overengineering and the virtues of simplicity, shedding light on practical solutions to achieve business goals.Inspiration and Uniqueness: Kevin shares profound advice on creativity, personal growth, and embracing one's unique journey, offering actionable insights for developers and tech enthusiasts at every level.Join us for this insightful conversation that bridges tech, creativity, and community, showcasing how authenticity and passion can drive both personal and professional success.Where to Find Kevin Blanco:LinkedInKevinBlanco.devYouTube

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel chats with Sean Falconer, AI Entrepreneur in Residence at Confluent, about his diverse career journey from academia to entrepreneurship and leadership in the tech industry. Sean shares insights into his unique role at Confluent, where he focuses on innovation and strategy in AI, and reflects on his transition from being a hands-on engineer to taking on broader leadership responsibilities.Sean dives into his experiences founding a two-sided marketplace for blue-collar workers, the lessons learned, and why it’s vital to understand your strengths when scaling a business. He also recounts his "accidental" journey into becoming a CMO, emphasizing the importance of scrappiness and first-principles thinking in marketing and business growth.The conversation explores the impact of AI on IT and software engineering roles, debunking fears of job loss while highlighting AI’s potential to enhance productivity and create opportunities for entrepreneurship. Sean also shares his go-to strategies for overcoming challenges, including rubber-duck debugging, fresh perspectives, and the importance of stepping away to rethink problems.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a developer curious about AI’s future, or someone navigating their career in tech, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical advice.Connect with Sean on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanf.

In this festive holiday edition of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel welcomes Jason Torres, a developer evangelist at torc.dev, for a candid conversation about the power of community, meaningful connections, and the often-overlooked importance of great documentation in tech.Jason shares his journey from the film industry to tech, where he's found his niche in fostering authentic engagement within developer communities. We dive into how Torc has experienced exponential growth by focusing on relationships and creating a supportive environment for developers. Jason highlights their initiatives like virtual networking events and lunch meetups that provide inclusive spaces for developers to connect, especially for those who might feel shy or isolated at large conferences.The episode also unpacks the challenges of bad documentation and its impact on developer experience. Jason and Tessa explore actionable solutions for making docs more accessible, like tiered documentation for various skill levels and ensuring developers can quickly reach that pivotal "aha moment."From acts of kindness, like Jason’s story of buying a Christmas tree for strangers, to strategies for building stronger developer communities, this episode celebrates the human side of tech. Jason reminds us that small acts of generosity and connection can ripple outward, creating a more positive and collaborative ecosystem.Key Takeaways:The importance of investing in developer documentation to foster trust and ease adoption.How Torc is redefining community engagement with innovative approaches to networking.Practical tips for building confidence to attend conferences and meetups, even for introverts.Why selfless acts and authentic connections are crucial in creating thriving tech communities.Join us for this uplifting conversation that captures the holiday spirit and offers valuable insights for developers at every level. And remember, as Jason wisely puts it, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."🔗 Connect with Jason Torres:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejasontorres/Twitter: https://x.com/TasonJorresTorc: https://www.torc.dev/🎄 Merry Christmas from 99 Dev Problems! Tune in for more candid conversations and authentic tech talk in the new year!

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel chats with Genghis Philip, an engineering manager at Kipsu, who shares his journey from archaeology to tech, his passion for coaching (both in ultimate frisbee and engineering teams), and his thoughtful approach to career growth and team building.Genghis discusses the importance of building high-performing teams by aligning incentives, fostering autonomy, and creating a culture where engineers thrive. He highlights the value of succession planning—not just for individual careers but as a critical strategy across teams and organizations. From enabling junior developers to embrace problem-solving without over-relying on AI tools, to guiding senior engineers toward impactful roles, Genghis offers practical insights for every stage of a developer's career.We also explore his three-pronged framework for career growth: management, architecture, and technical sales, and the often-overlooked potential of solutions architecture roles. Genghis emphasizes the importance of engineers understanding the "why" behind their work, aligning their personal goals with business needs, and fostering inclusivity in tech.This episode is packed with actionable advice for developers, managers, and anyone passionate about growing their career or supporting their teams. Plus, hear Genghis' inspiring call to action for fostering community and creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers.Where to Find Genghis:Blog: MilkyWayFarers.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genghisphilip/X/Twitter: https://x.com/HawksfireBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genghis.bsky.socialTune in for an insightful conversation that bridges tech, leadership, and the human side of building impactful careers and teams.

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel chats with Alex Standiford, founder of Novatorius, Siren, and creator of PHP Nomad. Alex shares his journey from WordPress developer to agency founder, shedding light on the challenges of balancing client work with product development. He dives deep into PHP Nomad, a groundbreaking framework designed to enable nomadic programming, allowing code to seamlessly transition across platforms like WordPress, Laravel, and beyond.Listeners will learn how Alex utilizes AI tools like ChatGPT for problem-solving and project management, why he designed PHP Nomad to decouple integrations for maximum flexibility, and how his nomadic framework is reshaping how developers approach platform-dependent programming. Alex also shares his philosophy on work-life balance, highlighting how he built his business to enable freedom and mobility, inspired by his own travels while working remotely.Whether you're a WordPress developer looking to broaden your skill set or simply curious about the future of programming frameworks, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights and practical advice. Plus, Alex discusses opportunities to collaborate with Novatorius, whether you're looking for project work or quick development "snacks."Links from the Show:Find Alex on LinkedInAlex Standiford’s Personal SitePHP NomadJoin Alex's Team of DevsDon’t miss Alex’s passion for building tools that empower developers and his call to action for those ready to join him on this journey. Tune in and find your edge in the developer ecosystem!

In this episode of 99 Dev Problems, Tessa Kriesel chats with Mike Bifulco, CTO and co-founder of Craftwork, a Y Combinator-backed company redefining the home services experience with innovative technology. Mike shares insights into Craftwork's mission to modernize home painting services through thoughtful tech integration and human-centric design.From leveraging Rails, React Native, and Next.js to tackling multilingual software challenges and behavioral economics in UX design, Mike provides a deep dive into the technical and human aspects of building scalable, customer-focused products. He also discusses the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and leadership in engineering teams—and offers advice for developers navigating the ever-changing tech landscape.Discover how Craftwork combines cutting-edge tech with a personal touch to redefine customer experiences and learn how Mike approaches challenges, innovation, and team building.Key Takeaways:How Craftwork’s software ecosystem empowers both painters and customers.Lessons from transitioning complex features into user-friendly solutions.The importance of listening to user feedback and embracing iteration.Why leadership and alignment with values matter when choosing tools and teammates.Insights into the hiring process and what makes a great engineering culture.Job Opportunity: Craftwork is hiring a full-stack Rails developer! If you're curious, passionate, and eager to join a team transforming the home services industry, please look at the job posting below.Guest Links:Mike Bifulco’s WebsiteAPIs You Won’t HateCraftwork Job PostingTune in, learn, and get inspired by the intersection of tech and humanity.

In this episode, we sat down with Neal Tovsen, a seasoned fractional CTO who brings over two decades of enterprise and startup experience to the tech industry. After working at companies like GE and Siemens, Neal ventured into entrepreneurship before finding his passion in fractional CTO work, where he helps non-technical founders and coaches technical founders navigating the startup world. Throughout the conversation, Neal shared invaluable insights on technical leadership, discussing how development decisions need to align with business context and goals. He offered a fresh perspective on the perpetual challenge of balancing code quality with business needs, suggesting that developers should "change the definition of perfection to match the need at the time." Neal also delved into the cultural aspects of different programming languages and frameworks, from Ruby/Rails to JavaScript/TypeScript, and provided practical advice for developers looking to introduce new tools to their organizations. His approach to technology selection and team building reflects a deep understanding of how technical decisions impact business outcomes, making this episode particularly valuable for both developers and technical leaders looking to bridge the gap between technical excellence and business objectives. Neal can be found on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealtovsen, where he's open to connecting for mentoring and technical leadership discussions.

In this episode, Chris Swift, a senior engineer in FinTech shares insights from his 13-year journey in tech. The conversation explores the evolution of development tools, the shifting landscape of remote developer culture, and practical approaches to solving complex integration challenges. From discussing the importance of foundational programming knowledge to sharing real-world strategies for communicating technical needs to business stakeholders, this episode offers valuable perspectives on modern software development.Key topics include the evolution of adopting AI developer tools, changing dynamics in technical leadership, approaches to technical problem-solving, and building effective developer relationships in remote environments. Whether you're interested in developer productivity, career growth, or technical leadership, this episode offers practical insights from someone actively building in highly regulated environments.