Brian Tafoya

Brian Tafoya

Full-Stack Software Engineer and Systems Architect with 30+ Years of Experience in Tech Innovation - The "Dr. House" of code

Meet the "Dr. House" of code, your go-to expert for complex software challenges. As a seasoned Senior PHP Developer and Linux SysAdmin, I've honed my skills in diagnosing and solving even the toughest technical issues. Results-driven and highly experienced Software Developer with over 30 years of expertise in designing, developing, and implementing cutting-edge technologies. A seasoned Senior Software Engineer with a strong command of multiple programming languages, full-stack web development, and systems management. Deeply skilled in Linux operations and contemporary web technologies, with a solid history as a Senior Systems and Network Administrator overseeing infrastructure, security, and operations. A pioneer in the Internet industry since 1993, delivering end-to-end solutions including web hosting, email services, domain registration, and custom server application development. Complementing my software background,

Contact Information

Email: btafoya[at]briantafoya[dot]com

Phone: 3212660951

Location: Cape Canaveral, Florida

Skills

Software Development (Expert)

Keywords: PHP, JavaScript, Python, SQL, Ruby, C++, Go, NodeJS

Experience: 31 years

Web Development (Expert)

Keywords: JavaScript, jQuery, Bootstrap, NodeJS, CSS, HTML, React

Experience: 26 years

Information Technology (Expert)

Keywords: eCommerce, B2B, Databases, Cloud Hosting, Security, Networking, Sysadmin

Experience: 26 years

PHP (Expert)

Keywords: PHPUnit, CI, Async, OOP, Performance Optimization, Design

Experience: 26 years

PHP Frameworks (Expert)

Keywords: Laravel, Composer, eCommerce, Symphony, FuelPHP, CakePHP, Fat-Free

Experience: 16 years

Drupal (Expert)

Keywords: Plug In Development, Theme Development, Security, jQuery, Bootstrap, CSS, Cloud Hosting

Experience: 21 years

eCommerce (Expert)

Keywords: WooCommerce, OpenCart, Magento, Shopify, PrestaShop, Ecommerce Templates

Experience: 21 years

WordPress (Expert)

Keywords: PHP, jQuery, Bootstrap, Cloud Hosting, Plug In Development, Theme Development, CSS

Experience: 16 years

Responsive Web Design (Expert)

Keywords: Bootstrap, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, jQuery, React, NodeJS

Experience: 16 years

JavaScript (Expert)

Keywords: jQuery, NodeJS

Experience: 26 years

Coldfusion (Expert)

Keywords:

Experience: 16 years

Python (Programming Language) (Advanced)

Keywords:

Experience: 16 years

Git (Expert)

Keywords:

Experience: 16 years

Subversion (Expert)

Keywords:

Experience: 21 years

SQL (Expert)

Keywords: MySQL, SQLServer, SQLLITE, PostgreSQL

Experience: 26 years

MySQL (Expert)

Keywords:

Experience: 21 years

Shell Scripting (Expert)

Keywords: BASH, Perl, SSH, Ansible

Experience: 26 years

Linux (Expert)

Keywords: Sysadmin, Networking, Security, Cloud Hosting, Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, RedHat/Oracle, Slackware

Experience: 31 years

Cloud Computing (Expert)

Keywords: AWS, Vultr, Digital Ocean, Linode, CloudFlare, Azure

Experience: 16 years

Amazon Web Services (AWS) (Advanced)

Keywords:

Experience: 11 years

Apache (Expert)

Keywords: Sysadmin, Networking, Security, Cloud Hosting, SSL, Performance Optimization

Experience: 21 years

Nginx (Expert)

Keywords: Sysadmin, Networking, Security, Cloud Hosting, SSL, Performance Optimization

Experience: 16 years

Docker Products (Advanced)

Keywords: Docker Compose, Networking, Linux

Experience: 11 years

Virtualization (Expert)

Keywords: VMWare, Proxmox, QEMU

Experience: 16 years

Shopify Integration and 3rd Party Development (Expert)

Keywords: PHP

Experience: 11 years

Full Stack Development (Expert)

Keywords: NodeJS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, jQuery, HTML

Experience: 20 years

Work Experience

Finale Media Company - Director of Engineering

2012-10-01 to

I am the architect and developer of software solutions, offering expertise in software architectural design and development. In addition to this, I hold a pivotal role in overseeing all software development projects, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. My responsibilities also extend to providing unwavering and continuous support for a variety of large-scale customer platforms. I am dedicated to ensuring the seamless operation and performance of these platforms, enhancing the customer experience and delivering exceptional results.

Tafoya Ventures - President/Senior Engineer

2003-03-01 to

We are a versatile support, design, development, and maintenance firm, with a core specialization in web-based applications. Our expertise extends to the creation and management of large-scale eCommerce platforms, seamless data integration systems, vibrant social platforms, and dynamic blogging solutions. In addition to our proficiency in web applications, we offer a comprehensive suite of services. We provide managed hosting solutions, ensuring your applications and websites run smoothly and efficiently. Our adept team handles system administration, taking care of the intricate details of your infrastructure. We excel in network design and implementation, ensuring robust connectivity and efficient data flow. Cybersecurity is a paramount concern in today's digital landscape, and we are committed to safeguarding your digital assets. Our cybersecurity services encompass proactive measures to protect your data and systems. Furthermore, we offer reliable internet access services to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. At our core, we are your one-stop solution provider, dedicated to delivering top-notch services across a wide spectrum of technical domains, ensuring the success and security of your online ventures.

Hot Stix Golf - Director of IT/Software Development

2006-02-01 to 2008-02-01

As a Senior Software Engineer/Architect, I lead and oversee several critical facets of our operations, ensuring a seamless and innovative experience for our customers. My role encompasses network implementation and maintenance, where I guarantee the reliability and efficiency of our network infrastructure. In addition to network management, I take charge of support staff oversight, ensuring that our team operates at peak performance to address any technical issues promptly. I also play a pivotal role in the continued IT development of our remote operations and franchises, enabling them to stay at the forefront of technology. Furthermore, I lead the oversight and development of our flagship software products for Hot Stix Brand, specializing in golf fitting and equipment R&D. This responsibility involves architecting cutting-edge solutions and steering the development process to create the best-in-class software products that empower our customers and maintain our brand's reputation for excellence.

Insight - Senior Developer

2004-07-01 to 2006-02-01

I spearheaded the design and extensive refactoring of the insight.com web administration suite, a vital component of the company's online infrastructure. In addition, I played a pivotal role in revamping a custom lead management system, optimizing its functionality for enhanced performance. I also took charge of modernizing our web-based code release management system, long before the era of GitHub, streamlining the development process and making it more efficient.

Smart Guys Computing - VP of Information Technology/Lead Software Engineer

2002-02-01 to 2004-02-01

In my role at a technical solutions support company, I played a pivotal role in driving innovative projects and technical solutions that enhanced our clients' operations. Notably, I led the design and development of web-based business management software, providing our clients with a robust and streamlined platform to manage their operations. In addition to this core project, I successfully tackled various other initiatives, including workflow process management systems that optimized efficiency, seamless integration of e-commerce into legacy ERP systems, and the development of B2B solutions tailored for resellers, distributors, and medical claims processing. Furthermore, I specialized in crafting and implementing Linux-based server solutions to fortify our clients' cybersecurity. This involved the deployment of robust firewalls, spam protection mechanisms, and antivirus solutions, safeguarding their digital assets and data integrity. My commitment to delivering cutting-edge technical solutions has consistently contributed to the success and growth of our clients, ensuring their operations run efficiently and securely.

Direct Alliance - Senior Developer

2000-02-01 to 2003-01-01

In my role, I held a diverse set of responsibilities that contributed significantly to our organization's technological solutions. As the focal point for middleware and web services, I was entrusted with their development and maintenance, ensuring that our systems ran smoothly and securely. Furthermore, I took on the role of a B2B technical project manager, overseeing projects that aimed at enhancing our technical infrastructure. My responsibilities extended to the development and maintenance of B2B programs, particularly for the ibm.com website, including its critical components like "Shop IBM" in both the US and Europe, streamlining order fulfillment processes. I also had a hand in the design and development of an internal project management workflow engine, facilitating streamlined project execution and collaboration. Additionally, I played a critical role in the development of a web monitoring daemon, dedicated to monitoring the uptime of our crucial web services, ensuring their uninterrupted availability and top-notch performance. My multifaceted role exemplified my commitment to ensuring our organization's technological excellence, optimizing operations, and maintaining the highest standards of service delivery.

Rio Grande Computing - Sole Proprietor

1997-02-01 to 2000-12-01

Throughout my career, I've been at the forefront of web technology, playing a significant role in creating and sustaining a wide range of commercial websites, including e-commerce platforms and online communities. I've also been responsible for managing web database services, ensuring data is organized and accessible. In addition to web development, I've taken charge of multiple server implementations and maintenance. These servers have supported diverse services, such as web hosting, email hosting, domain name services, and shell services, contributing to the seamless operation of our digital infrastructure. Furthermore, I was an early adopter of the Internet and actively contributed to its growth. I developed and deployed a pioneering fully interactive social bulletin board system, which not only fostered online communities but also provided innovative dial-up internet access. My forward-thinking approach and technical expertise have left a lasting impact on the digital landscape.

New Mexico Joint Apprenticeship Committee for the Electrical Industry - Instructor

1995-09-01 to 1999-08-01

As an Electrical Program Instructor at the New Mexico Joint Apprenticeship Committee for the Electrical Industry, and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 611, I have had the privilege of sharing my knowledge and expertise with aspiring electricians. In this role, I've been responsible for imparting essential electrical skills and industry knowledge to help prepare the next generation of professionals for a successful career in the electrical trade.

J&S Electric - Foreman, Journeyman Electrician

1995-02-01 to 1999-08-01

In my role at J&S Electric, a contractor of Los Alamos National Laboratories, I have help a leadership position with oversight over significant electrical projects of critical importance. This encompassed comprehensive project management, where I was responsible for orchestrating the entire project lifecycle. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in the design and implementation of Programmable Logic Controls (PLCs), providing safety process management. I took on the vital responsibility of Project Safety Coordinator, ensuring that all aspects of the projects adhered to the highest safety standards, prioritizing the well-being of the team and the successful execution of the projects.

Johnson Controls World Services - Foreman, Journeyman Electrician

1994-12-01 to 1996-02-01

In my role, I lead the management of the Electrical Power Quality Program at Los Alamos National Laboratories. This multifaceted role encompassed a wide range of responsibilities, from conducting diagnostics to engineering and implementing solutions for diverse power systems. Beyond technical aspects, I also excelled in labor management, efficiently scheduling jobs, coordinating teams, requisitioning materials, and leveraging my expertise in electrical engineering. This approach ensured the smooth operation of the program and the successful resolution of complex power quality challenges.

References

Dimitri Ponomareff

Brian is highly effective and achieves results when confronted with major responsibilities and limited resources. He also demonstrates a high degree of originality and creativity. When faced with a tough technical issue, Brian was an obvious choice.

Leslie Hahn

Brian is a very gifted and focused developer. Any organization or project would be lucky to have him.

Cory Lamle

Working with Brian was a great experiance! Brian has the ability to engineer software very rapidly and works under pressure very well. He has a huge depth of knowledge relating to hardware and software alike. He is extremely easy to work with and has a great sense of humor. I would recommend Brian to any company, and would love the chance to work with him again...

Steve Hasz

We've used Brian for a variety of small and medium sized projects and I'd heartily recommend him. He's fast, good and his work is reasonably priced.

Jesse Castro

I have worked with Brian both as a colleague and partner. His vast knowledge and innovative thinking will help anyone in need of immediate or long term results. Brian is a trustworthy and caring individual. I recommend Brian because he truly cares about what he is doing.

Chris Hewitt

Brian is in a rare category of technical professionals that can bridge the gap between ‘the business’ and ‘IT’ components of an organization; combining an excellent technical skill set with the ability to solution complex business needs and problems. These abilities allow Brian to work as an active participant in shaping projects and strategies across a broad spectrum of topics. I was consistently impressed with Brian’s dedication to his work and the success of his team; he is a solid contributor with a great attitude and a positive approach to his work.

Jodi Juretich

Brian is in the elite group of IT professionals who understands the entire business model. Brian joined the company at a time of explosive growth and quickly expanded the IT infrastructure to support the current and future growth of the company. Brian was instrumental in selecting, installing and implementing our ERP system. Brian is customer focused to both internal and external customers and I enjoyed working with Brian. Brian is an asset to any organization both in his technical skills and people skills.

Bill Enloe

Brian is an excellent developer, designer, and project manager. I've worked close with Brian and he provides the necessary information for those requiring tasks of him and delivers tasks on time. He values all input and thinks of the customer first in all aspects of the development process. He would be an asset to any company.

Doug Kaplan

Brian is very well versed in all computers and all issues that may arise with a computer. Very organized and a pleasure to work with.