I'm Syd, A Web Developer & IT Consultant. I Build Websites, Computers, and Relationships.
I have 10 years of combined experience in web development and IT. I began my web development career making websites and software in higher education at UCLA. I transitioned to designing software engineering training programs and project management. Today, I enjoy supporting small businesses and individuals with all their IT needs, from developing websites to repairing computers and laptops.
my services
Web Development
I enjoy making websites that represent who people are and what they do. I am communicative and hands-on, building custom solutions that meet client needs. Whether we start from scratch, have a design, or an existing website needs some love, I am happy to help. I can architect and build enterprise-level, full stack applications from the front end to the database. See my pricing page for more details.
Web Development
I will meet you where you’re at. I am ready to take you from beginning to end and design everything: domains, hosting, design, content creation, site development, SEO, analytics, security, and maintenance. If you already have some of the pieces, we can plug them in and fill out what else you need. Anything you can dream of, we can make. Anything you want, we can achieve.
Alternatively, if you’ve updated your branding or have an existing site (or sites) that are outdated, let’s talk about redesigning what you have or giving it a facelift. For a facelift, I am happy to work with an itemized list or even just general sentiments like “it looks outdated.” Whether we’re starting from scratch, or just modernizing specific pieces to make them more cutting-edge, let’s put your best e-foot forward.
Website content updates
Let’s face it. Sometimes we don’t have the time, patience, or technical skills to update our websites with content and make them look exactly the way we envision them. I can do an entire rework of all the content on your site or just small fixes and stat updates. I also ensure that your branding style is consistent and appealing.
website TROUBLESHOOTING
We can troubleshoot any website or things you may have enabled or installed that aren’t working. I start by investigating and diagnosing the issue and follow up by providing a cost estimate, timeline, and other details.
full stack web development
In addition to static sites, I also make front end and full stack web apps. From interactive games to chat programs to web scrapers to investment applications and portfolio trackers, I build things from the ground up to the specifications and requirements that you provide or that we define together. My preferred tools are Angular, Node.js, MongoDB, and Auth0. If you have other preferences, I am also fluent in many other platforms and frameworks.
ServiceNow Implementations & Development
In addition to writing applications in code, I also do ServiceNow implementations and development. Most of my experience is in ServiceNow HR Service Delivery (HRSD), but I work within the entire platform. I know how nuanced and capable ServiceNow is as a platform and work in everything from data migrations to writing customizations to implementing modules and workflows to platform upgrades and modernization.
IT Services
Most individuals and companies have diverse IT needs. I can help you troubleshoot issues, implement the correct tools, build and repair your computer hardware, and source the software to meet your individual needs. Looking for a way to manage passwords? Having trouble with your MailChimp? Thinking of using Salesforce? Need new computers? I can help. Consultations and information are always free, so reach out today!
Computer Repair and Custom builds
I have been building and repairing computers since I was a child. I can help with whatever your desktop computer, laptop, or hardware needs are. And remember, consultations and information are always free, so reach out:
- Desktop or laptop screen replacement
- Desktop or laptop repair and troubleshooting
- Laptop keyboard repair and replacement
- Laptop or desktop deep cleaning
- Data recovery
- Custom-built desktop computers (gaming or office)
IT strategy and needs assessment
No matter the size of the business or the industry, every company has IT needs. When faced with technological challenges, it can be difficult to even know what questions to ask. I am happy to work collaboratively to boost your understanding and provide you with a concrete needs assessment and roadmap. You and I will first discuss your requirements and processes so I can help you discover the tools that would best support your work. We then explore any expenses and personnel resources required for maintenance.
finding and vetting tools & platforms
Whether we determined your needs together, or if you already know what you want to accomplish, I can help you identify which tools are most appropriate for you, including evaluating:
- Implementation cost
- Ongoing cost
- Implementation requirements
- Detailed feature mapping
- Level of developer support
- Administration requirements
- Security
I research and create a detailed, side-by-side comparison of the tools available to meet your needs so you are equipped to make informed IT decisions. I can provide you with that report, or I can also help you implement the recommendations.
troubleshooting existing tools
It is disruptive and expensive when our existing tools and platforms don’t work at their optimal level. I gather information about the issue and troubleshoot existing services, such as:
- A PoS system
- A web server
- MailChimp
- QuickBooks
- Salesforce
- Any other software or service
After the initial discovery and triage, we will work together on remediation within cost and timeline.
Nonprofit One-Stop IT needs
- Audit the current org landscape
- Provide concrete, prioritized recommendations
- Work with internal leadership on IT strategy and change management
- Train internal staff in the necessary skills to support new IT needs
- Get hands-on for as long as the org needs comfortably and sustainably implement new IT best practices
I do all this coming from a place of empathy and institutional knowledge of the specific nuances many nonprofits face with IT.
To learn more, please see my Nonprofit Services Section below.
My Approach
communication
I value frequent and direct communication. We can collaborate via text, email, Zoom, or in person. I make myself available so you aren’t left without a lifeline. Additionally, I prioritize making time to adequately explain the status of projects and decisions.
Transparency
I am a huge proponent of transparency. There are times when news of cost or time estimates can be unexpected; I always lead with a posture of transparency.
flexibility
I want to meet your specific needs. Our methods of communication, work schedule, and pricing structure will all be catered to the situation, circumstances, and requirements of the job.
expertise
I will bring my expertise to every project, and I will expect you to bring the institutional knowledge and perspective of who you are, what you do, and where you hope to go.
comprehensive IT services for the nonprofit lifestyle
organization process and platform audit
I typically start by inventorying everything you have and use in order to give you the best recommendations I can, including:
- Audit all org business processes for optimization and automation
- Audit all software, systems, and platforms for security, cost optimization, and efficient user management
- Itemized and prioritized recommendations
empathetic, human communication
I am an open communicator who appreciates transparency, a growth mindset, and not steering away from difficult conversations, such as:
- Are there current areas for growth? Of course
- Have you been doing it this way forever “just because”? No problem
- Do you want something, but you’re not sure what? Let’s discuss
- Are there historic things everyone is afraid to touch? I’ll touch them!
hands-on collaboration with your staff
I like to work directly with your staff and learn how they do their work. I don’t have any interest working in a silo and barking jargon-heavy orders from an ivory IT tower. Instead, I appreciate that every nonprofit has their own wealth of institutional knowledge. I enjoy meeting with staff to understand these nuances before I make any recommendations.
A resource for everything
I combine my experience growing a small nonprofit with over a decade of IT experience in the nonprofit and government sectors. I’m not a contractor here to engage on a single project; I am a complete resource for all your IT needs. I make myself available to you and your staff to be a sounding board, a review committee, or IT specialist so you can leverage all my experience and expertise.
Testimonials
About Me
Hello! I’m Syd. Lifelong Learner, IT Generalist, Twin (+1) Dad.
I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA to a career small business owner. Throughout my life, I have been involved in the IT side of small businesses. As a high school student, I began helping my father build his websites, procure hardware and manage IT solutions for his various businesses. I went to UCLA for a BA in Russian Language and Literature. After graduation, thanks to the limitless generosity of a mentor, I learned full stack web development. After acquiring the skills, I began my career as a full time developer, building apps for students, faculty, and staff.
During my career at UCLA staff, I wrote code, designed database architecture, wrote specifications, and interfaced with clients on projects big and small. I built an in-house, full-featured CMS for over 30 centers and programs and lead a team in creating a CSS/JavaScript framework to be used by hundreds of developers across campus.
My wife and I eventually decided to move back to the San Francisco Bay Area, where I took a job with an education technology company, running web development bootcamps in prisons across the US and designing reentry programs for justice-impacted people returning home to society. I worked in-prison in San Quentin State Prison directly with our program participants as well as at the strategic planning and leadership level for our programs across the country.
Currently, I live in Berkeley, CA with my wife, mother-in-law, and our 3 children. I freelance as a web developer and an IT consultant in order to provide friendly, local services to small businesses and also to be present with my family.
I enjoy freelancing and consulting because it’s personal. I am not a huge corporation or development firm, I’m a man doing what he loves, enabling and empowering others to do what they love. I am always interested in having conversations, building relationships, and understanding peoples’ needs in order to help address them.
I look forward to working together!
