Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
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Benjamin Elliott

Colorado Springs,CO

Summary

Adept at leading teams and pioneering software solutions, I've driven key projects at globally recognized brands like Lonely Planet and The Points Guy. I am a passionate engineering leader and full stack developer with a diverse background in technologies spanning over 12 years in the field of Software Engineering across multiple industries.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Engineering Manager

Red Ventures - Lonely Planet
Colorado Springs, CO
03.2024 - Current

As the leader of the Site team, I oversee a talented group of developers, providing guidance and support to drive team success. I've led significant infrastructure improvements, including migrating our core API from ECS to EKS, enhancing performance and scalability. I also spearheaded a large-scale content migration, transitioning 40,000 pieces to a new block editor system.

In collaboration with stakeholders and product owners, I coordinate high-profile product launches, ensuring alignment and successful delivery. I work closely with product leaders to develop innovative solutions that meet business goals and exceed user expectations. I provide guidance and support to drive team success. I've led significant infrastructure improvements, including migrating our core APIs from AWS ECS to EKS, enhancing performance and scalability. I also spearheaded a large-scale content migration, transitioning 40,000 pieces to a new block editor system. In collaboration with stakeholders and product owners, I coordinate high-profile product launches, ensuring alignment and successful delivery. I work closely with product leaders to develop innovative solutions that meet business goals and exceed user expectations.

Engineering Manager

Red Ventures - The Points Guy
Chicago, IL
07.2023 - 03.2024

As the Leader of the Cards Team at The Points Guy, I guided a talented group of up to 11 developers, playing a pivotal role in driving the majority of our business revenue. By optimizing traffic to our transactional pages and enhancing user conversion at scale, we significantly contributed to the company's financial success. I worked closely with key stakeholders from Ad Ops, SEO, Content, and Partnerships, empowering our sales and partnerships teams to quickly test and iterate, leading to more effective customer journeys.

Mentoring junior talent was a key focus, ensuring their growth aligned with our team's goals. I maintained seamless team operations by orchestrating agile ceremonies and implementing CI/CD automation, which improved our development efficiency and reliability. Through cultivating a cohesive team environment, I established norms and processes that supported productivity and aligned with our strategic initiatives.

Senior Engineer

Red Ventures - The Points Guy
Chicago, IL
02.2022 - 07.2023

In my role as a Senior Engineer, I spearheaded a transformative migration project that modernized our technical infrastructure. We transitioned from a legacy PHP architecture to a cutting-edge, containerized Node.js/TypeScript stack on AWS ECS. This strategic overhaul not only drastically improved site reliability but also streamlined operational expenses, significantly enhancing our system's efficiency.

Additionally, I played a key role in advancing a large-scale data aggregation platform designed to capture and process award travel and loyalty program data from a wide array of external sources. This initiative provided our users with actionable insights, empowering them to maximize their points and miles effectively.

Software Engineer

Ladder
Austin, TX
02.2020 - 10.2020

At Ladder, as the sole backend developer, I led the development of our Teams application from concept to App Store release in just over 100 days. I crafted a complex marketplace payments solution for partner coaches and developed a comprehensive member and subscription system to support our launch. Leveraging the Serverless framework, I deployed our entire stack on AWS Lambda, enabling cost-effective app hosting at launch. As part of a tight-knit team of four, I significantly contributed to shaping the product and delivering optimal technical solutions for our users.

Full Stack Software Engineer

Bungalo/ Amherst Holdings LLC
Austin, TX
01.2019 - 02.2020

At Bungalo, as part of a small, agile team, I contributed to developing a real estate app aimed at disrupting the home-buying process, competing with industry leaders like OpenDoor and Zillow. I played a key role in building a comprehensive web application to support our sales team, as well as the web and mobile frontends using Salesforce Connect. My work involved integrating location services and SMS APIs to enable automated touring, along with complex integrations to meet strict compliance requirements for conducting entire real estate transactions within our app. Key technologies I worked with included Node.js, AWS Lambda, React.js, Salesforce, PostgreSQL, and Algolia for recommendations.

Software Engineer

Midmark
Traverse City, MI
08.2017 - 01.2019

Responsible for the design and implementation of Next-Gen Real Time Locating Systems(RTLS) architecture by leveraging the Microsoft Azure platform and Javascript(ES6)-based microservices. My role was primarily focused on designing, building and consuming REST API's built in .NET Core through Node.js-based microservices, GraphQL and React.

Software Engineer

LevelSet Solutions
Royal Oak, MI
08.2016 - 07.2017

At Levelset Solutions, I provided development and systems administration services to a diverse range of clients, including those in the automotive, medical, and financial services sectors. I developed software using PHP, Node.js, and Ruby on Rails, delivering tailored solutions that met the unique needs of each client.

Co-Founder

Binary Trail
Traverse City, MI
07.2015 - 01.2017

At Binary Trail, a digital marketing and software development agency I co-founded, I served as the technical leader, guiding small to medium-sized businesses in Northern Michigan from project concept to reality. We specialized in developing custom websites and marketing strategies using cutting-edge tools. I consulted, advised, and built client infrastructure utilizing technologies such as PHP, WordPress, Node.js, and React to help clients blaze new trails for their businesses.

Full Stack Developer

Loftopia
Birmingham, MI
09.2013 - 01.2016

At Loftopia, I developed multiple profitable e-commerce sites, marketing sites, and subscription-based web applications for select business partners. We focused on enhancing web traffic and optimizing online strategies through innovative, tailored solutions. My work involved leveraging extensive SEO expertise to deliver strategic and adaptable web solutions that met the unique needs of each client.

Software Developer, Owner

Elliott Design Co.
Detroit, MI
08.2010 - 09.2015

At Elliott Design Co., my independent consultancy, I specialized in web design and development for small businesses in the Greater Detroit area. I worked closely with clients from concept to completion, transforming their ideas into custom web and mobile applications. My expertise included creating web layouts with HTML/CSS, interactive widgets with JavaScript/jQuery, and data-driven interactions using PHP/AJAX, helping clients elevate their online presence.

Web Developer

Huron IP Research
Ann Arbor, MI
12.2012 - 01.2014

At Huron IP Research, the IT services arm supporting a prominent immigration law firm in Ann Arbor, I was responsible for the design and development of our marketing website, ad tech, and social media automation. Additionally, I developed internal software systems and managed network/security infrastructure. A key achievement was implementing image-to-text (OCR) processing to enhance office productivity.

Lead Developer

Pointfeeds
Detroit, MI
06.2012 - 09.2012

At Pointfeeds, I developed a location-based social media application prototype. We built the platform using PHP and the Zend Framework, integrating various Google APIs to enhance functionality and user experience.

Skills

- Technical Leadership

- Full Stack Software Development

- Cloud Architecture

- Agile Project Management

- Teaching/Mentorship

- Product Development

Timeline

Engineering Manager

Red Ventures - Lonely Planet
03.2024 - Current

Engineering Manager

Red Ventures - The Points Guy
07.2023 - 03.2024

Senior Engineer

Red Ventures - The Points Guy
02.2022 - 07.2023

Software Engineer

Ladder
02.2020 - 10.2020

Full Stack Software Engineer

Bungalo/ Amherst Holdings LLC
01.2019 - 02.2020

Software Engineer

Midmark
08.2017 - 01.2019

Software Engineer

LevelSet Solutions
08.2016 - 07.2017

Co-Founder

Binary Trail
07.2015 - 01.2017

Full Stack Developer

Loftopia
09.2013 - 01.2016

Web Developer

Huron IP Research
12.2012 - 01.2014

Lead Developer

Pointfeeds
06.2012 - 09.2012

Software Developer, Owner

Elliott Design Co.
08.2010 - 09.2015
Benjamin Elliott