Rich Klaus

• Spearheaded a team of full stack engineers and UI/UX designers in creating and optimizing public-facing websites and web applications, as well as internal tools (Web/SMS chat apps) for communication with students, alumni, and prospects.
• Directed technology strategy and infrastructure development to ensure scalability, security, and cost efficiency.
• Replaced legacy systems with modern tech stacks, resulting in a 30% increase in conversions and significant cost savings (~90%) by replacing third-party solutions with custom-built systems.

Key Projects:

• SMS / Web Chat v3:
  Led the development of a NodeJS-based backend with custom-built websocket libraries, integrated with Twilio SMS, MySQL, MSSQL, DynamoDB, and geospatial services. Support for 200+ agents and 3,000+ active conversations daily, with costs reduced to less than 10% of third-party solutions.
• Empire.edu v4 (Lead Gen Website):
  Oversaw the development of a responsive design with Angular and a microservices backend using AWS Lambda. Integrated with a headless CMS and Wordpress for blog management, contributing to 30% increase in conversions and improved SEO performance.
• Beautycareer.com v3:
  Developed an advanced career engine using PostgreSQL, Redis, NodeJS, GraphQL, React, and Next.js, with social integrations, AI-powered resume builders, and enhanced employer/student features, improving user engagement.

• Managed a cross-functional team focused on web applications for lead generation, SEO, and customer engagement, delivering solutions that aligned with business goals.
• Streamlined development processes, resulting in improved site performance and a reduction in time-to-market for new features.

Key Projects:

• SMS / Web Chat v1, v2:
  Built a custom Python backend integrated with Twilio SMS and MSSQL, delivering a robust messaging platform for internal communications.
• Empire.edu v2,3:
  Led the overhaul of the Asp.Net stack, enabling better performance, improved SEO, and an optimized user experience.
• Beautycareer.com v2:
  Enhanced job matching and mentoring tools using Asp.Net, C#, MSSQL, and Vanilla JS, improving engagement for current students and alumni.

• Developed, deployed, and supported multiple websites and applications, while optimizing user experience and leveraging data-driven decision-making.

Key Projects:

• Empire.edu v1.5:
  Rebuilt a Flash-based site to improve SEO and mobile accessibility, resulting in increased traffic and user engagement.
• Beautycareer.com:
  Integrated job listings and employer matchmaking features using PHP and MSSQL, enhancing the platform’s utility for users.

• Built custom financial reporting and settlement tools, integrating with PA state systems for real-time data aggregation.

Key Projects:

• Financial Reporting Package:
  Developed custom VB.Net/VB6 applications that aggregated data from multiple sources, delivering real-time financial reports to the finance team.

• Managed and developed IVR systems and integrated voice messaging for real-time services.

Key Projects:

• Sonic Factory:
  Created a real-time transcoding service for IVR systems, allowing for seamless integration of voice messages on websites.