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Hello, my name is Brian Behrens, and I am an experienced software developer based in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience, I specialize in developing interactive projects that engage users, drive business results, and tell compelling stories.
The first computer I ever used was our family's Apple IIGS. It was the first computer our family owned.
My expertise in interaction design, web standards, usability, and application architecture has enabled me to create award-winning projects that meet business objectives. I have worked on a diverse range of projects, including e-commerce websites, social media campaigns, and web-based applications.
As a problem solver, I enjoy collaborating with teams to create innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible. I am passionate about technology and always seek out new challenges to keep up-to-date with the latest trends.
In my free time, I enjoy surfing, taking photos, and spending quality time with my wife and dogs.
Experience
Senior Staff Software Engineer, Surfline
Remote (Los Angeles, CA) | 2021 – Present
I joined Surfline as the lead of the newly formed Web Platform squad, where I was responsible for building and maintaining the company's design system, shared packages, services, and frontend architecture. Over time, as the organization underwent changes, including the arrival of a new CEO, my role evolved to focus as a Lead Engineer on the Forecast platform while continuing to lead the Frontend Guild. In this role, I maintain shared systems to ensure scalability and consistency across platforms while also planning and building new features to enhance the Forecast platform's user experience.
Principal Software Engineer (IV), VideoAmp
Santa Monica, CA | 2018 – 2021
Starting at VideoAmp on the DesignOps team, we focused on building our design system. This was built using TypeScript, React, Jest, Cypress, Percy, Codecov, D3 and more. I then transitioned to a principal role, working as a full-stack engineer delivering features and shared code in both our front and backend services using Node.js, TypeScript, React, hapi, Postgres, Snowflake and various AWS services like SQS and SNS. I helped lead guild meetings and mentor other engineers.
Software Engineer – Front End, REI
Kent, WA | 2017 – 2018
Lead front end software engineer for the Classes/Events and Adventures team. Work in a continuous integrated environment with Docker, Java, Jenkins and more. Spend most of my time updating our front end systems to be written in ES6 linting standards with Vue.js components. Use build tools like webpack and dependency management on the front end is done via our private NPM repository. Unit test our shared modules with Mocha and Chai.
Senior Interactive Developer, POP
Seattle, WA | 2015 – 2017
Second time working at POP. Previously wrote a large amount of ActionScript 3, building applications and animations for various clients. This time I focused heavily on JavaScript. Used Node.js on almost every project integrating Grunt, Gulp or webpack for build tools. Used frameworks/libraries like React, Angular, GreenSock, jQuery, ScrollMagic and many others. Created animations in both CSS and JavaScript. Led various server integrations, API and database development, Docker configuration and other backend duties. Developed within Node.js, Apache, .NET and AWS environments.
Senior Web Developer, Mervin Manufacturing
Seattle, WA | 2012 – 2015
Led a team in development efforts and made key decisions in e-commerce infrastructure, hosting architecture and build systems. Developed new applications for users to find and customize products. Developed responsive WordPress templates for all brand sites. Researched new technologies like Angular and implemented them in production builds. Planned marketing and social initiatives. Implemented new management communication and analytic tools for team efficiencies. Set up source control infrastructure. Evaluated analytics and made informed online-business decisions.
Senior Interface Developer, Blast Radius
Seattle, WA | 2011 – 2012
Managed a team of developers executing marketing initiatives for Starbucks. Brainstormed and planned technical execution on Frappuccino, Pumpkin Spice Latte and Starbucks Holiday. Planned timelines and feature specifications for technical execution. Utilized JIRA for iteration planning. Programmed MVC based Flash experiences for Starbucks Holiday and Frappuccino using ActionScript 3 and PureMVC.
Senior Interactive Developer, POP
Seattle, WA | 2008 – 2011
Built Flash based experiences for corporate clients such as Target, Nintendo, Amazon, Xbox and more. Led development planning efforts and execution.
Multimedia Developer, Marx Creative
Milwaukee, WI | 2006 – 2008
= Web development (HTML, CSS, Javascript, Ajax, Flash, XML, PHP and MySQL), DVD production, In-store Media Creation
Freelance Web Development
2006 – Present
Web-design and Programming (HTML, CSS, Javascript, Flash, XML, PHP and MySQL), Custom CMS Application Development
Multimedia Developer, WIN Media Inc.
Burlington, WI | 2003 – 2006
Project Management, CD-ROM Development, Web Development (HTML, CSS, Javascript, Flash, PHP and MySQL), DVD Production, Live Event Video Production, Commercial Productions
Production Assistant, Milwaukee Public Television
Milwaukee, WI | 2002 – 2003
Floor Director, Camera, Make-up, TelePrompTer, Switcher, Lighting, Audio
Co-Producer, Milwaukee Bucks "Bucks Buddy" Half-time Segment
Milwaukee, WI | 2003
I Produced, Shot, and Edited a 30 second half-time segment for the "Bucks Buddy" program with partner, Brad Manderscheid. The segment aired on the WB during a Bucks half-time show.
Executive Producer, MPTV's "Letters to Santa"
Milwaukee, WI | 2002
I oversaw all aspects of production in the 7 Part Children's Series aired on Milwaukee Public Television.
Awards
Target – Best of the Bullseye: Collaboration
Seattle, WA | 2008
The team at POP on the Target account was awarded a Best of the Bullseye award by Target Corporate for collaboration.
Freddie Award
Milwaukee, WI | 2007
International Health and Medical Media Awards for Best Web Site
Working at Marx Creative, I helped produce and maintain chefmd.com. I set up the databases, created/implemented designs, and maintained the site since I started at Marx Creative in 2006.Best Director Award
Milwaukee, WI | 2003
Milwaukee Public Television Student Operations
I was awarded best director for a half hour long feature titled "Let's Be Frank". I was the director, producer, cinematographer, and editor for this feature.
Education
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WI | 2001 – 2003
Associates Degree in Television & Video Production
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WI | 2003 – 2005
Associates Degree in Visual Communications
Skills
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Node.js, React, Next.js, webpack, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Preprocessors, Babel, Vue.js, Angular, MySQL, NoSQL, PHP, Source Control (Git & SVN), WordPress, JSON, XML, Social APIs, NPM, JS Libraries (Lodash, MUI, GreenSock, Jest, React Testing Library, Cypress), Python, Go, AWS, Agile Methodology, Adobe Creative Cloud, Project Estimation/Planning, Managing Development Teams, Video Production and Photography