
Lead Developer and CEO, Webstrong Ltd - Web Applications for Business
Ireland

Lead Developer and CEO, Webstrong Ltd - Web Applications for Business
Ireland
I'm the Lead Developer and CEO at Webstrong Ltd where we create web applications that make life easier for people in business.
Prior to incorporating Webstrong Ltd, I worked as a freelance web developer for 4 years.
I graduated from IT Carlow in 2005 with a BSc. in Information Technology Management and won awards in 2003 and 2004 for academic excellence while I was there. I was also the first student at the college to receive full marks for a final year project.
In 2008 I participated in the Hothouse incubation programme where I received CORD funding from Enterprise Ireland to work on the business ideas which led to the incorporation of Webstrong later that year.
Around the same time, I partnered with another web company and we released http://short.ie, a URL shortening service with advanced click tracking and content recommendation.
In 2009 I won a Net Visionary Award for Web Developer Excellence for my work on http://twission.com, a new type of search tool for Twitter. I was also short listed for Best Use of Social Media.
In July 2009 I launched TrackPath, a web app that helps you track your quotes and proposals. It's currently free to use while we're in beta. http://ontrackpath.com.
Aside from the Webstrong Blog (http://webstrong.ie/blog) I also enjoy blogging on http://iarfhlaith.com where I write about tech, life, concepts and stories that I find interesting.
I believe that success in business is built on relationships and connections. That's why I go to as many events as I can. They're a melting pot of talented, energetic, and innovative people. If you haven't been to one before I highly recommend it.
I'm a very open, honest and friendly person so if you see me at an event or even pass in the street, please stop me and say hi, because I love meeting new people.
My favourite development environment includes: PHP, SMARTY, PEAR, XHTML, JSON, jQuery, CSS and WML.
I also use Design Patterns, MVC, Accessible Coding Standards and Template Engines when developing applications for the web.
(Internet industry)
February 2009 — Present (10 months)
A new kind of search tool for Twitter that adds a social layer to the search results. It provides real time updates with information about how connected you are to the people in the results.
(Internet industry)
June 2008 — Present (1 year 6 months)
Short.ie takes URL shortening services to a new level. Track your clicks, store all your shortened URLs, receive content recommendations and join in with the community.
(Internet industry)
December 2005 — Present (4 years )
Developing web applications for business. Specialising in mobile content delivery, asset management, and project collaboration.
(Recreational Facilities and Services industry)
January 2002 — Present (7 years 11 months)
I've been a scout leader at HQ for the last 6 years and have participated in both of the last 2 world jamborees as volunteer staff.
We will be bringing our scout troop to the Irish National Jamboree in 2008.
(Internet industry)
March 2005 — September 2005 (7 months)
I was responsible for developing and supporting many of the in-house web apps used by other members of the IS department and the Engineering department.
Post Graduate Diploma in New Business Development , Coursework included: * Protecting your intellectual property * Building a comprehensive busi , 2008 — 2009
The Hothouse Venture Programme is a twelve month support and incubation programme designed to provide entrepreneurs with knowledge-intensive business ideas with the expertise, networks and tools they need to develop highly successful global businesses.
Management Skills for Business Owners , 2007 — 2008
Gained through training courses provided by Optimum Ltd in co-operation with the BRITE programme.
Training courses covered Presentation Skills, Strategy, Sales, Finance and Budgeting, Recruitment & Interviewing Skills, Law and Tax, Business Planning, Negotiation and Conflict Management, and Time Management.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management , 2004 — 2005
Graduated with first class honours in 2005.
Subjects Included: Advanced Database Management, Accounting, Strategic Management, Multimedia, HR Management, and Network Security Systems.
National Diploma in Computer Systems Management , 2003 — 2004
Graduated with first class honours in 2004.
Subjects included: Project Management, Information Systems Engineering, Systems Administration, Systems Applications, Networking, Business Management, and Project.
My submitted project was a website that provided users with the facility to create their own website. Users could use an online wizard type system to enable automatic creation of a website tailored to their individual needs and tastes. It also provided users with the option of including an online shop within their own website.
National Cert. in Computer Networking and Optical Communications , IT , 2001 — 2003
Graduated with first class honours in 2003.
Subjects included: Systems Administration, Mathematics, Photonics, Computer Networking, Advanced Programming, Communications Systems, Structured Programming, Physics, Electronics, Data Communications, and Computer Architecture.
1993 — 1996
I'm involved in Scouting Ireland and I've been an assistant scout leader at the HQ Scout Group in Dartry since 2002. I have been to the last 2 World Jamborees in England (2007) and Thailand (2002) as voluntary staff and have plans to go to Sweden for the next one in 2011.
IET, Scouting Ireland, BRITE, PDC HotHouse. NCI, Enterprise Ireland
• Winner - Net Visionary Awards 2009 for Web Developer Excellence
• Finalist - Net Visionary Awards 2009 for Best Use of Social Media
• IT Carlow Award for Academic Excellence 2004
• IT Carlow Award for Academic Excellence 2003