Mike Johnston

Current

Director of Engineering at Millions of Us
Co-Founder at Storybook Anytime
Freelance Web Developer, Internet Consultant & Technology Evangelist at MikeJSolutions

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Past

Founder at MajikWidget
Director of Interactive Services at Abovo Group
Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Soholaunch

Founder and Vice President at The About Time Group

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Recommended

20 people have recommended Mike

Connections

297 connections

Industry

Information Technology and Services

Websites

Mike Johnston’s Summary

I am a creative and passionate evangelist for standards-compliant, user-centric web sites and applications. I have been in the business for over 20 years. My first computer was a Commodore Vic 20 if that says anything. Today I am an avid Mac user and Internet junkie.

During my career I have created and sold successful software products, web sites and innovated the very first, browser-based, drag and drop web site builder [CMS] in 1999. I have direct experience with creating and implementing successful online marketing strategies for business-to-consumer web sites and online applications. Extremely knowledgeable of LAMP [Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP] development strategies and tactics. Have worked with clients such as Sony, Nike, Google, Turner Broadcasting, ADP [domestic and EU], AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

Mike Johnston’s Specialties:

W3C XHTML [web standards], CSS, PHP, MySQL, Javascript [AJAX], XML, RSS, LUA, FTP, SSH, Adobe Air, Photoshop, Visio, OmniGraffle, Windows OS [XP], Mac OS X, Online Marketing Strategy, User Interface Design [usability], Information Architecture, Online User Experience Design, Tactical Planning

Mike Johnston’s Experience

Director of Engineering

Millions of Us

(Online Media industry)

November 2007 — Present (1 year 1 month)

Millions of us is a Virtual World, MMOG (massive multi-player online game), and online social media company. I am intimately involved in the technical content direction, development and delivery of projects for multiple virtual worlds and social networking platforms. I have created, implemented and managed engineering production processes for a team comprised of both local and off site resources. Successfully worked on projects for clients such as Coca-Cola, Cisco, Dreamworks SKG, Fox, Google, National Geographic, Nike, Sony, Warner Brothers and Toyota.

Most recently I have focused on the forthcoming Sony Home initiative for Playstation 3 where I am responsible for technical content delivery for the North American Home Central Plaza and many 3rd party brand title spaces. I have also acted as sound designer and sound technician for these spaces as well as participated in the direction and creation of many interactive elements within each space.
Co-Founder

Storybook Anytime

(Privately Held; Online Media industry)

May 2007 — Present (1 year 7 months)

Storybook Anytime is an online library of originally written and illustrated children's stories that can be enjoyed in both English and Spanish [with more languages to come]. The stories are presented in a safe, ad-free environment through a very simple and child-friendly interface.

Paid online memberships generate the financial resources to allow distribution of the entire library to pre-schools, grade schools and public libraries- free of charge.

Brand new stories and activities are always in production and the company is currently working toward its goals of not only releasing a new story every week but being present in every pre-school, grade school and public library in the country... http://www.storybookanytime.com
Freelance Web Developer, Internet Consultant & Technology Evangelist

MikeJSolutions

(Privately Held; Information Technology and Services industry)

March 2004 — Present (4 years 9 months)

Work to evangelize standards-compliant, user-friendly web sites using XHTML, CSS, PHP and MySQL. I have created and implemented delivery process, methodology, brand and sales strategy for clients. Built online marketing strategies, user interface designs, information architecture plans and requirements for medium-large scale internet applications. Have worked with local interactive agencies on projects for Earthlink, Intellisync [acquired by Nokia], Marketworks, Friedman's Shoes, City of Smyrna and the Technology Association of Georgia. Directly worked with Fortune 500 companies such as Turner Broadcasting and ADP to develop and create extra-net web applications.

Most recently worked with Radius 3, a U.S. web site production center for the worlds largest web site franchise company [WSI], to manage product development and indirect channel operations. Facilitated brand strategy, direct sales strategy, project delivery methodology, and a detailed corporate growth strategy.
Founder

MajikWidget

(Privately Held; Internet industry)

May 2006 — December 2007 (1 year 8 months)

MajikWidget provides “necessary widgets for blogs”. Widgets are mini-applications that add fun and interactivity to a web site or blog. MajikWidget was sold to a private company in December 2007.
Director of Interactive Services

Abovo Group

(Privately Held; Marketing and Advertising industry)

July 2004 — January 2005 (7 months)

Worked with clients and sub-contractors to create and deliver web sites, flash product demos, corporate and trade show videos, email marketing campaigns, and online ads. Developed an email marketing campaign for ADP that increased conversion from 3% to over 22% in under four months. Architected and developed web site projects for companies such as Glenayre Electronics, SCI Systems and Terranova Forrest Products [acquired by Masisa].
Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Soholaunch

(Partnership; Computer Software industry)

January 2000 — February 2004 (4 years 2 months)

Architected and developed the first browser-based web site builder and content management system [CMS] leveraging PHP and MySQL. Product featured ground-breaking [for its time] features such as a drag-n-drop page editing and a WYSIWIG word processor. The product was [and still is] marketed through global hosting companies. Worked directly with Web.com and Via Networks to develop custom provisioning systems for the product through Sphera and Ensim platforms. I retain ownership of the product code and have licensed use to Soholaunch and Radius 3 respectfully.
Founder and Vice President

The About Time Group

(Partnership; Computer Software industry)

February 1998 — December 1999 (1 year 11 months)

Created software products EZCheck2000 and PCFix2000 to address Y2K PC re-mediation. Grew company to over $2M in revenue in less than one year. Product was used by companies such as AT&T, Lucent Technologies, CSX railways and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Appeared in numerous industry magazines and television programs, including "The Computer Chronicles" and "Business Week" as an expert in my field.

Additional Information

Mike Johnston’s Websites:

Mike Johnston’s Interests:

Web Application Development, Web 2.0, User Interface Design, Information Architecture, Graphic Design, Social Networks, Mac OS X, Product Development, Photography, Cycling, Hawaii, and Boating

Mike Johnston’s Groups:

Web Standards Group (webstandardsgroup.org), Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association (AiMA), National Association of Photoshop Users, NO!SPEC, Flickr!, Atlanta IT Alliance, Save The Net!, Center for Biological Diversity