Jake Alstad

jake@jalstad.com | https://github.com/jakealstad

SUMMARY

I’ve been doing web development ever since I learned to tweak HTML for my Myspace profile back in the day. That early curiosity grew into a full-blown career, and I’ve been fortunate to work in a wide range of roles since then. From radio to gaming to real estate, I’ve had the chance to be a full-stack, 'Jack of all trades' developer, tackling unique challenges in each industry. My focus is Python (mostly Django) and Javascript (most recently, Vue).

When I’m not coding, I’m likely toying with synthesizers, watching horror movies, and hanging out with my two cats. I live in the beautiful northwoods of Wisconsin.

SKILLS

Languages & Frameworks I Enjoy
- Python (Django, Django REST Framework, Flask, Wagtail)
- JavaScript (Vue.js, Node.js, Jest, Vite, Vitest, etc.)
Stuff I Use All the Time
- AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, Redshift, EC2, etc.)
- Docker (I love using containers for dev and production!)
- CI/CD (GitLab, GitHub, Terraform)
Databases & Queues
- PostgreSQL (my go-to for relational data)
- Redis & Memcached (keeping things fast)
- RabbitMQ & Celery (for all those background jobs)
Frontend & Tools
- HTML, CSS, SCSS, and Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.

EXPERIENCE

Web Developer, Lauterbach Legal LLC | Mar 2024 - Oct 2024

Web Development (Python, Django, and Vue) for a document generation application.

Accomplishments

Helped streamline the development process using docker locally.
Added new features and fixed bugs across the application.

Senior Web Developer, LISNR | Mar 2021 - June 2023

Python & Django development for internal services.

Accomplishments

Developed several Node.js microservices for internal business processes.
- These microservices leverage Terraform and AWS for infrastrucure management, and fast, reliable deployments.
Maintained and updated other Node.js and Python/Django projects.
- Security updates, dependency updates, and additonal features were built.

Application Development Business Analyst, Hines | Houston, TX — March 2018 - April 2020

Python & Django development for internal customer applications.

Accomplishments

Developed and supported internal expense reporting application written in Python (Django).
- Worked closely with accounting teams to produce J.D. Edwards-compatible output.
Developed and supported building tenant portal using Wagtail.
- The app allows building tenants to receive various offers and discounts from local vendors.
Assisted with server configuration and application deployments.
- Deployed several different applications on a regular basis using Git and other standard unix packages.

Python Developer, Six Foot LLC | Houston, TX — Sept. 2016 - Jan. 2018

Python & Django development on the platform team building various microservices to support video games and related projects. I was responsible for backend development tasks and bug fixes.

Accomplishments

Built Django/Wagtail application for Rime.
Implemented anti-spam solution for several videogame-related forums.
Implemented Twitch Drops marketing support for our games.

Web Developer, Z4 Poker | Las Vegas, NV — Oct. 2014 - Sept. 2016

Python & Django development for an online poker startup.

Accomplishments

Developed and maintained Python/Django applications.
Built javascript-based admin tools for HDPoker.
Maintained intranet accounting software for Z4 Poker and Gaming Arts.
Completed various design & development projects.

Web Developer/Designer, Midwest Communications Inc. | Wausau, WI — 2011 - 2014

Python & Django development with a small team of developers and designers to write and maintain applications for a radiocentric project. I managed several application, database, and media servers as well as handling deployment for the project.

Accomplishments

Design and markup efforts contributed to success of numerous radio promotions.
Participated in award-winning radio promotions.
Worked on several contests resulting in a high participation rate.