by James Loren | Apr 18, 2019 | Development, New Relic
Have you ever wondered how to make your development projects run smoothly especially when it comes down to figuring out why features are throwing errors or not functioning to specifications? In this post, I will show you how 729Solutions used the tools at New Relic to...
What I Bring to the Team:
My role here at 729 is simple — build and design software that works and looks great.
You’d Never Guess That:
I have a weird obsession with watching old commercials (70s, 80s, 90s, etc). I have no idea what my generation listens to, cause I love old school music of all kinds. I’ve got a little rescue mutt named Blacksmith — Smith for short. I say gif with the soft g.
What I Bring to the Team:
I’m here to make sure projects are completed successfully and to our client’s satisfaction. I have a knack for “figuring out how to get it done” and a history of implementing effective solutions in challenging business environments.
You’d Never Guess That:
I’m an experienced, performing musician who has been part of a few different Bay Area thrash metal bands over the years. My tattoos on my left side (closest to my heart) are designed for other people and how they matter to me, and the ones on the right side are designed to focus on me and my personality. I once climbed hundreds of stairs that were carved into a steep mountainside in Shanghai to reach a small temple at the peak in 95F heat and high humidity…only to discover there was a far less steep, paved walking path on the backside of the mountain.
What I Bring to the Team:
Software Engineer with more than 10 years of experience in the software industry. Involved in
software development (web and mobile) and functional analysis.
You’d Never Guess That:
I enjoy traveling and scuba diving very much.
I like playing tennis and soccer.
I play the piano as a hobby.
What I Bring to the Team:
I’m a front end designer and developer. I enjoy the challenge of CSS and love working with Divi for WordPress. I also like to learn new things so whenever the opportunity arises I grab it!
You’d Never Guess That:
The best doggo in the world belongs to me! She is a German Shepherd named Gemma and we share the same birthday.
I have been a lover of heavy metal music and professional wrestling since the early 80s.
Also, I make the best cheesecake you’ll ever put in your face!
What I Bring to the Team:
I’m Senior Developer with 10+ years of experience. My main role here is to work around .net projects.
You’d Never Guess That:
I love cheese so much that once I made my birthday cake with many varieties.
Also, I enjoy practicing boxing and yoga.
What I Bring to the Team:
My role is to help our customer achieve their goals and ensure that our projects are a success. As a Zendesk Administrator I support our clients and our sales team with whatever they need including answering questions, helping clients with their Zendesk instances, and preparing proposals. I also develop front end code for our projects and occasionally do some design.
You’d Never Guess That:
As a hobby I am a music producer and I have a degree in record engineering.
I used to be a DJ.
I love sailing, surfing and pc gaming.
What I Bring to the Team:
I am a founder of 729 Solutions, and its CFO. I also handle HR responsibilities and benefits, administrative issues, A/R, A/P, banking, payroll, insurance and operation issues.
You’d Never Guess That:
My first “real” job was making artificial limbs for amputees.
My birth month and day falls on the same month and day as my father’s birthday, my uncle’s (his twin brother’s) birthday and their parents’ (my grandparents’) anniversary.
My favorite color is infrared.
What I Bring to the Team:
VP of Operations, Jack of all trades, and Director of Controlled Chaos
You’d Never Guess That:
I am a lover of Gummy Bears, a curator of Chuck Norris’ memes, and a Philly sports fanatic.
What I Bring to the Team:
I work with the sales and marketing team on lead management and acquisition. I also focus on account management, ensuring our clients have a happy and positive experience while working with 729.
You’d Never Guess That:
I enjoy cruising the streets on my 1997 (read: Classic) Honda scooter.
I am an amazing cook (IMHO) and I can sing the Gilligan’s Island theme song on command.
What I Bring to the Team:
I’m a full stack developer. I’ll also happily jump between web development and mobile and desktop application programming.
You’d Never Guess That:
Truth is, if you don’t find me programming for a living, you’ll see me doing it as a hobby, either to learn or to create something interesting.
I’m also trying to learn to play piano. I’m not very talented and go slow, but at least it’s a different kind of keyboard. 🙂
I enjoy biking and have acquired an interest in bicycle maintenance and repair, so I won’t hesitate to grab your bike and have a look at it if you have any problem with it.
What I Bring to the Team: I have a master’s degree in systems engineering and I have 10+ years of experience working in software development. Most of those years I’ve worked with Microsoft technologies (.NET framework, SQL Server, etc.) on web applications. The last couple of years I’ve also been working with Ruby and I’ve been involved on Cloud infrastructure management, server administration and DevOps. As a technical leader, I help other developers with their daily tasks and make sure we are applying best practices.
You’d Never Guess That:
I used to (and sometimes still do) play the guitar for really obscure heavy metal bands.
My main hobby is music production and sound engineering.
What I Bring to the Team:
Not only making things pretty, but creating intuitive, smart designs and visually communicating information for users to easily and quickly interpret. Graphic design, web design, app design.
You’d Never Guess That:
I’m training to hike the PCT.
I would wear leggin’s everyday if I could.
I have a not-so-secret obsession with Trader Joe’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups.
What I Bring to the Team:
Eager to learn full stack developer, who will never decline a project for not knowing the technology.
You’d Never Guess That:
When I’m not working on some code for 729, I can be found working on my own graphic adventure engine, or enjoying the outside on a run.
I collect factory sealed old graphic adventure games, and enjoy reading a good book.
What I Bring to the Team:
I’m a developer at 729, and my main focus is Java, SQL, Ruby (Rails in particular) and node. I’m also proficient with using the IntelliJ IDEs (Rubymine and Webstorm). Ruby on Rails and node (React) are my favorite tools to use right now.
You’d Never Guess That:
I’m learning to build string instruments (currently a classic guitar) and I am a travel addict.
What I Bring to the Team:
My primary role at 729 is a Zendesk Developer. I work on all aspects of Zendesk projects including Guide/Help Center design, custom app development, triggers/automation, and integrations. I’m also proficient with C#, ASP.Net, SQL Server, and Salesforce.
You’d Never Guess That:
I love music and I am a bathroom singer.
I love travelling and am a vegetarian.
What I Bring to the Team:
Software development and architecture design.
You’d Never Guess That:
I enjoy traveling, getting into nature, trekking, and sports.
I am also a music and science lover.
What I Bring to the Team:
I’ve been a web developer for over 18 years and managing projects for over 12 years. I have experience developing custom WordPress websites and my skills include PHP, MySql, jQuery/JavaScript, CSS, HTML, the Bootstrap framework, SEO, Zendesk, and New Relic.
You’d Never Guess That:
I’m a former surfer, recovering ultra runner, papa, and I love to eat sushi.
What I Bring to the Team:
VP Sales and Partnerships. Graham builds excellent relationships with some of the fastest growing tech companies as a professional services support and systems integrator. He works with customers to understand their technical and business needs and find the best ways and people to help their projects succeed.
You’d Never Guess That:
I have built a traditional Polynesian Trimaran sailboat.
I speak five languages and I can type on my phone as fast as you can speak!
What I Bring to the Team:
I’m a founder and CEO for 729 solutions. These days I do less development work and focus on the administrative work that keep our company healthy. I enjoy learning new development skills, and am fascinated by the new opportunities of connectivity with the “Internet of Things.”
You’d Never Guess That:
I’m the shortest 6’4″ person you’ll ever meet.
I’m terrified of spiders and heights but not gunfire and explosions.
I love the smell of ammonia refrigeration systems in old ice rinks.
I am one of six people in tech in San Francisco who is actually a native. We have a club with a secret handshake and everything.
What I Bring to the Team:
I have been involved with all aspects of software development for 40 years as a technical analyst, developer, project manager, engineering manager, Agile coach, and SAFe Program Consultant. I ensure that everyone understands the business goals as well as the technical considerations to bring projects to success.
You’d Never Guess That:
I take great pride in being able to bridge the divide between business and technical people, because I speak both languages fluently.
What I Bring to the Team:
My role is to oversee all projects within the Professional Services division, as well as providing direct support to our projects. I work to provide a clear vision for all projects within the Professional Services division, and to ensure that the finished product is created efficiently.
You’d Never Guess That:
I have a large vinyl record collection.
I have milked a cow.
My secret meatloaf recipe is highly sought after, and I got married on a leap day, making anniversaries easier.
What I Bring to the Team:
I’m senior developer in .Net technology and have worked in development the last 15 years. My skills are in Microsoft Technology tools like C# and MS infrastructure and development for web applications. The last three years I have worked with Cloud infrastructure like AWS and Azure and I have also participated in development in technologies like Ruby on Rails and Java.
You’d Never Guess That:
I am Brazilian.
I love eating meat, but will not eat anything that has breathed water.
I hate clowns, Santa Claus, and hipsters.
What I Bring to the Team:
I am a web developer and Ninja coder. My skill-set includes HTML, CSS, Javascript and PHP.
You’d Never Guess That:
I am black belt in taekwondo.
I am woodworker in my spare time.
I’m the captain in my soccer (futbol) team named SAJO.
What I Bring to the Team:
Design Guru. I’ll art-a-size whatever you need.
You’d Never Guess That:
I’m in the band “Bag of Toys” (sing, write, play crappy guitar).
I love warm weather, surfing, and beer!
What I Bring to the Team:
I am a project manager. I handle Zendesk setup, administration, and customization. I am proficient in Ruby-Selenium automation and have experience with HTML/CSS/JS.
You’d Never Guess That:
I am a musician, a surfer and I have raised a child alone since birth!
What I Bring to the Team:
I’m a developer at 729. My main focus is web and mobile development but I enjoy all kinds of challenges. For web, I usually work with Ruby (Ruby on Rails) and Javascript (jQuery, React). My profile can be defined as a full stack dev, but I like more the backend rather than the front. For mobile, I have experience in Android (Java) and iOS (objc and Swift), more Android than iOS. I’m familiar with SQL (MySQL and PostgreSQL) and some non-SQL systems (Elasticsearch and little Mongo). Recently, I’ve been learning Earlang/Elixir and machine learning.
You’d Never Guess That:
I’m a computer scientist who studies philosophy and loves playing soccer.
I prefer spaces over tabs, but I think it should be more reasonable to use tabs.
CSS scares me, and seeing those green dots when tests are passing calms me down like the wind at the sea.
What I Bring to the Team:
I am 729s Marketing Associate, researcher extraordinaire, and all around company support. I manage our content curation, blog writing and internal editing!
You’d Never Guess That:
I love tattoos and am slowly going to cover my whole body, I went to art school from kindergarten to senior year of high school, and my sisters and I all have first names that begin with the letter A.
Commercial customers wanted the data to load-balance energy use, while residential users were clamoring to go green; a single interface was needed to satisfy them all. A government mandate meant the utility had just four months to complete the project. When we arrived on the scene, the clock was already ticking. The abundance of information streaming from the smart meters needed to be harnessed via foolproof database management but, because smart meter technology had yet to reach maturity, data integrity problems abounded. Once captured by the utility, the information was fragmented into multiple silos. On top of all that, the negligence of a third-party vendor had left us with an interface that couldn‘t be implemented, meaning the job would be twice the work we‘d been led to expect.
729 used complex application profiling and monitoring protocols using New Relic to help Rally stand up to the pressure of massive traffic loads. By digging deep into code performance and building highly scalable backend 729 made sure latency met the customers highest expectations.
729 was tasked with helping them solve their .net integrations and building out the front end.
Over the last 8 months we have worked on nearly every part of the code base and continue to help them streamline delivery, testing, and production of new features.
Solving complex technical debt has been one of our greatest inputs to this project.
We have partnered with other vendors to provide the most cost effective solutions to dev ops, design and seamless marketplace API’s.
729 has built a system to scan voting ballots and collate them into a private voting application.
Cloud based video processing, with delivery to a high traffic mobile application.
Using AWS, 729 Solutions created a fully scalable hosting solution that exposes an API to a native iOS application. The application ingested video clips from the users, processed them, then linked to other videos in the same storyline before making them available for streaming to the larger public user base.
These resulting stories could then be shared with other users, or delivered as videos to social media outlets. Given the continued popularity of video and social media, we also ensured that the application would dynamically scale with the growth of the user base, as well as handle high traffic peaks with little-to-no warning.