Joshua Blalock
Software Engineer
Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, TX
References Available Upon Request
Favorite Programing Languages
C#, C, Rust, JAVA, C++, SQL, JavaScript
Spoken Languages
English
Work Experience *
Founder / JMB Sofware LLC / bumpintopeople.com
2022 - Current
My favorite pet project. It is a online dating site built on .NET to run with minimum support and hardware requirements to keep cost as low as possible. Unfortunately, it suffers from the chicken and egg problem like most startups. I did not have the funds to get it completely off the ground because of SMS messaging expenses, lawyers, hosting, and all that fun stuff. If you are interested in seeing how it works, you can create an account using "000000" when asked for your email and phone authentication code. I don't have the time and funds to keep it completely open to the public at the moment but perhaps one day I will.
Freelance Work / JMB Sofware LLC / haybalewedding.com
2022 - Current
One of my recent freelance projects that I completed for a company over the course of a couple of days. They wanted to move off of VistaPrint and to have a web site with a more modern design. It just involved static HTML, but the client had specific requirements for a fast turnaround. I successfully met their expectations by not only developing the necessary website but also taking care of their hosting, DNS records, and other related setup.Software Engineer / CExchange owned and operated by Echo Consolidated Holdings Group (ECHG) and CExchange , LLC. / walmart.cexchange.com, microsoft.cexchange.com, costco.cexchange.com, msb2b.cexchange.com
2011 - 2022
Echo Consolidated Holdings Group, a family of Dallas-area electronics recycling, ITAD and IT services companies, recently expanded into the mobile phone trade-in business by acquiring CExchange.
Web Developer / ADT Security Services (formerly Broadview Security) / www.adt.com
2007 - 2011
ADT Security is a leading provider of home security systems and services. They offer a range of products and solutions designed to protect homes and provide peace of mind to homeowners.
Technical Specialist (Programmer) / Verizon
Jun 2010 - Mar 2012
I think we all know who Verizon is at this point.
* See resume for complete experience.
Education
DeVry University
2001
I took as many software engineering courses as I could afford at the time. I was trying to get the most bang for my buck. School is expensive.
A.A.S., ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
1998
associates Degree
Hobbies
Andriod Apps
Andrioid Studio using JAVA.
HVAC / Electrical / Plumbing / Small Appliance Repair
Installed or repaired many residential HVAC split systems.
Replaced water heaters, repaired refigirators, stuff along those lines.
I enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out something other than IT-related problems from time to time. Computers, electronics, and HVAC have always interested me. My father was an auto/diesel mechanic and his father was an appliance repairman. I guess it runs in my genes. I have always been good at troubleshooting. I was the kid who always read the manual. There is nothing I can't figure out. But in the end, it comes down to time and money just like everything.
Thoughts
How can we do better?
We all have our down moments – feeling like inadequate engineers, mentors, or colleagues. Things will never be perfect or easy, and they shouldn’t. Without making mistakes and hard times, we don’t learn. But there are some things I find can increase efficiency.
Individually, stay true to what is really important. Technologies will come and go, but the value you bring to the world is what counts. It’s hard to fake hard work and experience.
As a company, start with why when making decisions. This is the best way to deliver functionalities that will bring value. Also, make sure the employees know why. In my experience, they will make better decisions, give valuable feedback, and be happier.
Culturally, establish processes that will support the employees, optimizing long-term. Together with your colleagues, establish a culture of trust, support, and caring. That way, you will all get the best of one another.