Hello!

I'm Scott Munn, and I'm a web-based software developer in Chicago, IL. I'm highly interested in the ambient availibility of information powered by modern technology. In my free time, I enjoy writing, riding my bike, DJing, and going to the gym. Learn More

profile

About Me

Background

A web developer since the age of 13, I have literally grown up alongside the internet. Now, with over 11 years of experience, I find myself deeply vested in the world wide web and all the ways it helps us live our lives better. As a web developer in a variety of roles, from frontend to backend development, desktop to mobile optimization, and HTML2 through HTML5, I enjoy staying on the cutting edge of what is possible on the internet and helping to push the envelope. It may be surprising to hear that I am almost entirely self-taught, but I consider this my advantage, as it enables me to quickly learn and assess the new web technologies each year, finding ways to integrate them and maximize the potential of the products I help build. This self-motivated attitude has activated my entrepreneurial spirit, which has led me to startup companies. I enjoy the challenge of building something new with a team of talented people.

Interests

My personal interests are varied; I enjoy reading and writing, and I pursued this passion by studying Creative Writing as an undergraduate at Western Michigan University. Since college, I have worked on a science fiction series, consisting of novels, short stories, and other tie-ins -- and I can't wait to share it when the time is ready. I consider fitness one of my foremost priorities, and cultivate a healthy lifestyle in many ways: lifting weights, riding my bike, practicing yoga, and eating right. While I grew up playing adventurous video games, these days I seek adventure in meeting new people, visiting new places, and building new things. I am a creative person and can't help but alter everything I get my hands onto -- whether it's a website begging to be redesigned or an empty napkin asking to be filled with written ideas. I'm honest, I take responsibility, and I live on taking chances. Those who know me know that I'm a straightforward person. They also know that I love to make people laugh.

Music

I love music, but more specifically, I love dance music. Blame my mother for playing ABBA all the time -- but my iPhone is almost always pumping out electronic beats. (In case you're wondering, my favorite artist/DJ is Tiesto.) I performed as a nightclub DJ for a number of years, and nowadays I like to records DJ sets for my friends to listen to while they're at the gym, out on a run, or simply want something upbeat to put on at a party or for a mundane train ride. When I have the time, I love opening up music production software and remixing a song. I hope to be able to do this more and better in the future.

Online

Education

  • Western Michigan University
  • Scholastic (internship)
  • Walt Disney World (internship)

RESUME

Download: Resume.

Portfolio / Experience

Lead Developer

As the Lead Developer for the Dezaza mobile marketing platform, I was responsible for building a product from the ground-up. Nearly all parts of the development process were coordinated or carried out by me -- with only a graphic designer and a small team who shared their feedback, I combined every skill I possess, from the most minute and random web development techniques, to higher level project management and quality assurance testing. My contribution wasn't just mindlessly writing code -- I was responsible for developing a complex relationship database system, capable of recognizing a variety of devices and pushing customized designs for a huge range of page types, from mobile coupons to contests to beautiful brochures. In addition, I assisted the founders in development strategies for revenue streams, and helped assist in determining the direction of the product's future.

Magento

One of the great things about the Internet is that it enables people and companies to wholly control their business processes. That's why I love Magento -- as an eCommerce platform, it is top-notch, enabling businesses both large and small to fully manage an online store, from inventory to purchasing to order processing and more. Magento and I have gone a long ways -- I've developed store themes, bulk-imported thousands of products, customized tiny details, and even written extension scripts to expand the open-source software's functionality.

Related companies whose eCommerce sites I've built or assisted development:

  • Zero Friction
  • Brick & Mortar Home
  • CellKeeper
  • Master Massage Tables
  • MHP International
  • EcoBlue Life
  • Detroit Athletic

Drupal, Wordpress, and more

Content management systems such as Drupal, Wordpress, Joomla, and many others are commonplace on the Internet, but they haven't always been. In 2004, while most of the modern CMS system were in early development, I wrote my own miniature CMS called "Renewable Energy," which I used for my personal website and a number of client websites. Nowadays, instead of writing my own CMS engine, I leverage the power of the great CMS platforms already available. I have developed themes and plugins for both Drupal and Wordpress, ranging from small blog websites to full featured web applications. I've even used my experience from "Renewable Energy" to build an extremely customized CMS, tailor-made for a highly complex catalog

Related companies whose CMS platforms I have customized or built platforms on top of:

  • Dezaza
  • Qonnect Properties
  • Jacobs & Clevenger
  • iPay Technologies
  • Scholastic

Mobile Web Development

In 2011, mobile web browsing has already surpassed desktop web browsing, and the pattern will only continue. Anyone who knows me knows that my phone may as well be velcro-ed to my left palm -- I find it fascinating that in every person's pocket holds the potential to contact anyone anywhere, or get information on just about anything a person can dream up. That's why I've taken a particular interest in mobile web development. Mobile web development isn't just about making buttons and text bigger so they're better accessible by eyeballs and fingertips -- rather, mobile web development is all about getting people to the information they want, fast, and in the best way possible. Mobile web development is about convenience -- getting users and companies in and out quickly, in a more holistic manner than a desktop experience provides.

A sample of some companies whom I've developed mobile webpages and interfaces for:

  • Dezaza
  • Various Things Live
  • Qonnect Properties
  • Jacobs & Clevenger
  • National Association of Realtors
  • Chicago Tribune
  • Ulta
  • WOW! Cable
  • Coldwell Banker
  • Koenig & Strey
  • Hyatt
  • The Pitch
  • RedEye
  • . . . and many, many more

Frameworks & Custom Engines

On the Internet, there are no limits. That's why I don't limit myself to specific frameworks or familiar paradigms. I love learning and diving into new frameworks, and often build fully-customized ground-up solutions for my clients. In adivition to server-side frameworks like CodeIgniter and CakePHP, I've written complex scripts from the ground-up that break the boundaries of simple HTML and CSS. From simple portfolio websites, to political campaign endorsements powered by Facebook, to online calendars and even testing software used by med students, I tackle each project with care, ambition, and a desire to create something exciting and valuable.

A sample of companies whom I've created custom applications and other websites

  • University of Montana
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Michigan State University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies
  • Gecko Designs
  • The 411 Club
  • Metro Nightclub
  • TerraSeer
  • Carquest
  • Political campaigns

Interactive

Web design doesn't just end at </html>. Interactivity is the key to a great user interface, and I've helped bring an interactive element to a variety of projects. I've written fluid animations using JavaScript and jQuery, designed HTML5-powered presentations, used geolocation, built interactive video players, and even fully mimicked "native app" interfaces, complete with transitions and HTML5 enhancements.

A sample of clients I've built rich interactive experiences for:

  • Consumers Energy
  • Dezaza
  • Jacobs & Clevenger
  • iPay Technologies
  • DirectBuy
  • The Cranberry Institute

Technologies

Scenarios

Client List

  • GE
  • Avery Dennison
  • Zero Friction
  • Brick & Mortar Home
  • CellKeeper
  • Master Massage Tables
  • MHP International
  • EcoBlue Life
  • CME
  • Detroit Athletic
  • iPay Technologies
  • Scholastic
  • Various Things Live
  • Qonnect Properties
  • National Association of Realtors
  • Chicago Tribune
  • Ulta
  • WOW! Cable
  • Coldwell Banker
  • Koenig & Strey
  • Hyatt
  • The Pitch
  • RedEye
  • University of Montana
  • National Institutes of Health
  • Michigan State University
  • Western Michigan University
  • Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies
  • Gecko Designs
  • The 411 Club
  • Metro Nightclub
  • TerraSeer
  • Carquest
  • Political campaigns
  • Consumers Energy
  • Jacobs & Clevenger
  • iPay Technologies
  • DirectBuy
  • The Cranberry Institute
  • Citadel
  • Jacobs Agency
  • David James Group
  • Ryerson Steel
  • Sterling Partners
  • USAA
  • Foley Lardner
  • IBM

Contact Me

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Scott Munn

Others say . . .

It's an absolute pleasure to work with Scott. And he's much more than a kickass, committed, quick and clean developer. His organization skills are astounding and he's a fantastic communicator. If you have a question for him, Scott is happy to answer and does so with clarity and speed. He is full of creative ideas that are exciting to hear and his enthusiasm ignites energy and drive for the team. A designer couldn't ask for a better person to help keep workflow rolling smoothly and as a bonus learn a whole lot about programming along the way. Scott is also a mobile mastermind that stays on top of the latest in technology and trends. There is one thing that Scott does NOT know how to do -- miss a deadline! - Ben Neff, Lead Designer, Dezaza
Scott is an excellent interactive talent with a stellar attitude as well as very coveted hands-on technical skills. I highly recommend him for any company seeking a client-facing interactive candidate with great development chops and a solid eye for design. - Emily Detroy, Creative Circle
Working with Scott for over a year on widely different development projects, I can vouch for his ability to take on complex tasks and execute them both efficiently and in a timely manner. His substantial knowledge of the various emerging web technologies where, and still are, an important factor in completing the projects we've been involved in so far. - Yannick Forest, Various Things Live
It was a pleasure to supervise and work with Scott. He is a talented web developer and programmer. On top of being his ability to make helpful recommendations on the design of the system or site, he is able to communicate very effectively with individuals who are not familiar with web design or programming and translate what he is doing in layman's terms. - Meegan Lillis, Instructional Technologist / Designer
Having an opportunity to work with Scott from Jan 2011 to May 2011 was a great experience. He takes a great deal of "ownership" in his work and goes above and beyond the tasks and responsibilities he is given. His thorough knowledge of various web development platforms/languages with attention to detail when it comes to scalability/speed makes him stand out. I look forward to working with Scott Munn in the future. - Emil Sheth, Co-founder, Dezaza
Scott is a fast learner and an innovative thinker. He found creative solutions to our web challenges and leveraged existing frameworks to speed through difficult tasks. Scott is reliable, friendly and was a real joy to work with! - Gabriel Silverman, Owner, Gecko Designs
Scott was a great asset to our team and helped lead the development of a great product. In addition to being dedicated and focussed, Scott is a very talented developer with excellent knowledge of both front end and back technologies. He is also well organized with great written and verbal communication skills. Presented with an opportunity, I would hire Scott again without hesitation. - Danny Sanchez, Co-founder, Dezaza

Scott says . . .

If you've worked with me in the past, and would like to recommend me, please do! Use the contact form above, or send me an email. All that's needed is a sentence or two and your genuine thoughts. Thanks!