Matt Garrett

Matt Garrett

Full Stack Developer

Career Summary

I have been a web application developer since 2001, and began my first full-time at my alma mater in the Spring of 2003. Since that time I have progressively grown in both my knowledge and my career responsibilities. Web application development is my passion, and as such my career goals are to continue growing and developing new web-related technology as often as possible.

Work Experience

Senior Technical Lead

Emfluence LLC

Nov. 2021 - Present

Marketing Agency Services

I serve as the team technical lead and solution architect, focusing on designing and delivering scalable web applications and cloud infrastructure. My primary responsibilities include leading architectural design, establishing deployment workflows, coding solutions and mentoring developers.

Programming highlights:

  • Lead development and cloud operations for a portfolio of web applications hosted across AWS, Google Cloud, and other providers.
  • Modernized legacy systems by refactoring monolithic architectures into scalable, API-driven microservices and improving deployment reliability.
  • Designed and implemented custom WordPress plugins and Drupal modules, integrating business logic and third-party APIs.
  • Built and maintained full-stack applications using PHP, C#/ASP.NET, Vue.js, React.js, and HTMX, ensuring performance, security, and maintainability.
  • Architected and managed infrastructure leveraging AWS services including EC2, ECS, ECR, Aurora/RDS, ElastiCache, CloudFront, S3, IAM, CloudWatch, EFS, and Route 53; utilized comparable Google Cloud technologies where applicable.
  • Implemented CI/CD pipelines, containerized applications with Docker, and optimized deployment workflows for multi-environment setups.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally to define technical requirements, improve application quality, and achieve great customer relationships.
  • Served as technical lead and subject-matter expert, advising on architectural decisions, mentoring developers, and supporting new client initiatives.
  • Implemented a robust internal developer documentation system to improve team efficiency and reduce onboarding time.

Primary Technologies used:

  • PHP 5.x, 8.x
  • .Net/C#
  • AWS
  • GCP
  • Azure
  • Vue.js
  • GitHub
  • Docker
  • Lando
  • MySQL
  • SqlServer
  • REST
  • APIs
  • SASS
  • Tailwind
  • Wordpress
  • Drupal
  • Symfony
  • AI

Associate Director/Web Architect

The University of Kansas

Apr. 2015 - Present

Custom Development & Application Services

I founded the team for web and mobile development technologies for the University, and was the team's technical lead and director. Most of my time was spent developing ecommerce and research applications for campus departments (our clients). I was the primary relationship manager between the developers and our clients. I functioned as a development architect, programmer, project manager, decision maker and stakeholder for various projects. Approximately 20 people reported up to me.

Programming highlights:

  • Architected and developed web-based software acquisition and distribution system for campus entities
  • Re-factored and modernized tutor-request system for campus tutoring services
  • Worked with and guided team on on-going upgrade of Drupal 7 CMS system to Drupal 9
  • Architected and developed online application for students to advance to higher-level coursework
  • Led team in development and deployment of new eCommerce payment gateway and supporting systems
  • Architected and led development in online database for tracking FERPA-qualified data for underpriveleged students as part of research grant.
  • Integrated with multiple vendor-APIs across multiple projects. Also developed APIs for both internal and external consumption
  • In process of creating a single-page application use vue.js as the frontend, and api-platform as the backend.
  • Provided customer support in technologies such as Wordpress, Drupal, Localist, Touchnet, and general web development.
  • Led team in development of coding and documentation standards, best practices, and online learning curriculum.

Primary Technologies used:

  • PHP 5.x, 7.x
  • Symfony 3.x - 5.x
  • Docker
  • Vue.js
  • Laravel 5.x
  • CAS(SAML) authentication
  • MySQL
  • Oracle
  • REST
  • APIs
  • SASS
  • Bootstrap
  • Drupal
  • Wordpress

Manager/Web Architect

The University of Kansas

2007 - 2015

Web Development & Interface Design

I was the technical and managerial lead for web development for the University of Kansas. I participated in development projects as an architect, programmer, and project manager. My main achievement during this time was developing and deploying a campus-wide Drupal 7-based content management system (CMS), used by over 500 units across campus. This CMS system was heavily customized to meet the needs of each client on campus.

Highlighted Achievements

  • Architected, developed and deployed campus-wide CMS to over 500 units across campus
  • Architected and developed secure form-creation application that allows campus administrators to create secure web forms, including eCommerce forms
  • Led team through multiple programming projects
  • Implemented campus-wide git platform (gitlab)
  • Centralized campus web development into a single unit under my direction

Technologies used:

  • PHP 5.x
  • Drupal 7
  • Wordpress
  • Symfony 1.x-3.x
  • JavaScript/jQuery
  • Bootstrap/SASS
  • Shibboleth/SAML Auth
  • MySQL

Web Application Developer

The University of Kansas

2003 - 2007

Web Services

I was responsible for creating and maintaining the majority of KU Web applications and websites throughout the university, including the main ku.edu homepage and the KU Template. I took over development of the territorialkansasonline.org web application, which was later recognized by the Governor of Kansas as a excellent resource for researchers of Kansas history. I created numerous other applications and a self-developed object-oriented framework in PHP.

Highlighted Achievements

  • Developed campus-wide calendar of events
  • Developed extensive workshop scheduling and reservation system
  • Developed Individual Growth & Development Indicators online research project

Technologies used:

  • PHP 5.x
  • Wordpress
  • JavaScript
  • Mysql
  • Oracle
  • Shibboleth
  • Perl

Skills & Tools

Backend

  • PHP 5.x-8.x
  • Symfony 2.x-7.x
  • Drupal 6.x - 9.x
  • Wordpress
  • Databases (MySQL, SqlServer, Oracle, Postgres)
  • API Development

Frontend

  • Responsive Design
  • Bootstrap, Tailwind
  • Vue.js
  • React.js
  • API Integration

Others

  • DevOps
  • eCommerce
  • PCI, HIPPAA, GDPR, FERPA
  • Docker

Primary Developer Tools

  • Git
  • Cursor
  • PHP Storm
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Docker, Lando

Education

  • Bachelors in Computer Science
    University of Kansas
    May 2003

Interests

  • Family
  • Science Fiction
  • Music
  • Life