Brandon Spilove: Senior Web Developer

		Key Stats! BS Degree in Animal Science (yes, really!) from Rutgers University Wrote 1st computer program at age 10 on a Commodore Vic 20 Managed the development team for a large public company's A-list ecommerce site for 5 years Spent 8 years working on Microsoft based networks for both large and small companies On several occasions, worked closely with Microsoft engineers on various projects Passionate about website usability, always trying to make websites intuitive and easy to use

» What do you do work on for GDS?

I do all the back end programming and database work for the projects that require dynamic features, such as shopping carts and membership databases and things like that. Basically, the rest of the team makes it all look pretty, and I make it work.

» What's your background? How did you get into this business?

Growing up, I was always interested in computers as a hobby. My real passion (or so I thought) was animals. I wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. I worked at an animal hospital all through high school and college. At the time, I didn't really consider a career in computers as a "real" profession. It was always a hobby and it wasn't until I left college when I realized it would be a good career move. Once I started getting paid for doing what I love (working with computers), I've never thought about becoming a veterinarian again.

» What type of projects are your favorite?

My favorite types of projects are the internal web applications. It fascinates me how many businesses are running their operations using Microsoft Excel or Access. I love taking someone's Excel or Access based business and translating it into a powerful, web-based, data driven application.

» What do you do when you're not designing killer apps and brilliant back-ends for web sites?

My wife and I have 2 children, both boys and extremely active. After a long hard day at work, I come home and get tackled by them while being forced to pretend I'm Doc Ock while they both assume the role of Spiderman. This is what its all about. I'm also extremely interested in movies. One day I hope to own a movie theater and make millions!