Brent Russell

Programmer / Sys Admin / Investor / Traveler / Photographer

Brent Russell

This website serves as a basic landing page about me and projects I may be involved in. Additionally, it provides a platform for me to share my travel photography, having documented my experiences from many journeys across the world.

As a seasoned technology professional, I have over 18 years of experience in the information and business technology sector, with a focus on network administraion and systems engineering. My background encompasses a broad range of skills, including programming (python, JavaScript, php, vb.net, C++, Solidity), Linux and Windows systems administration, network administration, and business analysis.

Aside from technology, I am an avid traveler, having visited over 85 countries across every continent, and almost every state in the USA. My travels have provided ample opportunity to learn new languages, including Spanish, which I fluently speak after residing in Latin America for several years. I also have some knowledge of Italian and Portuguese. Through travel, I have honed my self-taught photography skills, capturing some very stunning images.

Check out the travel map of all the countries I've visited, and take a look at my travel photography portfolio to see some of my work.

What I Do

Systems and Network Administration

Since 2004, I have developed a strong proficiency managing a variety of Linux systems including Ubuntu, Red Hat, Fedora, Suse, Centos, and others. I have extensive experience with technologies such as ISC-DHCP, Bind DNS, Apache, Nginx, memcache, Varnish and squid proxy servers, MySQL, iptables, and much more. I have worked with bare metal on-prem and in cloud environments, specifically AWS, Azure, but also have experience with turn key solutions self hosted cloud technology like Synology and NextCloud.

Additionally, I have served as a Network Administrator for both Windows-only networks and mixed networks that include Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux. I have managed physical network migrations on=prem and in the cloud, various types of switches, Ubiquity networks, vlans, link bonding, pfsense, firewalls, and other various network technlogies.

IT Business Analyst

Throughout my experience in various startups, I have gained a significant amount of experience optimizing business processes and implementing numerous technology solutions. My role has involved gathering and analyzing business requirements, developing functional specifications, creating and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

In addition, I have gained valuable experience in financial planning and operational strategy. I have been responsible for creating budgets, forecasts, and IT strategies. I have established numerous key partnerships and have successfully identified and launched new business opportunities through leveraging available resources.

Software Engineer

I offer a diverse range of technical capabilities and versatility to my work. With a strong foundation in various programming languages, I have a proven track record of delivering effective solutions for a wide range of projects.

Some of the programming languages I have experience with include Python, PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, next.js, Perl, Bash, AppleScript, TCL on Cisco AS5400 switches, VB.NET, ColdFusion, HTML5, CSS3, VXML, C++, and SQL.

In addition to programming I have configured, tunned, and manage MySQL, Aurora, MariaDB, and Microsoft SQL servers.

Photography

Over the past 15 years, I have indulged in an expensive hobby: photography. I shoot with a Canon R5, Canon 5D, and have used various drones. Most of my photography has focused on landscapes and night photography, but I have also captured many fashion-style portraits and a few weddings. In 2022, I started a photography company, www.picturing.us. However, I discovered that the demands of marketing and editing were not personally fulfilling, so the venture remains a side gig for now.

Resume

20 Years of Experience

Experience

2017 - Current

Coinlock Mumbai, India London, England Miami, FL

Chief Technology Officer, Stakeholder

Architected the infrastructure of the CoinLock.com trading platform and created specifications for CoinLock's development structure. Spec'd and started office location in Mumbai, India. Hired, trained, and managed a team of engineers, human resources, and support staff with astronomical cost savings over their US based conterparts. I later managed the migration of development and operations to a home based enviroment due to Covid-19. Advised on blockchain best practices and cryptocurrency community culture. Forecasted and reported IT development and budget forcasts. Liased with 3rd parties such as Bitgo, Kingdom Trust, XHUB, and Bosonic to create B2B tech specification.

2008 - Current

Voz Technologies Digital Nomad

Founder / Programmer / SysAdmin / Everything else

Voz Technologies started as an automated web marketing system I created which scraped information from classified ad websites and presented it with affiliate marketing advertisements. It has grossed over 2 million dollars to date. Later, in 2016 through Voz Technologies I started investing in crypto currencies and creating stock trading algorithms. Voz Technologies has since become a catch all company for ventures I am involved in.

2009 - 2012

Bleam Ventures Las Vegas, Nevada

Co-Founder and CTO

Self-funded, developed and maintained all aspects of CallArc.com/FreeCreditPhone.com (now defunct after multiple acquisitions) including business models, marketing, phone system API’s, websites, and databases. Bleam Ventures was successfully earning a profit 6 months after its launch in 2010 with no debt and no investments. It was acquired by Voip-PAL (VPLM) in 2011 with over 60,000 subscribers.

2007 - 2008

Tollfreeforwarding.com Los Angeles, California

Senior Applications Engineer

Maintained the existing Coldfusion software and oversaw the development and architecture of new software supporting the mission of TollFreeForwarding.com. Managed all telecom and IP systems. I developed the backbone software which makes up the core systems for the Tollfreeforwarding business model using Cisco AS5400 switches, TCL, php and VB.NET.

2006 - 2007

Mobile Messenger Sydney, Australia Los Angeles, California

Lead Application Developer

Started the IT department in the US by liaising with the Sydney office. Developed IVR systems needed for telecom operations in the US. Provided guidance for other programmers and IT staff. Administered high traffic Linux Apache servers and Windows IIS servers. Domain Controllers, Exchange, DNS, DHCP etc.

2004 - 2005

Science Center of Iowa Des Moines, Iowa

Network Administrator

Served as the only person in IT tasked with administering domain controllers, exchange servers, DNS, DHCP, IIS, veritas backup systems, voip phone system, Cisco Pix firewall, printers, and desktop support for a 150+ workstation network. Developed Digistar dome theater software that became a major exhibit and was featured at many science centers around the world.

Education

Books and Online Courses, Self Learning

2020

Cryptozombies Online

Solidity Path: Beginner to Intermediate Ethereum Smart Contracts

Cryptozombies brings you through a fun game like course that teaches smart contracts allowing you to have your own crypto zombie on the blockchain, mimicking the controversial cryptokitties ERC20 token.

2020

Udemy Online

Business Analysis Fundamentals

Creating business cases that align with business objectives. Modeling diagrams for project documentation. Project requirement specifications. Waterfall and Agile frameworks

2020

Udemy Online

The Macroeconomics Course 2020

Aggregate Output and Economic Growth. Business Cycles. Monetary and Fiscal Policy. International Trade and Capital Flows.

2019

Brady Raanes Book

In Light of Yesterday: The Backstory of the Global Economy

The events that have shaped the global economy, by exploring pivotal events in the US, Europe, Japan, China and Latin America.

2019

Udemy Online

The Python Mega Course: Build 10 Real World Applications

Teaches everything to get a developer up and running then giving instruction while taking you through 10 applications from web scrapping, a bookstore application interfacing a database, a mobile app, a motion detector, a portfolio website like this one here and more.

2015

Fred McAllen Book

Charting and Technical Analysis

Understanding price and market movments through the technical analysis of trading charts. Core trading concepts of indicators such as moving averages, RSI, and bollinger bands. How to identify shifts in market direction with resistance, support, and how to find other indicators such as head and shoulders, bull flags, wedges, cup and handle and more.

2013

David Amerland Book

Google Semantic Search: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Techniques used by companies to obtain higher search engine rankings in turn boosting trafick and revenue.

2009

Kevin Mitnick Book

The Art of Intrusion: The Real Stories Behind Exploits

2007

Chetan Sharma Book

VoiceXML: Professional Developer's Guide

Bridges the gap for developers wanting to get started building voice application with VXML.

2007

Tony Bautts Book

Linux Network Administrator's Guide, 3rd Edition

An overview of Linux networking, common services such as DHCP, Bind DNS, openSSH, Sendmail, IPTables, Samba, LDAP, and more. Instruction on basic hardware installation, wireless networking and troubleshooting in a Linux environment.

2004

Julie C. Meloni Book

Sams Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL and Apache

This book teaching the groundwork for someone to get started with the Apache webserver on Linux. It then teaches how to use php and Mysql to build web applications.

Formal Education, Professional Training

2020

MIT OpenCourseWare

Blockchain and Money

Blockchain technology economics and its intersection with the world of finance and money.

2004

Kaplan University Des Moines, Iowa

Networking and Systems Administration AAS

Course work consisted of typical computer science classes with an emphasis in Linux administration and Windows networks. Database and VB.net were also a part of the curriculum.

2000

United States Air Force Sheppard AFB, Texas

Aerospace Ground Equipment

This 6 month intensive training program given to enlisted military is a set of classes teaching electrical schematics and theory, HVAC, and hydraulics. Many certifications are obtained during this course such as EPA section 608 and 609. It's purpose is to get Airmen ready to perform their job in the field after boot camp. Classes are 8 hours a day while under the eye of strict military training leaders.