From Pool Toys to Programming – A Full-Stack Dev's Tale
Hello there! I'm Chris Daugaard, a dedicated Full-Stack Developer and Designer based in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. My journey into the world of technology and design began in the scenic Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri (Yup, were the show "Ozark" takes place). At the tender age of 15, while still in high school, I dove head first into the world of design, sparking a lifelong passion for creating and innovating.
After a brief stint at a tech school studying Computer Information Systems, I realized that the traditional educational path wasn't aligning with my aspirations. With a hint of regret, I ventured into the workforce, honing my skills as a carpenter and cook, but my evenings and weekends were dedicated to mastering graphic design. This relentless pursuit paid off in 2007 when I landed my dream job as a product designer for an inflatable pool toy company, only to see the company deflate (pun intended) a few years later.
The twists and turns of life led me to a marketing agency in 2011, where I discovered my love/obsession for programming. This newfound passion steered my career path towards the intricate world of coding. Despite facing setbacks, like the closure of the agency, I remained steadfast, continuing my self-taught journey while juggling design roles.
In a bold leap of faith, I transformed my side gig of creating websites into a full-time venture. My proficiency in programming grew, allowing me to take on substantial projects and clients. One such client, Bold Hope, a non-profit startup, not only appreciated my skills but offered me an incredible opportunity to relocate to Philadelphia. After thoughtful consideration and spiritual guidance, my family and I embraced this new chapter.
Today, as the Technical & Creative Lead at Bold Hope, I have the opportunity to work with my favorite programming stack while still getting to flex my design muscles now and again. My journey as a self-taught professional may seem unconventional to some, but I take great pride in the strides I've made. I'm committed to continual learning and daily self-improvement. I look forward to what the future holds with great anticipation.
TL;DR: Hi, I'm Chris Daugaard, a Full-Stack Developer and Designer from Lake of the Ozarks, now in Philly. Started in design at 15, bypassed traditional tech education for real-world experience. Survived the deflation of my first design gig at a pool toy company, then got hooked on programming at a marketing agency. Leveraged my skills to build a web design side hustle into a full-time career.
Now, I'm the Technical & Creative Lead at Bold Hope, thriving in my favorite programming stack. I continue to learn and challenge myself every day and looking forward to what's next with great anticipation.