Thomas Lyndon John Cruz

A full stack developer with experience in ReactJS (most recently Next.js and TailwindCSS), React-Native, Node.js, Express.js, and Laravel, who has primarily worked with startup companies in a remote-based capacity. Strong skills in front-end and back-end development, with a focus on creating efficient and user-friendly web and mobile applications. Experience with various languages and frameworks, allowing for the ability to adapt to new technologies quickly and effectively. Proven success in working with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products in a fast-paced startup environment.


Experience

IT Consultant

  • As an IT Consultant specializing in full-stack development, I design and implement comprehensive solutions across both frontend and backend systems. My expertise spans a wide range of technologies, including Next.js, Node.js, and Vue.js. I focus on delivering high-quality, scalable applications by creating new features, fixing bugs, testing code, reviewing code and enforcing coding standards. My role involves collaborating closely with clients to understand their needs and translate them into robust, efficient solutions that drive business success.

Projects: Restaurant Recipe and Menu management site, Mobility Scooter booking app, Mystery Visitor restaurant reviewing site, and various landing pages.

January 2021 - Present

Full Stack Developer

Lanturn

Singapore

  • Develop new features and maintain existing features for Lanturn proprietary software. Lanturn Corporate Services software is designed to help companies with the Incorporation process in Singapore.

Responsible for both front-end and back-end. Worked with ReactJS, Next.js, and Node.js, Express.js projects. Demonstrated a strong ability to quickly learn and adapt.

Stack used: Node.js, Express.js, TypeORM, PostgreSQL, Typescript, ReactJS, Next.js, Redux, Tailwind CSS, HTML5, Bootstrap, CSS, Git, Jira, Slack, MS Office, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

May 2023 - November 2023

Full Stack Developer

Digital Awesome Inc.

Spokane, WA, USA

  • Developed site to host online courses and podcasts from Australian realtor.
  • Developed web application designed to help organizations train and evaluate their cyber security. The platform allows organizations to train their employees on the latest cyber security trends and technologies, and to evaluate their cyber security knowledge and readiness through regular assessments.
  • Developed the Digital Awesome website and blog CMS with Strapi.
  • Made landing pages for numerous companies and organizations using Wordpress and Elementor (parkyourself.com, phoenixengineering.com, buckleyfoodbank.org)

Responsible for both front-end and back-end. Worked with ReactJS, Next.js, and PHP/Laravel projects. Also worked on Wordpress sites. Proficient in creating efficient and user-friendly web applications. Experience in working on projects with multiple languages and frameworks.

Stack used: PHP, Laravel, MySQL, Typescript, ReactJS, Next.js, Redux, Tailwind CSS, HTML5, Bootstrap, CSS, Git, Wordpress, Elementor, Hubspot, Strapi, Jira, Slack, MS Office, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

January 2022 - January 2023

Full Stack Web Developer

Novanus Solutions UG

Erlangen-Bruck, Germany

  • Developed a stock analysis web program that retrieves data from multiple sources such as Facunda GmbH (FinTechCube), Ariva.de AG, Lang & Schwarz AG, Forex API, and 4Investors.
  • Developed a web form that collects user data such as face and eye movements, typing style, etc. that will be sent to a machine learning backend to detect dishonesty.

Full stack developer, responsible for both front-end and back-end, database design, and deployment to a linux server, worked completely remotely. Proven success in working with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products in a remote-based environment while utilizing the technologies ReactJS and PHP/Laravel. Proven ability to adapt to new technologies quickly and effectively.

Stack used: PHP, Laravel, MySQL, ReactJS, WebRTC, FaceAPI, HTML5, Bootstrap, CSS, Git, Slack, MS Office, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

January 2021 - May 2022

Junior Developer

Azure Innovations Sdn Bhd

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

  • Developed a voucher earning app that utilizes React-Native for the front-end and deep learning platforms for its ad engine.
  • Developed a website for HP sales agents to upload their sales invoices, earn points and redeem them for products or promos with network carriers.
  • Helped create technical diagrams for POS Malaysia and LG.

Remote based mobile and full-stack web developer, responsible for both front-end and back-end and deployment to a linux server and Google playstore. Proficient in React-Native, ReactJS, and PHP/Laravel technologies, adapting to new technologies quickly and effectively.

Stack used: PHP, Laravel, MySQL, Javascript, ReactJS, React-Native, HTML5, Bootstrap, CSS, Git, Linux, Jira, MS Office, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

June 2019 - December 2020

Program Analyst

Rococo Global Technologies Corporation

Cebu, Philippines

  • Developed asset management system using SaaS technology ServiceNow.
  • Outsourced to NEC Corporation for 8 months.
  • Developed landing page for VIVA Production artists.
  • Developed event ticketing software for CIT University.
  • Translated technical Japanese manuals into English.

Trained in Japanese and Japanese business etiquette for 6 months. Full-stack developer and ServiceNow developer. Worked for various teams in various roles.

Stack used: Java, J2EE, Smart, Spring boot, Javascript, JQuery, HTML5, Bootstrap, CSS, Linux, Git, Jira, MS Office, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

June 2017 - June 2019

Tester, Developer, Researcher

NEC Corporation

Cebu, Philippines

  • Tested applications on Linux (CentOS) servers and mobile (Android)
  • Researched open-source web technologies, mainly Java web frameworks and NoSQL databases.
  • Translated technical Japanese manuals into English
  • Developed an Internet of Things (IoT) tracking system for warehouses that uses Bluetooth nodes throughout the warehouse to locate items and personnel.

Stack used: Java, J2EE, Smart, Spring boot, Javascript, JQuery, HTML5, Bootstrap, CSS, Linux, Git, Jira, MS Office, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

October 2018 - March 2019

Intern

Alliance Software Inc.

Cebu, Philippines

  • Developed a system for job applicants that will take their information and create a test suited to their skillset and the job description.

Stack used: Java, J2EE, Smart, Spring boot, Javascript, JQuery, HTML5, Bootstrap, CSS, Linux, Git, Jira, MS Office, Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

March 2016 - June 2016

Education, Certifications, and Awards

University of San Carlos

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

EF Education First

EF SET (Standardized English Test) C2 Proficient

Google

Fundamentals of digital marketing
Credential ID 8BL HD8 KTT

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Corporate Strategy
Verify at Coursera

Copenhagen Business School

Strategic Management
Verify at Coursera

HackerRank

Problem Solving (Basic)
Verify at HackerRank

HackerRank

Problem Solving (Intermediate)
Verify at HackerRank
  • Most Promising Employee - Rococo Global Technologies Corporations

Skills

Programming Languages & Tools
Workflow
  • Mobile-First, Responsive Design
  • Cross Functional Teams
  • Agile Development & Scrum
Skills
  • Javascript - 7 years
  • Typescript - 5 years
  • React.js - 5 years
  • Vue.js - 1 year
  • Node.js - 5 years
  • Next.js - 3 years
  • TailwindCSS - 3 years
  • React-native - 2 years
  • PHP (Laravel framework) - 6 years
  • MySQL - 7 years
  • PostgreSQL - 5 years
  • GraphQL - 1 year
  • HTML5/CSS3 - 7 years
  • Git - 7 years

Notable Projects

Voucher Earning App

Azure Innovations Sdn Bhd

A voucher earning app that utilizes React-Native for the front-end and deep learning platforms for its ad engine. The ad engine suggests ad campaigns to users based on their interests. The app allows users to watch ads in exchange for coins, which can then be exchanged for various vouchers. The app provides a unique user experience by using deep learning to suggest personalized ads, and rewards users for watching them with vouchers. I contributed to the creation and maintenance of the mobile app.

Warehouse IoT location system

NEC Corporation

An Internet of Things (IoT) tracking system for warehouses that uses Bluetooth nodes throughout the warehouse to locate items and personnel. The system utilizes tablets that provide personnel with real-time data on the location of items within the warehouse, enabling them to efficiently manage inventory and track personnel movement. The system is designed to improve warehouse productivity and accuracy through advanced tracking technology, providing real-time data and visibility into warehouse operations. I contributed to the creation and maintenance of the application, both front-end and back-end.

Security evaluation tool for Cloud and Managed Service Providers

Digital Awesome Inc.

A web-based platform that utilizes ReactJS for the front-end and PHP/Laravel for the back-end, designed to help organizations train and evaluate their cyber security. The platform allows organizations to train their employees on the latest cyber security trends and technologies, and to evaluate their cyber security knowledge and readiness through regular assessments. The platform provides organizations with the tools and resources to identify and mitigate potential cyber threats, and to improve the overall cyber security posture of the organization and its users. This platform helps organizations to stay up-to-date with the latest security trends and technologies and to ensure that their employees are equipped to protect the organization's assets and data. I contributed to the creation and maintenance of the application, both front-end and back-end.

Real Estate Education Platform

Digital Awesome Inc.

Developed a comprehensive online platform for an Australian realtor to host and manage their educational courses and podcasts. Leveraged Next.js for front-end development, enabling dynamic and responsive user interfaces. Utilized Strapi as the headless CMS to efficiently manage content creation and distribution. Implemented Node.js and Express.js for backend development, enabling robust API integration and custom functionalities. Key features include a playlist feature for organizing podcast episodes and course materials, providing users with a seamless and engaging learning experience.

Stock Analysis Web Tool

Novanus Solutions UG

Developed a stock analysis web program that retrieves data from multiple sources such as Facunda GmbH (FinTechCube), Ariva.de AG, Lang & Schwarz AG, Forex API, and 4Investors. Data includes fundamental data, real-time & historical price data, corporate actions, currency rates, and news feeds. Data is accessed through XML push, API, and RSS feed. The program integrates and processes this data to provide insights on the stock market. I contributed to the creation and maintenance of the application, both front-end and back-end.

Lie Detection Web Form

Novanus Solutions UG

Developed a web form that collects user data such as face and eye movements, typing style, etc. to detect dishonesty. The data is transmitted to a machine learning service for analysis to determine if the user is lying or cheating. The solution provides organizations with a way to authenticate the identity of online users and prevent fraud. I contributed to the creation and maintenance of the application, mainly front-end.

Restaurant Recipe and Menu management site

Consultant

A site that enables restaurants to create recipes, calculate ingredient costs, and estimate the nutritional value of each dish using machine learning. The platform also allows for menu creation with cost analysis and generates weekly ingredient shopping lists. The project utilized Next.js, Node.js, and machine learning technologies. My responsibilities included developing new features, fixing bugs, testing code, and reviewing merge requests.

Mobility Scooter booking app

Consultant

An app aimed at elderly customers that allows them to book and reserve mobility scooters to be used around Amsterdam. The mobile app utilizes React-Native, the Kiosk uses ReactJS, the Admin site uses Next.js. Backend uses Node.js/Nest.js/Prisma. My responsibilities included developing new features, fixing bugs, testing code, and reviewing merge requests. I contributed to the kiosk interface, admin site, and backend, ensuring a seamless and reliable user experience.

Mystery Visitor restaurant reviewing site

Consultant

A site that enables restaurants to request mystery visitors to review their food and services. Visitors can sign up and complete visits for payment. The project features a Vue.js Nuxt monorepo for the frontend and utilizes Nhost as a backend service which uses Hasura and GraphQL. My role involves developing new features, fixing bugs, testing code, deploying to staging and production sites, and reviewing merge requests.

Various Company Profile pages

Digital Awesome Inc.

Created and maintained company profile pages. Usually ReactJS or next.js front-end with a Wordpress CMS.


Portfolio Links


Interests

I have interests in cycling, photography, headphones, and watches. I have a passion for cycling, both as a sport and as a means of exploring the outdoors and staying active. I also have an interest in photography, capturing moments and memories through the lens. I also have an interest in headphones, enjoying listening to music and sound with high-quality equipment. And I have an interest in watches, enjoying the craftsmanship and design of different watches. I also enjoy combining my interests in cycling and photography to capture the beautiful landscapes and moments while I'm exploring on my bike.

Questions

  • What inspires you in your work?
      What inspires me the most in my work is seeing the tangible impact my work has on the end product. There's a real sense of satisfaction that comes from taking an idea from concept to reality, and being able to see how it benefits and improves the lives of users.
  • Describe a complex software development issue you have dealt with and how you could resolve it successfully.
      We had a page capable of loading multiple forms dynamically and during conception it was not anticipated that so many forms would cause a slow down. Our solution was simple, simply do not render the forms until needed. The forms were already in a accordion: if open the accordion we render the form, if it was closed we unmount the form freeing resources from the browser.
  • Describe how you would handle a situation if you were required to finish multiple tasks by the end of the day, and there was no conceivable way that you could finish them.
      Firstly, this situation is preventable with proper management and communication. If this really happened, immediate heads and leaders would be informed and we would come up with a plan for catching up on any tasks that cannot be completed today and come up with a priority list of tasks to be completed.
  • Describe a time when you had to solve a software problem, but you didn’t have all the necessary knowledge about it in hand. How were you able to successfully resolve the issue?
      Tasked with connecting a business' static website to a Strapi CMS. Conducted research on Strapi and analyzed website structure. Created a plan and broke tasks into smaller manageable ones for efficient completion.
  • Give an example of when you got difficult feedback from a manager, customer, etc. How did you handle it?
      I had received challenging feedback from a manager in the past. I took the time to reflect on my mistake and proactively put measures in place to ensure it wouldn't happen again in the future.
  • What do you do when a client has trouble explaining their needs? (For example, they don’t provide enough information)
      When facing a client who has difficulty articulating their needs, I approach the situation by conducting research on their business and identifying any pain points. This allows me to ask targeted questions and come up with a solution that effectively addresses their needs.
  • When faced with uncertainty or ambiguity in a project, how do you make decisions and take action? Please provide an example of situation where you had to make a quick decision in an uncertain environment.
      Faced a client from a previous employer where the requirements were vague and uncertain. To help with this, we had a meeting with the client, future users of the system, the dev team and our project manager. In this meeting we discussed the client's problems and expectations while the dev team brainstormed potential solutions, we made sure that the environment and the teams fostered open communications. We decided to go with an Agile approach, showing the client flexible and modular features each meeting. Going Agile allowed for adjustments based on user feedback and changing requirements.
  • Please describe any teamwork, management, and/or leadership experience you have. Include details about your role and the size and structure of the team. (How many people, what kind of composition is the team, etc.)
      I lead a small team composed of 3 people (including myself) on a project in Rococo. I was the lead developer and the project was to create an asset management system using ServiceNow. This was used by Kosé sales agents in Japan.
  • What technical stacks have you worked with before and which one do you consider your strongest?
      I have used React.js, React-native, Node.js, Express.js, PHP, Laravel, and most recently Next.js. My strengths are in React.js and Next.js. My experience with databases is mainly with MySQL and PostgreSQL.