Jason Porritt

I’ve always loved building things, which is a big part of what sparks my passion for software development. My first programming book (QBasic for Dummies) was a gift from my parents and started me down a path that lead to increasing curiosity about computers and technology.

The growth of these interests lead me to employment in IT as early as my senior year in high school. After graduating, I left West MI to pursue a B.S. in Computer Science from Michigan Technological University, which I received in May of 2003. During the summers of my college years, I worked with various teams at Gordon Food Service as an intern, and returned there for 18 months after graduating to work with their EDI and data integration team.

Prior to joining Atomic Object, I was a software developer on the web development team at Priority Health. A few of my accomplishments there include:

• Writing web applications using Perl, JavaScript, Apache, and Oracle.
• Using Apache and mod_perl to integrate third-party applications seamlessly into their website.
• Submitting a patch to DBIx::Profile on the CPAN to add several useful features.
• Leading research into innovative ideas for consumer engagement, which resulted in an opportunity for two colleagues and me to present our vision to the Priority Health board of directors.
• Leading the adoption of user experience design and lean management practices for a dynamic, long-running project.

Being part of the software development community in the Grand Rapids area has spurred my passion for continued learning. Over the past several years, I have served as the president of the Grand Rapids Perl Mongers, helped organize a few iterations of BarCamp Grand Rapids, and participated in a few other user groups in the area. For me, learning and sharing new technologies and tools is akin to being set loose on a playground, but with far more potential for good. A lot of the presentations I’ve shared recently have related to user experience design practices, ideation, and storytelling as an engaging presentation technique.

When I’m not writing software you’ll likely find me dodging cones at an autocross, catching up on trends in technology and business, or enjoying the simplicity of backpacking.