About
Full-stack Web Developer and MBA with over ten years of remote work experience, working well independently. Experienced in building administrative software, managing financial processes, and running business operations. Skilled in problem-solving and strategic planning. Combines technical skills with a broad range of experience in non-technical roles. Committed to community service and creating connections in both professional and personal networks.
Work Experience
Wapa
https://wa.pa
Founder & CTO
2024-11 - Present
Founded and lead the development of a platform to automate customer interactions via WhatsApp.
- Defined the product vision, directed technical design, and coordinated the development team. → Ensured alignment of strategy and execution to build a robust MVP.
- Implemented tools for order, payment, and appointment management accessible to non-technical users. → Enabled small business owners to handle key processes effortlessly.
- Designed a scalable architecture adaptable to various business types. → Positioned the platform for growth across different verticals.
- Automated chat interactions and key workflows. → Reduced operational burden for small businesses through process automation.
REMOTE - USA
Software Engineer
2024-04 - 2024-11
Contributed to early product development of a fast-growing startup, leading multiple feature implementations.
- Integrated external services, developed TOTP-based multi-factor authentication, and user-facing flows. → Enhanced platform functionality, strengthened security, and optimized user experience.
Panama Public Records Bureau
https://www.registro-publico.gob.pa/
Full Stack Developer
2014-09 - 2024-03
Led full-cycle development of various systems and applications, from requirements gathering through full-stack implementation, rigorous testing, CI/CD optimization, hands-on training, support, and continuous improvement.
- Developed a Human Resources Management System migrating paper-based processes to an online system. → Significantly reduced manual workload, integrated biometric attendance devices, improved payroll, leave management, vacation tracking, automated document generation, and accelerated departmental tasks.
- Built an Asset Management System. → Enabled inventory control, asset registration, depreciation calculations, and structured reporting.
- Created a mobile Android tool for audit and asset traceability integrated with the asset system API. → Reduced audit times and errors, allowed on-the-spot corrections, captured asset photos.
- Implemented a Performance Evaluation System. → Streamlined periodic evaluations, bonus calculations, and report generation, managing data on roles, departments, and salaries.
- Developed a Sales Reconciliation System for credit/debit card transactions. → Automated processing of over 2,000 daily transactions with detailed reporting.
- Built a Rate Calculator tool. → Enabled users to precisely estimate costs under the updated institutional rate structure.
- Implemented a private code repository using GitLab CE. → Centralized source control, improved change traceability, automated testing and deployment processes, and fostered team collaboration.
Financial Advisor
2012-06 - 2014-09
Led a pricing update process resulting in a $15M+/year revenue increase since 2013.
- Developed projection models for all income streams. → Identified opportunities to increase revenues.
- Built an online fee calculator. → Enabled customers to easily estimate costs and fees.
- Developed a tool to reconcile credit card transactions. → Cut daily reconciliation time by 99%.
Intermaritime Certification Services
https://icsclass.org/
Full Stack Developer
2022-12 - 2023-02
Architected a RESTful API for MS Word template management.
- Optimized SQL queries and crafted SQL views. → Seamless integration with new API for document creation.
- Established DevContainers for codebases. → Streamlined developer onboarding.
Rick's
Founder and Owner
2013-02 - 2021-12
Full leadership in operational and financial management.
- Managed all aspects of business operations and finance.
Ministry of Economy and Finance
https://www.mef.gob.pa/
Financial Analyst
2009-06 - 2012-06
Involved in fiscal reforms and strategic projects.
- Participated in structuring fiscal reforms. → Enabled the government to increase tax collection by $500M+/year.
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica
https://www.bncr.fi.cr/
Consultant
2008-10 - 2008-12
Developed compensation and performance management models.
- Created models for Branch Managers.
Projects
Minimalist CV (Astro component)
/projects/foss-cv-astro
Astro component to display a print-friendly and minimalist CV inspired by BartoszJarocki/cv.
PHP DbHandler
/projects/foss-php-dbhandler
Library designed to simplify interactions with MySQL databases.
PDA Barcode Scanner Inventory App
/projects/rpp-sibpe-app
Android application for PDA barcode scanners to streamline inventory tasks.
HR administration system
/projects/rpp-srh
System designed to facilitate key HR tasks in the panamanian public sector.
Integration with Biometric Attendance Devices
/projects/rpp-zk-cli
Implementation of the TCP communication protocol in JavaScript, CLI and RESTful API, enabling integration with biometric attendance control devices.
SAGE
/projects/barustudio-sage
Desktop application to administer and optimize a range of operational activities specific to cattle farm management.
Volunteer Experience
Rotary Club of David
https://www.facebook.com/rotaryclubofdavid
Oldest Rotary Club in city with 40+ members Youth and Education Chair, Secretary, CTO and Webmaster, President, PR Chair
9y9m
- Achieved record breaking fundraising results for the Rotary Foundation.
- Developed a website for the club, increasing visibility and engagement.
- Created a Notion workspace for the club, improving collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Won the Rookie of the Year Award in 2020.
Rotary International D4240
http://rotarydistrito4240.org/
International Rotary District with 1,200+ members (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama) District Youth Exchange Chair, District New Generations Service Exchange Chair, District Alumni Chair
11y0m
- Stablished a new Youth Exchange program in the district and agreed exchanges with Rotary Clubs from the US, Germany and Brasil.
Panama Active
Founder
4y7m
- Created a supportive community of developers in Panama.
- Organized weekly meet-ups to share knowledge and experiences.
Education
INCAE Business School
https://www.incae.edu/
Ranked #1 Business School in Latin America by Financial Times Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Major in Economy, Finances, and Sustainable Development
- Honored with the MEF-IFARHU Scholarship in 2007 for international studies.
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá
https://www.utp.ac.pa/
Ranked #1 University in Panama by QS World University Rankings Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Graduated summa cum laude.
- Awarded the Fundación Petroterminal de Panamá Scholarship in 2002.
- Organized the 28th JTE Electrical Engineering Congress in 2006 with 500+ attendees.