Mike Ross

Developer

Mike is a long-time Certified FileMaker developer who has worked with a diverse group of clients in many industries. He believes every business has a unique workplace culture that must be respected. Digital transformation is never easy, but the rewards are great for those businesses that choose to go on the journey. Evaluating the needs of a client is an exercise in business analysis as well as a social exercise. The needs of the front-line staff are as important as the needs of the managers.

Mike’s first interaction with a database at the Century 21 World’s Fair in 1962. He stood in line to query the Seattle Public Library for a search of Ray Bradbury books. This query was punch-carded and submitted electronically to an off-site computer. In a half-hour, he was given a list of books in teletype. This had a long-lasting effect on his psyche. Later on, Marshall McLuhan would be one of his gurus, predicting the internet and all things accessible from your fingertips.

He went on to earn two degrees from The Evergreen State College: Fine Arts (before the personal computer revolution) and later a BS in Computer Science. After college, he started his own graphic design business but found other designers in need of technical assistance so he pivoted to helping others with their computer challenges. Clients also needed better tools to manage their businesses, so Mike learned FileMaker.

Mike has supported several longterm clients in the legal, industrial claims, manufacturing, wholesale, and service sectors. He applies both his technical and creative sides to create a good user experience. He was enthused to bring his skills to Beezwax, collaborating with the depth of talent throughout the company.

Mike has helped host the Claris Western Washington and Claris Beyond developer meetups and presents on occasion to these groups as well as others.

When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, hosting Sunday football, cooking, spending time with his dogs, and listening to his extensive music collection from the early 1900’s to the present. Rhythmic Eight, anyone?