Technology · Systems · Product

Turning complex ideas into work that moves people forward.

I help organizations design, modernize, and communicate systems that are dependable, useful, and built for what comes next.

A connected path

Milestones in motion.

1995
Milestone

Founded Scott’s Valley Microsystems

Thanks to a price list left behind by someone, I managed to create a wholesale account with a local computer company. Thanks to access to these low wholesale prices, Scott’s Valley Microsystems was born. I sold computer parts out of rented school lockers, primarily selling to teachers and faculty at my school.

1998
Milestone

Helping Moped Riders Avoid Costly Police Checkpoints

In 1998, Moped rides in The Netherlands had a problem: police checkpoints would regularly pop up and confiscate their souped-up rides. My new product would help them avoid these checkpoints AND launch my first big commercial success.

1998
Milestone

Rebranded as Cocentrica

Realizing the sudden importance of Internet domain names, I rebranded my company as Cocentrica.

2001
Milestone

Sync.nl – Sometimes Innovation Begins with a Menu Option

In 2001, I purchased an Ericsson T39m. At the time, it was one of the most advanced mobile phones available. It was among the first handsets to include Bluetooth without the need for an add-on dongle, but another feature immediately caught my attention: a collection of unfamiliar menu options labeled SyncML.

2003
Milestone

Relocated to the United States of America

In 2003,the company relocated to the United States, opening up a whole new chapter of the business with unlimited opportunities.

2005
Milestone

Launched TravelTech.com

In 2005, I started my writing career with the launch of TravelTech.com, the first blog in the BoardingArea.com blog network, this site covered everything from inflight connectivity to the latest travel gadgets.

2007
Milestone

Joined AOL Travel as Travel Technology Editor

In 2007. my travel writing caught the attention of AOL Travel, where I continued my writing career covering all things travel technology related.

2008
Milestone

Promotion to Executive Editor of AOL Travel

In 2008, my writing career progressed to executive editor of AOL Travel, leading a team of 25 extremely talented writers and boosting site traffic by 300%

2011
Milestone

Covered the World’s First Commercial Flight With ATG Aircell Inflight Internet

In 2011, I was onboard the world’s first commercial flight offering the latest in inflight connectivity provided by Aircell Air to Ground technology.

2011
Milestone

Joined Aircell as Manager of Social Media and Content

In 2011, my interest in inflight internet led me to Aircell where I joined as their new manager of social media and online content. Bringing together my passion for writing and travel technology.

2012
Milestone

Tech Company meets GDGT – 18 Trade Shows in 4 Years!

When a former Engadget editor launched the GDGT tech showcase, we showed up with a bang! We attended a total of 18 GDGT shows, informing attendees of our latest innovations and generating huge social buzz!

2013
Milestone

All Access Day for Gogo – First Media Day as a Public Company

Gogo went public in 2013, and was looking for a flashy media day for investors, media members and social influencers. I managed a large social media campaign, live video, 360 streaming coverage and more.

2013
Milestone

Gogo Introduces Concourse – A True Hybrid Blog Experience

Nobody wants a blog filled with nothing but commercial news, so when we were on the lookout for a real hybrid of commercial content and helpful travel content, I built Concourse – a WordPress powered blog experience

2013
Milestone

Won the American Express Award for Best Airline Social Media Customer Service

In 2013, I won the American Express award for providing the best airline customer service on social media, recognizing my commitment to sub-5 minute response times and 99% customer satisfaction.

2014
Milestone

The World’s First Flying Food Truck

Inflight connectivity is difficult to demonstrate at a ground-based conference, especially with a limited budget.

2014
Milestone

The World’s First Social Media Vending Machine

How do you hand out trade show freebies AND generate social buzz? This was the challenge I faced in 2014, and the driving force behind the world’s first social media vending machine.

2015
Milestone

Eventech Award for Best Trade Show Technology Activation with Laser Engraved Luggage Tags

In 2015, this global event technology publication awarded me for developing the best trade show activation with my laser engraved personal luggage tags, recognizing the perfect synergy of show and innovation.

2016
Milestone

Another First: Corporate Internal Communications on WordPress With Okta User Management

As a large company with over 1200 employees, Gogo really needed a new platform for internal communications. I built this with InsideGogo – a WordPress powered blog with secure access through Okta – a first for its time!

2020
Milestone

Bring a Dormant Community Back to Life – PartsTown and TechTown

PartsTown had a problem – their online technician community TechTown was dead. Member engagement was virtually non-existent AND they were locked into a pricey vendor platform. My job was to breath new life into it and relaunch on a cheaper platform.

2021
Milestone

Boosting Community Engagement Through Gamification and Physical Rewards

When PartsTown committed to boosting its technician community engagement, I built the World’s first ever WordPress gamification platform WITH a physical rewards store. Result? 40% boost in engagement after just one week!

2021
Milestone

Returned to Entrepreneurship With Cocentrica

In 2021, I returned to my entrepreneur roots with the relaunch of Cocentrica, providing innovative trade show activation solutions to the travel technology world.

2024
Milestone

Intelsat Booth at Airline Passenger Experience 2024

When satellite operator Intelsat needed a booth activation for their upcoming presence in Hamburg for AIX 2024, they turned to me. I provided them with a memorable activation that wowed attendees and helped increase lead generation.

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Selected work

Systems thinking, made tangible.

A selection of projects at the intersection of infrastructure, automation, experience, and thoughtful technical communication.

Project

TechTown: Rebuilding a Community Its Members Could Own

Escaping vendor lock-in, preserving 45,000 posts, and turning participation into meaningful rewards Organization: Parts TownYear: 2019Role: Community Manager • Product Strategy • Platform Migration • Member ExperienceAudience: Certified foodservice-equipment repair techniciansDisciplines: Community Strategy • Product Development • Gamification • UX Research • TechnologyResults: 400% increase in new-member registrations • 500% increase in engagement • $140,000 […]

Project

Sync.nl – Europe’s First Commercial Multi-Platform SyncML Service

Building Europe’s First Commercial Multi-Platform SyncML Service Year: 2001–2002Role: Founder • Product Vision • Infrastructure • Commercial DevelopmentTechnologies: SyncML • Java • Sun Microsystems • Ericsson T39m • GPRS • Microsoft Outlook • WAP • Apple WebObjects Sometimes Innovation Begins with a Menu Option In 2001, I purchased an Ericsson T39m. At the time, it […]

Project

Roadcheck – the world’s first SMS based traffic enforcement alert service

Bringing SMS Information to the masses Company: Cocentrica B.V.Year: 1998Role: Project Lead, concept developer, partnership manager, marketing managerDisciplines: Mobile applications • Operations • Workflow automation • Process improvement The Challenge Young moped riders in the Netherlands are allowed to ride starting at the age of 16, albeit with a pretty limited speed restriction. To avoid […]

Approach

Good technology should earn trust: through clear thinking, resilient systems, and an experience people can understand.

  • ArchitecturePractical systems that are ready to evolve.
  • AutomationLess friction, more focus for the people doing the work.
  • CommunicationTechnical ideas expressed with clarity and context.
Perspective

Work is better when the story is clear.

Let's make the next useful thing.

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