Brent Russell

This website serves as a basic landing page about me and projects I may be involved in. Additionally, it provides a platform for me to share my travel photography, having documented my experiences from many journeys across the world.

As a seasoned technology professional, I have over 18 years of experience in the information and business technology sector, with a focus on network administraion and systems engineering. My background encompasses a broad range of skills, including programming (python, JavaScript, php, vb.net, C++, Solidity), Linux and Windows systems administration, network administration, and business analysis.

Aside from technology, I am an avid traveler, having visited over 85 countries across every continent, and almost every state in the USA. My travels have provided ample opportunity to learn new languages, including Spanish, which I fluently speak after residing in Latin America for several years. I also have some knowledge of Italian and Portuguese. Through travel, I have honed my self-taught photography skills, capturing some very stunning images.

Check out the travel map of all the countries I've visited, and take a look at my travel photography portfolio to see some of my work.

What I Do

Systems and Network Administration

Since 2004, I have developed a strong proficiency managing a variety of Linux systems including Ubuntu, Red Hat, Fedora, Suse, Centos, and others. I have extensive experience with technologies such as ISC-DHCP, Bind DNS, Apache, Nginx, memcache, Varnish and squid proxy servers, MySQL, iptables, and much more. I have worked with bare metal on-prem and in cloud environments, specifically AWS, Azure, but also have experience with turn key solutions self hosted cloud technology like Synology and NextCloud.

Additionally, I have served as a Network Administrator for both Windows-only networks and mixed networks that include Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux. I have managed physical network migrations on=prem and in the cloud, various types of switches, Ubiquity networks, vlans, link bonding, pfsense, firewalls, and other various network technlogies.

IT Business Analyst

Throughout my experience in various startups, I have gained a significant amount of experience optimizing business processes and implementing numerous technology solutions. My role has involved gathering and analyzing business requirements, developing functional specifications, creating and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

In addition, I have gained valuable experience in financial planning and operational strategy. I have been responsible for creating budgets, forecasts, and IT strategies. I have established numerous key partnerships and have successfully identified and launched new business opportunities through leveraging available resources.

Software Engineer

I offer a diverse range of technical capabilities and versatility to my work. With a strong foundation in various programming languages, I have a proven track record of delivering effective solutions for a wide range of projects.

Some of the programming languages I have experience with include Python, PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, next.js, Perl, Bash, AppleScript, TCL on Cisco AS5400 switches, VB.NET, ColdFusion, HTML5, CSS3, VXML, C++, and SQL.

In addition to programming I have configured, tunned, and manage MySQL, Aurora, MariaDB, and Microsoft SQL servers.

Photography

Over the past 15 years, I have indulged in an expensive hobby: photography. I shoot with a Canon R5, Canon 5D, and have used various drones. Most of my photography has focused on landscapes and night photography, but I have also captured many fashion-style portraits and a few weddings. In 2022, I started a photography company, www.picturing.us. However, I discovered that the demands of marketing and editing were not personally fulfilling, so the venture remains a side gig for now.

Resume

20 Years of Experience

Experience

2017 - Current
Coinlock Mumbai, India London, England Miami, FL

Chief Technology Officer, Stakeholder

Architected the infrastructure of the CoinLock.com trading platform and created specifications for CoinLock's development structure. Spec'd and started office location in Mumbai, India. Hired, trained, and managed a team of engineers, human resources, and support staff with astronomical cost savings over their US based conterparts. I later managed the migration of development and operations to a home based enviroment due to Covid-19. Advised on blockchain best practices and cryptocurrency community culture. Forecasted and reported IT development and budget forcasts. Liased with 3rd parties such as Bitgo, Kingdom Trust, XHUB, and Bosonic to create B2B tech specification.

2008 - Current
Voz Technologies Digital Nomad

Founder / Programmer / SysAdmin / Everything else

Voz Technologies started as an automated web marketing system I created which scraped information from classified ad websites and presented it with affiliate marketing advertisements. It has grossed over 2 million dollars to date. Later, in 2016 through Voz Technologies I started investing in crypto currencies and creating stock trading algorithms. Voz Technologies has since become a catch all company for ventures I am involved in.

2009 - 2012
Bleam Ventures Las Vegas, Nevada

Co-Founder and CTO

Self-funded, developed and maintained all aspects of CallArc.com/FreeCreditPhone.com (now defunct after multiple acquisitions) including business models, marketing, phone system API’s, websites, and databases. Bleam Ventures was successfully earning a profit 6 months after its launch in 2010 with no debt and no investments. It was acquired by Voip-PAL (VPLM) in 2011 with over 60,000 subscribers.

2007 - 2008
Tollfreeforwarding.com Los Angeles, California

Senior Applications Engineer

Maintained the existing Coldfusion software and oversaw the development and architecture of new software supporting the mission of TollFreeForwarding.com. Managed all telecom and IP systems. I developed the backbone software which makes up the core systems for the Tollfreeforwarding business model using Cisco AS5400 switches, TCL, php and VB.NET.

2006 - 2007
Mobile Messenger Sydney, Australia Los Angeles, California

Lead Application Developer

Started the IT department in the US by liaising with the Sydney office. Developed IVR systems needed for telecom operations in the US. Provided guidance for other programmers and IT staff. Administered high traffic Linux Apache servers and Windows IIS servers. Domain Controllers, Exchange, DNS, DHCP etc.

2004 - 2005
Science Center of Iowa Des Moines, Iowa

Network Administrator

Served as the only person in IT tasked with administering domain controllers, exchange servers, DNS, DHCP, IIS, veritas backup systems, voip phone system, Cisco Pix firewall, printers, and desktop support for a 150+ workstation network. Developed Digistar dome theater software that became a major exhibit and was featured at many science centers around the world.

Education

Books and Online Courses, Self Learning

2020
Cryptozombies Online

Solidity Path: Beginner to Intermediate Ethereum Smart Contracts

Cryptozombies brings you through a fun game like course that teaches smart contracts allowing you to have your own crypto zombie on the blockchain, mimicking the controversial cryptokitties ERC20 token.

2020
Udemy Online

Business Analysis Fundamentals

Creating business cases that align with business objectives. Modeling diagrams for project documentation. Project requirement specifications. Waterfall and Agile frameworks

2020
Udemy Online

The Macroeconomics Course 2020

Aggregate Output and Economic Growth. Business Cycles. Monetary and Fiscal Policy. International Trade and Capital Flows.

2019
Brady Raanes Book

In Light of Yesterday: The Backstory of the Global Economy

The events that have shaped the global economy, by exploring pivotal events in the US, Europe, Japan, China and Latin America.

2019
Udemy Online

The Python Mega Course: Build 10 Real World Applications

Teaches everything to get a developer up and running then giving instruction while taking you through 10 applications from web scrapping, a bookstore application interfacing a database, a mobile app, a motion detector, a portfolio website like this one here and more.

2015
Fred McAllen Book

Charting and Technical Analysis

Understanding price and market movments through the technical analysis of trading charts. Core trading concepts of indicators such as moving averages, RSI, and bollinger bands. How to identify shifts in market direction with resistance, support, and how to find other indicators such as head and shoulders, bull flags, wedges, cup and handle and more.

2013
David Amerland Book

Google Semantic Search: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Techniques used by companies to obtain higher search engine rankings in turn boosting trafick and revenue.

2009
Kevin Mitnick Book

The Art of Intrusion: The Real Stories Behind Exploits

Understanding price and market movments through the technical analysis of trading charts. Core trading concepts of indicators such as moving averages, RSI, and bollinger bands. How to identify shifts in market direction with resistance, support, and how to find other indicators such as head and shoulders, bull flags, wedges, cup and handle and more.

2007
Chetan Sharma Book

VoiceXML: Professional Developer's Guide

Bridges the gap for developers wanting to get started building voice application with VXML.

2007
Tony Bautts Book

Linux Network Administrator's Guide, 3rd Edition

An overview of Linux networking, common services such as DHCP, Bind DNS, openSSH, Sendmail, IPTables, Samba, LDAP, and more. Instruction on basic hardware installation, wireless networking and troubleshooting in a Linux environment.

2004
Julie C. Meloni Book

Sams Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL and Apache

This book teaching the groundwork for someone to get started with the Apache webserver on Linux. It then teaches how to use php and Mysql to build web applications.

Formal Education, Professional Training

2020
MIT OpenCourseWare

Blockchain and Money

Blockchain technology economics and its intersection with the world of finance and money.

2004
Kaplan University Des Moines, Iowa

Networking and Systems Administration AAS

Course work consisted of typical computer science classes with an emphasis in Linux administration and Windows networks. Database and VB.net were also a part of the curriculum.

2000
United States Air Force Sheppard AFB, Texas

Aerospace Ground Equipment

This 6 month intensive training program given to enlisted military is a set of classes teaching electrical schematics and theory, HVAC, and hydraulics. Many certifications are obtained during this course such as EPA section 608 and 609. It's purpose is to get Airmen ready to perform their job in the field after boot camp. Classes are 8 hours a day while under the eye of strict military training leaders.

SysAdmin Skills

Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, Suse, Lubuntu)

15yrs

Windows Server (AD, Exchange)

8yrs

AWS

4yrs

BIND DNS, DHCP, Sendmail

10yrs

Apache, Tomcat, Nginx

15yrs

Coding Skills

PHP

16yrs

JavaScript, jQuery

16yrs

Node.js (Currently Learning)

0yrs

Python

2yrs

TCL

2yrs

VB.net

2yrs

ColdFusion

1yr

ActionScript

1yr

HTML5, CSS3, Boostrap

17yrs

Database Skills

MySQL / Maria DB

16yrs

Microsoft SQL Server

5yrs

Postgres

1yr

Mongo DB

1yr

Memcached

6yrs

Spoken Language Skills

English

Native

Spanish

Fluent, 10 yrs

Italian

Intermediate, 6 months

Portfolio

My Works
Cloudflare DDNS

Cloudflare DDNS

Project
CryptDumps.RIP

CryptoDumps.RIP

Project
Matchengine.io

CoinLock.com

Business
Interview with Brent Russell from Coinlock

Alpha Growth interview for Coinlock

Tech Crunch 2018
Voz technologies

Voz Technologies LLC

Business
Auto OptionSniper

Auto OptionSniper

Project
gorillatech.app

Gorillatech.app

Project
Bleam Technology Ventures

Bleam Technology Ventures

Business
Cosmic Jukebox

Cosmic Jukebox

Project
Science Center of Iowa

Science Center of Iowa Network

Business
Zepey

Zepey File Storage (2005)

Project
tailJS

tailJS

Project
LastIP

LastIP

Project

Photography

Travel Photography
Pushkar, India

Pushkar, India

Yala, Sri Lanka

Yala, Sri Lanka

Perito Moreno, Argentina

Perito Moreno, Argentina

Alhambra, Spain

Alhambra, Spain

Wendover, Utah

Wendover, Utah

Samana , Dominican Republic

Samana , Dominican Republic

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh, Morocco

Jamestown, South Carolina

Jamestown, South Carolina

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils Tower, Wyoming

Meeru , Maldives

Meeru , Maldives

Donsol, Philippines

Donsol, Philippines

Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna, Nepal

San Blas , Panama

San Blas , Panama

Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna, Nepal

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Phi Phi , Thailand

Phi Phi , Thailand

Queen Elizabeth Natl Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth Natl Park, Uganda

Cancun , Mexico

Cancun , Mexico

Matera, Italy

Matera, Italy

Fort Peck Lake, Montana

Fort Peck Lake, Montana

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Plitvice, Croatia

Plitvice, Croatia

Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur, India

Muscat, Oman

Muscat, Oman

Sicily, Italy

Sicily, Italy

Puerto Vallarta , Mexico

Puerto Vallarta , Mexico

Walt Disney, Florida

Walt Disney, Florida

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Apulia, Italy

Apulia, Italy

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Wadi Bani Khalid , Oman

Wadi Bani Khalid , Oman

Owens Valley, California

Owens Valley, California

Manatee State Park, Florida

Manatee State Park, Florida

Coron , Philippines

Coron , Philippines

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, Germany

Jardin, Colombia

Jardin, Colombia

Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park, Utah

Grand Teton, Wyoming

Grand Teton, Wyoming

Iguazu, Brazil

Iguazu, Brazil

New York, New York

New York, New York

New York, New York

New York, New York

Caye Caulker , Belize

Caye Caulker , Belize

Mue Ne , Vietnam

Mue Ne , Vietnam

A Coruna, Spain

A Coruna, Spain

Khao Phing Kan , Thailand

Khao Phing Kan , Thailand

Granada, Spain

Granada, Spain

Bonaire, Caribbean

Bonaire, Caribbean

Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan

Zell Am See, Austria

Zell Am See, Austria

Himalayas, Nepal

Himalayas, Nepal

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Luang Praban, Laos

Luang Praban, Laos

Ha Long , Vietnam

Ha Long , Vietnam

White Sands, New Mexico

White Sands, New Mexico

Coron , Philippines

Coron , Philippines

Kyrenia , Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus

Kyrenia , Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus

Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest, Uganda

Tatev, Armenia

Tatev, Armenia

Monaco, Monaco

Monaco, Monaco

Meeru , Maldives

Meeru , Maldives

Queen Elizabeth Natl Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth Natl Park, Uganda

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Masaya, Nicaragua

Masaya, Nicaragua

Porto Covo, Portugal

Porto Covo, Portugal

Guatape, Colombia

Guatape, Colombia

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Luang Praban, Laos

Luang Praban, Laos

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Bethlehem, Palestine

Bethlehem, Palestine

Krka, Croatia

Krka, Croatia

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey

Koh Tao , Thailand

Koh Tao , Thailand

White Pocket, Arizona

White Pocket, Arizona

Death Valley, California

Death Valley, California

Luang Prabang , Laos

Luang Prabang , Laos

Bethlehem, Palestine

Bethlehem, Palestine

Bonaire, Caribbean

Bonaire, Caribbean

Symphony Of Stones, Armenia

Symphony Of Stones, Armenia

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Semuc Champey , Guatemala

Semuc Champey , Guatemala

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany, Italy

Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao, Thailand

Salalah, Oman

Salalah, Oman

Polis , Cyprus

Polis , Cyprus

Bled, Slovenia

Bled, Slovenia

Cano Piedras, Colombia

Cano Piedras, Colombia

Obidos, Portugal

Obidos, Portugal

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, Chile

Colon, Panama

Colon, Panama

San Blas , Panama

San Blas , Panama

Pushkar, India

Pushkar, India

Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest, Uganda

Jardin, Colombia

Jardin, Colombia

Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park, Utah

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Santo Amaro Do Maranhao , Brazil

Santo Amaro Do Maranhao , Brazil

Paris, France

Paris, France

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna, Nepal

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa

Iquitos, Peru

Iquitos, Peru

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca, Ecuador

El Nido , Philippines

El Nido , Philippines

Perito Moreno, Argentina

Perito Moreno, Argentina

Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca, Ecuador

Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, Chile

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Buckskin Gulch, Utah

Buckskin Gulch, Utah

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Ella, Sri Lanka

Ella, Sri Lanka

Wendover, Utah

Wendover, Utah

Monopoli, Italy

Monopoli, Italy

Fort Peck Lake , Montana

Fort Peck Lake , Montana

Isle Of Skye, Scotland

Isle Of Skye, Scotland

Milan, Italy

Milan, Italy

Saigon, Vietnam

Saigon, Vietnam

Udairpur, India

Udairpur, India

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Ning Bing, Vietnam

Ning Bing, Vietnam

Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur, India

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa, Vietnam

Algarve , Portugal

Algarve , Portugal

Crator Lake, Oregon

Crator Lake, Oregon

Zakynthos , Greece

Zakynthos , Greece

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Davis-monthan AFB, Arizona

Davis-monthan AFB, Arizona

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, Laos

Hebron, Palestine

Hebron, Palestine

Luxor, Egypt

Luxor, Egypt

Taba, Egypt

Taba, Egypt

Ceiba , Puerto Rico

Ceiba , Puerto Rico

Washington, District Of Columbia

Washington, District Of Columbia

Garfield, Montana

Garfield, Montana

Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna, Nepal

Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Plitvice, Croatia

Plitvice, Croatia

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal, India

Burano, Italy

Burano, Italy

Segovia, Spain

Segovia, Spain

Pushkar, India

Pushkar, India

Copan, Honduras

Copan, Honduras

Yanardagh, Azerbaijan

Yanardagh, Azerbaijan

Cinque Terre , Italy

Cinque Terre , Italy

Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Lake Mono , California

Lake Mono , California

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Jardin, Colombia

Jardin, Colombia

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, Slovakia

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Cu Chi, Vietnam

Cu Chi, Vietnam

Puerto Viejo , Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo , Costa Rica

Parque Guell, Spain

Parque Guell, Spain

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer, India

Ratchaburi, Thailand

Ratchaburi, Thailand

Chaing Mai, Thailand

Chaing Mai, Thailand

White Pocket, Arizona

White Pocket, Arizona

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, Argentina

Wolfgangsee, Austria

Wolfgangsee, Austria

Boracay , Philippines

Boracay , Philippines

Railay , Thailand

Railay , Thailand

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro

Cancun , Mexico

Cancun , Mexico

Cano Cristales, Colombia

Cano Cristales, Colombia

Sugar Dunes , Oman

Sugar Dunes , Oman

Tikal, Guatemala

Tikal, Guatemala

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Merzouga, Morrocco

Merzouga, Morrocco

Saigon, Vietnam

Saigon, Vietnam

Zebra Canyon, Utah

Zebra Canyon, Utah

Luang Praban , Laos

Luang Praban , Laos

Koh Lipe , Thailand

Koh Lipe , Thailand

Yosemite, California

Yosemite, California

Ticino, Italy

Ticino, Italy

Jaipur, India

Jaipur, India

Joshua Tree, California

Joshua Tree, California

Lake Mono , California

Lake Mono , California

Bonaire, Bonaire

Bonaire, Bonaire

Zakynthos , Greece

Zakynthos , Greece

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, Chile

Isabela , Puerto Rico

Isabela , Puerto Rico

Al Quneitra, Syria

Al Quneitra, Syria

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Yellowstone, Wyoming

London, England

London, England

Willemstad, Images/portfolio/travel Photography/SA Willemstad Sm.jpg

Willemstad, Images/portfolio/travel Photography/SA Willemstad Sm.jpg

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Meteora, Greece

Meteora, Greece

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, Vietnam

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Iquitos, Peru

Iquitos, Peru

Madrid, Iowa

Madrid, Iowa

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium

Montanita , Ecuador

Montanita , Ecuador

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Paris, France

Paris, France

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Koh Lipe , Thailand

Koh Lipe , Thailand

 Km Desert, Oman

Km Desert, Oman

Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy

Everglades, Florida

Everglades, Florida

Salalah, Oman

Salalah, Oman

El Nido , Philippines

El Nido , Philippines

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Mestia, Georgia

Mestia, Georgia

Death Valley, California

Death Valley, California

Contact

Get in Touch

310-733-6960

Des Moines / Remote

How Can I Help You?