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
Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, Slovakia

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa

Washington, District Of Columbia

Washington, District Of Columbia

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ha Long , Vietnam

Ha Long , Vietnam

Meteora, Greece

Meteora, Greece

Sicily, Italy

Sicily, Italy

Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park, Utah

Luang Praban, Laos

Luang Praban, Laos

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece

El Nido , Philippines

El Nido , Philippines

Zakynthos , Greece

Zakynthos , Greece

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Mestia, Georgia

Mestia, Georgia

Death Valley, California

Death Valley, California

Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, Laos

Lake Mono , California

Lake Mono , California

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Zell Am See, Austria

Zell Am See, Austria

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal

Porto Covo, Portugal

Porto Covo, Portugal

Segovia, Spain

Segovia, Spain

Plitvice, Croatia

Plitvice, Croatia

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku, Azerbaijan

Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy

Al Quneitra, Syria

Al Quneitra, Syria

Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer, India

Wendover, Utah

Wendover, Utah

Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils Tower, Wyoming

Bethlehem, Palestine

Bethlehem, Palestine

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro

Saigon, Vietnam

Saigon, Vietnam

Bled, Slovenia

Bled, Slovenia

Semuc Champey , Guatemala

Semuc Champey , Guatemala

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Joshua Tree, California

Joshua Tree, California

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey

Matera, Italy

Matera, Italy

Railay , Thailand

Railay , Thailand

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany, Italy

Buckskin Gulch, Utah

Buckskin Gulch, Utah

Lake Mono , California

Lake Mono , California

Yosemite, California

Yosemite, California

Grand Teton, Wyoming

Grand Teton, Wyoming

Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

Ticino, Italy

Ticino, Italy

Chaing Mai, Thailand

Chaing Mai, Thailand

San Blas , Panama

San Blas , Panama

Salalah, Oman

Salalah, Oman

New York, New York

New York, New York

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal, India

Cancun , Mexico

Cancun , Mexico

A Coruna, Spain

A Coruna, Spain

Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna, Nepal

Perito Moreno, Argentina

Perito Moreno, Argentina

White Pocket, Arizona

White Pocket, Arizona

Cancun , Mexico

Cancun , Mexico

Pushkar, India

Pushkar, India

Krka, Croatia

Krka, Croatia

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Colon, Panama

Colon, Panama

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

El Nido , Philippines

El Nido , Philippines

Koh Lipe , Thailand

Koh Lipe , Thailand

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Bethlehem, Palestine

Bethlehem, Palestine

Iguazu, Brazil

Iguazu, Brazil

Madrid, Iowa

Madrid, Iowa

White Sands, New Mexico

White Sands, New Mexico

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Alhambra, Spain

Alhambra, Spain

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Pushkar, India

Pushkar, India

Symphony Of Stones, Armenia

Symphony Of Stones, Armenia

Puerto Vallarta , Mexico

Puerto Vallarta , Mexico

Algarve , Portugal

Algarve , Portugal

Sugar Dunes , Oman

Sugar Dunes , Oman

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, Chile

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, Germany

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Fort Peck Lake , Montana

Fort Peck Lake , Montana

Wadi Bani Khalid , Oman

Wadi Bani Khalid , Oman

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

 Km Desert, Oman

Km Desert, Oman

Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao, Thailand

Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest, Uganda

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

Fort Peck Lake, Montana

Fort Peck Lake, Montana

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Cinque Terre , Italy

Cinque Terre , Italy

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Mue Ne , Vietnam

Mue Ne , Vietnam

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria

Coron , Philippines

Coron , Philippines

Puerto Viejo , Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo , Costa Rica

Tatev, Armenia

Tatev, Armenia

Manatee State Park, Florida

Manatee State Park, Florida

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Salalah, Oman

Salalah, Oman

Himalayas, Nepal

Himalayas, Nepal

Plitvice, Croatia

Plitvice, Croatia

San Blas , Panama

San Blas , Panama

New York, New York

New York, New York

Wendover, Utah

Wendover, Utah

Guatape, Colombia

Guatape, Colombia

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

White Pocket, Arizona

White Pocket, Arizona

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

Perito Moreno, Argentina

Perito Moreno, Argentina

Crator Lake, Oregon

Crator Lake, Oregon

Paris, France

Paris, France

Coron , Philippines

Coron , Philippines

Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park, Utah

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Zebra Canyon, Utah

Zebra Canyon, Utah

Queen Elizabeth Natl Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth Natl Park, Uganda

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Santo Amaro Do Maranhao , Brazil

Santo Amaro Do Maranhao , Brazil

Saigon, Vietnam

Saigon, Vietnam

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

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

Khao Phing Kan , Thailand

Khao Phing Kan , Thailand

Ratchaburi, Thailand

Ratchaburi, Thailand

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey

Burano, Italy

Burano, Italy

Ning Bing, Vietnam

Ning Bing, Vietnam

Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur, India

Luxor, Egypt

Luxor, Egypt

Samana , Dominican Republic

Samana , Dominican Republic

Everglades, Florida

Everglades, Florida

Jamestown, South Carolina

Jamestown, South Carolina

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Jaipur, India

Jaipur, India

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, Chile

Polis , Cyprus

Polis , Cyprus

Meeru , Maldives

Meeru , Maldives

Koh Tao , Thailand

Koh Tao , Thailand

Cu Chi, Vietnam

Cu Chi, Vietnam

Queen Elizabeth Natl Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth Natl Park, Uganda

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Jardin, Colombia

Jardin, Colombia

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento, Italy

London, England

London, England

Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Yellowstone, Wyoming

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Walt Disney, Florida

Walt Disney, Florida

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh, Morocco

Ceiba , Puerto Rico

Ceiba , Puerto Rico

Yala, Sri Lanka

Yala, Sri Lanka

Iquitos, Peru

Iquitos, Peru

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Ayai Napa , Cyprus

Boracay , Philippines

Boracay , Philippines

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa, Vietnam

Zakynthos , Greece

Zakynthos , Greece

Granada, Spain

Granada, Spain

Montanita , Ecuador

Montanita , Ecuador

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Cano Cristales, Colombia

Cano Cristales, Colombia

Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna, Nepal

Bonaire, Caribbean

Bonaire, Caribbean

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Hebron, Palestine

Hebron, Palestine

Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna, Nepal

Caye Caulker , Belize

Caye Caulker , Belize

Monopoli, Italy

Monopoli, Italy

Bonaire, Caribbean

Bonaire, Caribbean

Pushkar, India

Pushkar, India

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Davis-monthan AFB, Arizona

Davis-monthan AFB, Arizona

Yanardagh, Azerbaijan

Yanardagh, Azerbaijan

Jardin, Colombia

Jardin, Colombia

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, Chile

Masaya, Nicaragua

Masaya, Nicaragua

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, Vietnam

Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna, Nepal

Taba, Egypt

Taba, Egypt

Death Valley, California

Death Valley, California

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain

Jardin, Colombia

Jardin, Colombia

Cano Piedras, Colombia

Cano Piedras, Colombia

Wolfgangsee, Austria

Wolfgangsee, Austria

Milan, Italy

Milan, Italy

Muscat, Oman

Muscat, Oman

Copan, Honduras

Copan, Honduras

Iquitos, Peru

Iquitos, Peru

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Luang Prabang , Laos

Luang Prabang , Laos

Kyrenia , Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus

Kyrenia , Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Koh Lipe , Thailand

Koh Lipe , Thailand

Monaco, Monaco

Monaco, Monaco

Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur, India

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca, Ecuador

Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest, Uganda

Owens Valley, California

Owens Valley, California

Apulia, Italy

Apulia, Italy

Luang Praban , Laos

Luang Praban , Laos

Obidos, Portugal

Obidos, Portugal

Tikal, Guatemala

Tikal, Guatemala

Paris, France

Paris, France

Varanasi, India

Varanasi, India

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, Czech Republic

Ella, Sri Lanka

Ella, Sri Lanka

Luang Praban, Laos

Luang Praban, Laos

Phi Phi , Thailand

Phi Phi , Thailand

Donsol, Philippines

Donsol, Philippines

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

Lago Titicaca, Bolivia

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Udairpur, India

Udairpur, India

Parque Guell, Spain

Parque Guell, Spain

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca, Ecuador

Bonaire, Bonaire

Bonaire, Bonaire

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Merzouga, Morrocco

Merzouga, Morrocco

Isabela , Puerto Rico

Isabela , Puerto Rico

Isle Of Skye, Scotland

Isle Of Skye, Scotland

Garfield, Montana

Garfield, Montana

Meeru , Maldives

Meeru , Maldives

Contact

Get in Touch

310-733-6960

Des Moines / Remote

How Can I Help You?