Kyle Willis

kylewillis@me.com · kylewillis.xyz · GitHub · LinkedIn · Chicago, IL

Summary

Software engineer with 10+ years of experience building front-end platforms, internal systems, and operational tooling across automotive SaaS, logistics infrastructure, agencies, and enterprise consumer brands. Focused on architecting reliable production systems, modernizing legacy stacks, and shipping high-traffic web platforms used in real operational environments.

Experience

  • Mark Anthony Group

    Chicago, IL · Nov 2024 - Present

    WordPress Developer

    • Build and maintain global consumer brand platforms including White Claw, Mike's Hard Lemonade, and Cayman Jack.
    • Develop scalable WordPress architectures and reusable component systems for multi-market brand sites.
    • Optimize front-end performance and accessibility across high-traffic production environments.
    • Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, design, and engineering teams to deliver reliable production releases.
    • Contribute to improving developer workflows and deployment consistency across brand properties.

  • Hub Group

    Feb 2023 - Oct 2024

    Web Developer

    • Built internal web applications and dashboards supporting logistics and transportation operations.
    • Designed and implemented internal dashboards used by operations teams to improve visibility and reporting.
    • Integrated REST APIs and backend services into modular front-end UI systems.
    • Replaced manual spreadsheet-based workflows with structured web-based tooling.
    • Contributed to system improvements that reduced friction across internal operational processes.

  • Rocket55

    May 2022 - Feb 2023

    Web Developer

    • Full-stack development for automotive and e-commerce clients.
    • Delivered CMS-driven marketing platforms and custom WordPress builds.
    • Implemented modular front-end components and reusable patterns across client accounts.
    • Improved performance and technical SEO for client production sites.
    • Participated in rapid iteration cycles with stakeholders and delivery teams.

  • Divine Design & Marketing

    Nov 2021 - May 2022

    Web Developer

    • Built and deployed full-stack websites for regional businesses.
    • Developed custom themes and CMS integrations.
    • Ensured cross-browser compatibility and production stability.

  • Wash Near Me

    Jul 2017 - Jan 2020

    Software Engineer

    • Automotive service discovery and operations platform.
    • Contributed to feature development and maintenance of production web applications.
    • Built user-facing and internal tooling components.
    • Supported iterative product releases and operational system improvements.

  • Auto Accessory Configurator

    Oct 2015 - Jul 2017

    Software Engineer

    • Automotive dealership accessories platform.
    • Developed front-end components and product features supporting dealership operations.
    • Worked on configuration workflows tied to automotive retail systems.
    • Collaborated with stakeholders in dealership and aftermarket environments.

  • Usman Group

    Jun 2010 - Aug 2013

    Web Development Intern

    • High school internship focused on front-end development and CMS implementation.
    • Contributed to agency client website builds and internal development tasks.

Independent Work

  • THICKRIM (Private Studio)

    2022 - Present

    Founder

    • Provide digital infrastructure modernization and automation solutions for automotive and industrial businesses.
    • Replace legacy CMS stacks with maintainable modern architectures.
    • Build internal dashboards, workflow automation, and operational tooling.
    • Design production systems that improve reliability and reduce manual overhead.
    • Guide clients in adopting modern development practices and automation strategies.

Education

  • College of Lake County

    Coursework in computer science and technology-related disciplines

    • Self-taught engineer with continuous independent study in software architecture, automation systems, and modern web development practices.

Technical Skills

  • Languages: JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, HTML, CSS
  • Frameworks & Platforms: WordPress, React, Node.js, Next.js, REST APIs
  • Infrastructure & Tooling: Linux, Docker, Git, CI/CD, Vercel, Netlify
  • Specializations: Front-End Architecture, Performance Optimization, Accessibility, Workflow Automation, Internal Tooling, Agent-Guided Systems Design
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