Calvin Bonner

Crowe LLP · Senior Software Engineer · 2021 - 2024

In the summer of 2021, I was hired at Crowe LLP to maintain their product design system and cultivate a user-focused front-end development practice. During my tenure, my role evolved to include the responsibilities of a lead developer, spearheading the design system project. I built over a dozen new components and refactored numerous existing ones, ensuring the system's robustness and enhancing both developer and end-user experiences. Collaborating closely with UI/UX designers, as well as a few fellow developers, we successfully overhauled the design system, delivering a product we were genuinely proud of.

1. Development and Engineering · A significant portion of my role was dedicated to developing the product design system. Built in Angular, the design system included a component library, CSS framework, graphics library, and themes for supported third-party libraries like Angular Material.

   Regarding development, my responsibilities encompassed building and maintaining all parts of the system, implementing new features, managing releases, and patching bugs. Additionally, I collaborated with product teams to assist with the implementation and integration of the system into their applications.

   The component library featured over 50 different components and templates, each refined and frequently refactored to ensure an optimal developer experience, consistent design patterns, and accessible end-user interfaces. We also implemented a pipeline for exporting web components in addition to Angular components, enabling cross-framework and platform-based consumption of components.

   The design system also included an in-depth documentation repository, built as a standalone Angular application. This application pulled in static markdown files and combined them with live examples from a Storybook JS instance to create compelling and helpful technical documentation. Much of my time working on this application was spent creating new features, including the Storybook JS instance, and finding ways to automate the creation and publication of documentation, reducing discrepancies between deployed features and their documentation.

2. Strategy and Architecture · As I transitioned into a lead role with the design system, I was tasked with more strategic decision-making, including creating a roadmap of features, setting project priorities based on developer and end-user feedback, and scheduling regular touchpoints with product teams to gather insights. I documented these decisions and their outcomes in roadmaps, changelogs, and release notes.

   Additionally, I researched, determined, and documented standards for project contributions, Git usage, automated PR code-quality checks, post-PR CI/CD pipelines, and overall code quality. Some of these standards were gradually integrated into linter configurations for both Prettier and ESLint, which were published as NPM packages and distributed to application development teams.

3. Education and Thought Leadership · Another notable part of my role at Crowe involved the education of application teams and developers regarding the use of Angular and front-end development best practices. I hosted several training events for teams and worked one-on-one with developers to both train and help implement features into their applications.

Calvin Bonner Design LLC · Founder and CEO · 2019 - Present

In October 2019, I founded Calvin Bonner Design, LLC, with the mission of delivering high-quality branding and digital marketing solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. Initially focused on refining visual brand representations, the business has evolved in recent years to concentrate more on website design and development. I collaborate with clients to create and enhance their online presence, ensuring cohesive and compelling brand representation across all digital platforms. My work now encompasses website development, brand identity design, and digital marketing strategies tailored to meet each client's unique needs. Through this venture, I have honed my skills in client relations, project management, and creative direction, consistently delivering results that enhance brand visibility and engagement.

1. Development and Engineering · Created responsive websites using technologies like Svelte, Angular, and PHP, focusing on modern design standards and ensuring cross-platform compatibility, while collaborating with clients to realize their vision through interactive visual media and user-friendly interfaces.

   Developed and maintained component libraries and frameworks for scalable and maintainable web applications, implemented best practices for performance optimization including code reviews and CI/CD pipelines, supported cross-framework compatibility, and provided ongoing technical support, managing hosting solutions, domain registrations, and SSL certifications.

2. Brand and Digital Design · Redesigned and rebuilt brands, including logos, color schemes, fonts, and brand guidelines to reflect the company's mission and target audience, along with creating visual materials such as business cards, digital marketing materials, and physical marketing assets.

3. Online Presence Management and Digital Marketing · Monitored and updated online profiles, including Google My Business, ensuring accurate and current information, while managing tools like Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools for optimal indexing and search result accuracy.

   Provided consultations to review and enhance existing digital marketing plans, focusing on increasing traffic and conversion rates, and conducted regular analytics monitoring and SEO optimization to improve site visibility and performance.

Parent Teacher Co-Op · Computer Teacher · 2021 - Present

In 2021, I began teaching the "Home and Office Computing" class for high school students at the Parent Teacher Co-Op. Thanks to some positive reviews and good word-of-mouth, the class quickly became quite popular. Starting in 2024, I will begin teaching an additional class, "Intro to Computer Programming," which will focus more on programming concepts and computer science, rather than general computing skills. Both classes emphasize practical skills and encourage critical thinking.

1. Planning and Materials Preperation · For both classes, I design a custom syllabus, not directly leveraging any pre-existing textbooks or resources to ensure that the material is practical, engaging, up-to-date, and relevant for the age group. Each year, I revise the syllabus based on student and parent feedback and incorporate changes in the tech landscape to keep the content relevant.

   Prepared materials include the year's syllabus, class constitution (standard PTC agreement between students, teachers, and parents), worksheets, exams, quizzes, and more, all created specifically for the class.

   Additionally, a significant focus of the class is on Biblical study and application. Every class meeting is preceded by a short devotional, which I also prepare before the start of the school year.

2. Lecturing and Class Management · In the classroom, I employ a dynamic teaching style that includes lectures, hands-on projects, and interactive discussions to engage students effectively. I strive to maintain a structured yet flexible learning environment that accommodates various learning styles. Classroom management is a key focus, ensuring that lessons proceed smoothly and that all students remain focused and respectful of the learning process.

3. Grading and Extracurricular Communication · Outside of class hours, I am responsible for grading assignments, quizzes, and exams, ensuring timely feedback that is constructive and encourages student improvement. I also maintain regular communication with students and parents to discuss academic progress and any concerns that arise. This includes scheduling meetings, responding to emails, and providing additional resources to support student learning.

Personal Contracting · 2008 - Present

Since 2008, I have worked as a private contractor or sub-contractor in the IT, Web/Software Development, and Database Management spaces, gaining extensive experience across various domains. My work has involved collaborating with diverse clients to deliver tailored solutions that meet unique business needs.

1. Epicor ERP Development and Maintenance · Developed customizations to the user experience using UI customizations, BPM tools, Data Directives, and other workflow automation tools. Managed the development and testing of Epicor Configurators, ensuring their accuracy and functionality before deployment. Provided updates for Epicor systems, focusing on transitions from Epicor 9 to Epicor 10, including necessary software and code updates. Created and maintained SQL databases for Epicor ERP systems, ensuring data integrity and optimal performance. Delivered actionable information to process owners and stakeholders through comprehensive reporting and business intelligence tools such as Crystal Reports, SSRS, Query and Dashboard Creation, and Microsoft PowerBI.

2. Web Application Development · Designed and developed web applications across a variety of industries using modern JavaScript frameworks such as SvelteKit and Angular, as well as PHP. Focused on creating SEO-friendly and accessible solutions, ensuring optimal user experiences and adherence to web standards. Developed responsive designs to accommodate various display sizes and platforms, implementing best practices in performance optimization and UI design.

Layout Design and Printing · KCTC · 2015

At the Kent Career Technical Center's "Layout Design and Printing" class, I honed my skills in a variety of design and print disciplines. I specialized in creating layouts using Adobe InDesign CC, producing a wide array of materials such as business cards, posters, CD covers, event tickets, and document templates. I also gained expertise in setting up documents for different printers and paper types, incorporating necessary marks and bleeds for professional printing. My experience extended to operating various printing technologies, including traditional, offset, and screen printing for textiles. Additionally, I collaborated with peers to produce documents and printed materials for external companies and publications, a process that involved meticulous review and adaptation to meet publication standards.

3D Animation and Game Design · KCTC · 2015

During my time in the "3D Animation and Game Design" class at the Kent Career Technical Center, I developed a comprehensive skill set in both 3D and 2D animation, mastering the 12 fundamental principles of animation and applying them effectively across various projects. My technical training included extensive work in 3DsMax, where I created both realistic and stylized 3D models, complete with texturing, lighting, and rigging for animation. The course also covered game design and development using the Unreal Engine, which involved both individual and collaborative projects. A highlight of my studies was leading a team project to develop a game from concept to completion. As team leader, I managed the creation of game assets, facilitated technical problem-solving, and motivated the team to maintain focus and energy, ensuring the project was completed on schedule.