Brian Powell

Full Stack Developer with 10+ years of experience bridging the gap between business and technology—not just by delivering code, but by deeply understanding people, their struggles, and their goals. Where others may simply execute a list of requirements, I thrive on uncovering the real problems beneath the surface. I specialize in translating vague or evolving business ideas into smart, practical software solutions that users genuinely embrace.

From solo founders to growing teams, I’ve helped clients identify what they truly need—even when it’s not what they initially asked for. With a foundation in empathy, strong technical expertise, and collaborative problem-solving, I build more than just software: I build trust, clarity, and lasting impact.

CONSULTANCY 2023+

• Worked closely with everyone from solo founders to small business teams, helping them uncover not just what they think they need, but what will actually make a difference. I specialize in translating ambiguous or evolving business goals into clear, practical software solutions—often identifying gaps or opportunities that weren’t originally on the table. Rather than just building what I’m asked to, I act as a technical partner: listening closely, asking the right questions, and delivering web and application solutions that solve real business problems in ways clients didn’t always realize were possible
  • turtleaudio.com, decembien.com, jschimp.com, bananabungalows.com

ARROW ELECTRONICS 2013 to 2023

Full Stack Developer, Architect, IT Manager (2015 to 2023)

Senior Product Manager (2013 to 2015)

Empathy-Driven Solutions: 

• While many IT teams focus on delivering software, I prioritize understanding the full scope of business challenges by deeply engaging with users—from executives to frontline employees. By listening intently and analyzing existing processes, I designed multiple custom web-based applications and accompanying process redesigns that worked in tandem to solve long-standing challenges and deliver meaningful results. Over the years, I successfully applied this approach across diverse business units globally, creating solutions that empowered teams and transformed operations at every level of the organization
• Developed a deep, holistic understanding of organizational goals and day-to-day operations by engaging with team members at every level—actively listening not only to top executives defining departmental and budgetary priorities but also to frontline employees navigating daily challenges. This empathetic approach allowed me to craft solutions that addressed both strategic objectives and the real-world frustrations of every team member, ensuring meaningful and sustainable outcomes

Business-IT Alignment

• Led development to envision, develop, update, and support multiple proprietary web-based applications to extend or replace multiple functionalities within Oracle eBS r12 for over 1300 users of the Global Components Group, Arrow’s largest division, with annual revenues of $24 billion
• Created a web-based inventory management system that provided functionality that was not native to eBS, boosting productivity by 55% and saving over 500 combined work hours monthly
• Streamlined workflows by developing an end-to-end PHP-based web application, enabling the distribution and review of $480M in supply chain claims annually across multiple business units. This initiative enhanced team efficiency, allowing a finance team of 15 to increase productivity by 20% on average, while also freeing up resources and reducing costs by eliminating 4 FTEs, saving $400K annually
• Skilled at translating complex business requirements into effective technical solutions while uncovering hidden challenges and inefficiencies that stakeholders may overlook, then designing solutions that not only meet stated business needs but also drive transformative outcomes by leveraging my unique insights and experience.

Collaborative Leadership: 

• Built and mentored a diverse, global team of developers and professionals, instilling a culture that prioritized, strong coding practices and close collaboration with business users. This approach enabled us to deliver impactful software that improved user satisfaction and reduced the need for constant rework, leading to a 30% improvement in project delivery timelines

Technology Stack: 

• With a strong foundation in PHP/Laravel, JavaScript, jQuery, Python, MySQL/PLSQL, I focus on selecting the right tools to drive outcomes, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure both technical excellence and strategic impact.

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

California State University, San Marcos

California, United States