For the “science fair” Provo Labs Solution will be having September 5th, we are all commenting on our mad skills.  Though I’m the youngest member of the team, I believe I still have some skills to offer.  I’m one year away from graduating from Brigham Young University in Information Systems.  It’s an awesome program where I learned UML design for object-oriented programming.  I took a database class where I learned about design, MySQL, and database transactions.

I’ve also become a JAVA guru, specializing in DAO architecture for both desktop and web applications.  Last year, I designed and implemented both desktop and web applications for a video rental store complete with fucntionalities to rent, buy, and return videos along with keeping track of transactions, products, and customers.

Earlier this summer, I learned all about the scripting language, PHP.   During this time, I was working for the Midwives College of Utah.  Here I refined my programming and database skills with Jonathan Balinski assisting me.

Since then, I have learned an MVC framework for PHP called CAKE.  It is a variation of Ruby on Rails for PHP.

These sets of skills give me the tools necessary to create custom web applications for practically any business.  For 6 years, I have worked with a company called 1st Choice Vacation Rentals (www.choice1.com) where I have worked with non-technical people.  There I sold and helped design website applications for individuals and businesses alike.  Both of these seperate roles have molded me into a highly effective web consultant for Provo Labs Solutions.

On September 5th, 2006, from 3-7 p.m. at Corporate Alliance’s Hub Club, we will present Provo Labs Solutions to the world at large.

This is Geek mashup at its best. We will be presenting in essence, a living business plan, including a walk-through expo of all the projects and ideas we’ve been developing.

You’ll hear from each member of our team who’ll do mini-presentations on all things Web 2.0.

Once an hour, we’ll hold an auction where you can bid on our services—look for more detailed information about what will be available later this week…

And for the MBAs out there, we’ll officially present our business plan, but definitely in vogue (translate: geek) fashion.

Keep checking my blog for more information. If you’re on our mailing list… or want to be on our mailing list (e-mail olynnduncan@hotmail.com), we’ll keep you posted there as well.

Feel free to share your love for the PLS team by blogging about our open house and telling everyone you know. If you’ve been out to our Geek Dinners, Utah Blogger’s Conference, or spent any time with our team, then you’ll agree– we definitely know how to put on an event… the only question is, why would you miss this one?”

Back in July, I was working with the Midwives College of Utah where I learned PHP from Jonathan Balinski. He hired me to take his place back in April and loved every minute of it. During that time I created some awesome programs to help with the application process for potential students. I also created a type of online assignment and test-taking software.

Last month, the college fell into hard times and found that it could not pay me on time for my work. What made it even worse was the fact that they never notified me of their circumstances. I finally confronted them on the issue and found out for myself what had happened. As a result, I started to look for other work. Jonathan Balinski had been working for Provo Labs and introduced me to Phil Burns, now the CEO of the newly formed Provo Labs Solutions. I began working for him immediately.

The reason I began looking for work was to find a more stable job where I could better support my family. Come to find out, Provo Labs had dissolved a week previous to my encounter with Phil and that Provo Labs Solutions was becoming it’s own seperate entity. Phil and the rest of the founding team were beginning a very risky journey together to make Provo Labs Solutions viable.

After learning about what Provo Lobs Solutions was doing with web 2.0 consulting and getting to know the team, I gained a strong belief that the company would survive and that I would regret not being a part of this new start-up company.

A month has gone by and I still haven’t received a paycheck from Provo Labs. We’ve worked extremely hard but have been unable to receive payment for our work. Many of us, including me, have taken on multiple side jobs. Others have begun to sell some of our unneeded possessions to try and make ends meet. In retrospect, I believe I made the right decision. We are as determined as ever to ensure that our company succeeds.

I remember speaking with my dad about this whole ordeal and he said I was young and could afford to be adventurous. I admit this is a gamble, however, we’re going to make it. After these hard times pass, we’ll come out on top.

Hi and welcome to my blog site! My name is Brian and am a current student of Brigham Young University studying Information Systems. I am currently a PHP Developer for Provo Labs Solutions, a recent start-up company in Provo, Utah.

I have been married for one year to my wife, Helena. We are expecting our first son in October. In my spare time, I enjoy teaching and training in the Korean martial art of Soo Bahk Do. Though the site is in need of a MAJOR upgrade, you can view my martial arts credentials by going to http://www.powdo.com/soobahk.