My Journey

Hi, I'm Thomas Halstead— though I typically just go by Tom. I’m a software developer based out of Austin, Texas. I have a passion for back-end development and building efficient, scalable applications. I transitioned into software development from a leadership role in the construction industry, where I managed teams of technicians to complete complex conveyance systems for companies like Amazon and UPS. That experience sharpened my problem solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure—qualities I bring to every software project I work on.

My journey into tech started from a lifelong fascination with computers. Some of my earliest memories involve playing classic games like Motocross Madness, Minesweeper, Chess Titans, Runescape and League Of Legends most recently. That curiosity evolved into a passion for the many intricacies of computers and more specifically software engineering. This curiosity led me to complete an 800+ hour full-stack bootcamp at Tech Elevator and various self-directed courses, including a 70+ hour front-end development course on Udemy. Through these experiences, I’ve developed and deployed full-stack applications that prioritize clean architecture, scalability, and user-focused design.

Today, I focus on server-side development, API integrations, and performance optimization. Some of my recent projects include an expense tracking CLI application leveraging Java, Spring Boot, and AWS Cognito for secure user authentication, and a content aggregation web app that delivers personalized news feeds through efficient data retrieval mechanisms. I’m committed to continuous learning and am eager to contribute to innovative teams where I can expand my technical expertise while solving challenging problems. Whether it’s building robust back-end systems or collaborating on end-to-end solutions, I’m driven by the opportunity to make meaningful, data-driven impacts through technology.