Hey there, I'm Ben Mickool

I'm a Virginia Tech grad who loves bridging the gap between business goals and technology. I love to build systems that optimize workflows and make work and decision-making easier. Take a look around at what I can do!

What I've Been Working On

Here are a few projects I'm excited to share

Time Tracker App

Built a time-tracking tool for freelancers and contractors. It helps track work hours, keeps everything synced across devices, and even generates invoices. Perfect for anyone juggling multiple projects!

React Node.js Full Stack

Colonist.io Card Counter

Created a browser extension that helps players keep track of game events in real-time. It reads the game chat and gives you helpful insights—works great on Safari and Brave browsers.

JavaScript Browser Extension DOM Manipulation

Shipping Optimization Tool

Built an Excel tool that helps businesses figure out the most cost-effective way to ship products. Just enter your data, and it calculates the best shipping strategy automatically. Saves time and money!

Excel VBA Solver Optimization

AI-Powered Business Web App

Developed a full-stack web application for local businesses with visual analytics and AI-powered chat. Features user management, inventory tracking, order processing, and shipping management—all with interactive charts and AI-driven insights!

Python Flask MySQL Bootstrap FusionCharts Gen-AI

Professional Experience

Real-world solutions I've delivered

Operations Analyst → Salesforce Architect

Tischler Und Sohn

Summer 2022 - Current Promoted from Intern

What started as a summer internship identifying bottlenecks in the sales pipeline turned into a full-scale digital transformation. I didn't just spot the problem—I built the solution from the ground up, and the impact was so significant that the President brought me back to lead the company's entire tech evolution.

Building the Foundation

As the sole Salesforce Developer and Admin, I'm architecting custom solutions that transform how the company operates. I've built advanced Lightning Web Components (LWC) that solve real UI/UX challenges, created custom objects and process flows that automate complex workflows, and designed interactive dashboards that put critical data right where decision-makers need it.

Leading the Cloud Revolution

I spearheaded the company's migration from physical servers to Microsoft's cloud infrastructure—a move that modernized how teams collaborate. Using Power Automate, I automated workflows that used to take hours, freeing up the team to focus on what actually matters. The result? Better communication, seamless collaboration, and real accountability across the organization.

Driving Strategic Impact

Beyond just building tools, I'm mapping out how the entire company uses technology, identifying inefficiencies, and evaluating new solutions. I work directly with external partners to find the best fit, then drive adoption across teams. The goal? Make sure every tool we use actually makes work easier, not harder. And it's working—employee engagement with our new systems has skyrocketed.

Education

Virginia Tech

Pamplin College of Business

Business Information Technology Decision Support Systems (DSS) Dean's List Recipient

Focused on the design, implementation, and use of computerized systems to support managerial decision-making. My concentration in Decision Support Systems (DSS) provided deep expertise in bridging the gap between technical capabilities and business strategies. Coursework included database management, artificial intelligence, visual interface design, and software development for business applications.

Tools & Technologies I Use

Here's what I work with to bring ideas to life

Python
JavaScript
HTML5
CSS3
Bootstrap
Flask
AJAX
Excel VBA
AI Optimization
Data Analysis
Business Intelligence
Salesforce Admin
Salesforce Developer
Salesforce LWC
Monday.com
MySQL
Database Management

What I'm Learning Now

Always curious, always growing

Machine Learning
Neural Networks
Linux

I'm diving deep into the world of AI and machine learning, exploring how neural networks work, and getting comfortable with Linux. Excited to see where these skills take me!

Personal Interests

What keeps me moving when I'm not coding

Technology
Golf
Distance Running
Cycling
Hiking
Cars
Economics

Let's Connect!

I'm always open to new opportunities and interesting conversations. Have a project in mind? Want to chat about business and tech? Feel free to reach out—I'd love to hear from you!

Connect on LinkedIn