Dustin Swayze
Software Developer & IT Professional — Johnson City, TN
Experience
General Manager & IT Lead · Little Magic JC
Jun 2025 – Apr 2026Led all business operations while architecting and building a full-stack replacement for the venue's legacy web platform. Owned everything from infrastructure and deployment to admin tooling and AI-assisted automation — shipping a production-grade system while simultaneously running the business.
- —Architected and built a full Next.js 16 + TypeScript platform from scratch, replacing a slow legacy Django/Docker/EC2 site with zero downtime
- —Built an admin dashboard with role-based access control (SUPER_ADMIN / ADMIN / EMPLOYEE) using NextAuth.js — enabling staff to self-serve all content updates
- —Designed and shipped an AI-assisted event intake pipeline using the Anthropic Claude API: email → draft (Resend inbound webhook + Claude) and flyer image → draft (Claude Vision)
- —Implemented a Prisma ORM + PostgreSQL (Neon) data layer covering events, menus, media, business hours, and mailing list with full CRUD and ISR cache invalidation
- —Built an S3-backed media management system with categorized image library, PDF menu uploads, and admin-controlled hero video
- —Delivered full SEO implementation: JSON-LD structured data (LocalBusiness, Restaurant, FAQPage, Event schemas), Open Graph, and ISR caching strategies
- —Restored profitability after a ~30% reduction in operating hours through operational and cost improvements
Network Engineer / Technician · IT Integrity
Aug 2024 – Aug 2025Installed, configured, and maintained network infrastructure for business clients across multiple environments. Served as the technical liaison between client business needs and infrastructure solutions.
- —Installed and configured network infrastructure including cabling, routing, and connectivity solutions
- —Performed hardware and software setup, upgrades, and ongoing system maintenance
- —Provided technical support and troubleshooting across multiple business environments
- —Translated client business requirements into practical technical solutions
Management & Database Consultant · The RumBar JC
Jun 2023 – Nov 2023Engaged as a consultant to overhaul the business's POS and database systems, improving operational accuracy and staff efficiency.
- —Reconfigured POS systems and backend database to improve usability and reporting accuracy
- —Implemented workflow improvements that reduced errors and increased operational efficiency
- —Trained staff on updated systems and operational procedures
General Manager · Label — Stir Fry Group
Jan 2016 – Aug 2022Managed all operations for a high-volume restaurant with 50+ employees. Led the business through COVID shutdown and reopening while implementing technology and process improvements that drove record profitability.
- —Led COVID shutdown and reopening compliance — implemented controls that hit record profitability
- —Oversaw inventory systems, vendor coordination, staffing, and financial performance
- —Implemented process improvements to increase operational efficiency and consistency
- —Developed training programs and operational workflows for new business units
Education
B.S. Computing · East Tennessee State University
Aug 2021 – May 2025Bachelor of Science in Computing with coursework spanning software development, networking, database systems, and cloud technologies.
Skills
- Frontend
- React, Next.js, TypeScript, JavaScript (ES6+), Tailwind CSS, HTML5 / CSS3, Responsive Design
- Backend
- Python, Node.js, C#, PHP, REST APIs, SQL, Prisma ORM, NextAuth.js / RBAC, Webhooks
- Databases
- PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, Supabase, POS database systems
- Deployment & DevOps
- Docker, AWS (EC2, ECS, S3), Git / GitHub, Vercel, ISR / Edge caching, DNS management, SSL / HTTPS setup, cPanel / web hosting, Environment configuration
- Networking & IT
- TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP / HTTPS, Network infrastructure & cabling, Hardware / software troubleshooting, System configuration, User account management, Windows, Linux
- Platforms & Tools
- VS Code, WordPress CMS, POS systems, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Google Analytics, Postman, Resend (transactional email), Prisma Studio, Technical documentation
- AI & Automation
- Anthropic Claude API, Claude Vision (image-to-structured-data), Prompt engineering, AI-assisted workflow design