Greg Waters Interview
1. What originally drew you to web development, and how has your focus changed over time?
I am more on the creative/project management side of things. I was a freelance designer coming out of college and started to see web take off about 20 years ago, so I dove in hoping for a career opportunity that was creative, technical, and rewarding.
2. What types of projects or clients do you usually work with, and which technologies do you rely on most?
Small to mid sized businesses mainly. We have really been focused on community/nonprofit based websites over the last 5 years but will work with whoever.
3. What tools, software, or CMS platforms do you use most often in your daily workflow?
Daily – Google Workspace, Adobe Suite, Wrike Project Management Software, Chat GPT, WordPress
4. Can you walk me through your typical development process—from client request to final deployment?
1. Discovery Phase – learning more about the client, their goals, and their needs
2. Design – a series of mock ups to lock in on look and feel (approved by client).
3 – Dev (set up, dev, testing).
4 – Full testing and reviews.
5- Deployment. Meetings and syncs throughout all phases to stay on the same page and ensure success.
5. How does your company or team collaborate between developers, designers, and clients?
See above. We communicate throughout all phases and make sure everyone has a clear understanding of the project and its goals.
6. What’s the biggest challenge you face as a web developer, and how do you handle it?
Clients – we love working with them, but they can be challenging (lack of technology knowledge, poor communication skills, unorganized, requests outside of scope)
7. How do you stay current with evolving technologies in web development?
Research/communication
8. What skill, language, or concept do you wish you had learned sooner in your career?
Importance of research and prep at the beginning of a project, an understanding or empathy for all parts/people involved.
9. What skills or traits do you think separate a good developer from a great one?
Good communication skills #1. A thorough process (self testing). An understanding of business/strategy and WHY we are developing.
10. What advice would you give to a current web development student preparing to enter the industry?
Care about what you do. Be proactive, think things through, and explore what ifs. Development is so much more than 0s and 1s. Understanding how your code fits into the world will make you a better developer. Be clear in your communication to team and customers (you will never regret this one). See the answers from #9.