Meet the Team
Half web development studio and half tech start-up, our team excels at launching SaaS products and services.
We can provide you with something you won't find at any of the other agencies - a team of scrappy web-entrepreneurs who spend most of their time "in the trenches" launching new products and services.
Our team is versatile. Whether building from scratch or expanding existing systems we're here to help you take your online business to the next level.
LaunchSide is managed by Nathan Taggart and Chris Chong. Both Nathan and Chris have spent the last 10 years building online businesses and helping offline businesses capture market share online.
Primary Development Languages:
- PHP
- Python
- JavaScript
- HTML/CSS
- iOS
- Android
Primary Database Systems:
- MySQL
- MSSQL
- PostgreSQL
- SQLite
LaunchSide is part of the Portland Seed Fund
Nathan Taggart, CEO
I am highly skilled at managing the development of new web-based products and bringing new products to market. I help clients avoid costly mistakes and can help you launch faster with less risk.
Specialties: Project scoping and management, Product development, Technical recruiting, Lean/Agile, Technical strategy
Chris Chong, CMO
I am an online marketing genius and can help you develop a profitable marketing strategy. I help clients with user acquisition, marketing, online advertising, SEO and business model development.
Specialties: Digital Marketing Strategy, SEO & SEM, Web Analytics Consulting, Multivariate & A/B Testing, Business Model Development, Customer Acquisition Strategies, Web Server Administration, PHP/MySQL, HTML, CSS
Travis Cannon, COO
I'm a technology company swiss army knife - a combination of engineering and business with passion for entrepreneurship. I help clients make sure their projects get done and exceed their expectations.
Specialties: Software Engineering, Product Management, Web Development, iOS and Android Application Development, Windows Application Development
Chris Breen, Senior Web Developer
I am a PHP/MySQL guru and I help clients use open-source tech and frameworks to get their product built faster with less cost. I am also very experienced working with APIs and creating APIs.
Specialties: Frameworks - CodeIgnitor, Zend, Backbone, API Integration: Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Youtube, Flickr, Stripe, etc., SQL/MySQL/PostgreSQL, Building Custom APIs (SOAP and REST API), Database Architecture & Administration, Cloud Based Applications (Amazon & Heroku), Web Analytics (Omniture & Google Analtyics)
Sasha Chedygov, Web Applications Developer
I have experience building on almost every language and platform. I focus on data-driven web and mobile applications… helping with clients create products that work exactly as expected.
Specialties: Python (also Django), PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, Node.js, HTML/CSS (also LESS), SQL/MySQL/PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Software Architecture & Server Management, Predictive Analytics, Real Time Notification Services
Michael Hayes, Web Applications Developer
When it comes to JavaScript, jQuery and client side scripting, I’ve seen and done it all. I build all the “cool interaction stuff” that makes your web or mobile app standout.
Specialties: Ruby on Rails, Front End MVC Frameworks, PHP/MySQL, HTML/CSS, MongoDB, Javascript, jQuery, Node.js, iOS and Android Application Development, Interactive UI & Single Page Applications
Vanessa Maestas, Creative Director
I work with clients to create user interfaces that are elegant and intuitive. Said another way, I make sure your website, web app or mobile app looks awesome and is easy to use.
Specialties: UI/UX Design, Graphic Design, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign, HTML/CSS, Content Management Systems -Wordpress and ExpressionEngine
Kate McPike, Graphic Design & User-Interface Design
I work with clients on logo design, branding and design projects. My specialty is creating highly polished graphics for web and mobile apps. I’ll get the look and feel of your product just right.
Specialties: Logos, Branding, Graphic Design, User Interface Design