I write software for teams smaller than the ones the tools were built for — low overhead, low drama, and technology chosen because it’s proven, not because it’s new.
About Me
I’m Matthew Nelson. I’ve been writing software professionally since 1995.
My path: mainframe automation and application development in the 90s, scheduling and ERP systems in the 2000s, e-commerce platforms in the 2010s, and now React Native mobile development.
What I Do Now
I help small teams build and maintain React Native apps.
Sometimes that means adding features to an existing app. Sometimes it means inheriting a codebase from a larger team and right-sizing the architecture — stripping out process overhead and complexity that made sense for 12 engineers but creates drag for 3.
I work solo or occasionally with one other developer. Low overhead, direct communication, no account managers.
Why React Native
React Native is boring technology. I mean that as a compliment.
It’s mature. The ecosystem is huge. The problems are known and the solutions exist. When I build with React Native, the technical risk is low — the risk is in your product, where it belongs.
Outside Work
I’m also a musician. I’ve played in and directed several bands across the Midwest.