Scott M. Hughes

Technology Professional
A recognized technology expert with a demonstrated history of working within startup environments and web development agencies applying digital strategy and technical expertise. Skilled in business development, project management, digital marketing and modern web technologies. Possesses a diverse technical skillset, strong communication skills, and ability to learn quickly.

Expertise

Experience

Adventure Web Interactive

Digital Strategy | Project Management | SEO | Quality Control
2018 - current

Adventure Web Interactive (AWI) is one of the largest full-service web development and Internet marketing firms in the Baltimore area, providing customized B2B and B2C solutions since 1997. Specializing in software development, web and mobile design, e-commerce systems, content management, SEO, and social media marketing, AWI has a diverse client base of over 1800 businesses. Recognized as a leading web developer with numerous awards, AWI sets the standard for comprehensive digital solutions.

Starting as a project manager, I quickly advanced to focus on quality control and SEO services. My role involved managing projects, client interactions, sales support, staff performance auditing, creating standard operating procedures, and conducting comprehensive website audits.

  • Led the management and successful launch of hundreds of web and app projects, overseeing all client interactions and project coordination for a team of 30+ designers, developers, and content creators.
  • Implemented a digitized project management system to streamline operations and efficiently managed workload of up to 50 concurrent projects, significantly reducing project backlog and improving delivery timelines.
  • Played a key role in sales support and engineering, accurately scoping projects and providing solutions,while also interviewing and auditing the performance of staff to ensure optimal team productivity.
  • Transitioned to a quality-focused role, developing standard operating procedures, checklists, and best practices for quality control, conducting audits on all deliverables to maintain high standards.
  • Spearheaded SEO services, conducting website audits, keyword research, and performance reviews using Google Analytics and Looker Studio, alongside managing advertising campaigns, landing pagedesign, and conversion optimization.
  • Emphasized UI/UX principles and A/B testing in campaign designs to enhance user experience and maximize conversion rates.

Further Insights

Web Development Consultant
2019 - 2023

Further Insights, a digital marketing firm specializing in audience and revenue growth for small to medium-sized businesses, I played a pivotal role in designing and developing websites tailored to client needs.

I was a contractor/consultant responsible for designing and developing websites tailored to client needs, implementing technological solutions, and providing expert consulting and training on SEO and website development best practices. My role also included resolving complex issues related to client assets and ensuring successful project launches.

  • Collaborated with the Creative Director to design and develop websites, ensuring they met client requirements and adhered to industry standards.
  • Provided innovative technological solutions to client needs, enhancing their digital presence and operational efficiency.
  • Assisted in the integration of third-party CRM technologies, involving data mapping, custom form creation, and email automation, to streamline client relationship management and marketing efforts.
  • Contributed to high-traffic marketing campaigns, achieving multi-million dollar returns on investment (ROI) and significant audience growth.
  • Offered consulting, education, and training on best practices for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and website development, benefiting the company by training new employees and establishing standard operating procedures.
  • Mitigated and resolved complex situations relating to client assets and launch operations, ensuring smooth project execution and client satisfaction.

Kind Vine Wine

Fractional CTO | Strategic Advisor | Partner
2019 - 2023

Kind Vine Wine, formerly known as Tipsy Teacher, is a wine company dedicated to supporting educators by donating a portion of its proceeds to underfunded classrooms. The company's mission is to combine the enjoyment of high-quality wine with a commitment to making a positive impact on the education system.

As an early partner and CTO of Tipsy Teacher, I contributed significantly to launching the company and driving its growth. Initially, the company relied exclusively on online sales until expanding its reach through distribution channels and engaging in local events and markets. I led the development of the company's digital presence, including the website and e-commerce platform, and provided strategic guidance on various business aspects. My responsibilities included systems administration, regulatory compliance, branding, and media production. Additionally, I managed digital marketing efforts, including SEO, SEM, social media, and podcasts to ensure a strong online presence and customer engagement.

  • Led the development of an innovative e-commerce platform and online merchandise store, integrating cohesive branding elements focused on user experience and conversions.
  • Provided strategic advisory and consulting services, leveraging extensive startup experience to guide critical business decisions, contract negotiations, and overall company strategy.
  • Managed extensive branding and multimedia initiatives, producing professional-grade visual content that elevated brand identity and market reach.
  • Managed systems administration and regulatory compliance, ensuring robust and secure operations while meeting industry standards and legal requirements.
  • Led digital marketing initiatives, managing SEO, SEM, and social media campaigns to increase online visibility and drive traffic.
  • Actively participated in winemaking, contributing to product development and quality control.
Kind Vine Wines has donated over $20,000 to support underfunded classrooms.

JMT Holdings, LLC

IT & Marketing Strategist | Web Developer
2013 - 2018

JMT Holdings is a company that is dedicated to the development and support of bold, creative, and new ideas. We make investments in promising companies or concepts and leverage our capital and experience to help grow existing businesses, or bring a completely new idea to life.

As the lead IT strategist and marketing professional at this organization, my responsibilities included:

  • Management of all technology assets.
  • Development of online retail / eCommerce solutions and corresponding marketing & advertising efforts based on market intelligence.
  • Implementation of disaster recovery techniques and preventative maintenance to onsite and offsite resources.
  • Monitor and Analyze site performance and ranking of portfolio assets.
  • Strategize with company leadership to implement technology components and processes.
  • Conceptualize, design, and develop website assets and graphics for marketing material.
  • Development of custom eCommerce plugins / modules.
  • Email Marketing automation and campaign management.
  • Full management of cloud hosted services.
  • User Experience and Interaction design
  • Search engine optimization.

N&C Inc.

Co-Founder | CTO
2012 - 2018

As the CTO of N&C Inc., I played a key role in developing GovTech solutions for enhancing public participation, regulatory processes, and public comment consideration. I led the development of innovative platforms like NoticeandComment.com, which streamlined access to rulemaking documents and facilitated public engagement at the local government level. Additionally, I spearheaded the creation of Regendus, leveraging IBM Watson AI technologies and natural language processing to improve regulatory decision-making for both businesses and government entities. I led dozens of technical exchanges and demonstrated our capabilities for federal officials from agencies such as EOP, OMB, FCC, OIRA, CMS, DHS, the Federal Register, Regulations.gov and the State of Maryland. I was soley responsible for expanding our services in regulatory intelligence by use of emerging technology such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics.

  • Directed and managed the development of NoticeandComment.com, a platform designed to enhance public participation in the federal regulatory process with an accessible portal for rulemaking documents and comments.
  • Architected the custom AI software Regendus, incorporating IBM Watson cognitive AI technologies, NLP capabilities, and proprietary annotations to enhance public awareness and decision-making in regulatory systems for businesses and government entities.
  • Secured funding and attracted investors, driving the company's growth and enabling the advancement of innovative AI solutions for regulatory and ESG platforms.
  • Managed cloud-hosted infrastructure, ensuring operational reliability and FedRAMP compliance for secure and scalable operations.
  • Conducted technical exchanges and demonstrated Regendus capabilities to federal officials from various agencies and business, including the EOP, OMB, OIRA, FCC, CMS, DHS, Dept of Education, Federal Register, Regulations.gov, the State of Maryland, and the Better Business Bureau.
  • Established reputation as a subject matter expert in regulatory intelligence, offering data analysis and advisory services to federal officials, and expanding the company's expertise in federal regulations, government affairs, AI, big data, and government data analytics.
Recipient of the “Tech Startup of the Year” Award during Baltimore Innovation Week 2017