When you contact us, you will always know you will be talking to one of the people below. With a wealth of experience in developing custom FileMaker software applications, our team of certified developers and database programmers is uniquely qualified to help you leverage the power of Claris FileMaker. We understand the complexities of business operations and have the expertise to develop solutions that improve your organization’s workflow. From data entry and processing to data analysis and reporting, our team works closely with you to develop a FileMaker application that meets your needs. We have a long history of developing custom Claris FileMaker solutions for clients in a wide range of industries and business sizes. Whether you require an end-to-end solution, custom integration with existing database management systems, or a data-driven web application, we have the resources to create powerful database systems. Portage Bay maintains a number of certifications across our team, showcasing the strength of our collective experience across many years and functionalities.
Senior PartnerFileMaker Certified Developer
John's business background and years of database design, computer and network configuration, and troubleshooting experience allow him to see beyond the immediate problem to the long-term solution. John is the business manager of Portage Bay and our lead 4th Dimension developer, creating sophisticated cross-platform solutions. John has been a developer and IT consultant since 1991 and is graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and is a FileMaker 9-19 certified developer.john@portagebay.com
Managing Director FileMaker Certified Developer
Kate joined Portage Bay Solutions in 2006, and as lead Claris FileMaker developer plays a key role in our custom development projects for a variety of clients. Kate’s communications skills, friendliness and technical expertise make for an unusual combination: a high caliber developer who can communicate effectively with our clients. Kate is graduated from Pepperdine University with a B.A. in International Studies and is a FileMaker 9-19 certified developer. kate@portagebay.com
Business StrategistSenior Application Developer
Mike Ross has been working with Claris FileMaker for over three decades. He is customer-focused with a goal of improving processes and workflows while keeping a keen eye on ROI. Mike holds two bachelor's degrees - one in computer sciences and one in fine arts - and programming has allowed him to put those skills to good use across a diverse number of industries. He helps run the Claris Beyond Meetup and has been a frequent speaker at conferences. Mike is a family man with a wife, two grown children, and two grandchildren. The upkeep and care of his bevy of animals helps keep him grounded. mike@portagebay.com
Senior Application Developer
Joining Portage Bay Solutions in 2013, Joe adds years of experience in all areas of IT, ranging from small-business hardware and software support to leading as an IT Director for a large-scale graphic design company. Joe’s creative approach to development, friendly personality, and years of experience make for a skilled developer who strives for customer satisfaction. Joe hails from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with backgrounds in Business Administration and Music Composition.joe@portagebay.com
Xandon brings 16 years worth of corporate experience at OfficeMax where he designed FileMaker solutions for their large-scale printing and production facilities. He has a knack for working in corporate environments and understanding needs from the user's point of view as well as communicating and training staff for seamless transitions. Xandon’s passion is building robots. You’ll often find him at The Seattle Robotics Society when he’s not spending time with his twins, Izzy and Zoey. xandon@portagebay.com
Charles brings eleven years of experience in FileMaker development from his time at Creative Customized Programming, where he worked with independent seed companies to develop Seed System Solution, a vertical market FileMaker application. During that time he learned all he could about the crop seed production and sales industry to provide the most comprehensive solution possible for companies intricately involved in maintaining our food supply. Away from the office Charles likes to garden, raise rabbits and spend time camping with his wife and two wonderful daughters. charles@portagebay.com
Associate Application Developer
Jacob joined Portage Bay Solutions in 2021 and brings a wealth of industry-specific experience to the table. His background includes work as a developer and engineering drafter for home builders, solar installers, and commercial fire alarm businesses. He has a degree in Computer Integrated Design and Graphics and has honed his programming skills through both paid and open source online learning programs. Jacob's work in FileMaker began as a tester/user for a residential home builder, eventually leading to the development of a virtual 360 home tour application and a project management system for a start-up solar company. He plans to focus on FileMaker development moving forward.jacob@portagebay.com
After graduating from Washington State University with his bachelor’s in software engineering, Russell first began his FileMaker development with a prototype tooling and milling company, and over time, migrated to the Portage Bay team. His education and projects have touched on a wide range of concepts, including front end design and storing ESD and DOR sensitive data via AWS cloud services, enhancing his toolset and ability to adapt quickly. Russell also has over 7 years of retail and management experience, giving him the ability to communicate well and view a solution's needs from the client's perspective. His creative passion is music, whether it’s writing, recording or playing live shows with his band around Seattle russell@portagebay.com
Project CoordinatorLicensing & Hosting Manager
Brandynn's business journey took an unconventional path, from pursuing a Zoology degree, to working as a corporate admin for Ozarka, to being a houseparent at a children's home before shifting focus to raise and homeschool her five children. She later became administrator for a non-profit and director of their annual bike ride, in addition to providing graphic design, social media, and website services to local entities. Brandynn uses her diverse skill set to coordinate projects, provide IT and customer support, and manage our Teamwork system. Her interests include midwifery, mosaics, fractals, and tesseracts. brandynn@portagebay.com
Project CoordinatorOffice Manager
With a unique blend of psychology, project management, and customer service expertise, Annie brings a fresh perspective to Portage Bay. Her ten years in project and office management at Creative Customize Programming, coupled with eight years in customer service, back office, and inventory supervision at Best Buy, have equipped her with a deep understanding of operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. When she’s not immersed in the world of databases, you can find Annie enjoying the simple pleasures of life, such as enjoying county living or spending quality time with her family at the lake. annie@portagebay.com
Digital Marketing Assistant
Tabitha brings a wide array of artistic skills to Portage Bay including graphic design, content creation, writing, and an eye for creative problem-solving. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Ranger College and has enjoyed gathering experience in theater, both on and behind the stage, for over a decade. In her everyday life, Tabitha takes an interest in books, art, and music, occasionally writing songs with her older brother. Since she was young, Tabitha has loved studying different cultures and languages. She possesses conversational skills in Korean and is beginning her exploration of ASL. tabitha@portagebay.com
Our team of talented professionals is proficient in various database programming languages and has extensive experience developing relational databases, designing and implementing database structures, writing and optimizing SQL queries, and maintaining database security. They also play a crucial role in database development, creating and modifying stored procedures, and ensuring the accuracy and data integrity of the system. As a Claris Platinum Partner, we are committed to transforming your business with the power of Claris FileMaker. If you are looking for a reliable partner who can be an asset to your business and help you unlock the power of FileMaker Pro, look no further.
