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hey, i'm ant.

AntDev isn't a big agency. It's just me—Ant—based in Roanoke, Virginia, working directly with local businesses to build practical software.

I'm a Senior Software Engineer at an AI startup by day, and I started AntDev because I wanted a way to do what I love—solving real problems with software—while building long-term relationships with people in my own community.

If we work together, you're not dealing with a faceless company. You're working with a real person who cares about your business and wants you to feel good about the time and money you invest in technology.

Ant in-person

how i got here

I've been taking things apart and putting them back together for as long as I can remember.

As a kid, that meant an old Windows 95 PC with daughterboards scattered across the floor. In second grade, it meant following a tutorial to build an instant messaging "app" out of Windows scripts—and accidentally crashing half the computers in the school tech lab.

In high school, I started learning real software development. In college, I studied IT and Computer Science. For the last decade, I've worked professionally as a developer across multiple web applications, and today I'm a Senior Software Engineer at a remote AI startup.

Along the way, I've:

  • Built and maintained web apps used by real customers
  • Designed automations to take repetitive work off people's plates
  • Learned how to communicate clearly with non-technical stakeholders

In 2021, I was recognized as one of BuiltIn's Tech Innovators, an award given to a small group of developers doing interesting work. I appreciated the recognition—but what really motivates me is much simpler: helping people fix broken processes and making their workday less painful.

why i started antdev

For a long time, I tried to "pick a niche" and follow the typical playbook: find a tiny vertical, do hard outbound sales, push people into using your thing.

It never felt right.

I don't want to treat local businesses as targets to extract value from. I'd rather bring value, build trust, and have clients walk away from a project thinking, "I'd happily work with Ant again."

I like:

  • Fun, interesting problems
  • Building software that actually gets used
  • Working with people I enjoy talking to

AntDev is my way of doing more of that—starting here in the Roanoke Valley.

what i do (and what i care about)

I specialize in:

  • Web applications – Internal tools, dashboards, portals, and custom systems built around how your business really works.
  • Automations – Connecting the tools you already use so repetitive, boring work happens automatically instead of by hand.

Websites are part of what I offer, but my best work tends to be:

  • Custom software (greenfield or modernization)
  • Cleaning up or rebuilding older "legacy" systems
  • Stitching together tools so your team stops living in spreadsheets and email threads

Underneath all of that, I care about:

  • Practical solutions – No bloated systems you'll never use.
  • Clear communication – Plain English, written plans, and frequent check-ins.
  • Long-term relationships – I want you to feel comfortable calling me back, not burned by the last project.

If a client ever said, "Working with Ant is different because he cares and genuinely wants to help," I'd consider that a success.

how we'll work together

I've learned that the best projects aren't just about code—they're about collaboration.

Here's what you can expect from me:

Frequent, honest communication

I prefer to over-communicate. I'll write things up in detail before I start building, check in regularly, and make sure we're on the same page throughout the project.

A collaborative process

I do my best work with clients who are willing to talk openly about what's working, what isn't, and what they really need. Strong communication and honest feedback are non-negotiables for me.

A focus on fit

I'm not the right developer for every project, and that's okay. Part of the Discovery Session is figuring out whether I'm actually the right person to help.

If you like the idea of working with someone who will treat your business with care, ask a lot of questions, and give you straight answers—even if that means saying "you don't need custom software yet"—we'll probably get along.

a bit more about me

When I'm not writing code, you'll usually find me:

  • Playing music
  • Attending local events around Roanoke
  • Tinkering with electronics and building things in the real world with my 3D printer

I mention this not because it directly affects your project, but because I think it's important to remember there's a real person on the other side of the screen. I'm not trying to be a "rockstar developer" or a hustle guru—I just enjoy solving problems and building useful things with good people.

want to see if we're a fit?

We'll talk through your business, your current tools, and what's slowing you down. I'll ask questions, sketch out a few options, and give you an honest sense of what I'd do in your shoes—whether that's a website, automations, custom software, or even waiting until the time is right.

Book Your Free Discovery Session

30–45 minutes on Zoom or in person. No pressure, no obligation—just a conversation to see if working together makes sense.