Ben Ford

Software Developer — React, TypeScript & .NET

Open to frontend and full-stack roles.

I build web and mobile software for practical problems. Over 10 years, my work has ranged from applications used at the Paris Olympics to internal manufacturing tools.

As a volunteer Firefighter/EMT, I bring that perspective to fire-service learning tools, offline study apps, and district maps built with public GIS data.

Portrait of Ben Ford

Software experience

2025 - Present

Consultant Avalanche Technology

I continue to develop features, tune performance, and support products for Visionbox, my former employer, alongside work for other clients. My focus is the application UI and the engineering workflows used to deliver it.

2025

Software Engineer KBR

Built interfaces for satellite communications systems using software-defined radios. I worked with end users on wireframes, implemented screens with the ASTRO UX Design System, and integrated backend APIs, updating services where needed.

2018 - 2025

Full Stack .Net Developer Visionbox

Developed public mobile apps, websites, and browser extensions across consulting projects. I focused on frontend implementation with React, React Native, and TypeScript, with API development in .NET Core.

2017 - 2018

UI/UX Developer CVS (Contractor via Randstad)

Helped migrate a Windows Forms application to Angular 4 as part of the Enhanced User Experience team. I implemented web interfaces and integrated services from a .NET MVC backend.

2016 - 2017

Full Stack JS Developer at KL Outdoors

Led a small team moving desktop .NET tools into a shared web portal for inventory, logistics scheduling, purchase orders, and reporting. I owned application architecture, UI/UX design, and Ubuntu/Apache server maintenance.

Selected projects

JPR Ready

React Native app for browsing Colorado Firefighter I JPR skill sheet tasks. Search and filter mandatory and random skills, review conditions, equipment, outcomes, and steps, and open bundled task PDFs.

Tech stack: React Native, Expo, TypeScript, AsyncStorage, Expo Updates, and Sentry.

Inside JPR Ready

The problem

Preparing for Colorado Firefighter I requires reviewing individual skill requirements. JPR Ready brings those tasks and their supporting skill sheets into a mobile app.

What I built

Search and filtering for mandatory and random skills, with conditions, equipment, outcomes, task steps, and bundled PDFs available for review.

Implementation

React Native and Expo with TypeScript, AsyncStorage, Expo Updates, and Sentry.

ERG 2024

An unofficial ERG 2024 companion with UN/NA and material-name search, response guides, isolation-distance maps, bookmarks, and offline PDF access. Cargo Scan uses OCR to extract hazardous-material details from shipping documents.

Tech stack: React Native, Expo, TypeScript, native maps, and a Python/FastAPI OCR backend.

Inside ERG 2024

The problem

Hazardous-material reference lookups can start with an identifier, a material name, or shipping-document details. This unofficial ERG 2024 companion brings those lookup paths into one app.

What I built

UN/NA and material-name search, response guides, isolation-distance maps, bookmarks, and offline PDF access. Cargo Scan uses OCR to extract hazardous-material details from shipping documents.

Implementation

React Native and Expo with TypeScript and native maps, plus a Python/FastAPI backend for OCR.

Wordle Solver

React PWA that helps filter words to solve the popular Wordle game.

Education & training

2026

Firefighter I

Hazmat Awareness & Operations

2026

Wildland Fire

  • S-110: Basic Wildland Fire Orientation
  • S-130: Firefighter Training
  • S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
  • L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service

2024

EMT

Certifications

  • Colorado IV
  • Wilderness EMT
  • NIMS 100/200/700/800
  • Basic ECG

2012

Bachelor’s in Finance, Central Michigan University

Beyond the keyboard

I’m an ultra runner, climber, and skier. I volunteer at trail races and help maintain the trails I use. I’m also an amateur radio operator, KFØSXS, with an interest in emergency preparedness.

Contact Me

Hiring for a frontend or full-stack role? I’d be glad to talk about your team and the problems you’re working on. You can also reach me about projects or collaboration.