Brian Van Nostrand

BRIAN VAN NOSTRAND E-Commerce Full Stack Developer SUMMARY E-Commerce Full Stack Developer with extensive experience in driving growth through Shopify, WordPress, Shopify Plus, BigCommerce and automation platforms, specializing in theme customization, app integrations, payment gateway solutions, and SEO-driven strategies. Successfully delivered projects for brands like Hexby, Equiport and Aran Woollen Mills, focusing on migrations and D2C launches. Skilled in using technologies like React, Next, Liquid, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL, Zapier, Make.com and Python to enhance user engagement and sales. Aims to leverage expertise to optimize Shopify platforms and boost client success. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE TimeNough Europe Inc (Remote, Part-Time - Advisory / Contract) Investor Relations & Fundraising Advisor (Luxembourg) Feb 2022 – Present Responsibilities Supported investor communications, fundraising coordination, and strategic outreach on a part-time advisory basis (approx. 1 hour per day) alongside full-time eCommerce development roles at other companies. • Contributed to investor relations communications and light fundraising outreach. • Helped the executive team prepare investor summaries and community updates. • Averaged approximately one hour per day to assist during funding campaigns. Cake Agency (Remote, Contract) Senior E-Commerce Expert (Birmingham , UK) Feb 2024 – July 2025 Responsibilities • • • • • Delivered tailored e-commerce solutions to over 6 clients globally, specializing in Shopify Plus and WooCommerce, resulting in average sales conversion increases of 28%. Led end-to-end development of scalable stores using headless architecture (Shopify + Next.js), improving page speed by 40% and core web vitals performance. Integrated custom apps for shipping, subscription management, and loyalty programs using Shopify API and Liquid, tailored to clients' niche needs. Automated repetitive operational processes using Zapier, Make.com, and Pabbly, reducing team workload and improving accuracy. Built A/B testing frameworks for product pages and checkout UX, leading to conversion uplift of 12– 15% in three client stores. • • • • • Delivered multilingual/multicurrency storefronts using Shopify Markets, enabling seamless expansion into EU and APAC markets. Conducted client workshops on e-commerce strategy, SEO, and CRO, focusing on lifecycle marketing and user funnel optimization. Built and deployed custom, headless Shopify storefronts using Hydrogen, leveraging its React-based architecture for advanced customization and performance. Partnered with UI/UX designers to overhaul storefront design systems, ensuring accessibility and mobile responsiveness using Tailwind CSS and React. Provided ongoing maintenance, SEO audits, and analytic reporting using Google Analytics, GA4, and Hotjar. Shopify Inc (Remote, Contract) Lead Shopify & WooCommerce Developer (Ottawa, Ontario, CA) May 2022 - Jan 2024 Responsibilities - Shopify Expertise: • Constructed visually appealing and optimized e-commerce sites, resulting in a 30% increase in customer engagement. • Proficient in Shopify app development, third-party app integrations, and payment gateway solutions to enhance overall site functionality. Skilled in utilizing Shopify's API for bespoke integrations, ensuring seamless experiences for users and managing store performance efficiently. Proven track record in improving SEO for Shopify stores, implementing strategies that elevate search engine rankings and organic traffic. • • - Python & Web Scraping: • Proficient in Python, leveraging its capabilities for web scraping and data management projects that streamline processes and improve operational efficiencies. - E-commerce Strategy & Optimization: • Focused on conversion rate optimization (CRO) techniques tailored to enhance the shopping experience and increase sales. • Experienced in developing innovative e-commerce strategies, including design improvements and backend efficiency enhancements. • Automated workflows using No-Code and Low-Code platforms like Noloco, Make.com, Zapier, and Pabbly, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual tasks. Swanky (Remote, Full-Time) Full Stack Developer (Exeter, UK) Aug 2020 - Apr 2022 Responsibilities • • • Customized multiple CMS platforms including EC-Cube, Shopify, and WordPress to support regional market preferences and payment systems. Built a fast-loading React frontend for a mobile e-commerce app, supporting product search, order status tracking, and wishlist functionality. Integrated payment methods like Konbini, PayPay, and Paidy into WooCommerce / Shopify stores to serve local user habits. • • • • • • Refactored legacy code and improved backend performance using Node.js and PHP, achieving >30% improvement in server response time. Enhanced data security and privacy compliance with e-commerce regulations (Act on the Protection of Personal Information). Provided internal documentation, CI/CD deployment pipelines, and monitoring systems using GitLab and AWS CloudWatch, enhancing team efficiency and system reliability. Introduced modular frontend architecture using Next.js + Redux, preparing the platform for multi-brand scalability. Assisted UX researchers in A/B testing new layouts, contributing to a 15% lower bounce rate after redesign. Delivered extensive technical training to junior staff and ensured smooth handover through onboarding documentation. South Atlantic Data and Design (Hybrid, Full-Time) Frontend Developer (Columbia Falls, MT) May 2017 - Jul 2020 Responsibilities • • • • • • • • • Designed and developed a fully responsive e-commerce marketplace frontend using React, integrating seamlessly with various CMS backends, resulting in a 27% increase in user engagement. Built an analytics dashboard from scratch to visualize user activity, conversion funnels, and sales trends in real time. Created customizable CMS modules for blog, banners, testimonials, and homepage sections, improving flexibility for non-technical staff. Optimized UI/UX for mobile and tablet devices, increasing session duration significantly based on heatmap analysis. Partnered with backend engineers to define GraphQL and REST API endpoints for CMS content delivery. Delivered multiple product micro-sites under a shared CMS framework to support seasonal promotions and limited editions. Participated in sprint planning, backlog grooming, and code reviews using Jira and GitHub. Contributed to internal component library using Storybook, enabling faster UI prototyping. Supported marketing team by implementing custom tracking pixels and campaign-specific landing pages. PROJECTS 1. Hexby Migration (Wix → Shopify) - Led the migration of Hexby, a fast-growing UK fashion brand, from Wix to Shopify to give them a scalable platform that matched their bold identity and growth ambitions. - The project required careful handling of complex data exports (orders, products, and customers) using custom scripts to ensure a smooth transition. - Designed a mobile-first Shopify store that highlights their vibrant community and hero products like the Harlequin Shorts, while improving SEO and user experience. Skills: Website Migration, Data Integration, SEO Setup, Shopify Development 2. Aran Woollen Mills (Shopify Plus Launch – D2C) - Led the Shopify Plus launch of Aran Woollen Mills’ first direct-to-consumer store, transforming the brand from a wholesale/B2B business into a premium D2C experience. - My work focused on building a high-converting Shopify Plus website that blended storytelling and commerce, while crafting a full-funnel marketing strategy to acquire and retain customers. - This included pre-launch campaigns, Meta Ads, Google Ads, and automated Klaviyo email flows. Within the first three months, the site generated 10,000+ sign-ups, 1,300+ orders, and a strong ROAS across paid channels. Skills: Shopify Plus, Klaviyo, UX/UI Design, Google Ads, Growth Strategy 3. Meladra (WordPress Premier Interior Design Partner) - Designed and developed a luxury WordPress website for Meladra, an interior design firm in the Pacific Northwest, to establish their brand as a premier design provider. - Created visually distinctive case study pages featuring professional photography, client testimonials, and detailed project narratives to showcase expertise and outcomes. - Implemented a fully customizable block editor for flexible content updates, optimized page speed and SEO, and crafted region-specific landing pages to drive targeted audience growth and enhance search visibility. - Ensured cohesive, modern brand identity across all sections with intuitive navigation and responsive design, positioning Meladra as a trusted, high-end partner for discerning homeowners. Skills: WordPress, PHP, UX/UI Design, JavaScript, CSS3, HTML5 4. Dancing Leopard (Shopify Plus Development) - Developed a new Shopify Plus website for Dancing Leopard to support their ambitious growth plans and prepare for Black Friday. - Their old site was dated and restrictive, so I focused on delivering a modern, high-performing platform that blended style and functionality. - Key features included mega navigation, video integration, internationalization for new markets, and SEO-driven optimization. - The new site launched ahead of Black Friday with a 96 desktop speed score and 73 on mobile, enabling the brand to scale confidently and enhance customer experience across territories. Skills: Shopify Plus, SEO Performance, Theme Customization, Internationalization 5. Equiport (Custom Shopify Plus Migration) - Managed the complex migration of Equiport, an equestrian supplies retailer, from a custom-built platform to Shopify Plus. - The project required overcoming Shopify’s product variant limits by developing a bespoke product builder capable of handling thousands of customisation combinations with dynamic pricing and tax compliance. - Also engineered a full data migration solution, restructuring non-standard customer data to fit Shopify’s API while preserving CRM and email integrations. Skills: Shopify Plus, Custom Development, Data Migration, UX/UI 6. Birmingham Museums Trust (Shopify Development + Branding) - - Worked with Birmingham Museums Trust to modernize their online shop, creating a Shopify ecommerce site that reflects their mission and appeals to both existing supporters and a younger audience. My role included refining brand foundations, building customer personas, mapping the customer journey, and designing and developing a visually engaging store. Implemented custom purchase options, SEO, and an integrated marketing strategy that boosted sales and strengthened the museum’s digital presence. Skills: Shopify Development, UX/UI, SEO, CRM Automation, Branding 7. P&Co (Loyalty Program & Email Marketing) - Supported P&Co in strengthening their loyal community and driving higher conversions through a tailored loyalty program and email marketing strategy. - By analysing customer journey data, I identified key drop-off points and focused on boosting conversions at checkout. - Introduced a tiered loyalty program that rewarded customers with exclusive discounts, early access, and points-based rewards. - Within weeks of launch, 18,000+ customers enrolled, average order value rose by 13%, and conversion rates increased across both UK and US stores. Skills: Shopify, Loyalty Marketing, CRO, Klaviyo, Email Marketing 8. TreatBox (Shopify Plus Redesign & Branding) - Worked with TreatBox to redesign and elevate their Shopify Plus store, combining a refreshed brand identity with a seamless, conversion-driven ecommerce experience. - The project began with a mini-rebrand, including a new logo, refined messaging, and a modern visual identity that emphasized the thoughtful, handmade quality of their products. - Developed an intuitive multi-step “Build Your Own Box” flow, streamlined curated and subscription options, and added personalized account features. - The result was a user-friendly, m-optimized site that makes it easier for customers to create gifts. Skills: Shopify Plus, Brand Strategy, UX/UI, Subscription Flows, Website Optimization 9. Shopcart Online Store – E-commerce Platform - Built a full-stack e-commerce demo storefront using Next.js and Sanity, designed to showcase a production-ready shopping experience. - Led the frontend architecture and implemented user-focused features, including a responsive product grid, persistent cart, and Clerk authentication. - Integrated Stripe-powered checkout flows, a modular component library (product cards, quantity controls, navigation), and advanced search/filtering. - Added wishlist functionality, order management tools, and optimized the UI for accessibility and mobile-first responsiveness. - The result was a clean, maintainable codebase and polished user experience, ready for production use or customization for client stores. Skills: Next.js / React, Headless CMS Integration (Sanity), Stripe Payments, Authentication (Clerk), Responsive UI, Component-driven Design TECHNICAL SKILLS CMS & E-Commerce Platforms • Shopify, Shopify Plus, WooCommerce, WordPress, Shopify's Hydrogen, BigCommerce, EC-Cube, Webflow, Wix, Magento, Wagtail, Sitecore, Shogun, PageFly, Replo Frontend Development • React.js, Next.js, Vue.js, Angular, HTML5, CSS3, SCSS, Tailwind CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Liquid, jQuery, Bootstrap, Storybook Backend Development & Logic • Node.js, Express.js, PHP, Python, Laravel, GraphQL, RESTful APIs, Shopify API, WooCommerce REST API, EC-Cube API Automation & Integration Tools • Zapier, Make.com (Integromat), Pabbly, Klaviyo, Segment, Google Tag Manager, Shopify Flow, Webhooks, Retool, Airtable, Noloco, Ansible Databases & Storage • MySQL, PostgreSQL, Firebase, MongoDB, Oracle PL/SQL, Amazon DynamoDB, Supabase Analytics & CRO • Google Analytics, Hotjar, Mixpanel, A/B Testing, Conversion Funnel Optimization, SEO Auditing, GTM, Google Search Console Payments & Logistics Integration • Stripe, PayPal, Square, AfterPay, Paidy, Konbini, ShipStation, EasyPost, Printful, Shopify Shipping DevOps & Cloud • Git, GitHub, GitLab CI/CD, Bitbucket, Docker, AWS (Lambda, API Gateway, ECS, S3), Vercel, Netlify, Cloudflare, Firebase Hosting Testing & QA • Jest, React Testing Library, Cypress, Postman, Lighthouse, Chrome DevTools, BrowserStack Project & Team Tools • Jira, Trello, Slack, Notion, Figma, Miro, Confluence, Zoom, Microsoft Teams EDUCATION Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science 2009 - 2013 University of Montana • Missoula, MT, US CERTIFICATES Digital Marketing Pro (American Marketing Association (AMA) + Digital Marketing Institute) Google Analytics & SEO Specialist – Coursera INTERESTS - Marketing Strategy - Shopping - UI/UX Trends - Table Tennis - Reading - Swimming