Greg Matthews

Not Your Average CIT, Learning Is A Lifetime Of Evolution
Certified Information Technologist
Senior Software Architect | SaaS Founder | Fractional CTO
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada | Serving Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay, Campbell River & More

Who I Am

I am a Certified Information Technologist (CIT) with over 30 years of experience designing, building, and operating production software systems used by real businesses. Based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, I serve clients across the region including Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, French Creek, Duncan, Ladysmith, Courtenay, Campbell River, Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, and throughout Vancouver Island.

My interest in technology began at the birth of the internet, when my grandfather gifted me my first desktop computer. That moment sparked an insatiable passion for online learning, which has only grown stronger with AI — allowing creativity and strategic thinking to surpass pure coding.

I don't build demos or throwaway apps. I architect systems that run companies — from idea to live deployment, revenue, and long-term uptime.

Why Now Is the Time to Build Your Own Business Systems

For years, businesses have been forced to rent their software through subscription services that lock them into someone else's workflow, pricing, and roadmap.

But today, with modern cloud infrastructure and AI integration, you don't have to.

The Problem with Subscription Software

Subscription tools are designed to work for the vendor, not your business. You pay monthly for:

  • Features you don't use
  • Limitations you can't remove
  • Data and workflows that aren't yours
  • Updates that disrupt your operations

And the worst part: you don't own the application.

Why Custom Systems Are Better Today

Custom applications put ownership back where it belongs — with your business.

When you build your own system:

  • You own the application, the data, and the process
  • You stop paying for bloated features you don't need
  • You get a system designed around your workflow
  • You gain control over integrations, security, and growth
  • You can adapt the system as your business evolves

Why AI Makes This the Right Time

AI has changed the economics of custom software:

Reduces Development Time

Build faster with AI-powered development tools

Automates Tasks

Eliminate repetitive work with intelligent automation

Smarter Dashboards

AI-powered insights and workflow optimization

Small Team Advantage

Build systems that used to require large budgets

Stop Renting Software. Start Owning Your Systems.

Build a business application designed for your business, not a generic subscription platform.

Let's Build Your System

What I Do

I help organizations:

  • Architect custom SaaS and internal platforms from the ground up
  • Modernize and scale existing systems using AI, APIs, and cloud services
  • Integrate marketplaces and third-party platforms (Etsy and others)
  • Gain visibility through dashboards, analytics, and monitoring
  • Run reliable systems with Linux, cloud, and CDN infrastructure

Core Capabilities

SaaS Product Architecture & Lifecycle Ownership

End-to-end responsibility for product design, development, and operations

Full-Stack Web Development

Thousands of production sites across multiple industries

AI Development & API-Level AI Integration

Direct integration with Anthropic, OpenAI, and Groq APIs

E-Commerce, Accounting & Order Management Systems

Complete business system integration and automation

Marketplace & Third-Party API Integrations

Etsy, Commerce Platforms, and external service integration

REST / RESTful API Design & Consumption

API architecture, design, and integration expertise

Progressive Web Apps (PWA)

Mobile and desktop application development

Cloud Infrastructure, Monitoring & Reliability

Linux, cloud deployment, and system reliability

Real Estate Technology & Data Analytics

Specialized domain expertise and analytics platforms

Technical Expertise

AI & Automation

  • Developer-level integration with Anthropic, OpenAI, and Groq APIs
  • AI-powered automation, data processing, and workflow enhancement
  • Intelligent reporting, content generation, and decision-support systems

Web & Application Development

  • Architected and deployed thousands of websites across multiple industries
  • Custom web applications, dashboards, and admin systems
  • Progressive Web Apps (PWA) for mobile and desktop use

E-Commerce & Marketplace Systems

  • End-to-end e-commerce platform development
  • Accounting, order management, and fulfillment workflows
  • API integrations with external marketplaces including Etsy and others
  • Inventory, pricing, and transaction synchronization

Infrastructure & Operations

  • Linux server administration (local and cloud)
  • Cloud deployment, scaling, and lifecycle management
  • CDN integration and performance optimization
  • Monitoring, alerting, uptime tracking, and system reliability

Selected Systems Designed & Built

Custom SaaS Platforms

Used by multiple active businesses

Cloud System Monitoring Platform

Uptime, visibility, alerts

Personal Finance Forecasting System

Financial planning and analysis

Integrated Help Desk & Ticketing System

Customer support automation

Real Estate Statistics & Analytics Platform

Comprehensive market analysis

PWA Mobile and Desktop Applications

Multiple internal business tools

End-to-End E-Commerce and Transaction Systems

Complete business transaction platforms

Professional Experience

Senior Software Architect / Certified Information Technologist
Vancouver Island, BC
2000 – Present
Serve as lead architect and technologist for businesses across real estate, e-commerce, and services.
  • Design and operate API-driven systems integrating AI services, marketplaces, payment providers, and internal tools.
  • Build and maintain production systems in daily commercial use, including SaaS-style platforms.
  • Manage Linux-based infrastructure, cloud environments, CDNs, and monitoring systems.
  • Maintain long-term responsibility for system security, uptime, scalability, and business continuity.
Leadership Vancouver Island (LVI) Program Graduate
Vancouver Island, BC
2018
Completed the Leadership Vancouver Island program, a prominent grassroots leadership development organization focused on building community capacity through immersive, values-based training.
  • Participated in comprehensive multi-month program including retreats, monthly leadership days, professional coaching, and hands-on team projects.
  • Engaged with facilitators, professors, business professionals, and local leaders, with strong emphasis on cross-cultural understanding and Indigenous perspectives.
  • Designed and implemented community projects addressing local needs, fostering innovation and positive change in Island communities.
  • Developed leadership style, complex issue management skills, and sustainability-focused approaches through collaborative learning and real-world application.
  • Program recognized by Vancouver Island University and guided by leaders in government, business, and non-profit organizations.
Accomplished Toastmaster & Public Speaking Leader
Vancouver Island, BC
2002 – 2010
Active member of Toastmasters International, holding various leadership roles and contributing to the local public speaking community.
  • Served in multiple leadership positions including Treasurer and President, demonstrating organizational and leadership capabilities.
  • Founding member of local "Noon" lunch group, promoting and practicing public speaking skills within the community.
  • Award-winning speaker in humorous speech categories, showcasing communication skills and ability to engage audiences.
  • Developed expertise in public speaking, presentation skills, and leadership that enhanced professional communication and client engagement abilities.
Certified Information Technologist (CIT) – McMillan College
Major: Database Development and Management | Minor: Graphic Applied Design
1999 – 2000
Completed certification in the McMillan College Certified Information Technologist Program, establishing foundational expertise in technology and design.
  • Major in Database Development and Management, building core competencies in data architecture, database design, and data management systems.
  • Minor in Graphic Applied Design, developing skills in visual communication, design principles, and user interface design.
  • Earned Certified Information Technologist (CIT) designation, providing formal recognition of technical expertise and professional competency.
  • Combined technical database skills with design principles, creating a unique foundation for building user-centered software systems and applications.
Founder & Lead Developer – Online Classified Platform
1997 – 2000
Designed and launched one of the first locally focused online classified systems.
  • Built full-stack architecture including databases, backend services, and web interfaces.
  • Established early expertise in online marketplaces and transaction-driven systems.
Founding Member – The Walker Group
British Columbia, Canada
1996 – 1998
Founding member of the Walker Group, providing advisory services on employment-related matters and advocating for policy changes at provincial and national levels.
  • Advised on employment-related matters, focusing on distinctions between employee and subcontractor classifications and their implications.
  • Engaged with provincial governments and organizations, meeting with member bodies, provincial ministers, and key stakeholders.
  • Received invitation to the provincial premier's office, meeting with the acting assistant to discuss employment challenges in British Columbia and Canada.
  • Contributed to policy discussions and advocacy efforts addressing employment classification issues and labor market challenges.
  • Developed expertise in employment law, policy analysis, and government relations that informed later business and consulting work.
Franchise Operations Manager & Tourism Industry Professional
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC
1989 – 1997
Operated and managed several franchise operations spanning restaurants to photography studios, with early employment in the tourism industry.
  • Managed multiple franchise operations across diverse industries including restaurants and photography studios.
  • Planned day activities for local tourists through information booths, providing guidance and enhancing visitor experiences.
  • Participated in legendary Mayor Frank Ney's Annual Bathtub Race summer festivities, dressing up as a period sailor in a 10 person group to parade through downtown Nanaimo at noon during the summer months to fire the historic Nanaimo Bastion Cannon for tourists, completed with marching drums :)
  • Developed strong customer service, operations management, and community engagement skills that later translated to technology and business leadership.
Graduate – Nanaimo District Secondary School
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC
1988
Graduated from Nanaimo District Secondary School as part of the last class of the 11/12 program, marking the completion of secondary education in the Nanaimo school district.

Engagement Models

Willing to have conversations around:

Full-time Employment

Project-based Engagements

Fractional CTO / Technical Advisory

SaaS Product Architecture and Build

System Modernization and Rescue

"My success is driven by the opportunities we seize, not the ones we dream of."

Why Clients Work With Me

30+ Years of Experience

Hands-on experience designing, building, and operating production software systems at scale.

Systems in Production

Systems already in production and generating real value for businesses today.

Rare Combination

Unique blend of software, infrastructure, and business understanding in one person.

Long-Term Partner

Long-term partner mindset — not "build and disappear". I'm invested in your success.