Portfolio & Projects
My Projects & Portfolio
Professional Projects
Devmatics, LLC
Devmatics, LLC is a professional software development company that specializes in building enterprise software for all types of businesses. They build everything from mobile apps to web applications, custom integrations, eCommerce solutions and much. Working with his team, Stephen is responsible for all aspects of the business operations of the company. They have built a dozen of solutions over the years including professional education training solutions, heavy industry safety apps, live streaming video, association (non-profit) management systems and more. Learn more about his projects at Devmatics.
Speaking & Writing
Steve is a prolific author and esteemed educator in the realms of technology and accounting, having crafted more than 75+ comprehensive courses that have empowered countless professionals in these sectors. As a sought-after speaker, he graces over 125 events annually, sharing his wealth of knowledge and insights with thousands of practitioners. Explore below for detailed information on Steve’s latest educational offerings and published works.
Data Government and Privacy For Organizations – GDPR and CCPA
Course Category: Security
This course is going to look at data governance in 2021 and provide recommendations for compliance with GDPR and CCPA for organization. The amount of . . . data organizations are collecting keeps increasing. This course will look at compliance issues in 2021 and beyond.
Leveraging Microsoft Teams Effectively For Your Organization
Course Category: Productivity
Microsoft Teams has proved to be the saving technology for many organizations through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Millions of us worked from home. It . . . allowed for us to conference call, screen share, and exchange files like we were all sitting in the same office. It gives us the ability to be able to operate and communicate anywhere with Internet connectivity.
This class explores how to effectively implement and leverage Microsoft Teams inside your organization. It will look at some of the best practices for communication, security, productivity, and more. The class will take a specific look at the newest Team’s features to help you implement the latest and greatest. You’ll learn how to use this tool to run meetings in your organization, take advantage of 3rd party plugins, schedule appointments with colleagues, and more. Regardless of if you’re a new user to Teams or a Power user you will learn how to use this incredible tool more effectively.
Building a Cutting Edge Virtual Office
Course Category: Cloud
The Internet and mobile technologies have revolutionized the way that businesses operate. We’re no longer constrained by having to operate in a . . . specific location or during specific business hours. Organizations can now effectively communicate and do business with customers and staff based anywhere in the world. One of the most important aspects of this changing workplace is the virtual office, which allows a user to work anywhere in the world.
This course is an in-depth look at how an organization can improve collaboration, communication, and operations by implementing virtual office technology. We’ll look at solutions to simplify and streamline communications, business process management, going paperless, and more. We’ll also cover the benefits and risks of implementing a virtual workplace and discuss innovative technologies you can use to revolutionize your organization.
DIY Penetration Testing for Your Home and Organization
Course Category: Security
Every year, countless data breaches occur around the world that cost organizations billions of dollars. All reports that the frequency, size and scope . . . of data breaches is increasing at an alarming rate. A recent report by IBM showed that average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million dollars, if you’re lucky! Penetration testing is a security procedure that can help identity your potential deficiencies. This course will focus on practical, do-it-yourself methods of checking the security IT of your home or office. It will help you identify areas where your security could be improved, and potential holes closed.
Creating Powerful and Effective Presentations with PowerPoint
Course Category: Productivity
Most successful leaders are often excellent communicators. They can clearly articulate a specific objective and align their team to a specific vision. . . . Subject matter expertise is certainly important, but communicating that expertise effectively is just as important. Business presentations are one of the most common and useful ways to share a vision with a team or client. The tool of choice for most professionals is Microsoft PowerPoint for its ease of use, powerful features, and that it is included in the Office ecosystem.
Some of us have put together at least one presentation in our careers, but most of us need a better working knowledge of the application. Further, most don’t have a good understanding of how an effective presentation comes together. An effective presentation is more than just slapping together a couple of slides and having endless bullet points. It’s about telling a great story and getting your audience invested in the outcome. This course will review the best features and functions of PowerPoint. You are giving yourself the knowledge to put together your next presentation technically. Further, it will help you understand the bigger picture of business presentations and help you design the great story you want to tell.
Unleashing The Power Of Microsoft AI – A Comprehensive Guide
Course Category: Artificial Intelligence
Embark on an exciting journey into the world of Microsoft AI Tools and delve into a top-to-bottom exploration of Microsoft’s remarkable AI ecosystem. . . . We will immerse you in an array of cutting-edge AI technologies from Microsoft and its partners. From Microsoft 365 Copilot to the powerful Bing search tools, this comprehensive guide unveils the full spectrum of AI capabilities from Microsoft.
Discover the immense potential of Power Automate, Excel AI tools, the AI-driven visualizations in Power BI, and the seamless integration of AI in Windows 11. Gain invaluable insights into each facet as we conduct a meticulous review of all the various AI tools and services Microsoft offers. This course covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Microsoft AI capabilities.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this engaging course equips you with the knowledge and skills to harness the true power of Microsoft AI.
Getting Ahead of the Emerging Technology Curve — Blockchain, AI & Big Data!
Course Category: General
Unlike mainstream technologies in use in businesses every day, there are upcoming technologies which have the potential to drastically change how we . . . work, live, and play in the years ahead. New and upcoming technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning all offer great potential, just as the advent of the personal computer did some four decades ago. This session will cover an assortment of technologies which are nearing mainstream adoption and help you understand what they do, how they work, as well as some of the potential risks and rewards they offer potential users, particularly in business environments.In this course, you will learn the basics of blockchain, cryptocurrency, big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. You will also learn about the anticipated uses, benefits, risks, and threats posed to legacy businesses by these innovative, yet disruptive platforms. Now is the time to prepare for the future by learning about these technologies and how they will impact and potentially disrupt current business practices. This course is going to focus on the technology and real-world applications of blockchain, cryptocurrency, big data, and artificial intelligence. It will not discuss the tax, legal, or ethical impact of these technologies. This course is ideal for financial professionals that are looking to build working knowledge on these topics and find useful ways of applying them to their organizations.
Excel Functionality That Every Accountant Should Know
Course Category: Excel
Excel is the default program for many financial professionals–and highly effective–if used correctly. It can be used for everything from simple . . . tabular analysis to creating in-depth aggregate pivot tables. This course will give participants the necessary tools to turn data into meaningful information and will examine cutting edge ways to store, retrieve, report, and analyze data using Excel and plugins. It will provide recommendations on how to more efficiently use Excel and potential traps to avoid.Participants are encouraged to bring their technology devices to follow along with the interactive discussions, technology demonstrations, sample spreadsheets, and demo tools. Financial professionals will walk away from this course with valuable tools and insights into understanding, managing, and utilizing data in an organized and meaningful manner inside their organizations.
Epic Journey 2008
In 2008, Stephen took a year-long round-the-world trip from his home in Southern California to New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific and Central America. These are a collection of his writings and photos from that trip.
The Northern Quest
Greetings from the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands! I have spent the last several weeks exploring the famed Hapsburg Empire from Vienna to Prague, chugging delicious liters of beer at Oktoberfest, understanding contemporary history in Berlin, and leisurely strolling the streets of Amsterdam.
Ancient Cities
Greetings from Thailand, Egypt, and Italy. It has been a busy couple of weeks with travel on three continents over several cities. These three countries are as diverse as they come. Each had marvelous sights, history, at- tractions, people, mu- sic, foods, and cultures.
Far East Escapades
Greetings from Russia, Mongolia, China, Hawaii and the bridge of the USS Benfold! The epic world adventure continues with travel through the East, Pacific and beyond. It was so EPIC that it required a special double edition of the newsletter just to fit in all the tales of glory.
Wellington, New Zealand
Over the course of several weeks, I saw the entirety of New Zealand, from the most northern tip (Cape Reinga) where the Paci c and the Tasman Sea meet, to Steward Island the last stop before Antarctica. I have bungy jumped, river boarded, mountain climbed, trekked, swam, and splunked every square meter of these islands… and loved every minute of it.
North Island, New Zealand
Greetings from Russia, Mongolia, China, Hawaii and the bridge of the USS Benfold! The epic world adventure continues with travel through the East, Pacific and beyond. It was so EPIC that it required a special double edition of the newsletter just to fit in all the tales of glory.
Australia, Oceania
G’Day from Australia! On August 18th, I departed the chilly climates and familiarity of Wellington, New Zealand for the balmy and unknown of Cairns, Australia. I said goodbye to my life as a Kiwi and started on my journey around the world.
South Island, New Zealand
It is hard to believe that I have been gone for almost two months. I find myself in my own bubble that is devoid of time and news. As someone that prided himself on being up to date on national happenings, I couldn’t even tell you won the primaries or next season’s starting lineup for the Angels.
Fiji & South Island, New Zealand
Hope this letter finds you well. Peter, Curtis & I find ourselves in the middle of our third week abroad. We spent the first week abroad in Fiji, last week in Auckland and this week in Queenstown. Thus far the trip can be summarized by warm weather, sandy beaches, and unfamiliar accents.