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Custom software development · Based in Victoria, BC

Custom Software for Real-World Business Problems

I design and build practical software that helps businesses and organizations reduce administrative work, improve efficiency, and manage information more effectively.

18+ years of software development experience across web applications, business systems, accessibility tools, and specialized software.

Based in Victoria, BC · Working remotely with businesses and organizations

Dan Spelt

Your business may not need more staff. It may need a better system.

Businesses and organizations often lose time because important processes depend on email, spreadsheets, paper forms, disconnected applications and manual follow-up.

The result is duplicated work, missed information, slow responses and frustrated staff.

Custom software can change that.

I work with organizations to identify inefficient processes and develop focused software solutions that make those processes simpler, faster and easier to manage. From a single workflow to a complete business platform, I build software around the way your organization actually works.

From inefficient workflow to working software

A practical process that keeps the real problem in focus from first conversation to first release and beyond.

  1. Understand the problem

    Identify where time, information or communication is being lost.

  2. Design the solution

    Determine what can realistically be improved with software.

  3. Build the right system

    Develop a focused, maintainable solution around the organization's needs.

  4. Improve over time

    Test, learn from users and refine the system as requirements become clearer.

A real example

Community Hive

A practical example of turning an operational problem into software.

Property manager dashboard with building overview, properties, announcements, and open tickets

Property manager view

1 / 6

The problem

The same questions arrive by email all week, and maintenance concerns come in through whatever channel the resident happened to use.

What is on screen

A building overview with open issues, recent announcements, and the requests that still need a response.

The result

Less repetitive email and a clearer operational record of what was asked and what was done.

Built and operated by me: Next.js (App Router), React, Tailwind CSS, shadcn/ui, Node.js API Routes, MongoDB.

Other projects that solve real problems

Each one started as an operational or human problem and became a focused, working system. Pick one to see the problem, the approach, and the result.

Exploring Community Hive. Choose a section below; use Left and Right Arrow keys to move between section tabs.

Community Hive

Founder and sole developer

Property manager dashboard with building overview, properties, announcements, and open tickets
Property manager view — see the live demo for more views.

Property managers and community leaders coordinate buildings through email chains, paper notices, spreadsheets, and social media groups. Announcements are missed, maintenance concerns arrive through inconsistent channels, and there is no reliable record of what was communicated or decided.

3 projects are available in this explorer regardless of the path you selected.

Capabilities

A short list of what I can help with. The technical stack is chosen to fit the problem, not the other way around.

Custom business software

Focused applications built around your workflow rather than forcing your workflow into an off-the-shelf tool.

Web applications

Modern browser-based systems your team can access from anywhere without installation or manual updates.

Workflow automation

Reduce repetitive manual steps by connecting data, notifications and approvals into coherent processes.

Data and reporting systems

Organize scattered information so it is accurate, searchable, and useful for decisions.

Accessible interfaces

Built around real users from the start, including people with diverse abilities and those who rely on assistive technology.

Software modernization

Update aging systems, replace spreadsheets, and connect disconnected tools without a risky big-bang rewrite.

AI-assisted development

Modern AI tools used deliberately for research, coding, testing, documentation, architecture, security review, and quality oversight.

Typical stack

React, Next.js, TypeScript, Node.js, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Tailwind CSS, shadcn/ui, Docker, Coolify, .NET, C#, and cloud platforms. If your organization already has preferred tools, I work with those too.

See full skills and technical background

Insight

What If the Problems Holding Your Business Back Are Actually Pointing the Way Forward?

The frustrations that have become part of your process may be showing you exactly where software could make the biggest difference. A short read on spotting workflow opportunities and building practical software around real business problems.

Read the article

An experienced developer who starts with the problem—not the technology

18+ years developing software for universities, nonprofits, businesses and specialized technology projects.

I build accessible software around real users, including people who rely on assistive technology. Accessibility is part of the design from the beginning, not an afterthought.

I also use modern AI tools as a deliberate professional capability — for research, coding, testing, documentation, architecture, security review, and quality oversight. The result is thorough, well-built software delivered efficiently.

“I don't sell programming. I help organizations improve operations, with programming as the means of delivering it.”

— Dan Spelt

Have a process that isn't working as well as it should?

Let's talk about what could be improved. No pitch deck required—just a short conversation about your workflow.

Discuss Your Project