Enable Sound

For the best experience, please enable sound in your browser settings:

My story so far...

  Hello, I'm Brandon Hawley, a dedicated father and game developer with six years of software development experience. As a kid, I was inspired by gaming; my imagination would run wild with fantastic stories and worlds. I filled journals with sketches, references, and writings until their bindings fell apart. But as time went on, I lost faith that my dreams were possible. I started at MCC pursuing an associate's in Electrical Engineering, hoping for financial stability. I quickly realized it was not a good fit.

Family

  I switched to Computer Science and started fresh at Missouri Western. However, as COVID-19 started disrupting everything, I realized I was essentially paying for self-education. I decided it was time to rethink my approach. I got married and founded Hawleywood Electronics LLC to support my family, teaching myself software development on the side. Life was good, albeit it hectic - until it wasn't. As the electronics business grew, it began to consume all my time and energy, leaving nothing left for my family or my dreams.

  Then my world suddenly shattered... We lost our 9-month-old son in December of 2020. Losing him was brought indescribable pain. My commitment to Hawleywood Electronics had stolen time from my family that I could never get back, spent on something I didn't even enjoy. I slowly closed my business and entered a season of soul-searching.

  The arrival of our second son brought hope and renewed purpose. It was then that I fully embraced my childhood dream of creating games, resolving no longer to sideline the passions that had ignited my imagination. Life is too short not to pursue your dreams!

  Now, I balance being a father with a renewed passion for game development. This shift has brought me not only fulfillment but invaluable time with my family. Each project is more than just a game—it's a part of my personal revival and a testament to the resilience needed to believe and pursue one's dreams amid life's unpredictability.

Brandon

What I do...

  My expertise in game development has led me to work extensively with both Unreal and Unity engines, developing and releasing several projects. I am also experienced in using a variety of creative software, including Blender, Aseprite, and GIMP.
  I have a strong background in software development, with proficiency in Java, C#, C++, and full-stack web development.
  Work on this website, along with my roles at Cumoratek Consulting and Prosper IT Consulting, have helped to enhance my skills in front-end design using tools such as SwiperJS, jQuery, Bootstrap, and PHP, and in back-end development with various DBMS. Beyond programming, I also manage a YouTube channel, which has equipped me skills in video production and editing with DaVinci Resolve.
Unreal Engine
Unity
C++
C#
Java
HTML 5
CSS 3
JavaScript
.NET
Blender
Linux
VS Code
Visual Studio
JetBrains
GitHub
DaVinci Resolve
Asprite

Where I've been...

Throughout my career I've had the privilege of collaborating with several outstanding organizations. I can't wait to see what's next!

Microsoft

June 28, 2024

C# Certification @ Microsoft

 This program involved 35 hours of comprehensive training, covering essential aspects of C# programming, including app creation, methods, logic, exception handling, and debugging.
Youtube: ObviouslyBrandon

2022-Present

Creative Director @ Youtube: ObviouslyBrandon

  Developed a successful gaming YouTube channel, gaining proficiency in video editing, content creation, and platform engagement algorithms. Crafted original video ideas and scripts, and established a viewer "character" to effectively target specific audiences. Maintained a consistent video schedule, balancing production with other professional projects.
Prosper IT Consulting

2023-2024

Game Development Intern @ Prosper IT Consulting

  Extended my learning from The Tech Academy through an internship with Prosper IT Consulting, the bootcamp’s founding business. This experience allowed me to apply my newly acquired skills in software and game development directly to real-world IT projects, enhancing my practical knowledge and proficiency under professional guidance.
The Tech Academy

January 24, 2024

Game & Software Development Certificate @ The Tech Academy

  Graduated with honors from The Tech Academy's Game and Software Development Bootcamp, which involved over 900 hours of rigorous courses. I was trained in a variety of languages and systems, including development over the full-stack. Key projects included a first-person shooter with Unreal Engine 5, 2D adventure platformer and 3D physics puzzle in Unity, a command-line version of Blackjack in C#, and a number of websites using a variety of frameworks. Project development included utilizing Agile methodologies as possible.
Cumoratek Consulting

2023-2024

IT Specialist @ Cumoratek Consulting

  As an IT Specialist at a private school in Independence, I provided essential IT services, managed and enhanced student databases and APIs, and improved mobile device compatibility for the school website. I designed and deployed numerous Linux and Windows servers to host various school services and conducted repairs on school devices.
Hawleywood Electronics LLC

2018-2022

CEO @ Hawleywood Electronics LLC

  Starting as a hobby in 2018, I owned and operated a small LLC (founded 2020) specializing in computer and electronics repair, providing hardware and software troubleshooting services. Gained comprehensive experience in business management, mastering finances, scheduling, and client communications. Additionally, performed contract work for companies like Cumoratek, handling A/V operations for local events and overseeing the installation of servers and A/V equipment. Acquired robust analytical skills and a deep understanding of various operating systems and technical support.
Archery Excellence

2016-2019

General Manager @ Archery Excellence

  As General Manager at Archery Excellence, I educated students and trained employees, overseeing event scheduling, staff management, and daily operations. I mentored team members and provided technical support for both archery and tech equipment.

College Education

Missouri Western State University

2019-2020

Bachelor's of Computer Science @ Missouri Western State University

  At Missouri Western State University, I successfully completed two junior-level semesters, demonstrating proficiency in Statistics, Data Analysis, Java Programming, and Linux/GNU operating systems. Additionally, my expertise in Java led to an invitation to tutor fellow Computer Science students. Unfortunately, due to complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to discontinue studies.
Metropolitan Community College

2018-2020

Degreework in Computer Science @ Metropolitan Community College

  I initially pursued an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering before transitioning to Computer Science. In 2019, prior to completing my Associate's degree, I transferred to Missouri Western State University to further my education in Computer Science, continuing with General Education classes until May 2020. Throughout my academic journey, I acquired foundational knowledge in various subjects and earned an invitation to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society due to my academic performance.

A new dev you seek?
Reach out, you should.

Cumoratek Consulting

"I have had the pleasure of working with Brandon for multiple years in a variety of capacities. I always appreciate Brandon's positive approach to his work and his immense wealth of knowledge. He is and has been an excellent asset to our team here at Cumoratek!"

Archery Excellence

"... We're pleased to have had Brandon as part of our team and wholeheartedly recommend him to any organization he considers joining. He is an invaluable asset to any team and working alongside him is a genuinely enjoyable experience."