Jacob C.

Senior WordPress Developer (No Page Builders) | APIs & Backend

I build the kind of WordPress and backend systems that don't fit into a page builder, such as custom plugins, REST API integrations, MySQL-backed application logic, and the engineering layer that ties the rest of a business's stack together. Most of my clients come to me when: ◆ Their site is too complex for junior developers ◆ Plugins don't do what they need and someone has to write real code ◆ They need a system, not just a website ◆ Performance is poor and things keep breaking ◆ They need a senior engineer to own the technical side --- Proven Track Record --- "Jacob is 100% the best freelancer I've ever hired." ⎻ Andrew Epprecht, Phase5Analytics "You're an incredible WordPress developer… now our site is lightning fast." ⎻ Denise Deverelle, Multifamily Utility Company "Went above and beyond. One of my best experiences on Upwork." ⎻ Ryan Jordan, XNEffect "Gets things done faster than any developer I've ever worked with. And done well." ⎻ Chris Johnson, CTO, CrisisTextLine --- What I Do Best --- Custom WordPress Development ◆ Custom plugins built around specific business logic ◆ Custom Gutenberg blocks and modern block themes ◆ WooCommerce customizations and integrations ◆ Headless / API-driven WordPress architectures ◆ Performance, Core Web Vitals, and security hardening API & Integration Development ◆ REST API design and third-party API integrations ◆ Payment gateways and external service connections ◆ Custom internal tools and admin dashboards ◆ Data synchronization and workflow automation ◆ Bridging WordPress with external SaaS, ERPs, and CRMs Backend Engineering ◆ PHP application development beyond CMS contexts ◆ MySQL schema design and query optimization ◆ Refactoring legacy codebases into something maintainable ◆ Custom business logic and workflow engines ◆ Production-grade architecture for systems that need to scale --- Who I Work Best With --- I'm a great fit if you: ◆ Need a senior engineer who can take real ownership of the technical side ◆ Have a growing business with real technical challenges, not a side project ◆ Care about code quality, maintainability, and long-term stability ◆ Want a long-term technical partner, not the cheapest hourly rate I work with a small number of clients at a time, so each engagement gets the attention it deserves. --- Who I'm Not a Fit For --- I'm probably not the right developer if: ◆ You're looking for someone to wire up Elementor, Divi, or another page builder ◆ Your project is a simple theme tweak or one-off plugin installation ◆ You want the lowest hourly rate available on Upwork ◆ You need design, copywriting, or UX work That's not a knock on those projects. They just aren't the kind of work I'm built for, and there are excellent freelancers on Upwork who specialize in them who'll be a better fit than I would. --- How I Work --- I work best on ongoing engagements, such as monthly retainers, multi-month projects, or technical-lead partnerships where I can take real ownership of the codebase. Short, one-off task gigs usually aren't a good fit on either side, though I'll occasionally take on a well-scoped project as a working trial. I communicate clearly, set realistic timelines, and take full responsibility for my work. --- Let's Talk --- If you need a senior developer who can actually solve hard problems, in WordPress, in PHP, or in custom backend systems, click the "Invite to Job" button and tell me what you're trying to accomplish.