Valstar.dev

Mike Valstar

Building software that flys.

Sr. Technical Director at Konrad Group. Leading teams, shaping AI strategy, and building web things in Toronto.

Tech Stack

Languages

TypeScriptHTMLPHPCSSSQLPython

Frameworks

ReactNode.jsTanstack StartNext.jsAstroShadcnRadixTailwind

Tools

AWSAzureDockerGitHubGitLabGitBiomeViteVitest

AI / LLM

AI SDKClaudeCursorCodexPrompt & Skill EngineeringLLM Benchmarking

Things I've Built

Where I've Worked

2012 — Present

Konrad Group

Sr. Technical Director

Leading a team of 24 across two groups, building enterprise applications for some of Canada's largest financial institutions and consumer brands. Day-to-day spans project leadership, architecture, and hands-on development — from React/GraphQL applications for major banks to a Doritos/Mtn Dew auction platform.

  • Shaping internal AI strategy and guiding client teams on AI-first SDLC adoption
  • Architecture and technical leadership across banking, retail, and consumer verticals
  • Progressed from Software Developer to Architect to Sr. Technical Director over 14 years
2010 — 2012

Globalive

Web Developer

Maintained the customer-facing Yak account system and assisted with the Wind Mobile website.

2006 — 2010

Dairylane Systems

Software Developer & IT Specialist

Built and maintained the inventory and ordering system, dairy robot systems.

2001 — 2006

Freelancing

Web Developer

Created Gentoo-Wiki.com and worked with clients to migrate from paper-based processes to digital systems.

Say Hello

Got a question, a project idea, or just want to connect? I'd love to hear from you.