Jeff Hooton

Software Engineer

I build software for the web and design precision instruments for the night sky.

About

I'm a software engineer and partner at Sky High Visions, based in Columbus, OH. I got into engineering through a winding path that started in marketing, where I kept finding myself more interested in building the tools than using them. I specialize in web applications, automations, and AI tooling. Before going the agency route, I worked across the stack at companies like Loop and WillowTree.

These days I build Shopify apps and themes, WordPress sites, custom automations, and web apps for clients. On the side, I build things like Orch, a CLI tool for orchestrating multiple AI coding agents. I'm always chasing the next thing that makes me rethink how software gets built.

Away from the keyboard, I design and 3D print telescopes for astrophotography. I've published two astrograph designs on MakerWorld: a compact 114mm f/3.95 and a larger 150mm f/5, both of which I use to shoot deep-sky objects. I also spend time with my wife Mo and our two dogs, Lola and Herbert, play tennis, scuba dive when I can, and unwind with a good book or a long gaming session.

Deep-sky gallery

Experience

  1. Apr 2024 – Present

    Partner & Head of Engineering · Sky High Visions

    Building custom full-stack applications and automations as an IC while managing a team of five engineers delivering across 30+ client engagements. Work spans WordPress, Shopify, nonprofit, and e-commerce projects.

    • Laravel
    • Vue
    • Shopify
    • WordPress
    • Tailwind
  2. Oct 2021 – Mar 2024

    Software Engineer · Loop

    Full-stack engineer on Loop's post-purchase platform, a Laravel and Vue Shopify application used by 5,000+ DTC brands including Bombas, Brooklinen, and FIGS. Built and maintained features across the returns, exchanges, and order tracking systems handling 2M+ returns monthly.

    • Laravel
    • Vue.js
    • Shopify
    • Full-Stack Development
  3. Jul 2019 – Oct 2021

    Platform Software Engineer · WillowTree

    Full-stack development at a digital product agency building platforms and internal tools for Fortune 500 clients across industries including financial services, QSR, and retail.

    • Full-Stack Development
    • Agency
  4. Sep 2017 – Jul 2019

    Web Developer · Stodzy Internet Marketing

    Built and maintained web properties for a digital marketing agency. Full-stack development with a focus on WordPress and client-facing sites.

    • Full-Stack Development
    • WordPress

Projects

  • Orch

    A Go CLI that orchestrates multiple Claude Code instances via tmux. Spin up named agents with roles, inter-agent communication through files, scheduled follow-ups, and a live terminal dashboard. One binary, no dependencies beyond tmux and claude.

    • Go
    • CLI
    • AI
    • tmux
    • SQLite

  • Cockpit

    A tmux-native terminal dashboard that aggregates live status from tmux sessions, git repos, Obsidian tasks, GitHub CI, and your calendar into a single at-a-glance TUI. Create and save new sessions from the dashboard, quick capture tasks, toggle todos, and a signals panel that tells you what needs attention right now.

    • Go
    • TUI
    • tmux
    • Productivity

  • Content Ghoul

    AI-powered SEO and content strategy platform. SERP analysis, content gap identification, competitor tracking, and AI writing tools for agencies, enterprises, and solo creators.

    • AI
    • SEO
    • SaaS

  • Cell Saviors

    The premier DIY battery building education platform. Free online tools including a battery pack planner, 3D pack designer, BMS picker, and powerwall planner, plus guides and a growing community.

    • React
    • Node.js
    • Tailwind CSS

Blog

View all posts

Contact

Let's talk.

I'm open to new opportunities, collaborations, and interesting problems. If you're building something and think I can help, reach out.

jeff@hooton.codes