SECT // 01 · home

CTO. Builder. Operator.

Fifteen-plus years shipping software, automation, and IT leadership across manufacturing, agriculture, and wholesale distribution. Currently CTO at Mid-States Distributing.

> ask-austin

ai · haiku-4.5

assistant

Hi — I’m Austin’s AI assistant, trained on his bio, resume, and recent work. Ask anything below, or pick a starter.

SECT // 02 · about

The short version.

I serve as CTO at Mid-States Distributing, a farm, ranch, and home distribution company owned by 29 member companies. I lead IT and software development and sit on the executive team, driving initiatives across Dynamics 365, AI, and enterprise strategy. Beyond technology, I’ve stepped in to lead and support multiple departments as needed, helping align teams, streamline operations, and execute at a high level across the organization.

Prior to Mid-States, I was a Web Developer at Priefert Manufacturing, where I built online tools, supported robotics R&D, and led SEO efforts that increased unique viewership by 250% in two years. I also served as IT Director at Sand Creek Post & Beam and IT Manager at Caviness Beef Packers. Earlier in my career, I joined the U.S. Army right out of high school as a Network Switching Systems Operator.

I’m a husband and father of two. Most days I’m building, solving, or designing something. When I’m not, you’ll find me in the woodworking shop or keeping a close eye on where technology is headed next.

what i do

→ executive leadership
→ enterprise strategy
→ dynamics 365 management + dev
→ AI research + implementation
→ software + web development
→ building strong teams
→ cross-functional operations
→ building: department of emerging technology

SECT // 03 · resume

Experience.

full resume →

2017 — present

Chief Technology Officer

Mid-States Distributing

Lead IT and software development for a farm, ranch, and home distribution co-op owned by 29 member companies. Sit on the executive team, driving initiatives across Dynamics 365, AI, and enterprise strategy. Recently stood up the Department of Emerging Technology to focus the next wave of work.

STACK ▸ d365 · azure · azure mssql · postgres · c# · python · php · laravel · vue.js · tailwind · electron · + more
prior

Web Developer

Priefert Manufacturing

Built online tools and the internal platforms sales and marketing ran on, and supported R&D in robotics. SEO and online marketing initiatives increased unique viewership 250% in the first two years.

STACK ▸ .net mvc · laravel · mssql · mysql · iis
prior

IT Director

Sand Creek Post & Beam

Ran IT across Sand Creek Post & Beam, Texas Timber Frames, and Barn Kings. Mitel VOIP deployment, custom barn-building applications, internal sales portals, and the IT policies and budgets behind all of it.

STACK ▸ c# · .net mvc · php · laravel · codeigniter · mssql · iis
prior

IT Manager

Caviness Beef Packers

Ran network and system administration and built the in-house software: company website, procurement, document imaging, employee and inventory management, and full carcass tracking. Portions met NIST 800-32 and NIST Weights & Measures requirements.

STACK ▸ c# · php · codeigniter · mssql · iis · mainframes
before

U.S. Army · Network Switching Systems Operator-Maintainer

Straight out of high school at Fort Benning and Fort Gordon. Large and small electronic switches, node management, and ground, air, and satellite communications. Honorable Discharge.