Suggestions
Brent Miller
Director of Front-end Engineering and Design
Brent Miller is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the software industry, specializing in creating solutions for high-profile clients like NFL, NHL, MLB, Orbitz, PBS, National Geographic, and The Washington Post.
He is passionate about exploring the limitless potential of web and mobile technologies while ensuring that his solutions prioritize accessibility requirements.
Brent holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Psychology, and Communications from Benedictine University, where he honed his skills and knowledge.
Throughout his career, Brent has held key positions at various esteemed organizations, including Director of Front-end Engineering and Design at Trusona, Principal Frontend Engineer at The Washington Post, and Lead UI Engineer at OfficeMax, among others.
His extensive background includes roles as a Front End Consultant at EPRI, National Geographic, Accenture, National Geographic, Simply Accessible, and Public Broadcasting Service, as well as Senior and Consultant Software Engineer positions at multiple organizations like MultiPlan, TRAVELCLICK, The Nielsen Company, and Viant, among others.
Brent's diverse experience spans across industries such as technology, media, healthcare, and finance, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability to various sectors and challenges.
With a strong belief in the power of communication as the foundation for successful project implementation, Brent emphasizes the importance of effective collaboration and clear messaging in achieving desired outcomes.
Highlights
Why I Hate React
You know what I hate? React. There, I said it. I can practically hear the front-end developers collectively gasping, as if I’ve just suggested using tables for layout. But let’s be honest—do we really need React? I don’t think so.
When React first came out, I was on board. The lifecycle methods made sense, and it felt like a breath of fresh air compared to the tangled mess of jQuery spaghetti code. It was like discovering a new tool in the shed that actually made yard work enjoyable. But then, the hooks came along. At first, they seemed like a simpler API—no need for higher-order components or convoluted render props. It was like finding out your favorite tool had a hidden feature. But as I started writing more complex components, hooks turned out to be more complicated than trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions.
Let's talk about those hooks. They promise simplicity, but once you get into the weeds with them, you realize they're like those infomercial gadgets that look easy on TV but leave you with more mess than you started with. The dependency arrays, the endless useEffect calls—it's enough to make your head spin. Managing state and side effects in hooks is like trying to juggle while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. One wrong move, and everything comes crashing down.
And then there's the community obsession with React. It's become the default choice for every new project, like avocado toast at a hipster brunch spot. But do we really need React for everything? With modern web standards, we have tools like Lit and Web Components that the browser natively supports. These technologies are like a sturdy, well-built house—future-proof and reliable. Meanwhile, React feels like a trendy, overpriced loft—flashy but not always practical for the long term.
Web Components let you create reusable, encapsulated elements that work across different frameworks and libraries. It's like having a universal remote that actually controls all your devices. With React, you're locking yourself into a specific ecosystem that may not age well. It's like buying a Betamax player just before VHS took over.
The complexity of React also means more time spent on boilerplate and configuration. Setting up a new React project often feels like preparing for a NASA launch. There's the webpack config, the Babel setup, and don’t even get me started on state management libraries. It’s like needing an engineering degree just to get your project off the ground.
So, there you have it. React might be the darling of the front-end world, but to me, it's an overcomplicated, trendy mess. With modern browser capabilities, we've got all the tools we need to create dynamic, efficient web applications without the need for React. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some real coding to do—no hooks required.
Why I Hate TypeScript
You know what I hate? TypeScript. There, I said it. I can practically hear the seasoned developers groaning, as if I’ve just suggested using inline styles. But let’s be honest—do we really need TypeScript? I don’t think so.
First off, TypeScript feels like overkill. Remember when JavaScript was simple? It was like a friendly neighborhood diner where you could get a burger and fries without any fuss. Now, with TypeScript, it's like that diner turned into a five-star restaurant with a dress code. Suddenly, you need to declare types and interfaces for everything. Mr. TypeScript demands that you wear a tuxedo just to write a basic function.
And don't get me started on the learning curve. We spend years mastering JavaScript, getting to know its quirks and nuances, only to be told that we need to learn an entirely new language on top of it. It's like being fluent in English and then being told you need to learn Esperanto to just write a button click handler. Sure, TypeScript promises fewer bugs and better code, but at what cost? More time spent debugging type errors and less time doing what we actually enjoy—writing code that works.
Speaking of bugs, let’s talk about those type errors. Have you ever tried to compile a TypeScript project? It feels like having a backseat driver who criticizes every turn you make. "Oh, you can't assign a string to a number," it says. Well, thanks for the heads-up, but I knew that! JavaScript lets you get the job done quickly and efficiently. TypeScript, on the other hand, feels like it's constantly second-guessing you, like a nosy neighbor peeking over the fence to make sure your lawn is mowed to their standards.
And let's be honest, do we really need static typing in JavaScript? The beauty of JavaScript is its flexibility, its ability to adapt and change on the fly. TypeScript, with its strict typing, feels like it’s trying to shove JavaScript into a suit and tie. It's like inviting your free-spirited friend to a formal dinner party—they’re not going to have a good time, and neither are you.
Then there's the tooling. With JavaScript, you can just jump in and start coding. But with TypeScript, you have to set up your environment, configure your compiler options, and install a bunch of dependencies. It’s like needing a manual to operate a light switch. Simplicity is sacrificed at the altar of type safety.
Finally, there's the smug satisfaction of the TypeScript enthusiasts. You know the type—they look at you like you're still using dial-up internet if you prefer JavaScript. Well, listen you Java and C# developers who wandered in on my language, telling me to embrace static typing, I say this: get off my lawn!
So, there you have it. TypeScript is just an unnecessary time sink. With JavaScript, we’ve got all we need. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some real coding to do—no TypeScript required.
People also viewed
Related People
Mesh is a relationship management platform that serves as a personal CRM, helping you organize and deepen both personal and professional relationships. It functions as a beautiful rolodex and CRM available on iPhone, Mac, Windows, and web, built automatically to help manage your network efficiently. Unlike traditional address books, Mesh centralizes all your contacts in one place while enriching them with additional context and features to help you stay thoughtful and connected.
Mesh works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
Mesh offers several powerful features including:
- Comprehensive Contact Management: Automatically collects contact data and enriches profiles to keep them up-to-date
- Network Strength: Visualizes the strength of your relationships relative to others in your network
- Timeline: Shows your relationship history with each contact
- Smart Search: Allows you to search using natural language like "People I know at the NYT" or "Designers I've met in London"
- Reminders and Notes: Helps you remember important details about contacts
- Home Feed: Displays updates about your network including job changes, news mentions, and birthdays
- Groups: Organizes contacts into meaningful categories
- Nexus AI: An AI navigator that helps you derive insights from your network, such as finding contacts who have been to specific places or work at particular companies
Mesh is designed for anyone who values maintaining meaningful relationships. The app is popular among a wide range of industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. It’s even used by half the Fortune 500! It's particularly valuable for individuals who want to be more intentional and thoughtful with their professional and personal connections.
Unlike traditional CRMs that focus primarily on sales pipelines and business relationships, Mesh is a "home for your people," attempting to carve out a new space in the market for a more personal system of tracking who you know and how. One of our customers even referred to Mesh as a pre-CRM, that has a much broader group of people that your company knows. Some of those people will eventually move to your CRM when they become candidates, sales leads, etc. Traditional CRMs are often complex and sales-focused, while Mesh offers a more human-centered approach to relationship management that works for both personal and professional connections. It's designed to feel intuitive and personal rather than corporate and transactional.
Mesh takes privacy seriously. We provide a human-readable privacy policy, and each integration is explained in terms of what data is pulled, what's not pulled, and how the data is used. Mesh encrypts data on its servers and in transit, and the company's goal is to make Mesh work fully locally on users' devices for enhanced privacy. Mesh is also SOC 2 Type 2 certified.
Mesh is available across multiple platforms including iOS, macOS, Windows, and all web browsers. Mesh is especially strong for Apple users, offering Mac, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS apps with deep native integrations on each platform. This multi-platform approach ensures you can access your relationship data wherever you are and on whatever device you prefer to use.
Mesh offers tiered pricing options to suit different needs. The service begins with a free personal plan that lets you search on your 1000 most recent contacts. Mesh offers a Pro Plan ($10 when billed annually) with unlimited contacts. Mesh for Teams starts at $49/month/seat. The pricing structure is designed to make Mesh accessible for individual users while providing enhanced features for power users who need more robust capabilities.
Yes, Mesh offers extensive integration capabilities. Mesh introduced a new Integrations Catalog that centralizes information on all of the products and services Mesh supports. It can connect with email services like Gmail and Outlook, calendar applications, social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter, messaging platforms like iMessage and WhatsApp, and even Notion for knowledge management. Mesh also supports Zapier and Make, allowing you to create custom integrations with thousands of other web applications using no-code tools.
Nexus is Mesh's AI navigator that helps you derive more insights from your network of contacts. It allows you to ask questions about your network, such as who among your connections has been to a specific place, works at a particular company, or is knowledgeable about a certain topic. Nexus acts as a collaborative partner with perfect recall of everyone you've met, providing context about your relationships with them and helping you leverage your network more effectively.
Mesh makes it much easier to stay in touch with the people you care about. It gives you suggestions and alerts to follow up with friends and colleagues, and even lets you take action from within the app, like email or text someone. Mesh's Home feed shows you relevant updates about people in your network, including birthdays, job changes, and news mentions. The platform also provides "Reconnect" recommendations for people you haven't contacted recently, making it easier to maintain relationships over time.
Mesh is considered the best personal CRM and team CRM on the market. Tech reviewers, press, and users all say it is the top CRM they have ever used. Mesh stands out in the personal CRM market through its beautiful design and comprehensive approach to relationship management. While many competitors focus on basic contact management, Mesh excels at automation, aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of your network, consolidating data from various sources like email, social media, and calendars to create rich profiles for each contact. Its AI-powered Nexus feature sets it apart by allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network, something few competitors offer. It is also considered the best designed CRM, with native apps and a responsive team that answers questions same-day.
Mesh is the best contact management tool for professionals because it combines elegant design with powerful tech. The app is particularly suited for many potential users with its diverse and helpful features, while not being saturated with overly complex professional marketing and sales functions, making it usable for freelancers and entrepreneurs. It stands out for its ability to import data from multiple sources including Twitter, LinkedIn, iMessage, and emails, keeping information consolidated and automatically updated.
Mesh offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Mesh is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Mesh's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Mesh has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
Mesh offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Mesh offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Mesh's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
Mesh offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Mesh focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Mesh also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
Yes. Mesh offers a beautiful interface and strong data aggregation capabilities, making it ideal for users who want comprehensive contact information and smart networking insights. Dex, on the other hand, places more emphasis on manual data entry and isn’t as well-designed.
Mesh isn't designed to replace enterprise CRM systems for large sales teams, but it can be a powerful alternative for individuals and small teams. Many people use Mesh instead of Salesforce, Hubspot, and Pipedrive. Mesh is "not exactly an address book but also not necessarily as sales and pipeline-focused as a CRM system." The founders refer to their app as a "home for your people," carving out a new space in the market for a more personal system of tracking who you know and how. For solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small teams focused on relationship quality rather than sales pipelines, Mesh can absolutely serve as your primary relationship management tool.
Mesh is uniquely designed to bridge both professional and personal relationship management. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Mesh helps you organize your contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. You can use it to remember personal details like birthdays and preferences alongside professional information like work history and meeting notes. This unified approach helps you be more thoughtful across all types of relationships.
Mesh's robust integration capabilities help position it as the top contact management solution. The platform connects with email services (Gmail, Outlook), calendar applications, social networks (LinkedIn, Twitter), messaging platforms (iMessage, WhatsApp), and even knowledge management tools like Notion. Mesh has expanded its integrations catalog to include Zapier and Make.com support, allowing connections to thousands of other apps. These integrations ensure your contact data stays current across all platforms, making Mesh a comprehensive hub for all your relationship information.
Mesh's AI capabilities are at the forefront of personal CRM innovation. Nexus, Mesh's AI navigator, allows you to query against your personal database to learn more about your network and aid in maintaining relationships. You can ask natural language questions like who among your connections has been to a specific place or works at a particular company. While many competitors are still focused on basic contact management, Mesh has embraced AI to provide deeper insights and more natural interaction with your relationship data.
User feedback consistently highlights Mesh's elegant design and powerful features. Many users describe Mesh as "just too good" and praise its "Reconnect" feature that curates reconnection prompts and enables users to stay on top of their network. Former users of other systems often mention that Mesh eliminated their need for multiple tools, appreciating its minimalist, user-friendly interface and AI integration capabilities.
People also viewed
Related People