Hratch Simonyan

Hratch aka Richie

contact@hratchyan.com

(818) 748-2864

Hratch Simonyan

Senior Software Developer

Full Stack Web Developer with 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in WordPress development and custom web solutions. Since 2010, I have built and launched countless WordPress websites, ranging from simple landing pages to fully customized platforms. My expertise covers the full spectrum of web development, including hosting setup, landing page design, custom plugins, and performance optimization.

I am self-disciplined, hardworking, and consistent, with a proven track record of persistence in solving complex problems. I pride myself on getting things done efficiently and delivering reliable, high-quality results for clients.

Skills & Expertise

Web Development & Programming

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Proficient in JavaScript, PHP, Python, and React, with deep experience building dynamic front-end and back-end solutions.

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Skilled in modern frameworks and libraries, including Laravel and Node.js, for scalable application development.

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Strong knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, and responsive design, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and performance.

WordPress Development & CMS

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15+ years building, customizing, and optimizing WordPress websites, from small business sites to enterprise-level platforms.

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Expertise in custom themes, plugins, and third-party integrations to extend CMS functionality.

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Hands-on experience with multisite deployments, content migrations, and performance optimization.

Databases & Infrastructure

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Experienced with MySQL, Firebase, and cloud-based storage solutions for secure, scalable data management.

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Proficient in database design, optimization, and API integrations to connect systems seamlessly.

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Strong understanding of server management, hosting environments, and DevOps workflows (Linux, cPanel, cloud services).

Data Analysis & Optimization

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Skilled in analyzing web traffic, SEO performance, and conversion funnels to improve visibility and engagement.

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Proficient in leveraging tools like Google Analytics, SmartCrawl Pro, and SEO schema setup for measurable growth.

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Adept at performance tuning — reducing load times, optimizing queries, and enhancing user experience.

Digital Marketing & User Engagement

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Expertise in email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and automation to drive leads and client retention.

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Built AI-powered assistants and chatbots to engage users and streamline business workflows.

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Strong focus on UI/UX design principles, ensuring websites are user-friendly and conversion-focused.

AI & API Integrations

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Integrated AI assistants and chatbots into websites using OpenAI, ElevenLabs, and custom APIs.

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Built automation workflows with APIs to reduce manual effort, increase efficiency, and improve user experience.

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Experience deploying voice AI with Twilio integration, enhancing customer communication channels.

Work Experience

2014 – Present

Senior Lead Developer

Sysnovo, Inc.

Built and optimized 200+ WordPress sites; custom themes/plugins; Divi design systems; multisite.
Drove Core Web Vitals improvements (image pipelines, critical CSS, script defers, caching/CDN) to hit pass thresholds on key pages.
Implemented WCAG A/AA patterns (semantic HTML, keyboard support, color contrast, ARIA where appropriate).
Set up GA4 + GTM, ad pixels, CallRail DNI, and consent-aware event models.
Managed Salesforce/Zapier lead flows (web-to-lead, REST hooks), email/SMS via SendGrid/Twilio.
Administered hosting: phpMyAdmin/MySQL, Nginx/Apache, PHP-FPM/OPcache, Cloudflare; backups, rollbacks; on-call incident response.
Used Git/GitHub for branching/PRs/code review.

2010 – 2014

Programmer/Web Developer

4Front Studio

Front-end + WordPress builds for SMBs; early UI/UX, analytics, and marketing integrations.
Client discovery → delivery; maintained long-term support relationships.

Education

2008 – 2010

Computer Information Systems

California Polytechnic State University – Pomona

Systems Analyst Specialization

2006 – 2008

General Education

Glendale Community College

Student Body President / Student Trustee 2008

Recent Projects

Talk to my AI Assistant

I built a fully integrated conversational AI system powered by ChatGPT-5 Mini with ElevenLabs TTS voice, deployed on a custom MCP server I developed using Node.js and TypeScript on a DigitalOcean Ubuntu droplet. The MCP server is modular and extensible, with live monitoring via a custom React.js frontend widget. It currently integrates:

Twilio – for phone/SMS, including call transfer and message handling
SendGrid – for email delivery
Custom Tools – such as sending me messages via SMS or email directly through the AI

This setup allows my AI assistant to answer questions about my background and resume, while also taking action — for example, sending me your contact details or forwarding calls. The modular design means I can easily expand it with new tools and integrations.

Call (818) 748-2864 or use the chat widget to try it out.

MCP Server Platform

This project is live at mcp.hratchyan.com. It’s a production-ready modular MCP server I built with Node.js and TypeScript on a DigitalOcean Ubuntu droplet. Features include:

Extensible Tool Framework (add new tools easily)
Twilio Integration (SMS + call transfer)
SendGrid Integration (automated email delivery)
React.js Frontend Widget showing real-time server status and uptime
Secure Endpoints for conversational AI clients like ElevenLabs

The MCP server powers my personal AI assistant and can be expanded for future integrations. Currently the MCP has two tools (Send Email via SendGrid, Send SMS via Twillio) and allows my AI assistant to send an email or sms messages as well as forward the call to my number.

Learn More

Coming Soon

Flutter hybrid sports app for iOS and Android. The app delivers live match data, engaging prediction features, and interactive tools designed to boost fan engagement. It’s built with Firebase backend services for scalability and real-time updates.