The Developer Journey Episode

Introduction to the Guest and Topic:

Host Allie Krings introduces Riley Redal, a Senior Solutions Developer at Kirkpatrick Price. The conversation highlights Riley’s journey into software development, his experiences learning different technologies, and how his background shaped his approach to building user‑friendly applications. Before becoming a developer, Riley was the “family debugger,” always fixing technology around the house, and later worked in technical support—experiences that ultimately guided him toward a career in development.

What Is a Developer?:

A developer is someone who creates and maintains software, often translating ideas or business needs into functional applications. Riley explains that developers not only write code but also solve problems, design user experiences, and collaborate with teams to ensure software functions smoothly. Many people imagine development as purely technical, but Riley notes that understanding how users interact with software is just as important.

How Did Riley’s Development Journey Begin?:

Riley’s interest started in childhood, tinkering with the family computer and fixing household tech issues. In high school, he took online courses in web development, where he first experimented with building websites. Although coding didn’t fully “click” for him at that time, exposure to technology planted the seed for future learning. He later worked at a software company in technical support, where he became increasingly curious about what developers actually did.

How Mentorship Shaped His Path?:

A close friend, Peter Crabtree, who was deeply passionate about software development, helped guide Riley by explaining concepts and answering questions. This mentorship made development feel more achievable and allowed Riley to see the “behind‑the‑scenes” of how software was built. Another friend who completed a developer apprenticeship inspired Riley further, proving that breaking into the field was possible with dedication and training.

How Did Riley Transition Into Development?:

Riley took an unconventional route. After leaving his job, he dedicated a year and a half to self-study—using online courses, free resources, and structured learning through platforms like Team Treehouse. He later enrolled in a software development bootcamp, where he received more formal training. This combination of self-study and structured learning gave him the skills and confidence to begin his development career.

What Languages and Tools Did He Explore?:

As Riley explored different lanes within development, he experimented with JavaScript, a popular and widely used language. However, he ultimately connected most with Ruby. Ruby’s readability and developer‑friendly design made it approachable and enjoyable for him. The Ruby on Rails framework further empowered him to build web applications efficiently and creatively, aligning with his interest in user experiences and interface design.

What Is Riley’s Day-to-Day Work Like?:

Riley enjoys the creative aspects of development, particularly user interface (UI) design—shaping buttons, layouts, and interactions that users experience. His ideal workday includes collaborating with the team during kickoff meetings, then diving into UI-related tasks where he can transform ideas or sketches into interactive software features. He loves blending creativity with technical skills to produce intuitive designs.

What Projects Is He Most Proud Of?:

One of Riley’s signature accomplishments is building internal workflow tools within the Online Audit Manager (OAM). He developed a detailed reporting workflow used by the internal reports team, including checklists, status updates, and client feedback features. The success of this workflow was significant enough that it was carried over into a new version of the OAM and continues to evolve today. This project reflects Riley’s strengths in creating systems that serve both internal teams and clients.

How Has His Background Influenced His Development Style?:

Because Riley began in technical support, he developed a strong empathy for users and a deep appreciation for user experience. He approaches development from the perspective of how people feel while using software—considering clarity, ease of use, and intuitive design. This mindset shapes the business logic and UI decisions he makes daily.

What Does the Future Look Like for a Developer Like Riley?:

Riley wants to deepen his expertise in the security space. Working at Kirkpatrick Price has exposed him to the importance of secure development, and he hopes to pursue security-focused certifications designed for developers. He also enjoys mentoring junior developers and wants to continue supporting others on their learning journeys. Long term, he hopes to blend advanced technical challenges with ongoing mentorship and grow his role in secure software development.