Michael S.

About Michael S.

Current Positions: UX Design at Home Depot & CEO of StartWithAWebsite.comMy My Work was Featured at WWDC Event on Stage Presented by APPLE & is on APPLE.com & Forrester reported #1 Retail App 2019. • Worked w/ some of the largest companies in the world- Apple, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Mitsubishi Electric, Cox Media, IHG Hotels Group, Holiday Inn Brands, Crowne Plaza Hotels, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, etc. At The Home Depot- Lead of iOS & Android App- Co-Creator of Online Home Depot Team\'s Design Thinking Program- Led work for Paint App, AR, Machine Learning, Chat Integrations, etc. At IHG- UI Kits & Standards - In-Hotel Guest Experiences - In-App Guest Experiences - Responsive Web Projects More responsibilities at IHG- Leading projects - Leading design teams - Leading creative workshops & brainstorming sessions - Collaboration with business, product & stakeholder groups• Past Project Highlights at IHG- Redesigning of IHG\'s brand websites - IHG Rewards Club, Holiday Inn Brands, IHG (2x), EVEN hotels (2x), Crowne Plaza (2x), Staybridge, Candlewood, Holiday Inn Family, Hotel Indigo. • Have full agency experience from start to finish on digital projects & campaigns.• Seasoned in the UX Process- Discovery, Conceptualization, Initial Design, Iterative Design, Delivery, Development, Testing, Evolution- Personas, Task Modeling, Site Maps, Interaction & Style Guides, & HTML Prototyping, User Testing, etc. • Managed the creative for (client side) agency driven projects with agencies such as:Ogilvy, SapientNitro, Possible, Engauge, Definition6, Interbrand, etc.• Idea-man & Conceptual Thinker. Always Thinking of Focused, Innovative, & Creative Ways to Do Things Better. Favorite phase is the concept phase. • Understand Tech & Dev World. I Work Very Closely with the Development Teams to Ensure that the Intended Design is Executed. • Manage/Mentor/Collaborate with members on the team

Experience

1. Lead, Ux Design - Mobile Apps & Mobile Web Online In-store other (Full Time)

   The Home Depot

   Apr 2017 — Present · Atlanta, GA, US

   UX Design Lead for Consumer Apps at Home Depot. Key Achievements & Focus Areas:• Led redesigns of Home Depot App, uniting product, engineering, and design teams around clear, measurable vision• Integrated “Jobs To Be Done” framework into App UX strategy• Pioneered advanced technologies—AR, machine learning, and chat integrations—to elevate customer experience and deliver business impact• Facilitated design sprints, UX workshops, and launched “Real-World Classes” to empower associates with practical digital skillsLeadership & Team Development:• Attracted, coached, and mentored UX talent, fostering culture of growth, collaboration, and excellence• Conducted regular reviews, provided actionable feedback, and supported career development for team members• Delegated strategically to amplify team strengths and ensure high-quality, timely delivery across multiple projectsStrategic Influence & Communication:• Synthesized complex design & business asks into clear, actionable recommendations• Advocated for UX best practices, balancing workloads, and driving adoption of standards across teams and disciplines• Built strong cross-functional relationships, bridging gaps between product, engineering, and business partnersNotable Mentions:• Home Depot App featured at WWDC, Apple.com, and App Store• #1 Retail App rated by Forrester• Led integration of AR, machine learning, and Apple Business Chat• B2C & Pro Experience• nitiated and ran design sprints, UX workshops, and cross-departmental collaborations• Founded “Real-World Classes” at Home Depot, teaching UX, design, coding, AR, chat, and machine learning• Led stakeholder meetings, presentations, and workshops to drive alignment and project success• Supported internal and external organizations (EUX, CMU, Orange Works) with app-related initiatives• Developed leadership style through ongoing study and daily practice, mentoring team members and fostering growth

Education

• Rollins College

  Studio/Digital Art & Biology

• University of Central Florida

  Studio/Digital Art & Microbiology, Molecular Biology