How I work
I approach software as a system rather than a collection of screens. I care about structure, maintainability, workflow fit, accessibility, ownership, and how the software supports the people relying on it after launch.
Hays Digital Works
About Hays Digital Works
Founder · senior software engineer
Build useful technology—and durable family opportunity—with care.
I'm Thomas Smallwood. For more than 18 years, I have built and improved CMS platforms, workflow-heavy applications, internal tools, and business-critical software across higher education, cybersecurity, healthcare, nonprofit, SaaS, public-sector, and agency environments.
My experience spans Drupal, WordPress, Laravel, React, PHP, JavaScript, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Ruby on Rails, and the operational work required to keep evolving systems useful. I have contributed across backend, frontend, content administration, integrations, platform maintenance, code review, and technical leadership—including leading a team of four engineers in a high-stakes cybersecurity environment.
Experience behind the practice
My public portfolio includes work connected to Cisco Talos, UCLA, GeneDx, American Humane, Webhead, The Harris Center, HUD Housing Counselors, and Workforce Solutions sites across Texas.
Why Hays Digital Works
Hays County is now the home base for a family of specialist businesses. Digital Works is the technology practice: a way to turn professional experience into responsible client service, shared family capability, and opportunity we can grow together.
Commitments
Recommendations should serve the client’s long-term capability—not create avoidable dependence. Accessibility belongs in design and delivery. Privacy begins with collecting less, naming ownership, and choosing integrations responsibly.