About Us

No matter what size your business or what industry it belongs to, having a strong online presence is a crucial component of your marketing strategy. We provide custom design, development and maintenance services to those who want to establish or enhance their digital presence.

Building a compelling online presence is critical in our increasingly digital world. Contact us today and see how we can help you experience the success you're working so hard to achieve.

What We Do

Design
We handle every step of your design project by delivering a cost effective highly impactful site to delight you and your target audience.

Development
We offer development services to create dynamic digital solutions using the latest technology which helps you to achieve your online goals.

Hosting
We offer customized hosting solutions that empower your digital presence by providing the service and skills you need at an affordable price.

Content Management
We support WordPress systems that enable you to make the most of your web site so you can concentrate on running your business.

Our Leader

Jim founded Universal Solutions in 1987 to provide consulting services to the oil and gas industry. Soon after he developed a simulation of the Honeywell TDC3000 process control system used world-wide to train control room personnel in the safe and efficient operation of chemical plants and oil refineries. Jim's user interface design and real-time software development skills from these early days have formed a rock solid foundation to fuel his current digital design and application development ventures.

With extensive expertise in all aspects of web development including responsive site layout and design, content management systems, e-commerce systems, portals, intranets, extranets, custom programming and mobile applications. Jim has the technical know-how to undertake any project and is a unique problem solver who loves the challenge of tackling difficult problems.

In addition to Jim's dedication to his profession, he demonstrates his personal values and deep caring for others and the betterment of the community through his volunteerism. Jim served as a volunteer and in-kind sponsor for Special Olympics for over 25 years as well as volunteer baseball and ice hockey coach at the recreational, high school and college levels.

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Jim Schwanda, P.E., M.S.
JJAS@uusi2ssolvee.comm

Professional Summary

Innovative Lead Application Developer and Licensed Professional Engineer specializing in high-impact software solutions that modernize research administration. Expert in integrating Artificial Intelligence into the research lifecycle, including the architecture of proprietary LLM-based "Help" and "Scan" bots. Proven track record in leading the development of institutional project management systems and managing complex full-stack environments. Combines rigorous engineering principles with a team-oriented leadership style shaped by years of collegiate coaching.

Technical Skills

• AI & Emerging Tech: AI/LLM Integration (Help Bot/Scan Bot), Automation, Asynchronous Systems.
• Languages & Frameworks: Python, FastAPI, Node.js, React, HTML5/CSS3, JavaScript, C/C++, PHP, WordPress (custom theme and plugin development).
• API & Backend: REST API Development, JSON, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, DocuSign API.
• Security & Compliance: PCI Compliance (Authorize.NET), Secure Online Transactions, Firewall Management.
• Infrastructure & DevOps: Linux Administration, Apache, Git/GitHub, Virtualization, WSL2, Docker, DDEV, Server Administration.
• Engineering: Control System Theory, Real-Time Programming, Instrumentation, Simulation.

Professional Experience

Rutgers University | Office for Research | Lead Application Developer | 2016 - Present

• AI Architecture: Lead architect and sole developer of university's Help Bot and Scan Bot systems, utilizing Python and FastAPI to leverage Gemini AI to provide automated guidance on funding, compliance and streamlining data analysis to accelerate research operations.
• Institutional Platforms: Lead developer for TechAdvance and HealthAdvance, critical systems for tracking and commercializing innovation and intellectual property across university departments.
• Full-Stack Development: Architect custom Node.js, React, and Python applications to enhance system interoperability and institutional efficiency across the Office for Research.
• Infrastructure Management: Maintain robust systems infrastructure, including server configuration and virtualization, firewall management and database administration.
• Strategic Support: Provide expert-level support for third-party enterprise solutions (Inteum, Huron Click Portal) and manage department-wide DocuSign and SharePoint integrations.

Special Olympics New Jersey | Independent Technology Consultant | 1990 - 2015

• Full-Spectrum IT Leadership: Managed all web and technology services for program, fundraising, and administrative activities, ensuring 24/7 availability and for high-traffic event periods.
• Custom Development: Built a PHP-based real-time competition scoring system and an interactive results portal for state and regional games.
• E-Commerce: Engineered a secure online donation and registration system utilizing Authorize.NET, processing over $250K in annual charitable contributions maintaining strict PCI compliance.
• Mobile Solutions: Developed a real-time PHP/AJAX tablet application for onsite event check-ins and participant management.

Travnar | Software Engineering Consultant | 2008 - 2012

• Mobile Development: Developed the flagship iOS application for a travel management startup, improving the end-to-end business traveler experience.
• Data Systems: Designed and implemented a backend web data-mining system to aggregate and organize traveler loyalty program information.

Universal Solutions, Inc. | Control Systems Simulation Engineer | 1988 - 2022

• System Simulation: Designed and implemented a high-fidelity simulation of the Honeywell TDC3000 process control system used for training refinery and chemical plant personnel.
• Global Impact: Used at over 75 major oil, gas, and chemical corporations worldwide, considered world’s best TDC3000 simulation.

EDUCATION & LICENSURE

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) | State of New Jersey.
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering | Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA.

LEADERSHIP & AFFILIATIONS

• Collegiate Athletics: Former Assistant Ice Hockey Coach at Lehigh University and Rutgers University.
• Coaching Certification: Certified Level 4 USA Ice Hockey Coach.
• Technical Philosophy: Applies a team-oriented coaching mindset in software development to ensure solutions are robust, collaborative, and user-centric.

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Jim Schwanda
JJAS@uusi2ssolvee.comm

COACHING - North Hunterdon Ice Hockey Club, high school head coach '09-'10, record 9-9-3, '08-'09, record 16-3-1, Cross County JV Hockey League Champions, '07-08, record 11-4-1. Hunterdon Storm Middle School, head coach, '03-04, '04-05, '05-06 and '06-07 seasons. Hunterdon Storm High School, head coach, '06-'07 season. Rutgers University Ice Knights (ACHA, ECHA Division I) assistant coach, '03-04, '04-05 and '05-06 seasons. Aspen-Flemington bantam spring team, assistant coach, spring '05. Rink Ratz Bantam spring team, head coach, spring '04. Aeroflex '92 AAA travel team head coach for spring '01 season, Aeroflex '91 assistant coach for spring '00 season. Worked with NJ Rockets Mite A goalie and taxi players during '99-00 season. Mite house league coach for spring '98, summer '98, winter '98-99, spring '99, summer '99 and winter '99-00 seasons at Bridgewater Sports Arena. Lehigh University (NCAA Division III) assistant varsity hockey coach for '79-80 season. Lehigh University club team player-coach for '76-77 and '77-78 seasons. Three seasons as Little League coach, five seasons as T-ball coach, two seasons as girl's softball coach, two seasons as YMCA assistant soccer coach.

ADMINISTRATIVE - Program manager for North Hunterdon Ice Hockey Club, formerly the Hunterdon Storm Ice Hockey Club for eight seasons. Aeroflex '92 team manager for spring '01. NJ Rockets mite A team manager and scheduler during summer of '00 season. Mite house league co-commissioner at Bridgewater Sports Arena for winter '98-99 season. Garden State Adult Hockey League co-founder and president for '90-91 season. Lehigh University Club president for '76-77 and '77-78 seasons.

OFFICIATING - USA Hockey level II '08-09, '06-07 and '05-06 season, level I '04-05 season. AHAUS certified official from 1977 to 1985, worked mite through men's house league and college club team games.

PLAYING - Many winter/summer seasons in various adult house leagues, currently playing in the Huff and Puff league in Flemington. Jersey Spartans for '79-80 and '80-81 seasons. Earned NCAA Division III varsity letter in 1979 at Lehigh University. Over fiftenn seasons serving as team captain or alternate.

TRAINING - USA Hockey CEP level IV in September 2004, CEP # 051552. CAN/AM adult hockey camp in July 2000. Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. certified in spring '94. Canadian Hockey Enterprises Adult Hockey School in June 1991.

OTHER - Volunteer and in-kind Gold Medal Sponsor for Special Olympics for over twenty five years. Webmaster for many web sites. Self employed software consultant. M.S. Ch.E. from Rutgers University in 1985. B.S. Ch.E. from Lehigh University in 1979. Licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey. Secretary, Kappa Alpha Alumni Association Lehigh University. Deacon, Stanton Reformed Church.

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Portfolio

Give Us A Shout!

iinfoo@uusi2ssolvee.comm

Phone: (908)391-3359

Murphy's Computer Law #23 -
No matter how good of a deal you get on computer components, the price will always drop immediately after the purchase.