Liam McDonald — home

About Me

I enjoy understanding how systems work and finding practical ways to improve them.

That curiosity connects my work in software, agriculture, and hospitality.

My Background

I grew up, and still live and work on a family farm in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.

I’ve been involved in 4-H and FFA since I was young, and I now volunteer as a counselor at the same 4-H summer camp I’ve attended since I was nine.

I graduated from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in 2025 with an Associate of Applied Science and a certificate in Software Development Engineering.

Home in West Virginia

Building for people I know

Since graduation, my work has grown beyond building websites. I develop and maintain production applications, including the visitor experience and operations platform for Old McDonald’s Pumpkin Patch. Working on the farm means I see how visitors and employees actually use the systems I build.

My completed 164-hour software development internship at King Street Emporium gave me experience gathering requirements, discussing technical choices with a client, and delivering a catalog and custom CMS. At Stoney’s, bartending has also involved POS configuration, inventory tracking, and training new colleagues. Those experiences keep me attentive to the everyday details that software needs to support.

I’m interested in software development opportunities, technical collaboration, and select freelance work. Whatever the setting, I want to understand the people and workflows before deciding what to build.

Read about my experience and education

My Interests

Software development is more than work for me: it's my favorite creative outlet and what I spend most of my free time doing.

But outside of that, I also enjoy:

  • Bartending & Mixology

    I started experimenting with drinks at home, then bartending at parties. Working at Stoney’s introduced me to the craft of a cocktail bar, and I love it. I’m happiest a little “in the weeds,” with a busy bar and plenty to keep track of.

    I enjoy creating drinks, learning techniques, and exploring ingredients, their origins, and the history of cocktails. Meehan’s Bartender Manual gave me theory that I put into practice every day. I pay close attention to the details because I want someone to enjoy their drink just as much the next time they order it.

    My favorite cocktail is a classic Negroni, and I’ll always take the opportunity to try a new gin, whether it’s bourbon-barrel aged or fennel-infused. I take particular pride in my dirty martinis and signature margarita, even though tequila isn’t my favorite spirit. I’m also a diehard Fernet drinker.

  • Tea

    I love tea. I drink it every day and probably have more kinds than I need. I have a tea addiction.

  • Reading

    I'm especially interested in politics, history, and philosophy.

  • Music

    I listen to a mildly eclectic mix, and I tend to get very fixated on the artists I love. Some of my favorites include:

    • Simon & Garfunkel
    • Pete Seeger
    • Nickel Creek
    • Alvvays
    • Amy Winehouse
    • Sweet Trip
    • Graham Kartna
    • Cocteau Twins
    • Stella Donnelly
    • ... and I have to stop here for the sake of page space

  • Video Games

    I mostly play games that I played when I was younger, and my enjoyment of them only increases with age. Favorites include:

    • The Elder Scrolls (I have over 1,300 hours in Skyrim)
    • The Legend of Zelda
    • The Witcher
    • Assassin's Creed
    • Dishonored