Aaron Holbrook
Founder, StreamForge | Decades of Cross-Industry Experience Delivering What Actually Works
Chicago, Illinois, United States
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I am Aaron Holbrook, founder and principal of StreamForge, an independent consulting and development company where I craft custom-tailored, innovative solutions for clients. I help organizations streamline their processes and systems by leveraging cutting-edge technology, with AI serving as a powerful force multiplier that amplifies my capabilities and accelerates delivery of exceptional results.
My expertise in PHP, Laravel, and WordPress is complemented by a commitment to developing robust, efficient solutions and a talent for iterative problem-solving. At StreamForge, I combine deep technical acumen with strategic thinking to build solutions that don't just meet today's needs—they anticipate tomorrow's challenges.
Alongside running StreamForge, I am also an active speaker at various web development conferences and WordCamps across the United States. In these forums, I bring a combination of deep technical knowledge and real-world experience, delivering talks that are both insightful and engaging. My presentations are known for their clarity, relevance, and the practical value they offer to audiences, whether they're seasoned professionals or those just starting their journey in technology. This aspect of my career underscores my dedication to sharing knowledge, fostering community engagement, and contributing to the collective growth of the web development field.
In my approach to engineering, I emphasize four key values: respect, ownership, clarity, and iteration. These principles guide me in unraveling complex challenges and in fostering collaborative, empowering relationships with clients and colleagues alike. I believe in building solutions that are not only functional but also continually evolving to meet the dynamic needs of our industry.
Beyond the digital realm, my passion for creation extends to hands-on projects in electronics, woodworking, and home improvement. This love for building and inventing is a reflection of my broader approach to problem-solving—whether it's a line of code or a piece of furniture, the joy is in crafting something meaningful and enduring.
My expertise is deeply rooted in PHP and Laravel, with a growing focus on integrating AI technologies to deliver unprecedented value. I relish developing tools that are not just innovative but genuinely useful, making a tangible difference in people's lives and businesses. At StreamForge, I apply this enthusiasm to create solutions that empower organizations to work smarter and achieve more.
Always keen to explore new developments in technology, I stay abreast of trends and advancements, ensuring my contributions are both relevant and forward-thinking. In any role, whether consulting for clients or engaging in community events, my focus is on empowering others, fostering growth, and driving meaningful progress in the world of web development.
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Building a PHP Safety Net
Discover how to bulletproof your PHP projects by mastering essential developer tools and automating pre-commit checks.
You'll learn how to:
Seamlessly integrate Make, PHPStan, PHPCS, and PHPMD to streamline your coding tasks.
Write versatile Makefile rules to automate PHP-related workflows.
Set up pre-commit hooks that act as your code quality safety net.
Dive into real-world examples, tweak advanced configurations, and troubleshoot common issues. Walk away with a robust pre-commit workflow that enhances your code quality and catches issues before they reach the repository.
Debugging PHP Applications: Techniques and Tools for Efficient Troubleshooting
Discover the art of debugging PHP applications with finesse in this dynamic session. Debugging is a vital skill for developers, enabling efficient issue identification and resolution. Join us as we explore proven techniques and powerful tools that will empower you to become a master troubleshooter.
During this session, we will start by discussing the fundamental principles of problem-solving. We will explore strategies for dissecting complex issues and narrowing down the problem space effectively. Discover how to ask the right questions, analyze symptoms, and perform systematic investigations that lead you closer to the root cause.
Next, we will explore the indispensable role of tools in the debugging process. Explore how to leverage the capabilities of integrated development environments (IDEs) to streamline your debugging workflow. Learn how to set breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through code execution for precise analysis.
One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is xDebug. Dive into its advanced features and gain practical insights on utilizing it effectively. Discover how to set up xDebug, capture stack traces, and leverage its remote debugging capabilities to solve even the trickiest bugs.
Key Takeaways:
* Fundamental techniques for efficient debugging and problem-solving
* Strategies for narrowing down the problem space and identifying root causes
Harnessing the power of integrated development environments (IDEs) for effective debugging
* Deep dive into xDebug: setup, advanced features, and remote debugging
* Practical tips and best practices for troubleshooting PHP applications
Join me for an enlightening session where we will unravel the secrets of debugging PHP applications. Equip yourself with the skills, techniques, and tools necessary to become an adept troubleshooter confidently untangling even the most intricate bugs. Elevate your debugging prowess and master the art of efficient troubleshooting in PHP!
Safe and Happy Deployments Using Automation
Here at Zeek Interactive, I’ve put together a system that allows us to deploy code worry-free. The system automatically brings in PHP dependencies, WordPress plugins, builds assets, runs security scans, deploys the files quickly and performs automated visual regression tests, all while keeping the team informed via Slack on the status of the deploy.
This talk is recommended for anyone who has ever had to get code from their local machine and push it to a server. If you have ever been frustrated or annoyed at deploying code and wondered if there was a better way, don’t miss this talk.
Stand Out and Get Hired at your Dream Job
I will empower web engineers with practical insights and actionable strategies to excel in the hiring process while helping them define their ideal work environment.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your web engineering career, this talk will provide you with valuable techniques to market yourself effectively, create a standout resume, and navigate interviews with confidence. Additionally, we will explore the process of identifying your dream job by evaluating factors such as work-life balance, a friendly and supportive culture, interesting problems to solve, intelligent and supportive teammates and having the autonomy to drive change.
By mastering these strategies, you can enhance your candidacy and secure a role that aligns with both your technical expertise and your desired company culture.
Beyond Listening: Proactive Communication Strategies with Clients
"Beyond Listening: Proactive Communication Strategies with Clients" unveils the transformative approaches that turn passive client interactions into dynamic exchanges. In this session, we'll explore the nuances of proactive communication, teaching you to anticipate client needs, address unspoken concerns, and guide conversations toward mutually beneficial outcomes. By mastering the art of assertive listening and strategic dialogue, you will learn how to foster a collaborative environment that not only resonates with clients but also sets the stage for sustained partnerships and business growth. Whether you’re aiming to refine your communication toolkit or revolutionize the way you engage with clients, this talk is your stepping stone to building more meaningful, effective, and productive client relationships.
Simplifying the Complex: The Clean Code Methodology
Dive into the art and science of crafting streamlined and sustainable code with our talk, "Simplifying the Complex: The Clean Code Methodology." In this session, we'll explore pragmatic approaches to writing software that stands the test of time—software that is not only functional but also clean, clear, and easy to maintain. We'll dissect the essence of clean code, break down the principles that guide seasoned developers, and provide actionable strategies to transform your coding practices from convoluted to crystal clear.
Attendees will take away:
* Key principles of writing clean code that any developer, from junior to senior, can apply immediately.
* Techniques for refactoring that reduce complexity without sacrificing functionality.
* Best practices for code reviews that focus on maintaining a high standard of code hygiene.
* Strategies to foster a development culture that prioritizes clear and maintainable code within their teams.
Climbing the IDE Ladder: Steps to Elevated Coding
"Climbing the IDE Ladder: Steps to Elevated Coding" is your guided ascent into the world of Integrated Development Environments. This talk will provide a structured approach to understanding the fundamental features of IDEs, their benefits for boosting productivity, and best practices for harnessing their full potential. As we scale the rungs together, you'll discover how to customize your IDE to fit your unique coding style, use intelligent code completion to speed up development, and employ debugging tools to swiftly identify and fix issues. Whether you're taking your first steps or looking to reach new heights in your coding journey, this session will equip you with the knowledge to elevate your craft efficiently and effectively.
10x Your Development: Mastering Claude Code as Your AI Force Multiplier
# **10x Your Development: Mastering Claude Code as Your AI Force Multiplier**
## Abstract
What if you could build and fix systems in 1/10th the time—or less? Not through shortcuts or compromises, but by effectively wielding AI as an extension of your engineering capabilities. In this talk, I'll share hard-won lessons from the trenches of using Claude Code to dramatically accelerate development workflows across multiple projects and industries.
You'll learn the practical techniques that separate developers who struggle with AI assistants from those who use them to multiply their output: how to properly initialize agents with the right context, when and how to leverage documentation and sub-agents for complex tasks, how to recognize when an agent is veering off course (and how to course-correct before you waste time), and most critically—how to maintain rock-solid testing practices that prevent the regressions that typically plague AI-assisted development.
This isn't theoretical—these are battle-tested patterns from building real systems, fixing legacy codebases, and delivering client projects at speeds that seemed impossible just months ago. Whether you're skeptical about AI coding tools or already using them but frustrated with inconsistent results, you'll leave with a practical framework for turning Claude Code into your most powerful development tool.
## Key Takeaways
- **The Force Multiplier Framework**: How to think about AI agents as extensions of your capabilities rather than replacements
- **Agent Initialization Mastery**: Setting up Claude Code with the right context, constraints, and objectives to hit the ground running
- **Documentation & Sub-Agent Strategies**: When to break complex tasks into smaller agent instances and how to leverage documentation effectively
- **Course Correction Techniques**: Recognizing the warning signs when an agent is going off the rails and tactical resets that get you back on track
- **Testing Without Regressions**: Building guardrails that let you move fast without breaking things—automated testing strategies that work with AI-assisted development
- **Real-World Velocity Metrics**: Concrete examples of 10x+ productivity gains and where they come from
## Outline
1. **The 10x Reality Check** (5 min)
- Real metrics from real projects
- What 10x actually looks like in practice
- Why most developers don't achieve these gains (yet)
2. **Foundation: Thinking in Agent Workflows** (8 min)
- Mental models for working with AI agents
- Where Claude Code excels vs. where it struggles
- The force multiplier mindset
3. **Initialization: Setting Your Agent Up for Success** (10 min)
- Context loading strategies
- Effective prompt structures for complex tasks
- Common initialization mistakes and how to avoid them
- Live demo: Good vs. bad agent initialization
4. **Advanced Techniques: Documentation & Sub-Agents** (10 min)
- When to break tasks into multiple agent instances
- Leveraging documentation as context
- Chaining agents for complex workflows
- Live demo: Multi-agent orchestration
5. **Course Correction: Keeping Your Agent on Track** (10 min)
- Red flags that your agent is losing the thread
- Tactical reset strategies
- When to start over vs. when to guide back
- Live demo: Recognizing and correcting drift
6. **Testing & Quality Assurance** (10 min)
- Why AI-assisted code needs better testing, not less
- Automated testing strategies that prevent regressions
- Building confidence in AI-generated code
- Test-driven approaches with Claude Code
7. **Real-World Case Studies** (5 min)
- Legacy system refactoring: 6 weeks → 3 days
- Feature development: Hours instead of days
- Bug hunting: Finding needles in haystacks at speed
8. **Q&A** (Variable)
## Target Audience
Intermediate to advanced developers who are either curious about AI coding tools or already using them but want to level up their effectiveness. No prior Claude Code experience required, but familiarity with development workflows and testing practices is assumed.
## Technical Requirements
- Projector/screen for slides and live coding demos
- Internet connection for live Claude Code demonstrations
- Backup recordings of demos in case of connectivity issues
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**Session Length**: 50 minutes
**Session Level**: Intermediate/Advanced
**Tags**: AI, Developer Tools, Productivity, Testing, Workflow Optimization, Claude Code, Developer Experience
Building Production-Ready Admin Panels with Filament v4: Patterns That Scale
# **Building Production-Ready Admin Panels with Filament v4: Patterns That Scale**
## Abstract
Admin panels are often treated as afterthoughts—quick and dirty interfaces thrown together to "just get it working." But when you've built dozens of them across startups, enterprises, and everything in between, patterns emerge. Some scale beautifully. Others become technical debt nightmares that slow teams to a crawl.
In this session, we'll dive deep into Filament v4, Laravel's premier admin panel framework, and explore the battle-tested patterns that separate admin panels that empower teams from those that become bottlenecks. Drawing on real-world experience across diverse industries and company sizes, I'll walk you through what's new in v4, the architectural decisions that matter, and the mistakes I've seen repeated (and made myself) that you can avoid.
You'll learn how to build admin interfaces that handle complex business logic gracefully, scale from 10 to 10,000 records without performance degradation, and adapt as requirements inevitably change. We'll cover custom components, performance optimization, testing strategies, and the often-overlooked aspects of building panels that non-technical team members actually enjoy using.
Whether you're building your first Filament panel or refactoring your tenth, you'll leave with practical patterns you can implement immediately—and the wisdom to know which shortcuts are safe and which ones will haunt you later.
## Key Takeaways
- **Filament v4 Feature Overview**: What's new, what's changed, and what it means for your projects
- **Architectural Patterns That Scale**: Structuring your admin panels for growth from day one
- **Performance Optimization**: Handling large datasets, complex queries, and keeping the UI responsive
- **Custom Components Done Right**: When to build custom, when to configure, and how to keep it maintainable
- **The Hidden Complexity**: Authorization, audit trails, and business logic that doesn't belong in controllers
- **Real-World War Stories**: Mistakes I've made so you don't have to
## Outline
1. **Why Admin Panels Matter More Than You Think** (5 min)
- The hidden cost of poorly built admin interfaces
- When Filament is the right choice (and when it's not)
- Real impact on team velocity and business operations
2. **Filament v4: What's New and Why It Matters** (8 min)
- Key features and improvements in v4
- Breaking changes and migration considerations
- Quick wins you can implement today
3. **Foundation: Architecting for Scale** (10 min)
- Resource organization patterns
- Relationship handling that doesn't kill performance
- Service layer patterns vs. fat resources
- Live demo: Structuring a complex resource
4. **Performance: Keeping It Fast at Scale** (10 min)
- Query optimization strategies
- Eager loading done right
- Table performance with large datasets
- Caching patterns that actually work
- Live demo: Before/after optimization
5. **Custom Components & Extensions** (8 min)
- When to build custom vs. configure existing
- Reusable component patterns
- Plugin architecture best practices
- Live demo: Building a custom field
6. **The Unsexy Essentials** (8 min)
- Authorization patterns beyond policies
- Audit logging and activity tracking
- Bulk operations that don't timeout
- Testing your admin panels effectively
7. **Battle Scars: Patterns to Avoid** (6 min)
- Common architectural mistakes
- Performance pitfalls
- Over-customization traps
- When to push back on requirements
8. **Real-World Case Study** (3 min)
- Complex multi-tenant admin panel
- From proof-of-concept to production at scale
9. **Q&A** (Variable)
## Target Audience
Laravel developers who are building or maintaining admin panels. Ideal for those who've either never used Filament or have used earlier versions and want to level up their approach. Applicable to developers working on anything from internal tools to client-facing dashboards.
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**Session Length**: 60 minutes (can be adapted to 45 or 90 minutes)
**Session Level**: Intermediate
**Tags**: Laravel, Filament, Admin Panels, PHP, TALL Stack, Architecture, Performance, Best Practices
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**Alternative angle if you want something more specific:**
# **From Zero to Admin Hero: Building Your First Production Filament v4 Panel**
A more beginner-friendly version that walks through building a complete admin panel from scratch, with emphasis on doing it right the first time based on your cross-industry experience.
Which direction interests you more?
The Strangler Fig Strategy: Building New Features Without the Rewrite Battle
## Abstract
Your client's legacy system works... mostly. It's held together with duct tape and prayer, but it's making money. They need new features. You want to use modern tools. They don't want to pay $150K for a complete rewrite. Sound familiar?
This talk covers the hybrid approach I've used across manufacturing, healthcare, and e-commerce clients: build new features in a new Laravel application while the old system keeps running. Share the database, maintain data consistency, deliver value immediately, and migrate features incrementally—only when there's budget and business justification.
You'll learn how to architect a shared database strategy between old and new systems, the migration patterns that minimize risk, the authentication bridges that let users move seamlessly between applications, and most importantly—how to sell this approach to clients who are terrified of "big bang" rewrites that could sink their business.
This is the pattern that lets you say "yes" to new feature requests without fighting battles over technical debt, gets you working in modern Laravel instead of maintaining ancient codebases, and gives clients a path forward that doesn't require bet-the-company risk.
## Key Takeaways
- **The Strangler Fig Pattern**: How to gradually replace legacy systems without rewriting everything at once
- **Shared Database Architecture**: Maintaining data consistency across old and new applications without breaking either
- **Authentication Bridges**: Seamless user experience between legacy and modern systems
- **Migration Decision Framework**: Which features to build new vs. leave in the old system
- **Incremental Deployment**: Shipping new features fast while managing risk
- **The Client Conversation**: How to sell this approach and get budget for gradual modernization instead of all-or-nothing rewrites
## Outline
1. **The Legacy System Trap** (5 min)
- Why complete rewrites fail (or never start)
- The consultant's dilemma: modern tools vs. legacy reality
- Real-world costs: "That'll be $150K and 6 months" vs. "Let's ship this feature next month"
2. **The Hybrid Approach: Building Alongside, Not On Top** (8 min)
- Strangler fig pattern overview
- Why this works for risk-averse clients
- Case study: Manufacturing system that needed modern features but couldn't afford downtime
3. **Shared Database Architecture** (12 min)
- Database connection configuration in Laravel for legacy schemas
- Handling legacy table structures and naming conventions
- Eloquent models that work with "ugly" legacy schemas
- Managing migrations: new app migrations vs. legacy schema changes
- Live demo: Laravel model connecting to legacy database
4. **Data Consistency & Integrity** (8 min)
- Event-driven updates between systems
- Database triggers for critical updates
- Queue-based synchronization patterns
- Handling conflicts when both systems write to shared tables
- Live demo: Trigger that keeps both systems in sync
5. **Authentication & User Experience** (8 min)
- Session sharing between applications
- SSO patterns with legacy auth systems
- Seamless navigation between old and new features
- Route/proxy strategies for unified URLs
- Live demo: User seamlessly moving between legacy PHP and new Laravel app
6. **The Migration Decision Framework** (8 min)
- Which features to build new (green field opportunities)
- Which features to leave in legacy (not worth migrating yet)
- Red flags: when NOT to use this pattern
- ROI calculation: when does migration pay for itself?
- Real example: Feature-by-feature cost analysis
7. **Deployment & Risk Management** (6 min)
- Deploying two apps that share data safely
- Rollback strategies when things go wrong
- Monitoring both systems during the hybrid period
- Testing: ensuring changes don't break either system
8. **The Client Conversation** (3 min)
- How to pitch this vs. "big bang rewrite"
- Budget conversations: incremental investment vs. massive upfront cost
- Managing expectations during the transition period
- Success stories: "We shipped 5 new features while planning the full migration"
9. **Q&A** (Variable)
## Real-World Examples to Reference
- **Manufacturing**: Purchase order tracking system - built new features in Laravel/Filament while legacy system kept records of over $6B in orders, gradually migrated modules as budget allowed
## Target Audience
Consultants, agency developers, and in-house teams maintaining legacy systems who need to deliver new features without getting stuck maintaining old code forever. Intermediate to advanced PHP developers who understand Laravel but struggle with the business/political side of modernization projects.
---
**Session Length**: 40-50 minutes
**Session Level**: Intermediate/Advanced
**Tags**: Laravel, Legacy Modernization, Database Architecture, Consulting, Migration Strategies, System Architecture, Technical Debt
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**The Hook**: This is the talk that teaches developers how to say "yes" to new features without fighting the technical debt battle, and helps clients get real value without betting the company on a rewrite.
Longhorn PHP 2023
A 3-day conference to help PHP developers level up their craft and connect with the larger PHP community.
WordCamp Orange County 2018
Session: Safe and Happy Deployments using Automation
Description:
Here at Zeek Interactive, I’ve put together a system that allows us to deploy code worry-free. The system automatically brings in PHP dependencies, WordPress plugins, builds assets, runs security scans, deploys the files quickly and performs automated visual regression tests, all while keeping the team informed via Slack on the status of the deploy.
This talk is recommended for anyone who has ever had to get code from their local machine and push it to a server. If you have ever been frustrated or annoyed at deploying code and wondered if there was a better way, don’t miss this talk.
WordCamp Orange County 2017
Session: Refactoring Legacy Applications
Description: We’ll discuss some of the higher level ideals of how to build a maintainable code base and then we’ll get right down to specific examples of refactoring an old legacy application.
Discussion is welcome and even encouraged! Challenge assumptions, ask specifics – let’s learn something!
WordCamp Orange County 2016
Session: Development Discussion: Improving WordPress Search
Description: A discussion focusing on WordPress search and ways to improve it.
WordCamp Orlando 2013
Session: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE INTERACTIVE DEBUGGING
Description: For a long time I thought using a simple text editor like Sublime or Textmate was all a web developer needed.
However, using var_dump interjected in your code is not always the best solution.
We’ll walk through just how powerful using an IDE really is and what truly amazing things using a debugger can do for you.
Just imagine, being able to stop at any point of execution in your code, walk line-by-line through it and at any point see what variables are alive and what values they hold. It truly is like opening your eyes after being doing development blindfolded.
WordCamp Milwaukee 2013
Session: WordPress is a CMS, Dammit!
Description: If you think that WordPress is just a blogging engine or you’re trying to convince your boss or a stakeholder otherwise you need to hear this talk!
WordPress isn’t just a blogging engine anymore, it’s an extremely capable application framework capable of running a website with different types of content, taxonomies, meta-data and relationships between objects.
Aaron Holbrook (@aaronjholbrook) will demonstrate the core concepts needed to handle any type of content management. You will learn why for most websites WordPress is a great solution.
CMS Expo 2013
Session: WordPress is a CMS Dammit!
Description:
Problem: Overcoming the preconcieved notion that WordPress is just for blogs.
Solution: Show examples of some pretty complex sites that use different content types. Will also look at how to use WordPress to handle whatever content you can think up.
If you think that WordPress is just a blogging engine or you're trying to convince your boss or a stakeholder otherwise you need to hear this talk!
WordPress isn't just a blogging engine anymore, it's an extremely capable application framework capable of running a website with different types of content, taxonomies, meta-data and relationships between objects.
Aaron Holbrook will demonstrate the core concepts needed to handle any type of content management. You will learn why for most websites WordPress is a great solution.
WordCamp Providence 2012
Session: WordPress and Version Control
Description: Version Control lets you track your files over time. Why should you care? So when you mess up you can easily get back to a previous working version! I will take you through what version control is, why it’s important and how to start using it today on projects you’re already working on.
WordCamp Milwaukee 2012
Session: WordPress & Version Control: A Workflow
Aaron Holbrook
Founder, StreamForge | Decades of Cross-Industry Experience Delivering What Actually Works
Chicago, Illinois, United States
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