As a technologist I am constantly experimenting with new tools, applications, and workflows so that I can optimize both my time and productivity. I enjoy this part of my “job” immensely.
Admittedly, my standards are extremely high in terms of quality, design, and feature set and so there are very few apps that have stood the test of time and that end up on this list.
Take that for what you will.
My Most Important Tool:
The most important tool and app that I use daily is Desk app. It is how I capture and publish the very words on this page and the blog posts that I draft and publish daily.

I hope you try it as it’s the app that I’ve always wanted to use but no one ever built. So, I built it myself.

It is my passion and my joy. On occasion I will write independent posts on Medium.com and for that I will use MNML App, also something that I put together, based off the very nice platform of Desk App.

Web Tools:
This blog is currently hosted on MediaTemple (I’ve moved to WP Engine – read my post here about this transition) and has been for quite some time. They aren’t the only option though and I have a few more listed here that I’ve used historically and that I recommend.
I use a self-hosted version of WordPress (check out this epic series on getting started). Plugins that I use are Akismet, Jetpack, WordPress SEO, Pressgram, and VaultPress. It’s pretty trim, as I like it to be, and even now it’s just really one (or two).
I currently use the Default WordPress Theme, Twenty Twelve, (nope – I’ve changed, slightly, but you should still read this…) which you can read more about in terms of my decision. I still use the “Default Theme” but it’s Twenty Seventeen.
I’m a fan of Google Apps for productivity and email, Picasa and Amazon S3 for image backup (actually, I use Dropbox now for nearly everything), Google Analytics for stats, Feedly for RSS reading, Feedburner for subscription services, and MailChimp for newsletter management.
I use Twitter as sparingly as I can and have sworn off of most other social networks. I troll Reddit. Actually, I have declared a significant moratorium on all social networks, including Twitter (I’ve completely quit).
Actually, I’m back on Twitter. I’m terrible, I know.
macOS Tools:
I love the following (and use these every single day which was the criteria for making this list):
- Google Chrome for stuffs
- Tweetbot for Twitter
- Coda via Panic for FTP
- Acorn, Pixelmator, and Sketch for image editing
- CleanMyMac 3 for that squeaky clean feeling
- DaisyDisk for even more clean-ness
- Dropbox… is amazeballs
- Droplr for assorted image capture
- Skitch for annotation
- Keynote for presentations
- Screenfloat and Screenflow
- Xee for image viewing
- XCode for magic-making
- GitHub for … GitHub
- MAMP for local development
- 1Password for security
- TextEdit / SublimeText / Atom Editor for… whatever… tons. Everything.
iOS Apps:
I am trying to spend less and less time on my mobile device as it is both disruptive and incredibly annoying. Read more of my thoughts here as well as a list of iPhone apps that I’m currently using.
True story.
Analog Tools:
I have more than a few tools that I use consistently but none are more important than my writing notebooks that capture my creative thoughts and provide the framework for all of my entrepreneurial endeavors.
Yes, you heard that right: Every single creative idea is first captured in one of my physical journals and then moved to a digital space if they mature into a doable concept. I have changed the notebook that I use based on the content and season that I’m in. In other words, there is not exactly a rhyme nor reason for which notebook I’m using at any given point in time.
In addition to my notebooks:
- GoPro HERO7 Black for vlogging
- iPhone XS Max with an Apple Case
- 13″ MacBook Pro (no Touch Bar)
- Bose QuietComfort – I literally have 4 or 5 of these around the home.
- Chrome Bravo backpack for everyday use
- Booq backpack (Boa Shift) for small travel
- I have an AUDI Q5 that I bought with Bitcoin
- Pilot G-2 pens for writing
iPhone 6 Plus,iPhone 7 Plus,totally nakediPhone XiPhone 5and aElement Case(Sector5)- M
acBook Air(13″) – I also use both a wireless keyboard and Razer Naga mouse I am hoping to get the 11″ MacBook Air soon – read my comparison post here!I’m now sporting the 11-inch MacBook Air with a killer Nintendo case!Klipsch X11i headphones (in-ear) and Siberia Elite for uber performance and productivity!- And… a
Nissan Leaf2017 BMW i3 for… getting places… I have a minivan.Yes.No.
Want me to check some other tool / app out? Feel free to drop me a line.