Himalayas logo
Gary YouellGY
Open to opportunities

Gary Youell

@garyyouell

A dedicated IT and web development professional with over 20 years of experience, specializing in WordPress, WooCommerce and digital marketing.

South Africa
Message

What I'm looking for

I am interested in remote contract work, either full-time or for a set number of hours per day, dedicated to web development solutions. I want to leverage my skills in WordPress, WooCommerce, and digital marketing to create impactful online experiences for clients. This flexible arrangement would allow me to contribute my expertise in a dynamic, project-oriented environment.

I've had a dynamic career in IT and digital solutions, spanning over two decades, starting from a strong foundation in hardware/software support and systems administration. My professional journey began with roles at Rand Afrikaans University and Emmanuels Staffing Services, where I honed my skills in managing complex IT infrastructures, from server administration and network support to user training and vendor liaison. I was responsible for daily IT operations, project management (including a major network migration for the Adcorp Group), and managing technology-related equipment.

Since 2009, I have been a Director/Partner at Creating Solutions, a digital solutions consultancy. In this role, I specialize in architecting and managing web-based projects, with a deep focus on WordPress CMS and WooCommerce e-commerce. My expertise includes developing custom themes and plugins following best practices, implementing robust e-commerce features, and integrating third-party APIs. I also have a strong command of digital marketing, including SEO strategies and PPC campaigns on platforms like Google Ads. My technical skills extend to Linux-based hosting, database management, and proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with additional experience in TypeScript, Apache, and NGINX. This dual-focus on technical development and strategic digital marketing allows me to create high-quality, customized, and performant web solutions that drive business results for clients in the spa, wellness, and corporate sectors.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

CS
Current

Director/Partner

Creating Solutions

May 2009 - Present (16 years 3 months)

Co-founded and lead a digital solutions consultancy since May 2009, architecting and managing WordPress and WooCommerce web projects for health, beauty, corporate, and SMB clients. Delivered secure Linux-hosted sites, implemented SEO and PPC campaigns, and operated bulk email systems to improve client engagement and conversions.

ES

IT Manager

Emmanuels Staffing Services

Jan 2002 - Jan 2007 (5 years)

Managed daily IT operations and served as primary liaison between Operations and IT partners, driving SLA validation with providers such as Internet Solutions, NNET, FirstNet, and Telkom. Oversaw the central server facility, backups/restores, PABX and PC deployments, and contributed to the Adcorp Group network migration onto Dimension Data/Internet Solutions VPN.

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Gary hasn't added their education

Don't worry, there are 90k+ talented remote workers on Himalayas

Tech stack

Software and tools used professionally

Find your dream job

Sign up now and join over 100,000 remote workers who receive personalized job alerts, curated job matches, and more for free!

Sign up
Himalayas profile for an example user named Frankie Sullivan
Gary Youell - Director/Partner - Creating Solutions | Himalayas