Joe Plankinton Jr.
U.S. Army veteran and cybersecurity-minded IT operator, now building websites in Wamego, Kansas that don't just look sharp — they generate leads.
- Based in
- Wamego, KS
- Focus
- Web · SEO · Automation
- Stack
- TypeScript · Next.js
An unconventional path into IT and web development
- 011993 – 1999
U.S. Army — 129th Transportation Co.
It started with the discipline. I served in the fighting 129th Transportation Company and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. That mindset — show up, own the mission, adapt — is the through-line of everything that came after.
- 02The Pivot
Resilience over convention
My path to IT wasn't exactly conventional — it was shaped by resilience. After a life-changing allergy forced me to close my business repairing computer and electrically controlled hydraulics, JP's Mobile Service, Inc. I had to rethink my career and rediscover my purpose. Eventually, I felt the pull back to the tech world.
- 03Fort Riley
Computer Analyst
I began my IT career as a Computer Analyst at Fort Riley — IT infrastructure, networks, computers, and servers, in an environment heavily centered around cybersecurity. Working with network protocols and server scripting, I discovered a passion for coding.
- 04HoneyBadger IT Solutions
From networks to full-stack
I started HoneyBadger IT Solutions, working on networks, computer systems, and freelance backend development with Django (Python 3). But my creative side wanted more — so I moved into full-stack development, pairing React frontends with Django backends.
- 05Next.js
One app, one deployment
When Next.js introduced its App Router, it unlocked a new level of efficiency — I could build entire websites in a single app with one deployment, saving clients both time and cost.
- 06The Realization
A site is only as good as its leads
I kept seeing the same problem: great websites paired with poor marketing. A well-designed site doesn't mean much if it isn't driving traffic and generating leads. That pushed me deep into SEO best practices — so every site I build isn't just functional, it works as a lead-generation tool.
- 07Today
HoneyBadger-Designs
That focus became the rebrand to HoneyBadger-Designs, where I specialize in TypeScript, Next.js, Postgres or MongoDB, and Payload CMS. The goal is simple: help small and start-up businesses thrive online with robust websites, strong SEO, smart marketing, and AI automation.
Education & certifications
A security-first foundation — Past and Present, education and certifications that have shaped my career in IT, cybersecurity, and web development.
Kansas State University
- B.S. — Technology Management
Ivy Tech Community College
- Workforce Cybersecurity Administration Certificate
Red Hat
- RH124
- RH134
Cisco
- CyberOps Associate (CBROPS 200-201)
- CCNA (200-301)
EC-Council
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEHv12)
CompTIA
- A+
- Security+
- Linux+
- Systems Support Specialist
AWS
- Certified Cloud Practitioner
The toolkit
Languages
- TypeScript
- Python
- JavaScript
- HTML
- CSS
- SQL
- Bash
- YAML
Frameworks
- Next.js
- React
- Django
Databases
- Postgres
- MongoDB
CMS
- Payload CMS
SEO
- Google Analytics
- Google Search Console
DevOps
- Git
- AWS
Beyond the code
When I'm not building, you'll find me fishing, camping, or Jeeping. I'm a self-proclaimed outdoor enthusiast, and I love spending time with my family and my dog, Zeus. And yes — I'm a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan.
- Fishing
- Camping
- Jeeping
- Family time
- My dog, Zeus
- KC Chiefs
Let's make something great together
Tell me about your business and where you want it to go. No pressure, no obligation — just a straight conversation about getting you seen online.
Connect with me