Mark Raa
Founder & CEO at SalonBridge- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Afrikaans Professional working proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
LinkedIn User
I have known Mark since 2007, when we first interviewed him for a position at MyGate. I was immediately struck by Mark's enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the dedicated way he performed his work. He quickly climbed the ranks, and before long was one of the key programmers in the company. Mark has subsequently built up a very broad and in-depth knowledge on software engineering - from the back-end to the front-end to the databases. And with Trustgate, he seems to also have a very good handle on the networking and server admin side of things too. He is one of those people who simply 'gets' IT and computers. It has been an absolute pleasure knowing and working with Mark. He is one of the most positive and likeable people you are likely to meet, and with his excellent development and programming skills, Mark is a key asset to any team he is part of.
Stefanus Johannes Deysel
As a fellow employee of Mark at RouteLogix I would highly recommend him. He is a team player and would make a great asset to any organization. From the time that I started with RouteLogix, I was impressed with Mark’s drive, determination, and tenaciousness. Mark has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a dedication to success. His efforts have produced high quality results time and time again.
LinkedIn User
I have known Mark since 2007, when we first interviewed him for a position at MyGate. I was immediately struck by Mark's enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the dedicated way he performed his work. He quickly climbed the ranks, and before long was one of the key programmers in the company. Mark has subsequently built up a very broad and in-depth knowledge on software engineering - from the back-end to the front-end to the databases. And with Trustgate, he seems to also have a very good handle on the networking and server admin side of things too. He is one of those people who simply 'gets' IT and computers. It has been an absolute pleasure knowing and working with Mark. He is one of the most positive and likeable people you are likely to meet, and with his excellent development and programming skills, Mark is a key asset to any team he is part of.
Stefanus Johannes Deysel
As a fellow employee of Mark at RouteLogix I would highly recommend him. He is a team player and would make a great asset to any organization. From the time that I started with RouteLogix, I was impressed with Mark’s drive, determination, and tenaciousness. Mark has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a dedication to success. His efforts have produced high quality results time and time again.
LinkedIn User
I have known Mark since 2007, when we first interviewed him for a position at MyGate. I was immediately struck by Mark's enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the dedicated way he performed his work. He quickly climbed the ranks, and before long was one of the key programmers in the company. Mark has subsequently built up a very broad and in-depth knowledge on software engineering - from the back-end to the front-end to the databases. And with Trustgate, he seems to also have a very good handle on the networking and server admin side of things too. He is one of those people who simply 'gets' IT and computers. It has been an absolute pleasure knowing and working with Mark. He is one of the most positive and likeable people you are likely to meet, and with his excellent development and programming skills, Mark is a key asset to any team he is part of.
Stefanus Johannes Deysel
As a fellow employee of Mark at RouteLogix I would highly recommend him. He is a team player and would make a great asset to any organization. From the time that I started with RouteLogix, I was impressed with Mark’s drive, determination, and tenaciousness. Mark has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a dedication to success. His efforts have produced high quality results time and time again.
LinkedIn User
I have known Mark since 2007, when we first interviewed him for a position at MyGate. I was immediately struck by Mark's enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the dedicated way he performed his work. He quickly climbed the ranks, and before long was one of the key programmers in the company. Mark has subsequently built up a very broad and in-depth knowledge on software engineering - from the back-end to the front-end to the databases. And with Trustgate, he seems to also have a very good handle on the networking and server admin side of things too. He is one of those people who simply 'gets' IT and computers. It has been an absolute pleasure knowing and working with Mark. He is one of the most positive and likeable people you are likely to meet, and with his excellent development and programming skills, Mark is a key asset to any team he is part of.
Stefanus Johannes Deysel
As a fellow employee of Mark at RouteLogix I would highly recommend him. He is a team player and would make a great asset to any organization. From the time that I started with RouteLogix, I was impressed with Mark’s drive, determination, and tenaciousness. Mark has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a dedication to success. His efforts have produced high quality results time and time again.
Credentials
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Oracle Certified Java 6 Programmer
Sun (Oracle)Aug, 2011- Sep, 2024 -
Diploma - Information Systems Software Development
CTIDec, 2007- Sep, 2024
Experience
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SalonBridge
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South Africa
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Information Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Founder & CEO
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Feb 2016 - Present
SalonBridge takes the hassle out of making and managing the business management of appointment-based businesses. We provide a SAAS platform that lets businesses manage their clients, payments, reporting and appointments from their computers, tablets or mobile phones. SalonBridge takes the hassle out of making and managing the business management of appointment-based businesses. We provide a SAAS platform that lets businesses manage their clients, payments, reporting and appointments from their computers, tablets or mobile phones.
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Diarize Me
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South Africa
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Software Development
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1 - 100 Employee
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Founder and CEO
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Feb 2014 - Present
Diarize Me takes the hassle out of making an appointment. Any business can use Diarize Me to better manage their appointments, their clients and their inventory. People are able to find businesses and book appointments instantly from any device via Diarize Me Diarize Me takes the hassle out of making an appointment. Any business can use Diarize Me to better manage their appointments, their clients and their inventory. People are able to find businesses and book appointments instantly from any device via Diarize Me
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GetSmarter
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Cameroon
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Information Technology & Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Tutor (Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme)
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Mar 2018 - Present
The Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme, from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, is an entirely online six-week programme. It integrates information on blockchain for business leaders and innovators, by showcasing best use cases, value propositions, and implementation strategies in the blockchain industry, allowing them to understand the effects blockchain technology will have on your industry, market, and business strategies.
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Tutor (Oxford Fintech Programme)
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Nov 2017 - Present
The Oxford Fintech Programme examines current and emerging technologies around money, payments, market analyses, and consumer experience, exploring key principles and frameworks around fintech, regtech, proptech and social inclusion. It covers topics ranging from blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to crowdfunding and quantum computing.
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2U
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Germany
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Advertising Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Tutor
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Jan 2018 - Jun 2023
- Resource Mentor on multiple iterations of the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme. - Worked as an assessor and as an engagement tutor on the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme. - Guiding participants on content-related questions, driving engagement with industry-relevant content and assisting them with their assignments. - Worked with other tutors, success managers and key stakeholders to ensure student satisfaction and content accuracy. - Worked as an engagement tutor for… Show more - Resource Mentor on multiple iterations of the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme. - Worked as an assessor and as an engagement tutor on the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme. - Guiding participants on content-related questions, driving engagement with industry-relevant content and assisting them with their assignments. - Worked with other tutors, success managers and key stakeholders to ensure student satisfaction and content accuracy. - Worked as an engagement tutor for the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme on numerous presentations, guiding participants on content-related questions, and providing technical and business knowledge on AI-related topics. Show less - Resource Mentor on multiple iterations of the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme. - Worked as an assessor and as an engagement tutor on the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme. - Guiding participants on content-related questions, driving engagement with industry-relevant content and assisting them with their assignments. - Worked with other tutors, success managers and key stakeholders to ensure student satisfaction and content accuracy. - Worked as an engagement tutor for… Show more - Resource Mentor on multiple iterations of the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme. - Worked as an assessor and as an engagement tutor on the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme. - Guiding participants on content-related questions, driving engagement with industry-relevant content and assisting them with their assignments. - Worked with other tutors, success managers and key stakeholders to ensure student satisfaction and content accuracy. - Worked as an engagement tutor for the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme on numerous presentations, guiding participants on content-related questions, and providing technical and business knowledge on AI-related topics. Show less
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Mentor (MIT Fintech Future Commerce Course)
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Jun 2016 - Mar 2017
https://www.getsmarter.com/career-advice/industry-advice/mit-fintech-certificate-course-trailer https://www.getsmarter.com/career-advice/industry-advice/mit-fintech-certificate-course-trailer
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TrustGate
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South Africa
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IT Services and IT Consulting
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1 - 100 Employee
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Founder
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Aug 2010 - Aug 2015
TrustGate is an established company that focuses on website hosting and custom website and application development. Implemented the hosting infrastructure in a secure data center. Implemented the software that controls the hosting servers (Parallels and WHM) as well as the client control software (cPanel) onto the hosting environment. Implemented the billing system (WHMCS) to allow TrustGate to bill clients on a monthly or annual basis with invoice generation and automatic… Show more TrustGate is an established company that focuses on website hosting and custom website and application development. Implemented the hosting infrastructure in a secure data center. Implemented the software that controls the hosting servers (Parallels and WHM) as well as the client control software (cPanel) onto the hosting environment. Implemented the billing system (WHMCS) to allow TrustGate to bill clients on a monthly or annual basis with invoice generation and automatic bill run and suspension capabilities. Developed website front-end (http://www.trustgate.co.za) and enabled the integration into WHMCS from the website for hosting registration and instant activation. Developed market strategies and product road maps and gauged with clients and partners to achieve the goals laid out for the company. Show less TrustGate is an established company that focuses on website hosting and custom website and application development. Implemented the hosting infrastructure in a secure data center. Implemented the software that controls the hosting servers (Parallels and WHM) as well as the client control software (cPanel) onto the hosting environment. Implemented the billing system (WHMCS) to allow TrustGate to bill clients on a monthly or annual basis with invoice generation and automatic… Show more TrustGate is an established company that focuses on website hosting and custom website and application development. Implemented the hosting infrastructure in a secure data center. Implemented the software that controls the hosting servers (Parallels and WHM) as well as the client control software (cPanel) onto the hosting environment. Implemented the billing system (WHMCS) to allow TrustGate to bill clients on a monthly or annual basis with invoice generation and automatic bill run and suspension capabilities. Developed website front-end (http://www.trustgate.co.za) and enabled the integration into WHMCS from the website for hosting registration and instant activation. Developed market strategies and product road maps and gauged with clients and partners to achieve the goals laid out for the company. Show less
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CitiDoc
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Hospitals and Health Care
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Founder
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Feb 2012 - Jun 2014
Founded in 2012 with a mission of improving access to healthcare, CitiDoc is a free service that helps patients find a nearby doctor, dentist or healthcare professional who accepts their medical aid and instantly book an appointment online. Patients can find the right doctor for their needs by searching by medical aid, location, specialty and even gender. They can also see verified reviews, doctor qualifications and professional statements, and photos of the doctors and their facilities.… Show more Founded in 2012 with a mission of improving access to healthcare, CitiDoc is a free service that helps patients find a nearby doctor, dentist or healthcare professional who accepts their medical aid and instantly book an appointment online. Patients can find the right doctor for their needs by searching by medical aid, location, specialty and even gender. They can also see verified reviews, doctor qualifications and professional statements, and photos of the doctors and their facilities. CitiDoc also sends e-mail and text message reminders about upcoming appointments, as well as wellness reminders to help patients better manage their health. Show less Founded in 2012 with a mission of improving access to healthcare, CitiDoc is a free service that helps patients find a nearby doctor, dentist or healthcare professional who accepts their medical aid and instantly book an appointment online. Patients can find the right doctor for their needs by searching by medical aid, location, specialty and even gender. They can also see verified reviews, doctor qualifications and professional statements, and photos of the doctors and their facilities.… Show more Founded in 2012 with a mission of improving access to healthcare, CitiDoc is a free service that helps patients find a nearby doctor, dentist or healthcare professional who accepts their medical aid and instantly book an appointment online. Patients can find the right doctor for their needs by searching by medical aid, location, specialty and even gender. They can also see verified reviews, doctor qualifications and professional statements, and photos of the doctors and their facilities. CitiDoc also sends e-mail and text message reminders about upcoming appointments, as well as wellness reminders to help patients better manage their health. Show less
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Software Engineer
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Apr 2013 - Mar 2014
Working in a cross functional team to develop the future of mobile financial services with Fundamo Enterprise Edition. Working on the Visa MMGP Product. MMGP forms part of the CCP (Central Connection Platform) project. The CCP is a a group of components within the Visa Mobile Managed Services (VMMS) offering using tools such as Maven, Jetty, Jenkins and Crusible. Working in a cross functional team to develop the future of mobile financial services with Fundamo Enterprise Edition. Working on the Visa MMGP Product. MMGP forms part of the CCP (Central Connection Platform) project. The CCP is a a group of components within the Visa Mobile Managed Services (VMMS) offering using tools such as Maven, Jetty, Jenkins and Crusible.
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moola4u
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Financial Services
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CTO
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Jan 2012 - Feb 2014
moola4u was founded in 2011 and is a cloud based app which bridges the digital divide by connecting 2 very different population segments. By using the power of existing social networks, real-life connections and a simple mobile phone, moola4u allows an under-employed (informal worker) individual to register their skills. Our unique matching and scoring algorithms then matches the informal worker to a job provider with a need. As the informal worker's reputation score increases… Show more moola4u was founded in 2011 and is a cloud based app which bridges the digital divide by connecting 2 very different population segments. By using the power of existing social networks, real-life connections and a simple mobile phone, moola4u allows an under-employed (informal worker) individual to register their skills. Our unique matching and scoring algorithms then matches the informal worker to a job provider with a need. As the informal worker's reputation score increases, they will be able to access advanced features such as a resume builder, notifications, search rankings and crowd-source based financing. Show less moola4u was founded in 2011 and is a cloud based app which bridges the digital divide by connecting 2 very different population segments. By using the power of existing social networks, real-life connections and a simple mobile phone, moola4u allows an under-employed (informal worker) individual to register their skills. Our unique matching and scoring algorithms then matches the informal worker to a job provider with a need. As the informal worker's reputation score increases… Show more moola4u was founded in 2011 and is a cloud based app which bridges the digital divide by connecting 2 very different population segments. By using the power of existing social networks, real-life connections and a simple mobile phone, moola4u allows an under-employed (informal worker) individual to register their skills. Our unique matching and scoring algorithms then matches the informal worker to a job provider with a need. As the informal worker's reputation score increases, they will be able to access advanced features such as a resume builder, notifications, search rankings and crowd-source based financing. Show less
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Route Logix
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Netherlands
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IT Services and IT Consulting
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1 - 100 Employee
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Software Engineer
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Sep 2011 - Mar 2013
Developed software using an Agile software development model while using tools such as JUnit, JIRA, time tracker and SVN. Integrated into RBS Worldpay and developed the processing business logic, batch processing solution and API. Designed and developed the Tokenization Engine (1 Click Processing) that allows payment gateways to process transactions without the card holder entering their card details. This is currently used by high profile merchants and prevents them from storing… Show more Developed software using an Agile software development model while using tools such as JUnit, JIRA, time tracker and SVN. Integrated into RBS Worldpay and developed the processing business logic, batch processing solution and API. Designed and developed the Tokenization Engine (1 Click Processing) that allows payment gateways to process transactions without the card holder entering their card details. This is currently used by high profile merchants and prevents them from storing PAN data (http://www.thepaypers.com/news/online-payments/citymob-selects-mygate-for-1click-payments/747916-3) Designed and developed the Transaction Persistence Report. Used by high profile clients and by PSP reporting platforms to perform high performance transaction monitoring / reporting. Developing mission critical Java EE Applications on the GlassFish Application Server. Migrate existing Business Logic from ColdFusion / Java SE into Java EE. Scrum master on daily standups.
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Software Developer
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Feb 2010 - Sep 2011
Developed Business Logic processing plugins for eCommerce transactions. Integrated into MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank) for international eCommerce processing and developed the 3D-Secure component and processing API for the interface. Integrated into mimoney and developed the processing business logic with integration API. Integrated into SNAP and developed the processing business logic with integration API. Evolved the release management process and headed up… Show more Developed Business Logic processing plugins for eCommerce transactions. Integrated into MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank) for international eCommerce processing and developed the 3D-Secure component and processing API for the interface. Integrated into mimoney and developed the processing business logic with integration API. Integrated into SNAP and developed the processing business logic with integration API. Evolved the release management process and headed up release management for all products. Scrum master a number of releases and projects.
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Software Developer
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Apr 2009 - Feb 2010
Transactional processing development for eCommerce processing applications focusing on new application development and business logic development. Developed the initial re-write of Business Logic from ColdFusion into Java SE. Developed any Business Logic enhancements that were implemented as the company grew. Developed multiple shopping cart integration code that would integrate into the MyGate API for eCommerce processing.
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Technical Consultant
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Oct 2007 - Apr 2009
Providing technical assistance and development assistance to new and existing clients wanting to integrate into MyGate's platform.
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Education
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2006 - 2007
CTI (Computer Training Institute)
Diploma, Information Systems Software Development -
2001 - 2005
Abbotts College
English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Computer Science, Geography, Hospitality -
1994 - 2000
Panorama Primary School
Community
