From coding to customer care, our team brings depth, creativity, and dedication to every project.
More than Programers
The Portage Bay Solutions team of Certified FileMaker developers has a deep understanding of the Claris FileMaker platform and is experienced in helping businesses customize and extend the software to meet specific needs. Whether you need help with FileMaker design, deployment, database development, maintenance, Portage Bay is the perfect partner to help you realize the full potential of your FileMaker investment.
Portage Bay maintains a number of certifications across our team, showcasing the strength of our collective experience across many years and functionalities. We have the resources to create powerful database systems.
John Newhoff
Senior Partner /
Certified FileMaker Developer
John’s business background and years of database design, computer and network configuration, and troubleshooting experience allow him to see beyond the immediate problem to the long-term solution. John is the business manager at Portage Bay and the lead 4th Dimension developer, helping create sophisticated cross-platform solutions. John has been a developer and IT consultant since 1991. He graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and is a FileMaker 9-21 certified developer.
john@portagebay.com
Mike Ross
Business Strategist
Senior Application Developer
Mike Ross has been working with Claris FileMaker for over three decades. He is customer-focused with a goal of improving processes and workflows while keeping a keen eye on ROI. Mike holds bachelor’s degrees in both computer science and fine arts. Programming has given him a unique way to apply both skill sets across a wide range of industries. He helps run the Claris Beyond Meetup and has been a frequent speaker at conferences. Mike is a family man with a wife, two grown children, and two grandchildren. The upkeep and care of his bevy of animals helps keep him grounded.
mike@portagebay.com
Anastasia Woyna
Project Coordinator
Office Manager
With a background that blends psychology, project management, and customer service, Annie brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to her work at Portage Bay. She spent a decade managing projects and operations at Creative Customized Programming and another eight years overseeing customer service, inventory, and back-office operations at Best Buy. This experience gives her a strong foundation in both efficiency and empathy—key ingredients in creating smooth-running solutions and satisfied clients. Outside of work, Annie enjoys the quiet rhythm of country life and spending time with her family at the lake.
annie@portagebay.com
Brandynn Stanford
Project Manager
Licensing & Hosting Manager
Brandynn’s professional path has been anything but conventional. After studying Zoology, she worked as a corporate administrator for Ozarka and later as a houseparent at a children’s home before shifting focus to raise and homeschool her five children. She went on to serve as an administrator for a nonprofit and director of its annual bike ride, while also offering graphic design, social media, and web services to local organizations. At Portage Bay, Brandynn draws on her wide-ranging experience to coordinate projects, manage our Teamwork system, and provide IT and customer support. Her varied interests include midwifery, mosaics, fractals, and tesseracts.
brandynn@portagebay.com
Jacob Carr
Lead Developer,
Web Apps
Jacob joined Portage Bay Solutions in 2021, bringing with him a strong background in industry-specific development. His experience spans roles as a developer and engineering drafter for home builders, solar installers, and commercial fire alarm companies. With a degree in Computer Integrated Design and Graphics, Jacob has built his programming expertise through a combination of professional work and self-directed online learning. He was first introduced to FileMaker as a tester and user at a residential home builder, eventually developing a virtual 360° home tour app and a project management system for a start-up solar company. Today, Jacob is focused on advancing his skills and career in FileMaker development.
jacob@portagebay.com
Joe Ranne
Senior Application
Developer
Joe joined Portage Bay Solutions in 2013, bringing with him extensive experience across the IT spectrum—from small-business hardware and software support to serving as IT Director for a large graphic design firm. Known for his creative approach to development and friendly demeanor, Joe pairs technical expertise with a strong focus on customer satisfaction. He studied Business Administration and Music Composition at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a combination that reflects his unique blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving.
joe@portagebay.com
Lon Cook
Senior Application
Developer
Lon joined Portage Bay with nearly three decades of FileMaker development experience and a background as eclectic as it is creative. With a degree in interior design, he’s worked in architectural model building, mold making, and visual effects for film before turning his focus to database development. He has collaborated with enterprise clients—including FileMaker Inc.—bringing a thoughtful, user-focused approach to every project. Lon specializes in efficient data structures, intuitive interfaces, and smooth user experiences. Outside of work, he enjoys landscape photography, tiki culture, and spending time with his spirited pack of chihuahuas.
lon@portagebay.com
Russell Heppell
Associate Application
Developer
Russell joined Portage Bay after earning a degree in software engineering from Washington State University and beginning his FileMaker work at a prototype tooling and milling company. His technical experience includes front-end design and implementing secure cloud-based solutions using AWS to manage ESD- and DOR-sensitive data. This background, combined with over seven years in retail and management, gives him both strong problem-solving skills and a client-centered approach. Outside of work, Russell writes, records, and performs music with his band around Seattle.
russell@portagebay.com
Tabitha Stanford
Digital Marketing
Assistant
Tabitha brings a strong creative background to Portage Bay, with skills in graphic design, content creation, writing, and visual problem-solving. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Ranger College and has over a decade of experience in theater, both onstage and behind the scenes. Outside of work, Tabitha enjoys books, music, and learning about different cultures. She speaks conversational Korean and has recently begun studying ASL.
tabitha@portagebay.com
Xandon Frogget
Senior Application
Developer
Xandon brings 16 years of corporate experience from OfficeMax, where he designed FileMaker solutions for large-scale printing and production operations. He excels at understanding user needs, navigating complex corporate environments, and training staff to ensure smooth transitions. Outside of work, Xandon pursues his passion for building robots and is an active member of the Seattle Robotics Society. He also enjoys time with his twins, Izzy and Asher.
xandon@portagebay.com