btay

Now

February 2026

What I'm focused on at this point in my life.

Work

Director of Engineering at The Mather Group in Chicago. Building data pipelines, warehouses, and proprietary tools that give the firm a competitive edge.

Unusual path—started as an Investment Advisor, taught myself Python, and transitioned to leading technical strategy. Still a CFP® and passed CFA Level 3.

Building

Working on btay.io as a personal site and experimenting with RAG systems, GSAP animations, and Next.js patterns.

Learning

  • AI/ML integration for financial data
  • Modern frontend with Next.js and React
  • Data architecture and AWS patterns

Reading

  • Atomic HabitsJames Clear
  • The Social AnimalDavid Brooks
  • Letters of NoteShaun Usher
  • The GridGretchen Bakke

Interests

Chess, kettlebell training, and golf when Chicago weather permits.

Loosely accurate. Some of this is real, some may be placeholder or pure fiction.

This is a now page, inspired by Derek Sivers.