Custom Server-Farm & Network Builds
Built rack-mounted servers, installed custom SMTP software, and ran dedicated dial-up and leased-line networks for bulk promotional email — the original email marketing engine before commercial tools existed.
Phoenix, Arizona · Online work since 1995
Dean Schlenker Portfolio
Real-world website design, internet marketing, local marketing, search engine marketing, email, SMS, software, automation, AI agents, and online business identity work completed since 1995.
1995first online marketing and website projects
500+projects delivered across digital channels
11documented eras of work
190real-world projects documented
Selected work
Real work history across three decades.
From early server and static HTML builds to local SEO, Google Maps, social media, SaaS, blockchain, AI visibility, and AI agent systems.
Email Newsletter List Building & Campaigns
Built opt-in email lists from scratch using website sign-up forms, guestbook entries, and forum participation. Created weekly email newsletters for local businesses — promotions and updates that drove repeat customers.
Dynamic Website Development with PHP & MySQL
Built database-driven websites from scratch using PHP and MySQL — custom CMS systems, member portals, e-commerce stores, and admin dashboards. Wrote thousands of lines of backend code powering interactive business applications.
Online Auction & eBay Storefront Projects
Built branded eBay storefronts with custom HTML templates, managed product listings at scale, and ran cross-promotion campaigns linking eBay sales to standalone e-commerce websites for repeat business.
Full Website Development & Redesign Projects
Designed and coded complete business websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP. Built custom contact forms, galleries, service pages, and SEO-optimized site architectures — delivering dozens of sites per year.
Social Media Management & Advertising
Managed full social media presences across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Created content calendars, ran paid ad campaigns, and built engagement strategies that grew audiences and generated leads for local businesses.
E-Commerce Website Builds & WooCommerce
Built online stores using WooCommerce and custom e-commerce solutions. Implemented product catalogs, payment processing, shipping integrations, inventory management, and abandoned cart recovery that turned browsers into buyers.
PPC Campaign Management at Scale
Managed high-budget Google Ads and Bing Ads campaigns across search, display, shopping, and video networks. Built automated bid strategies, negative keyword lists, and conversion-optimized landing pages generating 50+ leads per week.
Crypto Token Launch & ICO Marketing Campaigns
Managed end-to-end ICO/token launch campaigns including whitepaper design, Telegram community building, bounty programs, and crypto influencer outreach. Built pre-sale landing pages and smart contract integration for token distribution.
Crypto Payment Gateway for Luxury E-Commerce
Built payment dApp + smart contracts (USDC + ETH) with instant settlement and on-chain receipts for a luxury watch retailer. → 0% chargeback rate, saved $47K/year in processing fees.
Real Estate 24/7 AI Qualifier Bot
Custom GPT-4o bot on website + Messenger + SMS for a mid-size brokerage (120 agents). Predictive scoring using dwell time, question depth & repeat visits. Auto-routes score >75 to agent Slack + Calendly. → 68% drop in unqualified calls, 41% more booked showings.
RAG-Powered Knowledge Base & Support Chatbot
Built retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) chatbots that ingest client documentation, SOPs, and product catalogs into vector databases, then answer customer and employee questions with source-cited, hallucination-minimized responses.
Portfolio timeline
Work organized by era.
Each era page expands into the full set of completed work from that period.
1995–1999
Infrastructure & Bulk Outreach
17 real-world projects from this period.
Custom Server-Farm & Network Builds
Built rack-mounted servers, installed custom SMTP software, and ran dedicated dial-up and leased-line networks for bulk promotional email — the original email marketing engine before commercial tools existed.
Hosting Server + Custom Outreach Software
Self-hosted email servers combined with in-house scripts that pulled email lists from newsgroups and directories, then fired automated follow-ups. Many businesses ran these from basements or colocation facilities.
Website Contact-Form Submission Campaigns
Manual and scripted filling of 'Contact Us' forms on directories, forums, and business sites to generate direct leads. This tactic never stopped — still running daily in 2025/2026.
Static HTML Website Design & Development
Hand-coded HTML websites from scratch — tables-based layouts, custom graphics, visitor counters, and guestbooks. Registered domains, configured FTP hosting, and built the first generation of business web presence for local companies.
Custom CGI & Perl Script Development
Wrote custom CGI scripts in Perl for form processing, guestbooks, hit counters, and basic e-commerce carts. Built server-side functionality when 'web development' meant writing every line of code by hand.
Bulk Email Marketing Campaign Management
Managed large-scale email marketing campaigns from list building to delivery optimization. Wrote custom email templates, managed bounce handling, and tracked response rates manually — running thousands of sends per day.
2000–2005
Automation & Classified Explosion
20 real-world projects from this period.
Custom Macro & Script Builds for Mass Posting
Built AutoHotkey, iMacros, and VBA macros that auto-filled and posted ads across dozens of sites and replied in forums with signature links. One script could hit 50–100 sites per hour.
Bulk Classified Ad Blasting Campaigns
Ran scripts and manual copy-paste campaigns posting identical ads on every free regional board, niche classifieds, and early aggregators — blanketing the internet with client offers.
SMS Text-Message Marketing Campaigns
Built opt-in lists via websites and print using 5- or 6-digit short codes. Sent coupon blasts and alerts — the first legal, high-open-rate mobile marketing channel.
WordPress Website Design & Launch Projects
Shifted clients from static HTML to self-hosted WordPress installs for blogs, company sites, and lead-gen pages. Theme customization, plugin experiments (plugins introduced 2004), and SEO content posting.
Google AdWords Pay-Per-Click Campaign Builds
Set up and managed early Google AdWords campaigns when clicks cost pennies. Built keyword lists, wrote ad copy, and optimized landing pages — generating massive ROI before the market got competitive.
Dynamic Website Development with PHP & MySQL
Built database-driven websites from scratch using PHP and MySQL — custom CMS systems, member portals, e-commerce stores, and admin dashboards. Wrote thousands of lines of backend code powering interactive business applications.
2006–2010
Social & Reputation Projects
15 real-world projects from this period.
Online Reputation Management Services
Launched dedicated ORM campaigns: creating positive review profiles, suppressing negative Google results, monitoring forums, and building reputation defender websites — often powered by WordPress.
Social Media Marketing & Profile Network Builds
Created brand profiles across Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Ran content calendars, engagement campaigns, and paid social promotions — building audiences from zero to thousands for local businesses.
Custom WordPress Theme & Plugin Development
Coded custom WordPress themes from PSD designs and built custom plugins for client-specific functionality — booking systems, member directories, real estate listings, and custom post types. Full-stack WordPress development.
Google Maps & Local SEO Optimization Projects
Claimed and optimized Google Maps listings, built citation profiles across local directories, and implemented NAP consistency campaigns — pushing client businesses into the Local 3-Pack for the first time.
PPC Campaign Management & Scaling
Managed growing Google AdWords budgets with advanced bid strategies, quality score optimization, and conversion tracking. Built campaigns for dozens of industries — from emergency locksmith to carpet cleaning to limo services.
Email Marketing Platform Builds & Campaigns
Built segmented email lists, HTML email templates, and automated drip campaigns. Ran A/B tested subject lines, seasonal promotions, and maintenance reminder sequences that doubled open rates and drove repeat business.
2011–2015
Mobile & Video Era
21 real-world projects from this period.
Mobile Classified App Posting & Management
Built daily posting routines on OfferUp and similar apps with professional photos, ratings management, and local meet-up funnels — the smartphone evolution of Craigslist that still generates massive local leads.
YouTube Channel + Video SEO Builds
Created full video production pipelines — filming, editing, keyword-optimized titles and descriptions — to rank in search results and convert views into qualified website leads.
Responsive Website Design & Development
Rebuilt client websites with responsive design for the mobile-first era. Coded mobile-friendly navigation, touch-optimized forms, and fast-loading pages using CSS3 media queries and modern frameworks.
Social Media Management & Advertising
Managed full social media presences across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Created content calendars, ran paid ad campaigns, and built engagement strategies that grew audiences and generated leads for local businesses.
PPC Campaign Scaling & Google Ads Certification
Scaled PPC campaigns to five-figure monthly budgets. Managed Google Ads across search, display, and shopping networks. Built remarketing audiences, implemented conversion tracking, and optimized quality scores for maximum ROI.
Email Marketing Automation & Funnel Builds
Built sophisticated email marketing funnels with behavioral triggers, lead scoring, and automated sequences. Set up welcome series, abandoned cart recovery, re-engagement campaigns, and monthly newsletters for dozens of clients.
2016–2020
Automation & Short-Form Scale
20 real-world projects from this period.
Instagram & TikTok Short-Video Campaigns
Built in-house video teams and creator networks for daily Reels, Stories, and Lives with direct 'Shop Now' links and in-app checkout funnels that turned views into revenue.
Programmatic Advertising Stack Builds
Set up DSPs (demand-side platforms), tracking pixels, and audience-data feeds to auto-buy ads across millions of sites and apps in milliseconds through real-time bidding.
Retargeting & Remarketing Automation
Installed tracking pixels across client properties, then built rule-based campaigns that followed website visitors across the internet with personalized ads driving them back to convert.
Custom Web Application & Dashboard Development
Built custom web applications, admin dashboards, and client portals using modern JavaScript, React, and Node.js. Coded reporting tools, lead management systems, and campaign tracking platforms from scratch.
PPC Campaign Management at Scale
Managed high-budget Google Ads and Bing Ads campaigns across search, display, shopping, and video networks. Built automated bid strategies, negative keyword lists, and conversion-optimized landing pages generating 50+ leads per week.
Social Media Marketing & Paid Campaign Management
Ran full social media marketing across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Managed content creation, community engagement, influencer partnerships, and paid ad campaigns with advanced audience targeting.
2021–2026
Full-Stack Web, SaaS & Blockchain Development
16 real-world projects from this period.
Full-Stack Web Application & SaaS Development
Building custom web applications, SaaS platforms, and dashboards using React, TypeScript, Node.js, and modern frameworks. Creating client-facing tools that automate lead management, reporting, and campaign tracking.
LeadFlow SaaS Dashboard
React + TypeScript + Node.js + Supabase platform for a marketing agency (40 clients). Real-time lead scoring, campaign ROI tracker, automated reporting. → Agency now manages 3× clients with same headcount.
Contractor CRM + Booking Portal
Full-stack SaaS for an HVAC/plumbing multi-location company with React frontend, Node backend, AI lead routing, and technician dispatch map. → 52% faster job booking, 38% reduction in no-shows.
Influencer Brand Analytics Hub
Custom SaaS tracking TikTok/Instagram ROI, affiliate payouts, and content performance for a fashion brand network. Built in 6 weeks. → Brand scaled from 12 to 87 influencers in 4 months.
Blockchain & Web3 Application Development
Built decentralized applications, smart contract interfaces, crypto payment systems, NFT platforms, and blockchain-integrated websites. Coded Web3 wallets, token dashboards, and DeFi project front-ends.
NFT Membership Platform for Fitness Franchise
ERC-721 NFTs on Polygon with staking, loyalty rewards, and smart-contract gated access to classes. Web3 wallet login integration. → 9,400 NFTs sold in 3 months, +31% member retention.
2021–2026
AI Chatbots, Lead Scoring & Automation
14 real-world projects from this period.
AI Chatbot + Predictive Lead-Scoring Platforms
Built custom GPT-powered bots on websites, Messenger, and SMS that qualify leads 24/7, auto-score them by behavior, and route hot prospects directly to sales teams.
Real Estate 24/7 AI Qualifier Bot
Custom GPT-4o bot on website + Messenger + SMS for a mid-size brokerage (120 agents). Predictive scoring using dwell time, question depth & repeat visits. Auto-routes score >75 to agent Slack + Calendly. → 68% drop in unqualified calls, 41% more booked showings.
E-Commerce Cart Recovery AI Engine
Abandoned-cart bot with behavioral lead scoring (cart value + scroll depth + return visits) for a $4.2M Shopify store. SMS + Messenger sequences + instant agent hand-off. → 47% cart recovery rate, $187K extra revenue in first 90 days.
B2B SaaS Demo Booker Bot
LinkedIn + website bot for an HR-tech startup that scores leads by company size, intent signals & budget questions. Auto-books demo with AE when score ≥80. → 3.2× qualified lead volume, sales team closed 2.8× faster.
HVAC & Plumbing AI Chatbot Lead Capture
Deployed AI chatbots on contractor websites that instantly quote services, book appointments, and qualify emergency vs. routine calls — capturing leads 24/7.
Plumbing Emergency vs Routine Router Bot
Chatbot that quotes instantly, books emergency slots with on-call tech for a plumbing company. → Captured 68% of after-hours leads.
2021–2026
SMS, Email & Omnichannel Marketing
16 real-world projects from this period.
SMS + MMS Marketing Automation at Scale
Modern two-way texting platforms with drip sequences, compliance tools, and 98%+ open rates. Integrated with CRM for abandoned-cart recovery, appointment booking, instant follow-up, and review request automation.
Abandoned-Cart SMS Recovery Engine
2-way MMS drip sequences + TCPA/DNC compliance scrubbing + CRM sync for a furniture retailer. 98.4% delivery rate. → 39% recovery rate, $312K recovered in Q4 alone.
Dental Chain Appointment & Review SMS System
Automated SMS booking confirmations, no-show reduction flows, and instant Google review requests for a 14-location dental chain. → No-show rate dropped from 18% to 4.2%.
Real Estate Open-House MMS Follow-Up
MMS with property photos + instant 'I'm interested' reply routing to agent for a brokerage. → 2.4× more appointments booked from open houses.
Email Marketing Campaign Management & Automation
Running sophisticated email marketing campaigns with behavioral automation, dynamic content personalization, and AI-optimized send times. Building nurture sequences, re-engagement flows, and revenue-driving newsletters for clients.
Behavioral Nurture Email Sequences
Klaviyo flows with AI send-time optimization + dynamic content for an online course platform. → 41% open rate, 19% of total revenue from email channel alone.
2021–2026
PPC, Social Media & Video Marketing
16 real-world projects from this period.
PPC Advertising Management — Google & Social
Managing Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, and LinkedIn campaigns across search, display, shopping, and video. Running advanced audience targeting, automated bidding, and conversion-optimized landing pages for maximum ROI.
Google Ads + Shopping for Home Services
Search + Shopping + Performance Max with automated bidding for a plumbing company. ROAS 9.8×. → $1.4M revenue from $142K ad spend.
Meta + TikTok Video Ad Campaigns
Advantage+ shopping + Spark Ads using user-generated content for a skincare brand. → 4.2× ROAS, 340K new customers acquired.
LinkedIn Lead-Gen for B2B Software
Conversation ads + lead forms with auto-scoring for a software company. → 1,200 SQLs at $38 cost per lead.
Social Media Marketing & Content Strategy
Full social media management across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter/X. Content creation, community management, paid campaigns, influencer partnerships, and analytics reporting for local and national brands.
TikTok + Instagram Organic Growth Machine
Daily Reels + trending audio + community DM automation for a local gym chain. → 1.8M views/month, 420 new members acquired.
2024–2026
AI Search Optimization & Visibility
21 real-world projects from this period.
AI Platform Visibility — Top 3 Rankings
Pioneered strategies to get client businesses indexed and surfaced in ChatGPT, Gemini, and GROK answer engines — positioning company information in the top 3 results across all major AI platforms.
ChatGPT + Gemini + Grok Domination for Roofer
Built topical authority clusters + structured data so brand appears in top 3 AI answers for 'best roofer near me'. → 340 new leads/month from AI engines alone.
Perplexity + Claude Visibility for Dentist
Created 'AI answer engine' content system pushing a dental practice into position 1-2 across all AI platforms. → Replaced 60% of traditional Google traffic.
National Brand AI Takeover
Optimized 47 entities so a mattress startup shows in top 3 for 120+ high-intent AI queries. → $1.2M revenue directly attributed to AI channels.
AI-Powered Content Generation & SEO
Built AI content pipelines that generate SEO-optimized blog posts, social media content, and ad copy at scale.
400-Page HVAC Blog Empire
GPT-4 + human editing pipeline produced 400 ranking pages in 11 months for an HVAC company. → Top 3 for 187 'near me' keywords.
2021–2026
Local Maps, Reputation & 7-Channel Stacks
14 real-world projects from this period.
Google Business Profile & Local Maps Domination 3.0
Advanced GBP strategies including AI-generated responses, automated post scheduling, competitor displacement, and multi-location management.
Multi-Location HVAC GBP Empire
AI response system + automated posts + competitor displacement for an 18-location HVAC chain. → 14 locations in Local Pack top 3.
Restaurant Review Velocity Engine
AI-generated response templates + review request automation for a restaurant group. → 1,200 new 5-star reviews in 6 months.
Dental Practice AI Post Scheduler + Q&A
Fully automated GBP posting + Q&A optimization for a dental practice. → #1 map ranking for 47 local keywords.
Reputation Management 2.0 — AI-Powered
Today's version includes AI monitoring of review sites, social listening, automated response systems, and proactive Google Business Profile management.
Hotel Chain Automated Review Responder
AI monitors Google, Yelp, Facebook and generates personalized 5-star replies in <3 minutes for a hotel chain. → Review score jumped from 4.1 to 4.8.
Capabilities
Skills proven through the portfolio.
Website Design & Development
Static HTMLPHPMySQLWordPressCustom CMSSaaS dashboardsLanding pages
Internet & Local Marketing
SEOGoogle MapsPPCCitationsReviewsReputationSocial media
Email, SMS & Lead Systems
Opt-in listsAutorespondersSMS campaignsAppointment remindersLead routingReactivation
AI, Automation & Software
AI agent builderChatbotsLead scoringAI visibilityCRM systemsBooking portalsAPIs
Visual work
Online identity, local marketing, and search work.
About
Dean Schlenker
Dean Schlenker has helped businesses build online visibility, websites, marketing systems, and lead generation assets since 1995. The work spans the full evolution of online business: hand-coded websites, email marketing, directories, search, maps, social media, mobile, reputation, software, SaaS, blockchain, automation, and AI.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Dean works as an internet marketing webmaster, website designer, internet marketing expert, local marketing strategist, search engine marketing builder, and AI agent builder.
