Welcome, I'm Justin

Digital Technology Leader

Combining Strategic Vision and Technical Expertise to Elevate Online Presence and Lead Generation

Justin Arneson's profile picture

Welcome, I'm Justin

Digital Technology Leader

Combining Strategic Vision and Technical Expertise to Elevate Online Presence and Lead Generation

a selfie at the beach

ABOUT ME

Marketing Technology Expert

As a seasoned professional with a rich background in web marketing and leadership, I excel in creating and implementing strategic digital solutions. My passion lies in optimizing marketing technology stacks and driving measurable success for organizations.

MY PERSONAL LIFE

My wife (Melissa), our dog (Winston), and I spend part of our year in Orange County, CA, where we enjoy the beautiful weather, beaches, and our favorite spot, Disneyland. Growing up near Disneyland, Melissa and I shared many date nights there, creating memories that now bring us back 2-3 times a week, even if it’s just for a quick dinner or a stroll.

When we’re not enjoying our home base, we’re exploring the western United States in our motorhome. Our remote positions allow us the freedom to travel and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and history of the region. We have a passion for discovering Native American ruins, pictographs, and petroglyphs scattered across the West. One of our favorite destinations is just west of Capitol Reef National Park, where we spend up to three months each year. There, we indulge in fly fishing, ATV trail riding, hiking, and exploring, while also supporting the local businesses.

We are proud parents to our wonderful son and thrilled grandparents to our new grandson. Balancing our professional lives with our love for travel and family, we find joy in every adventure and cherish the moments we spend together. Whether at home or on the road, we are always seeking new experiences and making lasting memories.

Justin, with his wife, Melissa, and their dog, Winston
Justin and his dog Winston

MY SERVICES

Comprehensive Web Solutions Tailored for Success

From complete web management and optimization to custom WordPress consulting, I provide a full range of digital services designed to elevate your online presence. 

Whether you’re looking to enhance your website’s performance, improve conversion rates, or implement cutting-edge marketing technology, my expertise ensures seamless integration and outstanding results. Let’s collaborate to bring your vision to life and drive your business forward.

To get more information about my services visit my agency Dirt Trail Digital at dirttraildigital.com or click below.

MY RESUME

Professional Experience and Expertise

Dynamic SaaS & Web Product Manager with 15+ years of experience leading digital strategy, product development, and web marketing initiatives. Expert in delivering scalable solutions, managing complex software projects, and driving growth through data-driven decisions and cutting-edge tools. Skilled in UX/UI, headless CMS, marketing tech, and AI integrations. Known for aligning business goals with innovative digital solutions, inspiring cross-functional teams, and delivering results in fast-paced environments.

Career Highlights

  • Launched and scaled a successful web development consultancy, delivering custom CMS, UI/UX, and marketing solutions for clients across diverse industries, significantly boosting user engagement and digital ROI.
  • Led a major digital transformation at an online university, overseeing the full rebuild of its marketing tech stack—including custom API integrations and an AI-powered chatbot—resulting in improved lead quality, faster content delivery, and stronger executive alignment.
  • Directed the seamless migration of over 20 web properties to a headless CMS at a major art university, enhancing site performance, increasing marketing agility, and improving cross-department collaboration.
  • Spearheaded the national retail launch of a GPS product at Wal-Mart, managing full product lifecycle from R&D to packaging and marketing, while building internal systems and a tech support team to scale operations.

Core Competencies & Skills

SaaS Product Management | Agile & Scrum Methodologies | Project Lifecycle Management | Digital Strategy    Cross-functional Team Leadership | Roadmapping & Prioritization | UI/UX Design | Responsive Web Development Digital Campaign Planning | Content Strategy | Marketing Automation | Custom API Integrations | AI Integration CRM & CMS Management | Lead Scoring & Attribution | SEO | CRO | Team Leadership | Stakeholder Engagement Mentorship | Executive Communication | Vendor Management | Strategic Planning | Dynamic Adjustments/Pivots

Tools & Technologies: WordPress | Webflow | Jamstack | Sanity.io | GatsbyJS | Vercel | Netlify | Google Analytics Google Tag Manager | SEMrush | Power BI | Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro) | Git | GitHub Copilot | Docker | Kubernetes | Microsoft SQL Server | Visual Studio | Slack | Teams | Zoom Monday.com | Jira | Confluence | ClickUp | Workday | Paylocity | Microsoft Office 365 | HTML | CSS | JavaScript

2012 - 2024

Experience

Founder & Digital Technology Consultant

Dirt Trail Digital (06/24 - Present)

Garden Grove, CA

  • Founded and operate a digital consultancy focused on UX/UI design, scalable CMS solutions, and marketing technology integrations for clients across various industries.
  • Manage full project lifecycles including discovery, planning, design, development, and post-launch support.
  • Deliver custom web solutions that improve user experience and align with business goals.
  • Provide strategic digital marketing consulting using tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Power BI.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships by consistently delivering high-quality, on-time solutions.
  •  

Vice President of Marketing Technology

American College of Education (01/23 - 05/24)

Indianapolis, IN (Remote)

  • Directed the institution’s marketing technology ecosystem to improve lead flow, digital content delivery, and system performance.
  • Led the web team and partnered with marketing stakeholders to enhance top-of-funnel user experience.
  • Presented analytics and technology recommendations to C-level leadership to support strategic planning.
  • Owned the long-term roadmap for MarTech stack upgrades, platform selection, and vendor coordination.
  • Served as product manager for multiple platforms, including the admissions application, marketing website, landing pages, and an AI-powered student chatbot.
  • Researched and evaluated over 15 AI chatbot vendors to inform innovation initiatives.
  • Acted as SME on committees for web strategy, user experience, and lead management processes.

Director of Web Marketing

Academy of Art University (01/21 - 12/22)

San Francisco, CA (Remote)

  • Managed a multidisciplinary team responsible for maintaining and updating 20+ institutional web properties.
  • Oversaw the design and development of websites, blogs, student portals, and virtual showcases.
  • Led the migration of a major student portal to a new CMS and tech stack.
  • Implemented updates to web architecture and attribution systems to support lead generation.
  • Managed the team budget, coordinated vendor payments, and tracked ongoing project costs.
  • Delivered training and documentation post-launch to ensure smooth transitions and stakeholder alignment.
  • Completed seven successful migrations to a headless CMS infrastructure.
  • Temporarily served as interim VP of Marketing, providing strategic leadership and oversight.

Product Manager

Datablaze (2012 - 2020)

Eagle, ID

  • Led product integration and R&D for GPS and IoT tracking solutions across software, mobile, and e-commerce platforms.
  • Designed and managed front-end UI using HTML, CSS, and XML for improved user experience.
  • Directed the development and maintenance of the company website and e-commerce storefront.
  • Produced all design assets including packaging, infographics, product mockups, and online listings.
  • Developed and maintained internal systems for product assembly, RMA, and fulfillment workflows.
  • Built and trained a technical support team to scale customer service operations.
  • Managed the successful launch of a GPS product sold nationally through Wal-Mart.

Technical Project Manager

Strategic Observation Systems International (2007 - 2011)

Eagle, ID

  • Led software and hardware development for a GPS-tracking SaaS platform used by law enforcement agencies.
  • Oversaw project delivery across software, firmware, and design teams to meet client-specific requirements.
  • Developed digital marketing materials and advertising content to support product launches.
  • Designed packaging and marketing collateral for consumer-facing GPS products.
  • Built and managed the technical support department, improving client service delivery.
  • Led R&D on advanced kitted networking solutions for remote backup and failover systems.
  • Contributed to the development of an early GPS ankle bracelet for law enforcement use.

2004 - 2019

Education

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Boise State University (2015 - 2019)

I earned my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Boise State University, where I honed my leadership and strategic management skills. This advanced degree has equipped me with the knowledge and expertise to drive business growth and lead successful digital marketing initiatives.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Purdue Global (2013 - 2015)

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Purdue Global University, where I specialized in networking and application development. My education provided a strong foundation in technical skills and problem-solving, preparing me to excel in developing innovative digital solutions.

Military Experience

Information Systems Technician

U.S. Navy (1997 - 2001)

As an Information Systems Technician in the U.S. Navy, I gained extensive experience in managing and maintaining critical IT infrastructure under high-pressure conditions. This role developed my technical expertise and problem-solving skills while instilling a strong work ethic and dedication to excellence.

CONTACT ME

Let's Connect and Create Something Great

If you're looking for a seasoned web marketing professional to elevate your digital presence, or if you have a position that aligns with my extensive skill set in web design, project management, and digital strategy, I’d love to hear from you.

Please fill out the contact form below, and let’s discuss how we can work together to achieve your goals.

Justin Arneson leep a small gap while hiking a slot canyon

Please fill out the contact form below, and let’s discuss how we can work together to achieve your goals.