Resume

John MacDonald

Los Angeles, CA

Technology Leader & Serial Entrepreneur

Founder and operator of multiple successful ventures spanning technology, media, aviation, and retail. Award-winning engineering leader with deep expertise in AI/ML, network architecture, and operational transformation. Currently building and advising companies while selectively taking on leadership and consulting engagements.

Recipient, Disney Inventor Award (2021) for developing algorithms and code that apply machine learning to networking.

Selected Career Highlights

Founded and operated 5+ companies across technology, aviation, photography, and retail.
Pioneered use of linear regression and machine learning to accurately predict file transfer times at Disney, earning U.S. Patent recognition.
Achieved 97% reduction in outages by building Disney Studios’ first 24/7 global network operations center.
Slashed $4M in annual expenses while reducing outages by 80% through strategic technology decisions.

Current Ventures

Equivalent Smart Graphics | Remote

Fractional CTO February 2026 – Present

Providing strategic technology leadership for AI-powered accessible SVG solutions company.
Guiding infrastructure, API architecture, and enterprise scalability for Smart SVG platform.

Corporate Leadership Experience

The Walt Disney Studios | Burbank, CA

Senior Manager, Network Engineering Operations January 2019 – January 2026

Promoted 3 times in 6 years; progressed from Senior Engineer to Senior Manager leading team of 19.
Directed global network operations across Marvel, Twentieth Century, Disney Live Action, and Searchlight.
Managed budgets up to $14.5M; delivered 3 VxLAN/EVPN datacenters for high-performance compute.
Advanced AI/ML initiatives to drive automation and predictive network management.
Key technical lead during pandemic recovery, restoring collapsed network environment.

Sohonet Ltd. | Marina Del Rey, CA

Network Engineer 2017 – 2019

Designed MPLS and BGP solutions for global media clients including Apple, Google, and Amazon.
Deployed DWDM and MPLS infrastructure spanning 4 continents and dozens of POPs.

Founded & Operated Companies

Sheep’s Clothing | Kennewick, WA

Owner 2010 – 2015

Built specialty retail business from startup to successful exit.
Grew revenue 10x through product curation, customer experience, and local marketing.
Managed all aspects: inventory, staffing, finance, vendor relationships, and marketing.
Successfully sold business to new ownership.

Avitus Aviation Corp | Gig Harbor, WA

President 2001 – 2010

Founded and operated aviation leasing and services company.
Managed aircraft fleet, pilot operations, and client relationships.
Built expertise in risk management, safety culture, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience.
Developed business acumen balancing capital-intensive operations with service delivery.

Hyak Photography / Hyakdev.com LLC | Snoqualmie Pass, WA

Owner 2005 – 2010

Founded photography and web development business serving Pacific Northwest clients.
Delivered commercial photography, web design, and custom software solutions.
Built client base through reputation and referrals in competitive market.

Earlier Ventures

Website Management Systems | Las Vegas, NV (2016–2017)

Came out of retirement to relaunch technology career through software development and DevOps.

White Dog Media, LLC | Las Vegas, NV (2001–2003)

Partner in digital media venture during early web era.

5GuysTech.com, LLC | Seattle, WA (1997–2001)

Senior Partner in managed services and web hosting company during dot-com boom.

PowerSurge Technologies / FastServers.net | Cedar Rapids, IA (1995–1996)

Co-founded one of the early dedicated server hosting companies.
Built infrastructure and customer base before successful exit.

Summary of Qualifications

Serial entrepreneur with 25+ years founding and operating technology, aviation, retail, and media companies.
Award-winning technology leader with expertise in AI/ML, network architecture, and operational transformation.
U.S. Patent 12,360,789 inventor for machine learning methods in cloud networking.
Proven ability to build teams, manage budgets, and deliver measurable results in both startups and enterprises.
Available for fractional leadership, advisory, and consulting engagements.

Awards & Certifications

U.S. Patent No. 12,360,789 (2025): Machine learning methods for optimized cloud networking file transfers.
Disney Inventor Award (2021): Applied machine learning algorithms to networking.
Previously held certifications: Cisco (CCDP, CCNP), Juniper (JNCDA), Microsoft (MCP+i).

Education

AAS, Biology – Columbia Basin College Pasco, WA