AIDAN FOLLESTAD

years old, full stack software developer, Staff (L6) Android Engineer @ Square

GitHub portfolio link Instagram portfolio link LinkedIn portfolio link BlueSky portfolio link
Mobile
My specialty is native Android apps. I also dabble with iOS.
Web
Mostly classic HTML, CSS, & JS. Also a fan of server-side rendering.
Backend
Using Node.js & Express, or Kotlin & Ktor.

Introduction

I was born in St. Paul, MN. I spent almost 6 years in San Francisco but ended back in MN. I'm 100% self-taught, I started studying programming when I was a kid. I've done a lot of work with open source libraries (mainly publishing my own), though I drifted from that a bit as I've gone further into my career.

I'm currently a Staff (L6) Android Engineer at Square (Block). I'm on a team that specializes in AI powered conversational commerce.

I'm into bicycling, motorcycling & cars, snowboarding, and playing the drums. I currently ride a 2020 Street Triple RS 765, and I drive 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance 🏍 When it comes to music, I love many different types, from rock & metal to electronic & K-Pop! 🤘

Experience

Square logo
Square
Staff Android Engineer, Conversations
Jun 2021 — Present

Working with mobile, backend, and AI for Square Messages. Got promoted while on this team from a senior L5 to a staff L6.

Senior Android Engineer, Personalization
Sep 2020 — Jun 2021

Built the new Point of Sale checkout experience.

Android Engineer, Device Experience
Mar 2018 — Sep 2020

Worked on the software that runs on Square Register and Terminal, helping to bring them to market.

Target logo
Target
Android Engineer
Nov 2016 — Mar 2018

I worked on flagship app before and after it was merged with Cartwheel. Also developed Mobile Wallet, and other cool features.

SkillFitness logo
SkillFitness
Mobile Solutions Developer
Jul 2015 — Nov 2016

I did both a mobile (Android + iOS) and backend (ASP.NET). SkillFitness started out for sales professionals, but expanded to other places (like teaching spoken languages in the classroom).

Android Development Consultant
Jun 2015 — Jul 2015

I brought SkillFitness into the world of Android.

Ricco Solutions
Lead Mobile Engineer
May 2013 — May 2015

I developed Android and iOS mobile applications using Java and Objective-C. This was my first step into using my skills professionally, as an intern.