What we build
user focused custom web applications flexible & efficient web sites backed by content management systems enticing eCommerce web sites engaging mobile applications compelling user experiences crushing search engine optimization campaigns and a world-class hosting infrastructure
Services
Get in touch
You'll find us in the heart of downtown State College. We're in the Allenway building, on the left side of the atrium.
team@westarete.com
814.753.4951
Contact
Our Team
This is what we love to do and craftsmanship is our calling. Our diverse backgrounds mean that each of us can strive to be an expert in our field, and we can focus our best talents on your project. We're dedicated to creativity, outstanding communication, and customer satisfaction and work together to make sure each project leaves our hands ready to succeed.
People
Scott Woods
President
Scott founded West Arete in 2005. He’s been programming and writing software for most of his life. His passion is making custom software development predictable and profitable for our clients, while providing an awesome work environment for his team.
Brittany Hostetler
User Experience Designer
Brittany works with our clients to design interfaces that are intuitive and efficient, capture workflows that are goal driven, and craft user interactions that meet those goals. Britt calls on her background in Anthropology and her innate understanding of human behavior to give our projects a distinctly human feel.
Chet Swalina
Software Developer
Chet focuses on back end development. He has a background in high performance scientific computing and is the most recent addition to the West Arete team. His goal is to write agile, robust code, providing a solid foundation for the apps developed at West Arete.
Eric Durante
Software Developer
Eric’s focus is on back end development. He helps to write the behind-the-scenes software that drives the websites and applications that we build. Eric is driven to craft well tested code that can remain flexible throughout its lifespan.
Luke Niedermyer
Software Developer
Luke’s specialty is front end development. Turning great designs into awesome websites, Luke draws on his ability to focus on the small details but not lose sight of the project's big picture. Luke makes sure that our applications feel seamless to the user and can evolve to meet new challenges.
Sally Woods
Finance & Personnel
Sally handles the financial and personnel aspects of the business, so the rest of us focus on our clients and software. She has spent several years working in financial administration, accounting, and auditing. Sally helps keep West Arete running smoothly so employees and clients have a great experience.
Aaron Pontzer
Office Manager
Aaron helps to make the work day flow smoothly for the rest of the team whether that means taking phone calls, scheduling meetings, or fixing flat bike tires. Aaron also keeps an eye on West Arete's internal performance metrics to ensure projects progress successfully.
State College Ruby Group
West Arete founded and sponsors the State College Ruby Group. This group of local programming enthusiasts meets monthly. We aim to pass along as much knowledge and techniques as we can, and we love meeting other people who love to create amazing things with software.
Open Source Software
West Arete and our clients have benefited immensely from the rich, free tools available via open source. Whenever possible, we develop and contribute quality software back to the community. Check out our profile on github.
Community
West Arete has always donated to local environmental groups, and is a proud member of 1% For The Planet.
As a League of American Bicyclists Silver Level Bike Friendly Business we encourage people to ride more. We believe that it makes for a happier, healthier, and more sustainable community.
