John MacDonald
linkedin.com/in/jmacego | Currently in SE Asia
Technology Leader & Serial Entrepreneur
Available now for advisory engagements, speaking, podcast interviews, and peer conversations with founders and executives. Fractional CTO for AI strategy, architecture, and technical leadership at inflection points. Large-scale cloud leader, serial entrepreneur, and AI/ML patent holder.
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
Website Management Systems | Las Vegas, NV (2016–2017)
- Came out of retirement to relaunch technology career through software development and DevOps.
Sheep’s Clothing | Kennewick, WA
Owner
2010 – 2015
- Acquired specialty retail business and 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.
Hyak Photography | Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Owner
2009 – 2015
- Built commercial photography business serving Pacific Northwest clients.
- Delivered commissioned photography work and grew client base through reputation and referrals.
- Earned recognition as an international award-winning photographer.
Hyakdev.com LLC | Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Owner
2005 – 2010
- Provided web design, custom software, and business consulting for Pacific Northwest clients.
- Led sales and consulting focused on network and WiFi solutions for condominiums and hotels.
- Built client relationships through referrals in a competitive market.
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.
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.
- Actively available for advisory engagements, speaking, podcast interviews, executive peer conversations, and fractional CTO work.
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