---
title: "About"
url: "https://michalak.world/about/"
description: "Michael Michalak is a backend developer, Fractional CTO, and AI consultant with 13+ years of experience in Drupal architecture, Drupal Commerce, and AI agent development."
summary: "Backend developer, Fractional CTO, and AI consultant specializing in Drupal architecture, Drupal Commerce, and production AI agents."
date: 2019-02-01
lastmod: 2026-08-19
author: "Michael Michalak"
site: "https://michalak.world/"
---

# About

Michael Michalak is a backend developer, Fractional CTO, and AI consultant with 13+ years of experience in Drupal architecture, Drupal Commerce, and AI agent development.

Hello! I'm Michael Michalak, a seasoned Backend Developer and Freelance AI Agent Consultant with over a decade of handson experience building and optimizing complex digital platforms.

From deep backend architecture to cutting edge AI integrations, I help businesses scale and solve real world challenges with custom technology solutions.

## Technical Background
I found my passion for backend development while pursuing my degree in Computer Engineering. Since 2011, I’ve specialized in Drupal, building robust platforms for e-commerce, global organizations, and nonprofits. 

### Drupal Development

My work focuses on complex Drupal backend architecture and custom Drupal Commerce solutions. I specialize in:
- Building scalable backend systems for high-traffic platforms
- Architecting entity models, custom modules, and service layers
- Creating extensible APIs and automating backend workflows
- Developing advanced Drupal Commerce features including:
  - Custom checkout flows and tax logic
  - Product types with dynamic pricing and attributes
  - Subscription billing, bookings, and service-based products

I work best in backend-heavy environments where performance, extensibility, and reliability are critical.

### Fractional CTO Services

As a Fractional CTO, I help startups, nonprofits, and scaling businesses make sound technical decisions. I bridge the gap between business strategy and engineering, offering:
- Technical leadership without the fulltime overhead
- Architecture and platform planning
- Vendor and team evaluation
- Long term tech roadmaps and budget alignment
- Coaching for internal tech teams

Whether you're building your MVP or preparing for scale, I provide the expertise to guide you forward with confidence.

### AI Agent Development & LLM Consulting
In addition to Drupal, I’m a Freelance AI Agent Developer building advanced LLM powered systems. I’ve worked with:
- LangChain for orchestration and monitoring
- Langfuse for observability and fine tuning agent workflows
- CrewAI for structured, multi-agent task delegation
- Custom AI agent development for research, summarization, and blog generation

I help teams build intelligent automation pipelines using Python, OpenAI, vector databases like ChromaDB, and modern monitoring stacks.

## Current Focus
Today, I serve as a Fractional CTO, AI Consultant, and Drupal Developer/Architect—guiding teams through technical strategy, platform scaling, and innovation initiatives. I split my time between:
- Helping clients evolve their Drupal ecosystems
- Leading AI powered automation projects
- Providing CTO level guidance on infrastructure, dev processes, and emerging technologies

Whether you need a scalable platform, help modernizing legacy systems, or an AI workflow that saves your team hours.  I’m here to help.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is Michael Michalak?

Michael Michalak is a backend developer, Fractional CTO, and AI agent consultant with more than 13 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Purdue University and has specialized in Drupal since 2011, building platforms for e-commerce, higher education, healthcare, nonprofits, and global organizations.

### What services does Michael Michalak offer?

Three main areas. Drupal backend development covering custom modules, entity architecture, Drupal Commerce, migrations, performance tuning, and security remediation. Fractional CTO services covering technology strategy, architecture planning, vendor evaluation, and roadmap work. AI agent development using LangChain, Langfuse, and CrewAI, or custom agents written from scratch.

### What technologies does he specialize in?

Drupal 7 through 10 and Drupal Commerce are the core, along with PHP and the LAMP stack, REST API development, and hosting platforms including Pantheon and Acquia. On the AI side, Python with OpenAI, LangChain, Langfuse, CrewAI, and vector databases such as ChromaDB. He also works with Shopify and Hugo.

### Is he available for freelance or contract work?

Yes. He works with startups, small and medium businesses, and nonprofits on a freelance and contract basis, remotely and worldwide. Engagements range from hands-on development to ongoing Fractional CTO retainers and interim technical leadership during transitions.