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Ben Smiley-Andrews

Director @ Tizzle Zizzle App LTD

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Quick Responder

Ben Smiley-Andrews

Director @ Tizzle Zizzle App LTD

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5.0

(2 reviews)

Independent full-stack developer with over 15 years experience

United Kingdom Active last month Usually responds in half a day

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Services

$300 / month

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2 Ongoing calls + chat
4 calls per month, unlimited Q&A. Replies in 24 hours or less.
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MentorCruise summary

Ben is a Director at Tizzle Zizzle App LTD and an independent full-stack developer. He has more than 15 years of hands-on development experience and created the open-source messaging framework ChatSDK and the Chinese learning app WeHanzi. He helps developers build mobile and web applications, improve existing projects, and prepare for technical interviews or career changes.

Based on 2 verified mentee reviews

Two reviewers value his help with clarifying career and project direction.
Two mentees mention that he helped them build confidence and focus on practical next steps.

About

I’m a full-stack software developer with 15+ years of hands-on experience, and the creator of two long-running projects: the open-source mobile messaging framework ChatSDK (github.com/chat-sdk) and the Chinese learning app WeHanzi (wehanzi.com)

Alongside development, I’ve mentored individuals at various stages of their careers—especially those switching fields or building technical confidence from the ground up. For example, I supported an accountant in becoming an iOS developer; he now leads a team of over 270 people. I helped a medical imaging professional secure a top-tier software role in Munich.

I focus on practical, real-world progress. Whether you’re starting out, pivoting careers, or deepening your technical stack, I can help you move forward.

I can help you with:

• Programming foundations: logic, structure, and problem-solving
• Native mobile development: iOS (Objective-C, Swift) and Android (Java, Kotlin)
• Front-end web: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, Angular
• Back-end development: PHP, Node.js, Python (FastAPI), REST APIs
• Architecture: full-stack app design, design patterns, scalability
• Databases: schema design, performance, SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL)
• Real-time communication: Firebase, XMPP, WebRTC
• Tooling: Docker, Git, deployment workflows

Beyond code, I also support mentees with:

• Preparing for technical interviews and coding challenges
• Reviewing and improving your existing projects
• Helping you move from “plateaued” to the next level technically
• Career and business advice—especially for freelancers, indie hackers, and developers branching into product development
• Strategy for launching and sustaining apps or side projects

If you’re looking for a mentor who’s been through the full developer journey—from writing code to building businesses—I’d be glad to help.

What mentees say

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Couldn't speak highly enough of Ben as a mentor. We vibe on many levels and without him I'd probably still be lost in the weeds trying to figure out my way forward on my own project. He has been invaluable in improving my focus towards what's important, both professionally and spiritually. Would highly recommend.

Joshua

Standard Plan • 4 months • June 21, 2024

Ben is super helpfull mentor. He helped me with my confidence to finally do a CV and review letter and send it to a companies, that I wanted to try work in. I realised thanks to Ben that I need to make a bigger project to get a job that I want. He helped me to find a good subject and I am looking forward to start working on it so I can start my career in IT.