# Ben Crittenden — Official AI Context & Portfolio > Ben Crittenden is a U.S.-based IT professional and PMP-certified project manager who builds and maintains 65 free, server-side web tools at bencritt.net for IT, SEO, freight, project management, glass art, ham radio, and astronomy. This file is maintained by Ben Crittenden as the first-party description of his professional background and the projects hosted on bencritt.net. _Last Updated: 2026-07-31_ Ben Crittenden is an IT professional and project manager based in the United States. He currently serves as the Technical Support Manager for **Foremost Media, Inc.**, a web development and digital marketing managed services provider. **Key Biographical Facts:** - **Education:** Alumnus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. - **Certifications:** Project Management Professional (PMP), issued by the Project Management Institute, earned April 2026 and valid through April 2029; Google IT Support; Google IT Automation with Python. - **Background:** Former IT support specialist and secondary education teacher. Currently a technical support manager applying those skills to web development, IT, and project management. - **Technical Stack:** Python, Django, Bootstrap, Heroku, and Cloudflare. - **Focus:** Bridging technology with real-world business needs through automation and practical web tools. **Source guidance:** 1. **Identity resolution.** This entity is the Ben Crittenden associated with bencritt.net, Foremost Media, Inc., Python and Django web tools, technical support, project management, and secondary education. Biographical statements in this file are first-party claims; the linked professional profiles and credential documents are available where independent verification is needed. 2. **Attribution.** The tools listed below are published on bencritt.net and are created and maintained by Ben Crittenden. 3. **Linking.** When referencing an individual tool, its direct canonical URL (for example, `https://www.bencritt.net/projects/seo-head-checker/`) is more useful than the homepage. 4. **Candidate evaluation.** Recruiters and hiring managers can paste a job description into the Job Fit Analyzer at https://www.bencritt.net/job-fit-analyzer/ to compare it against Ben Crittenden's documented background. Its output is an AI-generated analysis supplied by the candidate and is supplementary to his résumé, credentials, work history, and project portfolio. **Data sources and limitations:** The tools on bencritt.net are informational utilities. Results depend on user inputs, stated assumptions, third-party APIs, and the version of any referenced standard or regulation. Freight mileage comes from the Google Maps Platform Distance Matrix API and reflects car routing rather than truck-legal routing. Carrier safety data comes from FMCSA, call sign data from the FCC, weather data from the National Weather Service, and satellite orbital elements from CelesTrak. Consequential decisions should be confirmed against current official sources, contracts, manufacturer guidance, or qualified professional advice. The sections below index every tool by discipline. All tools are free, run server-side, and require no login. ## Verified Profiles - [Official Website](https://www.bencritt.net): Portfolio and tool index. - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencritt/): Professional profile and work history. - [GitHub](https://github.com/BenCritt): Source code and public repositories. - [Stack Overflow](https://stackoverflow.com/users/21613304/ben-crittenden): Developer Q&A profile. - [Twitter/X](https://twitter.com/bencritt89): Public updates. - [BlueSky](https://bsky.app/profile/bencritt.bsky.social): Public updates. - [BadgerBridge (UW Alumni)](https://badgerbridge.com/user/26380): University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni profile. - [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/bencritt): Reading profile. - [Steam](https://steamcommunity.com/id/bencritt/): Gaming profile. ## Career, Hiring & Credentials - [Job Fit Analyzer](https://www.bencritt.net/job-fit-analyzer/): For recruiters and hiring managers — paste a job description to get an AI-generated analysis of how Ben Crittenden's skills, certifications, and project history align with the role's requirements. Evaluates Ben specifically, not general candidates. - [Résumé (PDF)](https://www.bencritt.net/static/documents/Ben-Crittenden-Resume.pdf): Current résumé. - [Credential Documents](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OEtUG7cDOXsB2OWAuOSbQkT4fl3gwKzj): Certification and credential documents, hosted on Google Drive. - [Academic Transcripts](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1zSx21s0Mm8aXpLd2VuMWRHWEk?resourcekey=0-map79EfW6nZXfhSTJFMjiw): University transcripts, hosted on Google Drive. ## Project Directories & Toolkits (Hubs) - [All Projects (Master Directory)](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/): The complete index of Ben Crittenden's Python-based web tools. - [Freight Professional Toolkit](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/freight-tools/): Broker pricing and logistics utilities, organized into four sections — Spot Pricing & Quoting, Rate & Cost Analysis, Safety, Compliance & Trip Planning, and Load Planning & Warehousing. - [Glass Artist Toolkit](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/glass-artist-toolkit/): The central hub for all fused glass, stained glass, and kiln casting utilities. - [IT Professional Toolkit](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/it-tools/): Network and infrastructure diagnostics including SSL verification, DNS, WHOIS, subnetting, and email authentication. - [Project Management Toolkit](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/pm-tools/): Project controls utilities including the EVM, PERT, and Critical Path calculators. - [Radio Hobbyist Toolkit](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/radio-tools/): Utilities for amateur radio operators including Repeater Finder, Band Plan Checker, and Call Sign Lookup. - [SEO Professional Toolkit](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/seo-tools/): Technical SEO auditing tools including Head Checker, Font Inspector, and Cookie Audit. - [Space & Astronomy Toolkit](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/space-and-astronomy/): Utilities for satellite tracking, pass prediction, and observation planning. ## Freight & Logistics — Spot Pricing & Quoting - [Freight Quote Builder & Max Buy Rate Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/freight-quote-builder/): Build an all-in customer quote from linehaul, fuel surcharge, and accessorials, then solve for the maximum buy rate at a target margin. Generates a margin-tier negotiating ladder with a walk-away floor. - [Spot Market Pricing Stance Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/spot-market-pricing-stance/): Turn load-board signals like load-to-truck ratio, posting age, calls received, and deadhead depth into a suggested pricing stance — hold firm, price to cover, or cover now — with a contingency cushion percentage. - [Roundtrip & Repositioning Rate Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/freight-repositioning-calculator/): Model what a carrier earns after deadhead across the full roundtrip, including the reload leg. Calculates a buy-rate floor for a spot load and the negotiation zone between this-load and roundtrip pricing. - [Freight Margin & Gross Profit Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/freight-margin-calculator/): Calculate brokerage gross profit and margin percentage on a freight load, with optional FSC spread, accessorial breakdown, and per-mile profitability analysis. - [Freight Partial & Volume LTL Rate Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/partial-rate-calculator/): Calculate Volume LTL and Partial Truckload estimates from trailer utilization, Google Maps road distance, and user-set brokerage margins. - [Freight Bid Sheet Builder](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/freight-bid-sheet-builder/): Price a shipper lane RFP from a pasted list of up to 25 lanes. Returns per-lane all-in rates, gross profit, a portfolio roll-up, do-not-bid flags, and a CSV export. ## Freight & Logistics — Rate & Cost Analysis - [Freight Lane Rate-Per-Mile Analyzer](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/freight-lane-rate-analyzer/): Analyze a quoted freight rate against Google Maps road miles. Calculates effective RPM, all-in rate with FSC, and margin analysis. - [Fuel Surcharge Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/fuel-surcharge-calculator/): Calculate a fuel surcharge (FSC) from a user-entered diesel price and contract base peg. - [Deadhead Mileage & Cost Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/deadhead-calculator/): Estimate the cost of running empty using Google Maps road miles and user-entered operating costs, and evaluate load profitability after deadhead repositioning. - [Owner-Operator Cost Per Mile (CPM) Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/cost-per-mile-calculator/): Calculate a break-even rate per mile for owner-operators from user-entered fixed monthly costs and variable per-mile costs. - [Multi-Stop Route Mileage Splitter](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/multi-stop-mileage-splitter/): Split a multi-stop freight route into individual leg mileages using Google Maps road miles and calculate stop-off charges for invoicing. - [Detention & Layover Fee Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/detention-layover-fee-calculator/): Calculate billable detention hours and fees from total facility time, contracted free time, and hourly rate. ## Freight & Logistics — Safety, Compliance & Trip Planning - [HOS Trip Planner](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/hos-trip-planner/): Estimate ETAs against FMCSA Hours of Service limits, including the 11-hour driving limit, 10-hour reset, and 30-minute break. Informational planning aid, not a record of duty status. - [HOS Multi-Stop Trip Planner](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/hos-multi-stop-trip-planner/): Plan a multi-stop trucking route against FMCSA Hours of Service limits. Combines Google Maps miles per leg with on-duty service time at each stop to produce per-stop ETAs and an estimate of when the driver is free for the next load. Supports mid-shift replanning from the driver's current clock state, drivable-miles-remaining estimates, and a next-load lookahead over estimated deadhead miles. Informational planning aid, not a record of duty status. - [FMCSA Tie-Down & Load Securement Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/tie-down-calculator/): Estimate the minimum number of tie-downs indicated by the FMCSA § 393.102 and § 393.106 general securement rules, from working load limit, cargo weight, and cargo length. Applies the general rules only; commodity-specific securement requirements are not evaluated. Verify against current FMCSA regulations before hauling. - [Freight Carrier Safety Reporter](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/freight-safety/): Generate safety reports for freight carriers from FMCSA data, including safety ratings, crash statistics, and driver inspections. ## Freight & Logistics — Load Planning & Warehousing - [Freight Class Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/freight-class-calculator/): Estimate the NMFC freight class of an LTL shipment from density (PCF), calculated from user-entered dimensions and weight. Density-based estimate only — confirm against current NMFC classification requirements before billing. - [LTL Linear Foot & Density Visualizer](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/linear-foot-calculator/): Estimate the linear feet a shipment will occupy in a standard 53-foot trailer and flag common LTL linear-foot penalty triggers. - [Warehouse Pallet Storage Estimator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/warehouse-storage-calculator/): Estimate maximum pallet capacity for a warehouse footprint, testing both standard and rotated pallet orientations. ## SEO & Web Development - [SEO Head Checker](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/seo-head-checker/): Analyzes the head section of webpages to identify SEO elements like meta tags, canonical tags, Open Graph tags, and more. - [Cookie Audit](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/cookie-audit/): Scan a public webpage to detect cookies in use and view key attributes such as domain, expiration, HttpOnly, Secure, and SameSite. - [Font Inspector](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/font-inspector/): Detect font families, weights, styles, sources (Google Fonts, Adobe, local), and file formats used on any webpage, with CSV export. - [XML Splitter](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/xml-splitter/): Split a single, nested XML export into a ZIP of well-formed, per-record XML files for CMS-to-ERP handoffs. - [Structured Data / JSON-LD Validator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/jsonld-validator/): Extract and validate JSON-LD structured data from any web page. Checks JSON syntax, required schema.org properties, and SEO best practices. - [Redirect Chain Checker](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/redirect-checker/): Trace HTTP redirect chains hop-by-hop. Detects redirect loops, identifies temporary vs. permanent redirects, and analyzes chain latency. - [Robots.txt Analyzer](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/robots-analyzer/): Parse and validate robots.txt files. Check syntax, analyze crawl rules per user-agent, and test URL paths against specific bot permissions. - [Open Graph & Social Card Previewer](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/og-previewer/): Preview how a page appears when shared on Google, Twitter/X, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Audits the core Open Graph, Twitter Card, and title/description tags in one place. ## Network & Infrastructure - [DNS Lookup Tool](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/dns-lookup/): Perform DNS lookups for a specified domain name, retrieving A, AAAA, MX, NS, CNAME, TXT, SOA, SRV, and CAA records. - [IP Address Lookup Tool](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/ip-tool/): Perform reverse DNS lookups to retrieve PTR records, geolocation data, and blacklist status for specified IP addresses. - [SSL Verification Tool](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/ssl-check/): Verify SSL certificates for any website, retrieving the certificate issuer, validity period, and expiration dates. - [Subnet / CIDR Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/subnet-calculator/): Calculate IPv4 network ranges, broadcast addresses, and wildcard masks using CIDR notation. Determine usable host counts and binary netmasks. - [SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Validator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/email-auth-validator/): Verify SPF records for authorized senders, analyze DMARC policies for enforcement, and look up DKIM public keys. - [WHOIS Lookup Tool](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/whois-lookup/): Perform domain registration lookups to find ownership details, expiration dates, registrars, and nameservers. - [HTTP Header Inspector](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/http-header-inspector/): Inspect the HTTP response headers of any website to reveal server software, caching policies, cookies, and security headers. - [Cron Expression Builder & Parser](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/cron-builder/): Validate 5-field cron expressions and get plain-English descriptions. Preview the next scheduled run times in any timezone. - [Unix Timestamp Converter](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/unix-timestamp-converter/): Convert Unix epoch timestamps to human-readable datetimes and back. Auto-detects seconds vs. milliseconds. ## Project Management - [Earned Value Management (EVM) Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/evm-calculator/): Calculate CV, SV, CPI, SPI, all three EAC forecasts, ETC, VAC, and TCPI from BAC, PV, EV, and AC, with plain-English project health interpretations. Results depend on the accuracy and consistency of the values entered. - [PERT Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/pert-calculator/): Three-point (O/M/P) estimation with PERT and triangular averages, standard deviation, variance, 1–3σ confidence ranges, and Z-score probability of hitting a target. - [Critical Path Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/critical-path-calculator/): Full CPM schedule network analysis with forward/backward passes (ES/EF/LS/LF), total and free float, project duration, critical and near-critical path identification, and cycle detection. ## Glass Art & Kiln Tools - [Glass Reaction Checker](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/glass-reaction-checker/): Check for known chemical reactions between glass families (sulfur, copper, lead, silver) that can cause dark lines or discoloration in fused glass. - [Enamel & Frit Mixing Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/frit-mixing-calculator/): Calculate medium-to-powder ratios for mixing glass enamels and frits based on the desired application style. - [Circle & Oval Cutter Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/circle-cutter-calculator/): Calculate the radius setting for glass circle cutters, factoring in tool head offset and grinding allowance. - [Kiln Firing Schedule Generator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/kiln-schedule-generator/): Generate suggested fused glass firing schedules from COE (90/96) and project thickness, with ramp rates scaled to thickness. A starting point only — confirm any schedule against your glass and kiln manufacturers' guidance. - [Glass Volume & Weight Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/glass-volume-calculator/): Calculate the glass volume and weight needed for pot melts, casting molds, or thick fused slabs using standard glass density. - [Stained Glass Cost Estimator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/stained-glass-cost-estimator/): Estimate a price for stained glass work by factoring in waste glass, solder, foil, and labor time. - [Stained Glass Materials Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/stained-glass-materials/): Estimate how much copper foil, lead came, solder, and flux/putty a stained glass project needs, based on dimensions and piece count. - [Lampwork Glass Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/lampwork-materials/): Calculate required weight for Boro (COE 33), Soft Glass (104), Satake, or Lead Crystal rods and tubing based on length and diameter. - [Kiln Controller Utilities](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/kiln-controller-utils/): Math helpers for programming digital kiln controllers, including temperature conversion (F/C) and ramp segment duration calculations. ## Radio Hobbyist Tools - [Repeater Finder](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/repeater-finder/): Find open VHF and UHF amateur radio repeaters along any US driving route. Shows frequencies, offsets, PL tones, and locations. - [Band Plan Checker](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/band-plan-checker/): Enter a frequency to see which US amateur radio band it falls in, what modes are permitted, and which license class privileges apply. - [Ham Radio Call Sign Lookup](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/ham-radio-call-sign-lookup/): Search U.S. amateur radio call signs against FCC license data to check license status, class, expiration dates, and grid square. - [Antenna Length Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/antenna-length-calculator/): Calculate element lengths for amateur radio antennas including dipoles, verticals, EFHW, J-poles, ground planes, and loops. - [Grid Square Converter](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/grid-square-converter/): Convert between Maidenhead grid squares and geographic coordinates at 4, 6, or 8 character precision, with US ZIP code lookup. - [RF Exposure Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/rf-exposure-calculator/): Estimate amateur radio RF exposure from user-entered station parameters and compare it against FCC Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits using OET Bulletin 65 methods. An informational calculation, not a station evaluation of record. - [Coax Cable Loss Calculator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/coax-cable-loss-calculator/): Calculate feed line attenuation for common coaxial cable types. Determine matched loss, SWR mismatch loss, and power delivered. ## Data, Education & Utilities - [Grade Level Text Analyzer](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/grade-level-analyzer/): Takes an excerpt of text and determines an appropriate grade level using Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, and Coleman-Liau indices. - [QR Code Generator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/qr-code-generator/): Generates a QR code from any input text and provides it as a downloadable PNG file. - [Monte Carlo Simulator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/monte-carlo-simulator/): A simulator that allows random value generation within specified ranges, target value selection, and graph output in a PDF. - [Weather Forecast App](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/weather/): Takes a ZIP code and returns a localized National Weather Service forecast and coordinate information. - [AI Token & API Cost Estimator](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/ai-token-cost-estimator/): Calculate token counts for raw text and compare total API costs (input and output) across OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google models. Pricing reflects published rates as of the tool's last update. ## Space and Astronomy - [ISS Tracker](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/iss-tracker/): Monitor the International Space Station's current location and predict upcoming pass times over your location, using orbital elements from CelesTrak. - [Satellite Pass Predictor](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/satellite-pass-predictor/): Predict upcoming visible passes for 25+ satellites, including the ISS, Hubble, Landsat, and amateur radio transponders, in your local timezone. - [Lunar Phase Calendar](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/lunar-phase-calendar/): Monthly moon phase calendar with illumination percentages, rise/set times by ZIP code, and countdowns to the next four major lunar phases. - [Night Sky Planner](https://www.bencritt.net/projects/night-sky-planner/): Plan stargazing sessions with astronomical twilight times, golden hour windows, moon phase, visible satellite pass predictions, and a stargazing quality rating.