About LavaVein

Team

Meet LavaVein

CEO

David Oberg

David is the CEO and Co-Founder of LavaVein, bringing over 35 years of experience in the software industry. His passion lies in deeply understanding user needs and translating them into clear, actionable visions that developers can bring to life. With a background that combines 20 years as a software developer and 20 years in user experience, David has a unique ability to bridge the gap between business objectives, user goals, and technical execution. His expertise in communication and workflow design ensures that every project delivers solutions that not only function seamlessly but also delight customers.

David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Oregon State University. He lives in Gainesville, FL, with his wife and is a proud father of four.

President

Robert Privette

As the President and Co-Founder of LavaVein, Robert Privette has always been driven by a passion for creating elegant, efficient systems. His journey into software design began with an early fascination for structured design—first in architectural plans as a child, then in the creative world of graphic design. Originally studying nutritional science at the University of Florida with plans for medical school, Robert took a detour into music, supporting his band by starting a design company. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him back to business school, where he earned his MBA before co-founding LavaVein with David Oberg in 2019.

Born and raised in Gainesville, FL, Robert now balances his love for innovation with family life. He and his wife, Allison, have built a full house with their four children. Outside of work, he enjoys music, woodworking, and continually refining both digital and physical creations with an eye for impact and efficiency.

Director of UI

James Gilmore

James specializes in crafting seamless and engaging user interfaces. With a background in graphic design from West Virginia University, he blends design sensibility with technical expertise to build intuitive digital experiences.

Based in Charleston, WV, James has been collaborating with much of the LavaVein team for nearly a decade, having worked alongside them in previous roles before joining the company. Outside of development, he’s an outdoor enthusiast who spends his free time fly fishing and camping in the Appalachian Mountains with his family. He and his wife, Erin, share a love for adventure, often traveling in their Airstream campervan with their little boy, Arlo. When he’s not exploring the outdoors, James enjoys perfecting homemade pizza and tackling DIY projects around the house.

Front-End Designer

Joseph Caltabellotta

Joey is a Front-End Designer at LavaVein, bringing a deep appreciation for storytelling, art, and user experience to every project. His path to design was anything but linear—after growing up in a military family and moving frequently, he studied anthropology at the University of Florida, where his curiosity for human behavior and culture naturally evolved into an interest in design and technology.

Joseph’s connection to LavaVein began years before the company was founded when he first met Robert Privette at UF while organizing an event featuring Robert’s band. That connection later led to a career shift into front-end visual design, where he worked alongside the core LavaVein team before officially joining the company. Now based in St. Petersburg, FL, he spends his free time with his wife, Nicole, and their two children, Hudson and Virginia. Beyond design, Joseph enjoys music, movies, video games, and exploring the power of storytelling and imagination.

Director of Development

Ian Hazzard

Ian is a Developer and Software Architect at LavaVein, blending his passion for technology with a background in television broadcasting. His journey in software development began early—at just 15, he landed an internship alongside several members of the current LavaVein team. Through hands-on experience, YouTube, and StackOverflow, he developed a deep understanding of software engineering before pursuing a degree in Television Broadcasting from Liberty University.

During his time in broadcasting, Ian worked with high-profile clients like ESPN, Nike, the NFL, and collegiate sports programs across the country. Though he enjoyed the fast-paced world of live sports production, his love for software development never faded. After getting married, he returned to coding on the side, eventually rejoining LavaVein to continue building innovative software solutions.

Now based in Gainesville, Ian enjoys balancing his work in software with his passion for sports broadcasting. Above all, he cherishes time with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Valor. When he’s not writing code or producing live broadcasts, you can find him exploring new tech, enjoying music, and embracing the joys of fatherhood.

UX Designer

James Lawrence

James Lawrence is a problem solver by nature, drawn to the intersection of technology and human behavior in User Experience design. With a background in web design and marketing, he specializes in crafting user interfaces that are deeply informed by research and tailored to client needs. His expertise is backed by professional UX certifications from Google and the Nielsen Norman Group.

Since joining LavaVein, James has played a key role in designing intuitive, visually compelling experiences that bridge aesthetics with functionality. Based in Raleigh, NC, he lives with his wife and two sons. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, fishing, hiking, photography, and boatbuilding—always exploring new ways to blend creativity with craftsmanship.

Developer

Ben Hayden

Ben Hayden is a Front-End Developer at LavaVein with a passion for crafting seamless web experiences. A Gainesville native, now based in Winston-Salem, NC, he grew up surrounded by a strong community of friends and mentors, including several members of the LavaVein team. Introduced to coding at a young age by his father—who once worked alongside many of his current colleagues—Ben developed a deep appreciation for software development, eventually earning a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Programming.

With a primary focus on front-end web development, Ben combines technical expertise with a keen eye for user experience. Outside of work, he’s an avid athlete, competing at the club level in Ultimate Frisbee as a member of Florida’s #1 mixed team. He also enjoys disc golf and has recently taken up pickleball. Whether coding or competing, Ben brings energy, precision, and a team-first mentality to everything he does.

Developer

Kesavan Nanjappan

Kesavan Nanjappan is a skilled Full-Stack Developer with a background in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Based in Gainesville, FL, he has worked across a diverse range of technologies, specializing in React, TypeScript, and Tailwind CSS to create high-performance web applications.

At LavaVein, Kesavan focuses on building scalable, user-friendly front-end solutions, ensuring that applications are both visually compelling and technically robust. His expertise extends beyond front-end development, with experience in Python, Flask, and Node.js, as well as automation and machine learning tools that enhance software efficiency. He has contributed to projects involving API integrations, cloud deployment automation, and AI-driven platforms, demonstrating his ability to tackle complex technical challenges.

Kesavan holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Florida, where he was awarded the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Achievement Award. Passionate about innovation, he thrives in collaborative environments, constantly exploring new ways to improve user experiences and streamline development workflows.