Garrett Hampton
CTO & AI Engineer
I am a seasoned CTO and AI engineer based in Seattle, WA specializing in AI systems, architecture, security, and data engineering. Currently CTO at MainStem.
Where Logic Meets Passion
I am a seasoned CTO & AI engineer currently working at MainStem, where I focus on building intelligent systems and scalable architecture.
My expertise spans artificial intelligence, systems architecture, security, and data engineering. I leverage modern AI to accelerate development while maintaining robust, secure foundations.
With 15+ years of professional experience and several successful acquisitions, I've built solutions across banking, FinTech, supply chain, and medical radiology. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, and contributing to open-source projects.
Role
CTO & AI Engineer
Focus
AI, Architecture, Security, Data
Location
Seattle, WA
Family
Husband & Father
Industries
FinTech, Supply Chain, Cannabis
Experience
15+ Years
Core Focus Areas
Deep technical expertise across the domains that define the future of computing.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Designing and deploying intelligent systems that learn, adapt, and scale.
Computer Science & Systems Architecture
Building robust, scalable systems from first principles.
Mathematics & Algorithms
Applying mathematical rigor to solve complex computational problems.
Quantum Computing & Physics
Exploring the frontier where physics meets computation.
Volunteering & Community
Technology is only as meaningful as the impact it creates. I'm committed to sharing knowledge, mentoring the next generation, and building a more inclusive tech community.
Website & Events Volunteer
Built and maintained web presence while organizing fundraising events. Recognized with Young Philanthropist of the Year award.
Volunteer Instructor
Teaching kids the fundamentals of programming and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Website & Events Coordinator
Managing web presence and organizing community events for fathers in the Kitsap area.
Web, Events & Lead Guitarist
Contributing to the blues community through website management, event organization, and performing as lead guitarist.
Website & Events Volunteer
Supporting beagle rescue operations through web development and event coordination.
Awards & Patents
Recognition for leadership, innovation, and community contributions.
Awards & Honors
Inc 500
2010Inc. Magazine
Recognized as one of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in America
Inc 5000
2011Inc. Magazine
Honored for exceptional growth and business leadership
Inc 5000
2012Inc. Magazine
Continued recognition for sustained rapid growth
Inc 5000
2013Inc. Magazine
Fourth consecutive year of remarkable company growth
Young Philanthropist of the Year
2014American Cancer Society
Awarded for outstanding contributions to cancer research and community support
Inc 5000
2021Inc. Magazine
Return to the prestigious list recognizing America's fastest-growing companies
Experience & Exits
A career of building and scaling technology companies from startup to successful exits.
MainStem.io
Chief Technology Officer
Seattle, WA
Providing strategic technical leadership to the executive team, defining and executing overall technical vision. Overseeing all digital initiatives including development, product management, UX design, API integrations, security, and regulatory compliance.
Contract CTO
Chief Technology Officer
Seattle, WA
Following three consecutive acquisitions, served as contract CTO providing strategic guidance to diverse companies across multiple tech industries. Led product development and team growth initiatives.
Viridian Sciences
Chief Technology Officer
Vancouver, WA
Led development of proprietary .NET C# applications integrated with SAP's BusinessOne platform. Contributed significant IP including patented technologies that enhanced operational efficiency.
Jovian Business
Owner
Las Vegas, NV
Founded and led a technology consulting business, overseeing architecture, planning, and management of technology solutions across various industries.
Best Rate Referrals
Director of Software Engineering
Las Vegas, NV
Maintained and optimized technology infrastructure while developing custom business applications. Programmed real-time data processing solutions in C# for efficient lead delivery and management.
Writing & Articles
Thoughts on technology, industry, and cloud infrastructure.
Cannabis Tech Companies To Watch In 2021
Meet the 5 tech companies I'll be watching in 2021 in the cannabis industry.
My Predictions For Cannabis 2021
Read about my 5 predictions for the cannabis industry in 2021.
Adding SSL to Grafana by Bitnami on AWS with LetsEncrypt
Learn how to add free SSL from LetsEncrypt to your Bitnami Grafana on AWS.
In the News
Independent publications and articles that mention Garrett Hampton.
Top 10 Most Innovative CTOs to Watch in 2022
Garrett Hampton is an accomplished technology executive with over 15 years of experience leading companies through digital transformation. Throughout his career as a technology leader, Garrett has been successfully listed on Inc. 5000 on five separate occasions and has been an integral part of several successful acquisitions.
2022-01-01
Top 10 Most Innovative CTOs to Watch in 2022
As a MainStem's executive team member since 2016, Garrett was the principal architect in developing the only intelligent supply chain platform built specifically for the enterprise cannabis market.
2022-01-01
Kitsap group helps build support system for fathers
The Kitsap Fathers Group, co-founded in June 2023 by Juan Galvez, Zachary Pope and Garrett Hampton, recently hosted a meet and greet that brought together more than 30 fathers and children in Bremerton.
2025-05-13
MainStem Scales Their Integration Strategy with Paragon
Case study on how MainStem scaled its integration strategy with Paragon.
Cannabis marketplace and purchasing platform MainStem Inc. named Microsoft Partner for Startups
Press coverage of MainStem Inc. being named a Microsoft Partner for Startups.
MainStem Inc. launches marketplace integration with BioTrackTHC's seed-to-sale software
Press coverage of MainStem's marketplace integration with BioTrackTHC seed-to-sale software.
My Library
Books that have shaped my thinking on technology, leadership, and life.
Vector: A Surprising Story of Space, Time, and Mathematical Transformation
Robyn Arianrhod
Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI
Anil Ananthaswamy
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
James Clear
Designing Data-Intensive Applications: The Big Ideas Behind Reliable, Scalable, and Maintainable Systems
Martin Kleppmann
Beyond the Code
The most complex algorithms I encounter aren't in code—they're in the beautiful chaos of family life. As a husband and father, I've learned that the best solutions come from patience, iteration, and a lot of love.
My passion for chessextends beyond the board. Every game is a lesson in strategic thinking, pattern recognition, and the humility that comes from knowing there's always a better move. These principles guide how I approach technology leadership and complex problem-solving.
Whether I'm debugging distributed systems or building block towers with my kids, the core remains the same: stay curious, think several moves ahead, and never stop learning.
"In chess, as in technology, the person who sees the farthest usually wins. But what matters most is choosing the right game to play."