About

Gerd Klingenschmid

I'm Gerd Klingenschmid – a founder, systems architect, and developer based in Austria. I build CRM systems and automation for the energy sector, geospatial intelligence platforms, and web applications for various clients. I like building systems that actually work and scale.

From military intelligence to building software

My path to software development wasn't traditional:

  • Air Force Intelligence Officer (Austrian Air Force): Subject matter expert for Air Force intelligence – responsible for knowledge management and training of new intelligence personnel. Led the unmanned aerial reconnaissance department, contributed to evaluation and deployment of new reconnaissance drone systems, and temporarily commanded ~60 personnel across three locations. Learned to structure information, make decisions under uncertainty, and train others systematically.
  • Co-Founded EnergyTIP: Built the entire technical infrastructure for an energy brokerage – Zoho CRM with 40+ workflows, 130+ custom functions, supplier API integrations, and a partner portal. Processing 10,000+ automated actions monthly.
  • 🗺️
    Building Ithlin (GEOINT Platform): A passion project combining my military background with software development – dual 2D/3D mapping, NATO military symbology, knowledge graphs, and offline-first architecture.

Today I focus on CRM architecture, full-stack development, and geospatial systems – plus the occasional website for clients who need something clean and fast.

Areas of Focus

CRM Architecture & Automation

Designing complex CRM systems with custom data models, workflows, and integrations. At EnergyTIP, I built 40+ workflows, 130+ custom functions, and process 10,000+ automated actions monthly.

🏗️

Full-Stack Development

Building complete applications from database to UI. I work with Spring Boot and PostgreSQL on the backend, Vue.js on the frontend, with OAuth 2.0 and microservices architecture.

🗺️

Geospatial Intelligence

Building mapping platforms for serious analytical work. Ithlin combines MapLibre GL, Cesium 3D, NATO military symbology, and Neo4j knowledge graphs—all offline-capable.

🌐

Web Design

Creating fast, modern websites for businesses. I prefer Astro and Tailwind CSS for marketing sites, and Vue.js when more interactivity is needed.

Web Design

Websites I've designed and shipped for businesses. Clean, functional, and built to convert.

Experience

Co-Founder & Systems Architect

2023 – present
EnergyTIP GmbH

Designing and implementing the technical backbone of my energy cost optimization company and its partner ecosystem.

CRM Architecture: Designed complete Zoho CRM data model for customers, contract lifecycle management, and partners
EnergyTIP Partner App: Built and deployed comprehensive 'managed CRM' application with Vue.js and Spring Boot
Internal Tooling: Designed and built extensive admin toolkit for easier Zoho development and internal process facilitation in Flask and Vue.js

Passion Project

2024 – present
Ithlin

Full-stack geospatial intelligence platform for military and intelligence operations planning and analysis.

Dual-Mode Mapping: Seamless switching between 2D (MapLibre GL) and 3D globe (Cesium) views
Military Symbology: Full MIL-STD-2525D / APP-6B symbol rendering with interactive symbol builder
Knowledge Graph: Neo4j-powered relationship visualization and network analysis

Military Intelligence and UAV Officer

Oct 2023 – Feb 2025
Austrian Armed Forces, Airforce

Leading the department for unmanned aerial reconnaissance. Contributing to the introduction and testing of new UAV technologies, managing a team of three specialists, temporary overall responsibility for the aerial reconnaissance squadron with approximately 60 personnel across three locations.

Subject Matter Expert Airforce Intelligence: Knowledge management and training of new Airforce Intelligence personnell
UAV Technology Introduction: Contributed to evaluation and deployment of new reconnaissance drone systems
Squadron Leadership: Temporary command of ~60 personnel across three locations

Junior Branch Manager

Jun 2022 – present
OVB Allfinanzvermittlungs GmbH, Vienna (Self-employed)

Comprehensive consulting and customer support in the areas of retirement planning, insurance protection, and claims management. Coaching and training of trainees. Responsibility for team leadership, training planning, and organizational processes.

Internship

Jul 2016 – Aug 2016
HEPHY – Institute of High Energy Physics, Vienna

Hardware and software development of a climate monitoring device for a cleanroom production facility for particle accelerator components.

Education & Certifications

Bachelor of Arts in Military Leadership

Aug 2020 – Sep 2023
Theresian Military Academy (FH), Wiener Neustadt

Focus on operational leadership, education science, and interdisciplinary action. Final grade: Good Success. 180 ECTS.

United States Naval Academy: Exchange semester as an Officer Cadet in the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD
Bachelor Thesis: Operational Deception during the North Africa Campaign (1940) and its implications for operational and tactical training

State-Certified Insurance Agent

Mar 2022 – Jun 2022
Chamber of Commerce Lower Austria, St. Pölten

Legal and professional competence in insurance, private, commercial, and labor law. Final grade: Distinction. EQF Level 6.

AHS Matura with Natural Sciences Focus

Sep 2011 – Jun 2019
Bundesrealgymnasium Adolf-Pichler-Platz, Innsbruck

General university entrance qualification with natural sciences focus.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

Zoho One Zoho CRM Spring Boot Vue.js PostgreSQL MapLibre GL Process Automation API Design

Personal Competencies

Leadership Team Management Strategic Planning Problem Solving Communication Training & Coaching

Languages

🇦🇹 German Native
🇬🇧 English C2 Proficient
🇫🇷 French B1 Independent
🇨🇳 Chinese A1 Basic

Photography

Capturing moments through the lens. A selection from my best work in landscape and travel photography.

Personal Notes

  • Based in Austria, working primarily in German and English.
  • I prefer building systems that scale over quick fixes that don't.
  • Photography is my creative outlet – landscapes, architecture, and travel.
  • Exchange semester at the US Naval Academy shaped how I think about leadership.