Skills
I have worked in many aspects and levels of IT, gaining 20 years of hands-on experience in real-world situations. I've built my career on the belief that everything has a solution with the curiosity and dedication to learn - this has given me a strong foundation as a jack-of-all-trades while positioning myself as an experienced and capable System Administrator and IT Manager.
From end-user desk-side support, weird printer issues, and unexplained software issues - all the way up to project management, server migrations, firewall replacements, security and backup management, automation, team leadership, budgeting, and vendor management.
I have experience and comfort as either the solo, individual "IT person" for a company of hundreds of people; and as part of an IT team supporting thousands of people.
My focus and strengths are in Windows environments, however I am comfortable with Mac workstations to provide support and I have a functional knowledge of Linux.
Familiar Technologies
It would be impossible for me list everything, but hopefully this is a good overview.
- Operating systems:
- Microsoft Windows XP through 11, Windows Server 2003 through 2025, VMWare ESX 5.5 through 8.0, Linux Ubuntu workstation and server, Mac OS 10 through 12
- Workstation hardware:
- Dell laptop and desktop PCs, HP laptop and desktop PCs, Apple iMac, generic thin clients and “stick PCs”
- Server and storage hardware:
- Dell PowerEdge, HP ProLiant, Dell Unity and PowerVault, HP Nimble, Synology, QNAP
- Server roles and software:
- Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure (Identity, Entra), HyperV, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Remote Desktop and Remote Apps, Exchange, Microsoft SQL server, Microsoft IIS, WordPress, Citrix, Parallels
- Firewall hardware:
- Fortinet FortiGate, WatchGuard, Dell SonicWall, Palo Alto, Meraki
- Networking hardware:
- Cisco Meraki switches and access points, HP Aruba switches and APs, Dell PowerSwitch, Ruckus APs and bridges, Ubiquiti APs
- Security services:
- Malwarebytes Pro and ThreatDown, ESET, Windows Defender, Huntress, CrowdStrike, Barracuda Email Gateway Defense, KnowBe4
- Backup solutions:
- Datto, Veeam, Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud, CrashPlan, Backblaze, StorageCraft ShadowProtect
- Remote management and monitoring platforms and ticketing:
- ConnectWise, ConnectWise Automate (LabTech), Autotask, Kaseya, ScreenConnect, TeamViewer, Splashtop, PRTG, LogicMonitor, Auvik, Freshworks, HelpSpot
- Communications and meeting solutions and phone systems:
- Zoom phones and Zoom Rooms, Microsoft Teams, Airtame, Avaya, Mitel, FreePBX
- Niche technologies:
- ICT and Keri access and security systems, Moxa, PaperCut, Powerfleet, ePS Suite, Esko, SAP Crystal Reports
Tangential Skills
Business Management
I owned my own business for a few years providing IT consulting, break-fix support, and project management services to small businesses. It was a great experience and I learned a lot of business and management skills. After about 3 years my largest client and I came to an agreement and I joined them as an employee.
Supervisor
I have had direct reports in a few positions and am comfortable in that role. I've handled the associated tasks such as hiring, training, coaching, reviews, and others.
Project Management
I have often found myself wearing the Project Management hat while serving as the sole IT person for an organization, while leading teams of colleagues, and during the time that I owned my IT consulting business. I have been responsible for budgets, procuring bids, managing time and resources, documentation, vendor relations, and stakeholder presentations.
Low voltage, Electronics, PLC
I have assisted with many low voltage projects including cabling, PLC installation and troubleshooting, and various electronics work on manufacturing equipment.