IT Professional Experience
I actually started of in the mid 90’s working for Allied Signal running backups on an Oracle Server. I only worked part time under contract. I was still running my automotive shop full time, so I only worked there for a few months.
Then in 1998, a friend asked me to work with him at Eaglebend MFG. All that they required was for me to assemble computers out of parts lying around. That went into training employees that had little to no knowledge of computers, how to hook them up and a basic understanding of how they worked.
Bigger task was assigned, like Server Administration and backups. This included Windows Server, AS 400 and a Lotus Notes Email Server. From there become infrastructure support, while still performing my day-to-day helpdesk support role. Although, helpdesk for many just includes office personnel, for me it was shop floor personnel and equipment.
Layoffs occurred due to failing business and I was let go. I went to work for Covenant Health on 3rd shift to run backups and provide IT, server logs. I got lucky and was offered a position at Alstom Power, which was the best job I ever had.
It was back to helpdesk support but only for a short-time. I quickly became the Asset and Procurement manager. I applied my barcoding experience with some database work and created an efficient method for conducting inventory. Not long after, I started getting involved in project management type roles. With that become a lot of documentation. So, I picked up project management and technical writing skills. Alstom believed in training, so I got to go to many type classes, in house and external.
Alstom’s were shutting down around the United States, so I was asked back to Eaglebend to implement a new AS 400, along with setting up their EDI. I was hired as IT Manager. I had at one point about 6 employees under me. I worked there for about a year. Eaglebend is a different culture to work for, they have no real structure. I was offered a better position at another company, so I left to take it.
Sadly, the new job didn’t exist, so I was out of work. I have worked at a few different places in different IT roles. One was again, IT Manager at a plant that printed Labels. Unfortunately, the owner was very unprofessional and had her own agendas. My first job was to work in customer service answering phones. I was told that I would not go into the IT room. The purpose in hiring me was to change out their ERP systems. I had it analyzed and recommendations in the first week. Due to the very peculiar behavior from the owner, she didn’t want my report. I left that job since it was not as described and a bit hostile.
I started my own business offering freelance IT support to residential and small businesses. Included in my services, I also build websites and do graphic designs. Website work requires SEO experience, which was interesting to learn. I enjoy the IT field, and am always up to a new challenge.
In all my years, I have gained experience with Windows, SQL, Linux, SharePoint and Lotus Notes servers, including AS 400 and Oracle Mainframes. I have acquired over 15 years of project management and technical writer roles. I have many years in management and as a team lead.