About
The greatest thing about technology is the information available with a click. What you plan to achieve with that information requires focus, organization, energy and attitude. I have learned so many things and there is so much more to learn. I have acquired this core set of key skills and knowledge from working with technology over the years. However, being detail oriented, thinking like a computer (so I'm told) and having the right attitude is what keeps me learning - it's my nature - how I deal with technical problems -- that makes me successful. There are plenty of aspects of technology that become obsolete, but a positive attitude and enthusiasm for what I do, sustains me.
I believe that using technology provides a variety of options and evaluating the options and determining the most suitable solution based on the specified criteria takes time but produces results with quality. When clients come to me with a solution, I want information about the problem first. Quick fixes always end up costing more in the long run, whether you have the metrics to prove it or not. I respect technology and expect the same from the people I work with. We can come to a solution, by working together to understand what we're trying to solve and the options within our means and acceptable cost.
Data Management Consultant
While in between full time technology opportunities, I can provide Services to help your business embrace technology and all that it can do. Looking for desktop or server support, please contact Chris Novak of Professional Nerds since my business will be focusing on database and web management. And here's what I've done in the past.Technology Director
I was Technology Director at a small marketing firm in the Western Suburbs. It was great to grow the technology team and share learnings and keeping current on the latest technology trends from the software development side. Working with software development takes managing customer expectations and the software project with documentation and proper planning, requirements and testing.Technology Advisor
Since 2001, I have been helping the local Chamber of Commerce manage their membership data and website along with other local small businesses. I worked with their computers and databases by bringing in the technical skill set that was needed on a part time basis. Using Microsoft Access, I created custom queries and reports. I managed phone systems and contributed my technical experience to their technology decisions.
Web Development
I have been focusing on web development since 1995 having a background in software development. I burden myself with only wanting to create quality websites or web applications that are truly intuitive, easy to use and have been thoroughly tested. I differentiate between simple marketing websites that people can churn out quickly with simple tools vs. web applications that require a great deal of user interface design, database design, requirements writing, software developing, code reviewing, testing plans and regression testing. I have worked with both Microsoft Web Development Tools (ASP, SQL Server) and Open Source (PHP/mySQL). Both now have frameworks available to work with. The proprietary (costly) and Open Source (free) are two totally different communities, technology attitudes and mind sets. I have a background in both and each have their benefits and downfalls. Typically when a person says one is better than the other, it's because they are more knowledgeable or experienced about one over the other.Database Management
The commonality between all of my web development is by the fact that there is a database backend. I was working with databases previous to web development so I am very familiar with SQL and database management that would suit the needs of small businesses.Background
I've been working with technology for a very long time, learning, updating and adapting along the way in both my personal and professional life. I started my career working in banks and learning how to use all the machines in the basement. After mastering that, I got a real computer operator position at the very inception of Airfone®. Established myself as a leader learning all that I can, brought me to the "big time" at AT&T® Bell Labs. Taking full advantage of education and training opportunities available, moved from computer operator support positions to the technical side of hardware and software development. Enthusiasm and a strong work ethic advanced my career several times at AT&T®/Lucent Technologies Inc. over a 14 year period, with web development beginning in 1995. The realities of the time closed off that path so I opened new ones. The learning's, opportunities and experiences with cutting edge technology and people impacted my life forever and I bring that and add more to new endeavors and community involvement.
Ongoing Education
Skills and experiences are expanded with every project. Recently I have been working on my Project Management Professional Certification and taking coursework and studying. Tracking all of the project hours in line with the particular knowledge areas is next while I continue to study. Educational training in the Motion Picture/Television Curriculum and Photography classes supplement existing knowledge and broaden creative perspectives while heightening artistic aptitude.
Past Education Background
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Core requirements for Computer Science Degree completed as prerequisite for Masters in Computer Science.