Born curious, shaped by challenge, and always reaching for deeper truth. I’ve worn many hats—learner, technician, partner, parent, planner, builder, listener. Professionally, I’ve mainly worked as an IT Consultant, but I’ve come to see that who we are matters as much as what we do.

I’m passionate about technology, but I’m also deeply interested in the human side of things. I believe in the power of connection, empathy, and understanding. My journey has taught me that life is not just about the destination, but about the people we meet and the experiences we share.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking, tinkering with technologies like AI, containers, orchestration, and hardware. I try finding joy in the little things. I am always learning, always growing, and always looking for ways to make a positive impact in the world. This site is a reflection of that journey—a place to share my thoughts, experiences, and the lessons I’ve learned.

This server is being hosted on a cloud computer running Debian Linux running an Nginx server from a Docker container. It’s a simple, static site that I built to share my story.

Information Technology Consultant – Mar 2020–Present

Vicinitech · United States · Remote

• Managed complex IT initiatives for SMB clients, including firewall configuration, cloud backup solutions, and system integrations, enhancing overall infrastructure reliability.
• Administered and optimized endpoint management for company-issued devices using Microsoft Intune; developed and deployed PowerShell and Python scripts to automate bulk configurations, streamline device provisioning, and enhance data collection efficiency.
• Led cross-functional troubleshooting efforts and coordinated with vendors to resolve escalated technical issues, reducing resolution time.
• Managed and optimized internal ticketing workflows, improving SLA adherence and enabling better resource allocation for junior support staff.
• Served as the go-to resource for advanced issue resolution and provided mentorship to Level 1 technicians, improving team productivity and knowledge transfer.
• Oversaw remote system diagnostics and incident resolution, ensuring continuity of service and customer satisfaction across diverse client environments.
• Contributed to new service offerings and product testing, providing technical insights that shaped go-to-market strategies.
• Developed and maintained documentation standards, ensuring consistency in support processes and compliance with internal and client-facing requirements.
• Engaged directly with clients and stakeholders to scope project requirements, set expectations, and deliver technical solutions aligned with business goals.
• Proactively identified recurring issues and proposed long-term solutions, resulting in improved system uptime and customer retention.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing multiple priorities with minimal supervision, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding performance benchmarks.

Principal Consultant – Mar 2006–Mar 2020

Enfide · Lake Villa, Illinois

• Led end-to-end delivery of managed IT services for a diverse portfolio of small businesses, overseeing infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud strategy across multiple verticals.
• Conducted in-depth needs assessments and technical audits to design and implement scalable, cost-effective solutions tailored to client business requirements.
• Researched, tested, and deployed line-of-business (LOB) applications using virtual machines and containerization (Docker) to simulate production environments, streamline deployment, and ensure compatibility.
• Leveraged virtualization technologies to isolate, test, and implement business services, enhancing service reliability and reducing risk during rollout.
• Performed cost-benefit analyses on legacy systems and technology stacks, helping clients reduce operational IT spend while improving performance and system resilience.
• Provided full-spectrum support for desktop, server, network, VoIP, and IoT environments, maintaining high availability through proactive monitoring and issue resolution.
• Designed and implemented secure hybrid infrastructure solutions, including on-prem virtualization, containerized services, cloud migrations (Microsoft 365, Azure), and business continuity planning.
• Oversaw vendor relationships and integrated specialized hardware/software platforms, ensuring seamless support and compliance with industry standards.
• Delivered comprehensive cybersecurity oversight including endpoint protection, firewall management, patching, and disaster recovery planning.
• Developed and maintained SOPs, client documentation, and internal knowledge bases to standardize service delivery and support operational scalability.
• Managed project scopes, budgets, and timelines, serving as both technical lead and client-facing consultant to drive strategic, business-aligned outcomes.
• Fostered strong client relationships through transparent communication, regular reporting, and long-term IT roadmapping, resulting in sustained customer loyalty and referrals.

Senior System Engineer – May 2005–Mar 2006

Chasm Industries · Northbrook, Illinois

• Led the nationwide deployment of a unified IT infrastructure across six U.S. locations, delivering a scalable solution integrating MPLS networking, Cisco-based telephony (Call Manager and IP Phones), and enterprise-grade switching and routing.
• In-charge of the implementation of core Microsoft technologies including Active Directory and Exchange Server, enabling centralized authentication, communication, and policy enforcement across the organization.
• Oversaw end-to-end server infrastructure rollout using Dell PowerEdge servers and SANs in our co-location space, optimizing performance, storage, and high availability.
• Designed and implemented layered network security using SonicWall firewalls, ensuring secure inter-site connectivity and compliance with corporate policies.
• Collaborated with a cross-functional team of five, including systems engineers and support personnel, to deliver infrastructure milestones on time and within budget.
• Coordinated vendor and supplier engagements for equipment procurement, licensing, and technical support, streamlining project execution and reducing lead times.
• Provided mentorship to junior staff and developed team training plans, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing, continuous improvement, and technical accountability.
• Authored comprehensive system documentation including network diagrams, SOPs, configuration records, and knowledge transfer materials to support long-term operations and maintenance.

Technology Consultant – May 2000–May 2005

KynetyK · Grayslake, Illinois

• Founded and operated a technology services business providing on-site and remote IT support to residential and small business clients, with a focus on reliable, user-friendly technology solutions.
• Delivered comprehensive technical support including diagnostics, virus/malware remediation, data recovery, hardware repair, and system optimization across desktops, laptops, and networked devices.
• Assessed and remediated critical system vulnerabilities, deploying antivirus, firewall, and secure remote access tools to safeguard client environments.
• Designed, implemented, and maintained core IT infrastructure including LAN/WAN networks, secure Wi-Fi configurations, VPNs, firewalls, and file/email servers for small offices and home-based businesses.
• Built and managed client websites and email hosting platforms, integrating domain registration, DNS configuration, and content management systems.
• Trained clients on the use of new technology solutions including operating systems, office productivity suites, and security best practices, reducing future support calls and empowering end users.
• Developed strong customer relationships through clear communication, transparency, and responsiveness, leading to repeat business and word-of-mouth growth.
• Created documentation and onboarding materials for clients, ensuring long-term usability and system sustainability.

IT Systems Analyst – Sep 1998–May 2000

Abbott · Waukegan, Illinois

• Provided enterprise IT support across multiple departments during Y2K remediation efforts, ensuring critical systems and applications remained operational and compliant through the transition.
• Supported and maintained over 400 workstations, including OS migrations, hardware upgrades, and the deployment of tested software images to maintain system standardization and reliability.
• Collaborated with development teams to validate in-house software fixes, performing integration testing and quality assurance prior to rollout across enterprise environments.
• Streamlined workstation imaging and deployment processes, reducing implementation time and improving consistency in endpoint configuration.
• Delivered end-user training on newly implemented systems and software tools, enhancing adoption and minimizing disruption during large-scale transitions.
• Acted as a technical liaison between the centralized IT department and various internal business units, translating department-specific needs into scalable technical solutions.
• Documented procedures, rollout plans, and support protocols, contributing to knowledge continuity and smooth operations during and after Y2K system readiness initiatives.

Best Buy · Chicago, Illinois · Hybrid

Manager, In-Store Repair Services (Promoted 1997)

• Selected to lead the complete operational turnaround of a critically underperforming repair department.
• Engineered and implemented a new workflow that dramatically reduced average service turnaround from 24 days to 2 days within the first 30 days.
• Directed all department operations, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management for a team of technicians.
• Acted as a key member of the store leadership team, collaborating with other department heads in strategy meetings to align service objectives with overall store goals.
• Managed all inter-departmental coordination, ensuring a seamless workflow between sales, inventory, and the service center to elevate the customer experience.

Field Technology Specialist

• Delivered on-site technical services across the greater Chicagoland area, supporting early consumer and small business adopters of personal computing and emerging digital technologies.
• Installed and configured custom PC systems, peripherals, home networks, and software packages for residential clients and small office environments, ensuring proper functionality and user readiness.
• Provided one-on-one and small group training on newly installed hardware and software, empowering clients to adopt emerging technology with confidence during a period of rapid change.
• Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues both in the field and remotely, coordinating with vendors and manufacturers to address defects, compatibility challenges, and warranty concerns.
• Acted as an informal technology advisor to families and small businesses with no dedicated IT support, guiding purchasing decisions and providing recommendations for system upgrades and workflow improvements.
• Developed trust-based relationships with clients, frequently serving as their sole point of technical support and building a strong reputation for reliability, clarity, and professionalism.
• Contributed insights that helped shape Best Buy’s eventual service strategy and the foundation of what would become the Geek Squad brand, through direct customer feedback and field experience.
• Achieved #1 in revenue sales company-wide, driven by technical expertise, customer trust, and strong service-to-sales conversions.
• Maintained detailed records of installations, configurations, and customer interactions, ensuring consistency and continuity in ongoing support.

Store Manager (Acting) & Assistant Manager – Jun 1993–Apr 1994

Merry-Go-Round · Schaumburg, Illinois

• Assumed full responsibility for all store operations as the sole manager on-site for a 5-month period during a leadership transition.
• Directed day-to-day management, including opening/closing procedures, cash handling, and daily financial reconciliation and reporting.
• Managed the entire sales floor, driving revenue through proactive customer engagement, visual merchandising, and promotional execution.
• Oversaw all inventory management processes, including receiving shipments, managing stock levels, and conducting regular cycle counts to ensure accuracy.
• Handled all customer service escalations, resolving issues to maintain client satisfaction and uphold brand reputation.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised store associates, fostering a productive and positive team environment.Managed a personal paper delivery route, distributing newspapers to residential customers on weekday afternoo>
• Solicited new customers along assigned routes, increasing circulation and expanding territory.

Independent Newspaper Distributor (Paper Deliverer) – 1989–1991

News Sun · Grayslake, Illinois

• Managed a personal paper delivery route, distributing newspapers to residential customers on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
• Solicited new customers along assigned routes, increasing circulation and expanding territory.
• Handled customer service, including weekly/monthly collections and issue resolution.
• Purchased inventory up front from the publisher, balancing expenses and income like a small business.
• Developed early skills in time management, responsibility, and customer engagement.

My home lab is a blend of local and cloud-based infrastructure, designed for resilience, automation, and experimentation. Here's an overview of the key components:

Core Infrastructure

• TrueNAS: Two local storage servers for primary data and backups
• Remote NAS: Offsite storage for redundancy
• Cloud Archive: Long-term archival storage in the cloud
• OPNsense Router: Firewall and network management
• NetBird: Secure mesh VPN for remote access

Virtualization & Containers

• Proxmox: Hosting virtual machines and containers
• Pi-hole: Network-wide ad blocking
• Docker: Managing containers for:
  • Ollama (local LLMs)
  • Open WebUI (AI platform)
  • n8n (workflow automation)
  • Portainer (container management)
  • Vaultwarden (password management)
  • Linkwarden (bookmark archiving)
  • Authentik (SSO and identity management)
  • Nextcloud (file sync and collaboration)
  • Immich (self-hosted photo management)
  • Checkmate (infrastructure monitoring)

Automation & Productivity

• Home Assistant: Smart home automation and device integration
• Obsidian Sync: Personal knowledge base synced across devices
• Cloud Servers: Hosting public services via Nginx reverse proxy