Resume
Robert Shofkom
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Profile:
I am a results-driven IT Director / Technical Project Manager / IT Engineer with extensive experience in Change Management, using LEAN processes to deliver technical solutions, and transforming IT Cost Centers into IT Profit Centers! I have over fifteen years of planning and directing multiple project teams that provide innovative Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Customer Service Solutions. All my clients rave about my ability to “get the job done!” ahead of schedule, under budget, and with 100% customer satisfaction!
For a COMPLETE PROJECT LIST covering the last 12 years you can download THIS Excel Document. (You will need Excel 2010 or later to view this file.)
For my MOST CURRENT RESUME download THIS PDF Document.
For a ZIP FILE containing the above plus a pic, and word version of my resume download and unzip THIS ZIP FILE.
Executive Summary:
(A short list of items I can configure, implement, and deploy without outside assistance!)
Virtualization experience includes VMWare ESX 3, 3.5, 4, 4.1; ESXi 3, 4, 4.1, 5.0, 5.1 & Microsoft HyperV Server 2008-2012. SAN knowledge includes both iSCSI & Fiber Channel from a wide variety of vendors including Equal Logic PS 6010/6510 series, EMC CX3-10, and Net Apps 3100 series. Windows System Administration includes Server 2000-2012; Active Directory 2000-2012; SQL 2005-2012; SBS 2003-2011; Terminal Server 2000-2012; Windows Storage Server 2008-2012, Exchange 2003-2010; and implementing/managing Office 365 for Enterprises. Management Systems include SCOM 2007 R2, SCVMM 2008, SCCM (System Center) 2012. Telecom System Experience includes, Avaya IP Office, Toshiba Strata/DK, Cisco IPT, Mitel ICP, 3Com, Shortel, Virtual PBX, Ring Central, Voicent, EPIC/CCM Call Centers and various Auto Dialers for AR purposes. Ticket and Patch Management experience includes Kasaya, Logmein Central, Dameware, Bomgar, Jira, GFI Max, Labtech, and Continium. I also have in depth knowledge of Microsoft Volume Licensing and EA agreements for global corporations.
Note VERY Important: ALL Project Management / Program Management roles on this resume, with the exception of the work performed at SHELL, required me to physically touch the equipment and utilize my technical skill set as a Systems Engineer, IT/Telecom SME, Networking Guru, or Technical Consultant in addition to being responsible for Project Management / Program Management processes.
Experience:
“The guy you call to get the job done… when no one else can!”
4/2010 – present
Texas Technology Support Inc. (Formerly Remote IT For SMB Inc.), Houston and Austin, TX
Senior IT and Telecommunications Consultant Extraordinaire~
Texas Technology Support Inc., is a Managed Service Provider and Staffing Firm that provides Senior level IT/Telecom Consultants on a Corp to Corp basis. I have worked for them for 8 years and below are some highlights of various assignments I have performed. For a COMPLETE PROJECT LIST covering the last 10 years you can download THIS Excel Document. (You will need Excel 2010 or later to view this file.)
Baker Hughes, Program Manager of 40K Windows XP to Windows 7 Migration Project. Brought in to “mitigate risk” on Portfolio of Projectsencompassing the Windows XP to Windows 7 Migration Program. Solved complex issues using the following:
- Developed a new communications plan using Voicent “Broadcast by Phone” (Auto Dialer) and “Broadcast by SMS”.
- Developed flow charts for identifying “killer apps” and contacting application owners to provide upgrade paths.
- Performed “Cost – Benefit Analysis” to show ROI on using the Nomad Tool (1E) vs. standard depot migration.
- Worked with Dell to distribute new computers for retiring units across the globe. (Over 10 million dollars in purchases!)
- Managed a Portfolio of projects, Vendor/Contractor relations, and multimillion dollar budget in a GLOBAL environment.
Crane World Wide Logistics, Project Manager and Director of IT. Brought in to implement multiple Information Technology and Telecommunications projects for a portfolio of “Crane” owned companies including:
- Global Help Desk / Call Center implementation to provide 24/7/365 coverage for over 78 sites in 22 countries.
- MSP Realignment bringing remote monitoring (Solarwinds) in-house and saving the company 20K per month.
- Century Link MPLS Contract renegotiation to allow multiple site moves saving the company a potential 15K per month.
- Paetec to Level 3 conferencing conversion for international LD calling rates saving the company over 10K per month.
- System Center 2012 Configuration Manager Implementation for worldwide new user & software deployment.
- Multiple projects to reduce “Single Point of Failure” both at individual sites and the data center in Austin, TX
- Worked with United States Secret Service to secure Crane Network at the Floridian during President Obama’s vacation.
AT&T/SHELL UA, Canada Program and Project Manager of multiple Information Technology and Telecommunications projects for Shell UA, Canada Region on behalf of AT&T Technical Services.Oversaw construction of multiple Gas Refineries from “green field” to production including Building, Electrical, Trenching,Structured Cabling, Phone Systems, Security, CCTV, Two-Way Radio, Routing, Switching, and Connectivity (using MPLS, AVPN Fiber, andMicrowave Radio equipment). Managed multiple vendors and third party contractors to deliver bandwidth to both GI and SCADA/PCDnetworks. Additional job duties included:
- Implemented projects using the Shell Product Delivery Framework (SPDF) and PMI based methodologies.
- Responsible for Change Control Processes, Timelines, Quality Control, Resource Requirements, and budgeting.
- Maintained Project Quality by managing risk, tracking progress, and providing effective leadership for job completion
Dell, Round Rock, TX, Project Manager and System Engineer. Brought in to support hardware and software testing for multiple software platforms Dell purchased through acquisition. Managed a team of software testers using Agile / Scrum methodologies. Maintained and managed Dell Round Rock 3 server farm / lab with over 1000 servers. Additional job duties included:
- Used virtual environments (VMWare & HyperV) to simulate deployment in data center environments.
- Deployed complex AD, and Multiple OS’s (Windows and Linux based) infrastructures while using testing software such as SCOM (System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2), SCVMM (System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008), and Vfoglight to measure performance variables (load, data rates, etc.) on high end server / storage (Fiber & iSCSI) clusters.
Republic Plastics, McQueeney, TX, Project Manager and Telecom Engineer brought in to design, and implement multiple IT and Telecom projects including a multi-site VOIP PBX (Analogue Avaya to Digital Shoretel) multi-site Document Scanning solution for Paperless Office, Inventory Process Improvement using Intermec scanning guns/barcode printers, and Disaster Recovery plans using multiple VPN gateways, VMware ESX 4.1, and HP Falconstor CDP Appliances. You can view the document I submitted for this project click HERE.
4/2007- 4/2010
Tara Energy Inc., Houston, TX
Network Operations Manager
Responsibilities included: Managing the Network Operations Center and directing Information Technology and Telecommunications staff, contractors, and partners. Creating and implementing Information Technology and Telecommunications standards, procedures, and processes for the entire company. Development and execution of contingency plans for disaster recovery and business continuity.
Additional job Duties included:
• Design and implement hardware and software solutions to meet the needs of all departments (Customer Service, Collections, Business Development, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Finance, Human Resources, and Accounting.)
• Hands On Project Management for implementing telecommunications transition (FROM: 3Com PBX, EPIC Call Center, EA Predictive Dialer and Callrex Voice Recording TO: Mitel PBX, CCM Call Center, IAT Predictive Dialer and CXM Call Recording).
• Hands On Project Management for implementing server virtualization (From physical to virtual via VMware ESX.)
• System Administration of all Windows Based 2003/2008 Servers, SQL 2005/2008 Servers, and Mixed Mode Architecture.
• System Administration of clustered VMware ESX 3.5 (Linux Based) virtual server farm and dual EMC CX3-10 SANS.
• System Administration and Maintenance of all aspects of the Network Infrastructure including; Active Directory, Exchange 2003/2007, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, Trend Micro Business Security Server, and GFI MailArchiver environment.
• Maintenance and administration of additional network related equipment including; Cisco Routers, HP Procurve Switches, Monowall Firewalls, Cisco ASA Security Appliances, Internet failover gateways, and Konica Minolta Enterprise Scanner/Printers.
• Network and System Administration of disaster recovery solution using a combination of Double Take for replication to off-site
data center and Virtual PBX for recovery of call center functionality.
• Management of all telecommunications equipment including 3com PBX, Mitel PBX, EA Predictive Dialer, IAT Predictive Dialer, Callrex Voice Recording Server, CXM Call Recording Server, EPIC Call Center Server and CCM Call Center Server.
• Vendor relations, department integration, budget management, data security, capacity, expansion, and growth planning.
Major Accomplishments: Transitioned the company from a failing 3Com telecommunications system, to a technologically superior Mitel telecom system effectively doubling business productivity. Increased company’s broadband capabilities and implemented a redundant internet fail over system. Saved the company from imminent disaster during hurricane IKE, with an untested disaster recovery system. Performed “first responder” duties during the evacuation of our business infrastructure from Houston, TX to Austin, TX. Managed to restore a corrupted Exchange mail store and return functionality to billing and customer service databases within 48 hours. Worked with skeleton crew 24/7 for the next two and a half weeks to keep the company’s telecommunications, and network infrastructure at peak performance, and functioning flawlessly.
3/2006 – 4/2007
North Forest Independent School District, Houston, TX
Project Manager / Information Technology Analyst
Recommended and Implemented Information Technology improvement projects using e-rate funding to optimize the network infrastructure of the North Forest Independent School District. Created cost savings by eliminating outsourcing of IT functions and bringing solutions “in-house”. Assigned duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority to Information Technology associates, technicians, and contractors of the district. Provided high level engineering and technical support for all aspects of the network infrastructure such as:
• Implementing and managing an Active Directory Infrastructure for over 2500 employees.
• Administration and maintenance of an Exchange 2003 environment supporting over 2500 users.
• Configuration and operation of all Cisco routers, switches, and firewall (Cisco Pix) equipment.
• Managed Storage Area Network, and Disaster Recovery equipment using Symantec Backup Exec.
• Continuing Education and technical training of NFISD staff.
Major Accomplishments: Saved the district 30K per year by implementing a Cisco PIX firewall box and a Barracuda Spyware/Content Filtering Appliance. (Previously the District was paying 30K per year to region IV to provide these services.) Switched the District from an unmanaged, outdated version of Norton Anti-Virus (that had no anti-spyware support) to Computer Associates server managed Integrated Threat Management Suite (ETrust Version Eight) supporting over 2500 users. Project Manager and single point of contact with Dell Professional Services for the implementation of the Active Directory and Exchange Infrastructure. Note: while the bulk of the installation was performed by Dell Professional Services, they were doing so under my direction, using my recommendations and guidelines.
6/2003 – 1/2006
Quantum-Net Inc., Houston, TX
CEO/Owner: Quantum-Net Inc.
Primary Function: Provided Information Technology solutions for medium to large scale businesses to include: Project Management and Network Infrastructure Design, Active Directory and Exchange Environment Implementation, Ecommerce and Business Solutions, Small Business Server and Hosted Applications, Security and Remote Administration, Phone Systems and Structured Cabling.
Secondary Function: Server Rental, Web Design, Hosting, and ISP via our quarter mile Wireless Access Point. Responsibilities included:
• Project Management including the technical design and delivery of all operational aspects for a wide variety of Information Technology and Telecommunication related projects.
• Directed Staff of 15 employees (5 engineers, 4 technicians, 3 outside sales reps, and 3 web designers); including strategy, scheduling, goal setting, coordinating activities, technical training, and developing team environment.
• Managed the budget for advertising, payroll, accounts receivable, and all accounting activities using QuickBooks Premier.
• Maintenance and Administration of the Data Center, LAN Center, WAP (Cisco Aironet 1300) and related equipment.
Major Accomplishments: Created a unique revenue generating system using a custom developed web application to extract DBA registration information from Harris and Fort Bend County’s online database. This information was then fed into a mail merge program to produce direct mail supplements informing new business owners of Quantum-Net’s services. Created our own mini ISP using wireless antenna’s designed by students of the University of Houson, a Cisco Aironet 1300, and a 10 MB Fiber connection.
5/2001 – 6/2003
TXU Communications, Katy, TX
Network Operations Training and Technical Support Specialist
Responsible for the technical training of the Network Operations Group. This includes administering classroom instruction for a wide variety of Information Technology / Telecommunications hardware and software. Examples included: Nortel and Lucent phone switches and equipment, Toshiba Key Systems and PBX’s, Cisco Routing and Switching, Alcatel ASM, Lucent ASM, Solaris, Unix, PeopleSoft, FMS, TBS, and several custom software applications used in the course of business. Additional job duties included:
• Designed curriculum and testing procedures and managed the certification progress of fellow employees.
• Supported network functionally through advanced troubleshooting and problem solving techniques.
Major Accomplishments: Assisted multitudes of employee’s in attaining outside certifications, which would later assist them with career development and job placement when the company folded.
6/2000 – 2/2001
Comforce Telecom Training, Raleigh, NC
Trainer/Training Manager
Responsibilities included:
• Trained students and other trainers to install, configure, turn-up, test, troubleshoot and perform maintenance on a wide variety of telecom products. (Nortel Networks DMS 100/200/250/500 and Fiber Optic OC-3/12/48/192 systems; Initia/Madge ISDN Access Switch Models 20/60/200 and various IP cameras/codecs used for video conferencing.
• Designed curriculum, testing procedures, and network diagrams for all courses of instruction.
• Network / System Administration and general maintenance of the technical training center, and student lab.
• Provided assessment/feedback and coordinated placement of graduating candidates for career opportunities.
Major Accomplishments: Placed over 200 certified technicians with various fortune 500 companies (Including Nortel, Alcatel, Lucent, Cisco, and Initia).
2/1997 – 5/2000
Nortel Networks, Morrisville, NC
(Multiple roles and positions listed from most recent to least recent.)
• Lead Engineer and Project Manager for the Prism/Trivergent account: (Job duties as below only customer specific.)
• Broadband Remote Validation Engineer: Responsibilities included remote testing, turn-up, upgrading, patching, and troubleshooting a wide range of data and optical products including: Nortel’s Data Access, Passport, UE 9000, Access/Transport Node, OC 3, 12, 48, and 192 product lines.
• Broadband Network Technician: Job description is the same as Switching Network Technician below with a greater emphasis on commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and software upgrades of Nortel’s optical product line.
• Switching Installation Team Leader: responsible for directing contractors, managing junior level Nortel technical staff, completing job logs, and verifying correct quality standards. (Continued on next page.)
• Switching Network Technician: Responsible for the installation and general maintenance of the DMS 100/200/250/500 product line. Knowledge includes all aspects of installing such as: reading blueprints, customer relations, setting framework, card placement, power verification, wire wrapping, cable placement, and software testing.
Major Accomplishments: Prevented Nortel from losing a national account (Trivergent) by re-writing the technical manuals needed to get Nortel, and Lucent’s access node products to communicate with each other. Received a significant SPOT award from Nortel for doing this.
NOTE: CLICK on any of the links below and above to view actual certificate of completion!
Education:
• Bachelor of Science, Education, 1997 [University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL]
• Associate of Arts, Business/General Studies, 1994 [Arkansas State University, Beebe, AR]
• Associate of Applied Science, Electronics Technology, 1990 [Seminole Com. College, Sanford, FL]
Technical Certifications:
• CBRS Wireless Installer Certified, by Google, 2020 [Coursera, Online]
• Six Sigma Black Belt Professional (SSBBP), 2015 [Management and Strategy Institute, Downingtown, PA]
• Cisco Certified SMB for Engineers, 2015 [Global Knowledge, Houston, TX]
• Cisco Certified SMB for Account Managers, 2015 [Global Knowledge, Houston, TX]
• Change Management Specialist (CMS), 2014 [Management and Strategy Institute, Downingtown, PA]
• Six Sigma Lean Professional (SSLP), 2014 [Management and Strategy Institute, Downingtown, PA]
• PMP BootCamp Cert 35 Contact Hours, 2013 [The Knowledge Academy, Houston, TX]
• SYSTEM CENTER 2012 CONFIGURATION MANAGER Administration, 2012 [CTREC Hilton, Houston, TX]
• SYSTEM CENTER 2012 CONFIGURATION MANAGER Deployment, 2012 [CTREC Hilton, Houston, TX]
• MITEL 3300 ICP REL 9.0, 2009 [Mitel University, Atlanta, GA]
• VMWARE INFRASTRUCTURE 3.5, 2008 [VMWARE at TX Training & Conference Centers, Houston, TX]
• GFI MailArchiver Certified, 2008 [GFI Partner Portal, Raleigh, NC]
• DELL DCSE DMS Vista Certified, 2007 [Dell Technical Training Center, Austin, TX]
• DELL DCSE Desktop Certified, 2007 [Dell Technical Training Center, Austin, TX]
• DELL DCSE Portables Certified, 2007 [Dell Technical Training Center, Austin, TX]
• DELL DCSE Wireless Technology Certified, 2007 [Dell Technical Training Center, Austin, TX]
• DELL DCSE P1500, S2500, and S2500N Enterprise Printer Certified, 2007 [Dell Technical Training Center, Austin, TX]
• DELL DCSE EMC CX400 Product Certified, 2007 [Dell Technical Training Center, Austin, TX]
• DELL DCSE Point of Sale Product Certified, 2007 [Dell Technical Training Center, Austin, TX]
• DELL DCSE Television Product Certified, 2007 [Dell Technical Training Center, Austin, TX]
• DELL DCSE Associate Server Certification V5 Part1, 2007 [Dell Technical Training Center, Austin, TX]
• MCP Microsoft Small Business Server 2003, 2007 [New Horizons, Austin, TX]
• MCSE Microsoft Exchange Server 2003, Implementation and Managing, 2007 [New Horizons, Houston, TX]
• Alcatel 7300 ASM Operations, Administration, and Maintenance Certified, 2003 [Alcatel Technical Training, Plano, TX]
• Lucent 5ESS OneLink Manager ASM and Applications Certified, 2002 [TXU Technical Training, Katy, TX]
• Toshiba Strata DK Key Systems, 2001 [Toshiba Technical Training, Dallas, TX]
• Toshiba Strata Voice Mail Systems, 2001 [Toshiba Technical training, Dallas TX]
• MCSE Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, 2001 [CompUSA Technical Training, Raleigh, NC]
• MCSE Microsoft Windows 2000 Server/Advanced Server, 2001 [CompUSA Technical Training, Raleigh, NC]
• MCSE Microsoft Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure, 2001 [CompUSA Technical Training, Raleigh, NC]
• FCNP, Fujitsu Certified Network Professional, 2001 [Fujitsu Training Center, Dallas, TX]
• CCNA, Certified Cisco Network Associate, 2000 [Comforce Training Center, Raleigh, NC]
• Initia Certified Trainer and Network Design, Madge Access Switch, 2000 [Comforce Training Center, Raleigh, NC]
• Initia Advanced Access Switch Operator, Madge Access Switch OAM&P, 2000 [Comforce Training Center, Raleigh, NC]
• Initia Access Switch Operator, Madge Access Switch Model 20, 60, & 2000, 2000 [Comforce Training Center, Raleigh, NC]
Nortel Technical Education Centers; Raleigh, NC and Montreal, CA (taken between 1997-2000):
• NTI Basic Installation
• Carrier Packet Solutions Basic Installation
• DMS Supernode System Maintenance
• DMS 10 System Maintenance
• DMS Supernode Hardware Architecture
• DWDM MOR SLAT
• Optera LH Optical Transport Platform SLAT Delta
• Optera LH Optical Transport Platform Operations, Maintenance, and Provisioning Delta
• Passport 7000 Operations and Maintenance
• Transport Node OC48_12 Commissioning and Testing
• Transport Node OC48_192 Commissioning and Testing
• Universal Edge 9000 Data Operations, Maintenance, and Provisioning
• Accessnode User Interface and Operations, Maintenance, and Provisioning
• S/DMS Transportnode OC-12 TBM Linear NE and OC-48 BLSR OAM&P
• Hardware Architecture, Advanced OAM&P Functions
NORTEL NETWORKS transcripts for additional CERTIFICATIONS not displayed above.
Additional Sales Education:
• Competitive Selling Opportunities, 2007 [Microsoft University, online]
• Marketing Resources for Partners, 2007 [Microsoft University, online]
Veteran Status:
• Honorable Discharge United States Army, MOS: 93 Delta [Air Traffic Control; Systems and Sub Systems Equipment Repair.
