About Me

Professional Summary

I am a seasoned technology professional with expertise in software development, project management, and systems engineering. With a strong foundation in both hardware and software, backed by military precision and academic excellence, I bring a unique blend of practical experience and technical knowledge to every project. My passion for continuous learning and innovation drives me to explore and implement cutting-edge solutions while maintaining a focus on reliability and efficiency.

Early Tech Journey

My love for technology began in my childhood, marked by curiosity and creativity. One of my most memorable early experiences was with a robot called "Tobor" (robot spelled backwards):

  • Received it as a Christmas gift
  • Originally had basic forward/reverse remote functionality
  • Dismantled and modified it to enhance its capabilities
  • This early experimentation, though initially concerning to my mother, revealed my natural inclination toward engineering and improvement

My First Robot - Tobor

Early Computing Experience

My journey in computing started early, making me one of the pioneers in my school:

  • One of two students selected to work with the Apple II E
  • Learned LOGO programming language, developing foundation in computer logic
  • Progressed to TRS-80 in 6th grade
  • Advanced to IBM desktop systems in junior high school
  • These experiences laid the groundwork for my future in technology

Military Career

After high school, I joined the United States Air Force, where I had the privilege of working on advanced military aircraft:

  • Specialized in F-15 Eagle maintenance and systems
  • Developed strong attention to detail and precision
  • Gained valuable experience in complex system maintenance
  • Traveled to various locations, broadening my global perspective
  • Learned crucial leadership and teamwork skills

Air Force Days - F-15 Eagle

Academic Achievement

Post-military, I pursued higher education to formalize my technical expertise:

  • Graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology
  • Earned BS in Electronic Engineering Technology
  • Combined practical military experience with academic theory
  • Focused on both hardware and software aspects of technology

Personal Interests

Athletics and Fitness

  • Lifelong passion for sports, particularly soccer
  • Dedicated runner maintaining an active lifestyle
  • Believe in the connection between physical and mental well-being
  • Use running as both exercise and meditation

Outdoor Activities

  • Enthusiastic hiker and explorer
  • Appreciate the balance between technology and nature
  • Regular outdoor adventures for personal rejuvenation
  • Combine technical skills with outdoor activities (GPS, tracking, photography)

Current Focus

Today, I channel my experience into:

  • Building and maintaining sophisticated homelab setups
  • Exploring containerization and virtual environments
  • Implementing automation solutions
  • Sharing knowledge and experiences through documentation
  • Continuous learning in emerging technologies

Technical Skills

Infrastructure

  • Docker containerization
  • Virtual environments
  • Network architecture
  • System administration

Development

  • Multiple programming languages
  • CI/CD pipelines
  • Version control systems
  • Documentation management

Hardware

  • System building and maintenance
  • Electronic systems troubleshooting
  • Hardware optimization
  • Performance monitoring

Philosophy

I believe in:

  • Continuous learning and improvement
  • Sharing knowledge with others
  • Balancing technology with well-being
  • Maintaining both physical and mental fitness
  • Finding creative solutions to complex problems