My first exposure to computing technology was in 1984 when I purchased my first computer while attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

While owning and running a small restaurant in the mid 1980's, I became interested in writing programs to streamline operations. I got tired of slinging pizzas and decided that programming and systems analysis was more lucrative. So far, it appears as if I called this one right!

My skillsets have migrated over the years, from database programming and writing reports on an HP3000 to creating desktop and web-based multimedia applications that incorporate rich media such as sound and video.

The key element towards staying employed these days tends to be having a balance of business, communication, and technological skills. In essence, knowing the technology and hyping it is not enough...you must also have the ability to implement cost-effective solutions that will achieve a reasonable return on investment (ROI).

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of General Studies

Studied various disciplines, with an emphasis towards enhancing audiovisual, marketing, graphic design, and communication skills. Music and art courses honed creative abilities as well. I was not prepared for the amount of reading required, so in Winter 1983 I enrolled in Evelyn Wood's Speed Reading Seminar. Upon completion, reading hundreds of pages each night and
retaining the content wasn't as intimidating as when I first arrived. I'm still applying these skills to this day as I wade through the technical manuals and scour the internet for sample code, bug fixes, etc.

Despite the heavy class load, I took the time to become involved in campus activities. I was a trumpet player in the Michigan Marching Band; made the cut the first time I tried, being 11th chair out of 90. I may as well have joined the marines, for it was very demanding physically, mentally, and artistically.

Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI
Bachelor of Computer Information Systems

Successfully completed intensive studies in: EDP auditing, operating systems, database development and programming; SQL and other 4GLs, hardware and software purchasing and user training, data communications and system analysis.

Davenport provided a good foundation where I could hit the ground running relatively quickly.

I have been a part of many projects over the years, involving several companies and organizations. Here are some of the better-knowns: