Value-oriented Senior IT Professional
Resume:
ROSS CULPEPPER
**** ********* ****** **** • Lakeland, Florida 33811
****.*********@*******.***
IT PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
MCSE 2003 Security - MCSA - Security+ - A+ - FCC-GROL
Hands-on IT leader with over 15 years of success designing, implementing and supporting applications and infrastructures to improve productivity and support growth.
Consistent track record of eliminating downtime and deploying initiatives that reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and yield a high Return on Investment (ROI).
Proven success designing, deploying and supporting high-performance SCADA and HMI systems with multiple large organizations such as: Tropicana (Pepsico,) Citrus Products of Belize, and MI Metals.
Proven success designing, deploying and supporting high-performance Windows and Unix network infrastructures. Equally strong in leading virtualization efforts.
Solid track record of completing projects on time and earning a high level of internal/external customer satisfaction. Have led hundreds of projects ranging to $22M across multiple locations.
Resourceful problem solver with excellent technical troubleshooting skills. Experienced in hardware / software maintenance and repair, network security, and disaster prevention and recovery.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Operating Systems: Windows 2000-2012, Windows XP-Windows 10, AIX Unix, Linux
Protocols: TCP/IP, Cloud, SaaS
Software: Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Visio, Access Excel), DI-Diver, VMware, Crystal Reports
Hardware: Watchguard Routers, Symantec Routers, Network Printers, Wintel based CPUs, IBM based RS6000 computers, NAS Drives, Storage Area Networks (SAN), Network Attached Storage (NAS)
Languages: Visual Basic, SQL Server, Wonderware, Access DB, HTML, General Electric PLCs, Allen Bradley PLCs
Methodologies: Ladder Logic, Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs,) Object Oriented Design Methodology, Software Development Life Cycle
RDBMS: SQL Server 2000-2012, Access, WonderWare Historian OPC Server (InSQL)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mettler-Toledo Safeline, Tampa, Florida August 2016 – March 2018
Assumed responsibility for assisting the IT Manager in all technical functions of this 400 Million$ facility with over 500 users. Responsible for integrational programming with SQL as well as other proprietary languages.
Key Projects and Achievements:
Increased efficiency by migrating all legacy servers to Virtualized infrastructure.
Designed and implemented a single badge system for building entry, time clocks, scanners, and cafeteria food orders for employees.
Converted Server OSs from Server 2003 to Server 2012
Designed a large scale digital messaging system that will cover over 100 monitors with dynamic content.
Provided excellent service to employees by acting as a SME in the resolution of Help Desk Tickets.
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MiMetals, Incorporated, Oldsmar, Florida August 2012 – August 2016
Information Technology Manager
Assumed responsibility for all IT functions for this $100M Nationwide provider of Extruded Aluminum Components. Provided hands on support covering locations in 5 states. Charged with designing, proposing, purchasing, constructing, implementing, and managing a Multi-state network from the ground up. Charged with transferring each plant from their parent ‘legacy’ network onto new network infrastructure while plant operations continued. Converted legacy network design to a newer, private cloud-based infrastructure, while upgrading all server foundations to current models. Responsible for insuring that all disaster recovery (DR) procedures are in place. Worked with Factory Automation team to convert ‘Legacy’ DH485 network to TCP/IP based connection protocols. Saved Organization over $100,000 by redesigning Workstations to interface with Allen Bradley PLCs by TCP/IP instead of DH485. This allowed each control workstation to operated and control simply via the integration network card instead of the $3500 per unit DH485 card required for each control workstation.
Key Projects and Achievements:
Increased efficiency by designing and converting 5 state nation-wide network from legacy parent onto new infrastructure.
Redesigned Factory Automation networks from 5 individual networks (1 per plant) to 1 integrated, encapsulated layer 3 network. This allows the entire Factory Automation team in each of the 5 plants to work together to solve serious production issues related to PLCs and HMI interfaces.
Upgraded and assisted in the rewriting of the Wonderware HMI interface to access control functions via TCP/IP instead of the more obsolete and expensive DH-485 network.
Worked with factory automation team to restart 1 mothballed plant in Millen, Gerogia. This require some re-writing of HMI Interfaces.
Designed and maintained company reports using methodologies ranging from Microsoft Excel to Crystal Reports
Converted and virtualized entire Server infrastructure using VMWare to reduce costs and improve scalability.
Converted Server OS’ from Windows Server 2003 to Windows Server 2012 Datacenter
Converted legacy database infrastructure from 5 Dedicated SQL Server 2005 to a Publication / Subscription model spanning 5 SQL Server 2012 Databases.
Designed and programmed the configurations on Cisco Switches, and Fortinet Routers.
Documented all network related functions
Increased efficiency of network by replacing flat layer 3 topology into 5 separate VLAN layer 2 topologies.
Highway Safety Devices, Inc., Tampa, Florida May 2006 – Jun 2012
Information Technology Manager
Assumed full charge of all IT functions for this $40M provider of large-scale, advanced traffic management systems (ATMS). Charged to provide hands-on support for 3 offices overseeing applications and infrastructure including policy and procedures, disaster recovery, application support and patch management. Additionally, managed large-scale client implementations of hardware and software and networking to support ATMS products.
Key Projects and Achievements:
Maintained all application software upgrades including ERP system, MS Office, Access and Email.Managed patches and upgrade paths for over 8 different major technology platforms including Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Document Imaging, Microsoft SQL Server (2000 – 2008,) Microsoft Server (2000 – 2008,) Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft Terminal Services, VMWare EsXI, Bid2Win, and StarBuilder.
Improved stability and performance of 10 Windows 2003 and 2008 servers including integrating mobile devices.
Led virtualization effort using VMWare to reduce costs and improve scalability.
Billed out to clients for key projects to implement Advanced Traffic systems that included installing fiber network, hardware, CCTV cameras and specialized software tied to multiple servers and workstations. Led teams of up to 20 personnel for projects up to $22M with 144 locations.
Improved company efficiency by designing company reports in Crystal Reports that kept track of FDOT Pay items.
Developed curriculum and taught multiple classes for beginning through Advanced Excel techniques.
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Brainiac Enterprises, Lakeland, Florida 2004-2005
Network Consultant
Hired into this IT consulting firm to effectively analyze small to mid-sized clients’ needs and recommend/implement strategic IT solutions designed to increase productivity and operational efficiency. Implement effective disaster prevention and disaster recovery plans to ensure a fully functioning networking infrastructure and optimal network uptime rates. Configured and maintained secure VPN Routers. Conducted software licensing audits to ensure compliance with anti-piracy laws. Maintained network infrastructure including cables, routers and switches. Provided client employees with technical support when needed.
Key Projects and Achievements:
Increased client uptime by 25-35% and enhanced network security by implementing firewalls, effective antivirus solutions, and eliminating spyware issues.
Resolved a 2-day client network issue involving a critical automotive application in 15 minutes due to strong technical expertise.
Established and maintained a self-sustaining business due to proactive prevention efforts that have ensured little to no downtime for companies previously plagued by IT issues.
Brown Citrus Systems, Winter Haven, Florida 2001-2004
Senior IT Professional
Entrusted with providing support for production and development environments for this manufacturer of juice extractors, finishers and associated software products. Worked effectively with clients including Tropicana and Citrus Products of Belize. Challenged to use wide range of skills including network design and support and application enhancements. Tasked with Designing and integrating and maintaining SCADA and HMI Systems.
Key Projects and Achievements
Designed, Programmed, and integrated a wide range of Factory Automation Solutions using PLCs Such as: GE Fanuc, Modicon Modbus, Allen Bradley SLC5 and SLC 50 PLCs.
Designed, programmed and integrated HMI (Human Machine Interface) solutions using tools such as: Intellution iFix, Allen Bradley’s RSView, and Schneider Electric’s Wonderware.
Designed, programmed, and integrated SCADA solutions such as WonderWare’s Historian OPC Server (InSQL)
Reduced downtime and increased productivity by migrating a 25-node Industrial PLC network consisting of a multi-segmented TCP/IP network composed of Windows NT computers with GLE PLCs to Windows XP; completed project on time with minimal business disruption.
Migrated a multi-segmented eight-station production system from Windows NT to Windows XP.
Improved and supported automated drum labeling system written in Access 97-2000 for an international client.
Increased operational efficiency and reduced manual calculations by developing a Visual Basic and SQL Server application to track and trend critical production data for nationwide management personnel.
EDUCATION
Florida Metropolitan University, Brandon, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Science
Summa Cum Laude - GPA 3.96
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