With over 35 years of experience, Gary has expertise in a variety of industries and computing environments.

Strengths

• Communication: Relates to clients at all levels in the corporate hierarchy, with any level of technical expertise. Has authored numerous documents including web pages, proposals, reports, correspondence, user manuals, and technical documentation.
• Problem solving: Challenges initial problem description to determine the root problem or opportunity. Thinks out of the box to find new solutions or, when appropriate, to apply off-the-shelf solutions so time isn't wasted re-inventing the wheel.
• Programming: Experience with over twenty programming languages, including VB Script, VBA, VB 6, VB.NET, C#.NET, Java, JavaScript, HTML, and HL7.
• Applications: In-depth knowledge of the MS Office suite, including its use in networked environments. Experienced with database applications and business management software, and procedures for sales forecasting, sales order processing, material requirements planning (MRP), purchasing and material receiving, manufacturing job control, job costing, inventory control, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger.

Technical Experience

Support and train computer users in home and office environments, including:

• Install hardware and software on Windows-based computers
• Troubleshoot computer problems, such as removing viruses, fixing programs, and repairing data
• Provide support on-site, by phone, by e-mail, and using remote control over a network
• Train users how to use computers, using both one-on-one mentoring and classroom courses

Implement computer systems to solve common business problems, including:

• Interview clients to identify problems and opportunities
• Explain how off-the-shelf software, and in particular Microsoft Office, can be used to solve the problem or achieve a business objective without having to develop expensive custom software
• Develop and implement any required Word templates, Excel workbooks, Access databases, or VBA macros

Develop and implement custom business software, including:

• Interview clients to determine wish lists
• Lead meetings to prioritize items on the wish list, propose system design alternatives with relative costs, and develop a list of system requirements with a corresponding list of measurable benefits
• Develop project plan, including budget, timeline, and team member responsibilities
• Gather baseline information required to measure the system benefits
• Identify off-the-shelf software and evaluate how well they meet the system requirements
• Evaluate make vs. buy options
• Design system architecture
• Program and test software, or customize off-the-shelf software
• Write system documentation and user manuals
• Develop a cutover plan
• Install and test software in production environment
• Train users
• Convert existing data and migrate to new system
• Troubleshoot problems after cutover
• Evaluate project, including user feedback survey, costs vs. budget, adherence to the project timeline, achievement of measurable benefits, and lessons learned

Manage information technology resources in business environments, including:

• Administer Windows servers and Windows-based networks
• Administer users and their permissions to access data
• Create and maintain standard corporate workstations and roll out new hardware
• Build software installation packages and roll out software and updates
• Develop and administrate a system recovery plan
• Develop information technology policy manuals

Business and Industry Experience

• General Manager of a manufacturing company with over 300 employees for five years
• Partner in a real estate development company for over thirty years
• IT/Network Manager for a chartered accounting company with over 100 employees for seven years
• Active Principal of a Computer Consulting company for over fifteen years
• System Integrator for an international supplier of financial investment data for seven years
• Completed significant consulting projects for clients in the following industries:
  - Province of Alberta Health Care System
  - Alberta Government Telephone Utility (now Telus)
  - Public Relations firm with over fifty employees
  - Cosmetics manufacturing company

Education

Continuing Education

• 2010+ Courses and self-study in Project Management.
• 2000-2009 Courses in Java and Object-Oriented Analysis and Design with UML. Self study in Windows, Access, Visual Basic, .NET, HTML, and Java. Participation in programming related SIGs on a weekly basis.
• 1995-1999 Courses in Visual Basic. Self study in Windows, MS Office/Office Developer, Visual Basic, HTML, and Java. Participation in programming related SIGs on a weekly basis.
• 1990-1994 Courses in Oracle SQL and Construction Estimating. Self study in DOS, NetWare, Paradox, WordPerfect macros and numerous accounting and tax applications.
• 1980-1989 Courses in Management, Robotics, and French.

Education

• 1977-1979 Master of Science in Management, Information Systems major (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
• 1973-1977 Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Summa cum Laude), Computer Science major (Princeton University) (Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu engineering honour societies)