Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Brian Blake

System Administrator
Aurora,CO
Brian Blake

Summary

I am a Highly skilled IT professional with a 16 year background in systems administration, maintenance and end-user training.

Expert in Trouble Resolution and Desktop Support, Also Remote Technical Support I am proficient in hardware, software and security planning. Selects, installs, configures and manages components. Highly skilled in Windows with expert information security knowledge. Also, a Strategic LAN Administrator with expertise in infrastructure management and disaster recovery planning. Known for maintaining reliable and consistent uptime figures. Dedicated to providing business continuity through system availability. I am Talented in administering and maintaining complex avionics systems, including Microsoft operating systems, servers and specialized logistics software. Seeking to leverage comprehensive IT experience to take the next career step in systems administration with a respected organization that values hard work, strategic thinking and results. With more than a decade of inside and field experience analyzing and solving challenging IT issues. I am the Ambitious go-to person thriving under pressure and empathize with and support stressed-out clients. I have a history of meeting company needs with consistent and organized practices. I am Skilled in working under pressure and adapting. also a Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. I demonstrate Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Overview

18
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

Perfect Cloud Solutions
Centennial, CO

System Administrator
12.2020 - 02.2023

Job overview

  • Set up user accounts, permissions and passwords and defined network policies and procedures.
  • Set up, optimized and managed network equipment.
  • Determined and alleviated hardware, software and network issues.
  • Orchestrated and oversaw upgrades to system hardware and software.
  • Researched, recommended, configured and supported hardware and software for multiple departments.
  • Supported, configured, maintained and upgraded customer networks and in-house servers.
  • Managed network-related projects from concept to implementation.
  • Managed day-to-day storage equipment administration to promote optimal system asset application.
  • Assessed latest innovations to recommend and adopt cost-effective, useful solutions.
  • Managed email routing and internal message protocols to support reliable delivery of communications.
  • Created configuration guides for deploying new desktops, laptops and mobile devices.
  • Designed endpoint management strategy for operation of various systems and devices.
  • Oversaw storage management, data migration, backups and drive replacements.
  • Installed and maintained firewalls to secure on-site and cloud-based hardware against unwanted intrusions.
  • Monitored application and print servers, rapidly responding to faults and malfunctions.
  • Maintained cloud-hosted and on-site servers by applying appropriate patches and monitoring hardware health.
  • Generated reports outlining network performance, costs and downtime issues.
  • Developed and tested company-wide servers for printing, file storage and applications.
  • Updated and resolved service requests by coordinating on-site problem resolution to address complications.
  • Delivered technical infrastructure assistance, interfacing with hardware and software manufacturer support staff to maintain operations.
  • Identified customized requirements, optimizing and presenting system deployments to satisfy organizational demands.
  • Updated software versions with patches and new installations to close security loopholes and protect users.
  • Disassembled computer systems to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
  • Responded to assistance requests from users and directed individuals through basic troubleshooting tasks.
  • Identified issues and implemented appropriate solutions to deliver quick and effective remediation.
  • Explained technology-related details in easy-to-understand terms to individuals from different backgrounds and in various job positions.

Western Union Corporate Headquarters
Englewood, CO

LAN Administrator
10.2016 - 08.2020

Job overview

  • Installed and supported hardware and software for desktops, servers and printers.
  • Assessed expenses and planned projects to control spending and stay within budget.
  • Oversaw Windows domain move and proactively addressed obstacles.
  • Built company Virtual Local Area Network and monitored performance to reduce issues.
  • Worked closely with end users to solve problems related to hardware and software.
  • Monitored system upgrades, patches and new configurations.
  • Managed employee access, security roles and permissions.
  • Handled network configurations after hours and on weekends to alleviate downtime and maintain smooth operations.
  • Determined and alleviated hardware, software and network issues.
  • Updated hardware and software upon availability and supervised network to eliminate bottlenecks.
  • Provided troubleshooting and testing to support network.
  • Uploaded, configured and managed antivirus detection software and email applications.
  • Researched, recommended, configured and supported hardware and software for multiple departments.
  • Delivered high level of support and maintenance to hardware, software and applications to maximize performance and reduce bottlenecks.
  • Supervised configuration of local area network, wide area network and corporate Internet system.
  • Performed routine troubleshooting and network monitoring.
  • Participated in on-call shifts at certain times, including holidays and weekends in case of system or network-related emergencies.
  • Created manuals and other documentation for use in new employee training classes.
  • Strengthened networks and infrastructure during outage windows to prevent downtime for essential services.
  • Created accounts and configured hardware to support onboarding process for new hires.
  • Liaised with network team to configure, implement and administer LAN and WAN components.
  • Maintained documentation on configurations and maintenance using component labeling and technical diagrams.
  • Identified network products and services that would be great fit for network development.
  • Delivered software patches to network computers and performed regular data backups to ensure security processes were compliant.
  • Created thorough knowledge base of information detailing troubleshooting and system configuration and rolled it out to help desk team.
  • Updated internal and outside vendor software whenever new releases became available.
  • Conducted in-depth network reviews and tightened up security policies to monitor access and prevent cyber threats.
  • Drafted IT productivity reports to inform director.
  • Worked independently while coordinating project work and support functions with other team members.
  • Integrated cutting-edge infrastructure tools to migrate network operations to virtual server computing environment.
  • Streamlined network operations, resulting in improved delivery times and higher level of customer service across 5 locations in 3 cities.
  • Oversaw VPNs to deliver secure virtual network access to remote users.
  • Documented network and telephone configurations, versioning and hardware to provide functionality.
  • Documented changes to group policy after upgrading domain functional level for reference and training.
  • Tracked network and telephony devices for performance and load threshold metering.
  • Resolved average of 30 support tickets per day.

Merrick & Company
Greenwood Village, CO

Service Desk Analyst III
03.2005 - 02.2016

Job overview

  • Delivered tier I-III technical support and troubleshooting such as password resets, printer configurations and break/fix instructions.
  • Uninstalled and reinstalled basic software applications, resolved username problems, verified proper hardware and software setup, resolved network connectivity issues and corrected email irregularities.
  • Answered queries by telephone or self-service ticket to support internal and outside computer hardware, software, network, application access and telecommunications systems.
  • Analyzed and resolved IT problems to achieve complete resolution for customers with minimal productivity loss.
  • Routed, tracked and managed client's service desk tickets from inception to close and documented issues and results.
  • Trained and mentored new service desk personnel and managed IT portion of employee onboarding process.
  • Supported and assisted less experienced technicians in resolving client issues requiring advanced or specialized expertise and experience.
  • Resolved issues on initial call 90% of time using internal knowledge base, troubleshooting skills, experience and team resources.
  • Developed, wrote and maintained detailed troubleshooting guide and knowledge base for use by other service desk staff and field service staff.
  • Fielded calls from field service engineers needing corporate support and researched, routed, navigated or escalated to meet customer needs.
  • Upgraded laptops/desktops, improving speed and performance.
  • Maintained composure and patience in face of difficult customer situations, applying de-escalation techniques and positive customer support.
  • Installed, configured and set up PCs in stores for optimal operation and reporting.
  • Kept customers informed about issue resolution progress and provided updated estimated times of resolution on ongoing basis.
  • Supported employees with advanced troubleshooting on helpdesk tickets.
  • Assisted in technical support process refinement to improve customer service and support.
  • Organized repair and replacement of PC components and systems.
  • Supported customers having data connectivity issues, assisting with troubleshooting steps and rebooting of hardware.
  • Updated and reconfigured existing and new computers with current software and operating systems.
  • Assisted online users via live chat, web conference and phone to resolve issues related to software and system use and access.
  • Maintained inventory of IT supplies by checking and documenting levels regularly.
  • Proficient in network protocols, DHCP, DNS and SMPT.
  • Responded to support tickets within established timeframe to improve customer service.
  • Developed training materials, conducted webinars and authored wikis for user training and support use.
  • Responded to 60-90 individual tickets every week to provide end-user support on systems and software.
  • Facilitated system migration projects during off-hours to avoid outages and network bottlenecks.
  • Collected, analyzed and reported on data for use in operational planning.
  • Oversaw and supported Engineering environments for on-site and virtual locations.

Education

Regis University
Englewood, CO

Associate of Applied Science from Information Technology
04.2003

Metro State
Denver, CO

General Studies
01.2000

Overland High School
Aurora, CO

High School Diploma
05.1998

Skills

  • Firewall Management
  • VoIP Systems
  • Data Backup
  • Performance Monitoring and Optimization
  • Hardware Installations
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Application Configuration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Software Management
  • Virus Protection
  • Technical Troubleshooting
  • Project Coordination
  • System Updates
  • Training and Development
  • LAN and WAN control
  • Mobile Device Management
  • Cloud Management
  • Virtual Machine Operation
  • Network Firewall Management
  • Router Installation and Optimization
  • IP Addressing and Subnetting
  • Workstation Maintenance
  • Permissions and Access
  • VoIP
  • Microsoft Certification
  • Help Desk Support
  • Multitasking and Prioritization
  • Attention to Detail
  • Hardware and Software Repair
  • Computer Diagnostics
  • Network Certification
  • EPA Background Clearance
  • Mobile Device Repair
  • Highly Professional
  • Issue and Resolution Tracking
  • System Performance Assessments
  • Customer Service Support
  • Microsoft Windows and Office
  • Troubleshooting Network Issues
  • Resolving Problems and Incidents
  • Organizational Skills
  • Defect Analysis and Resolution
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Component Replacement
  • Customer Communication and Empathy
  • Voice and Data Service Migration
  • A Certification
  • System Configuration
  • LAN and WAN Assessment
  • Remote Technical Support
  • Delivery Management

Certification

  • Certified Dell Direct Parts Order, Merrick & Co - 2016
  • COMPTIA A+ 2012 & 2013 Objectives
  • Association for Project Management (APM)

Timeline

System Administrator

Perfect Cloud Solutions
12.2020 - 02.2023

LAN Administrator

Western Union Corporate Headquarters
10.2016 - 08.2020

Service Desk Analyst III

Merrick & Company
03.2005 - 02.2016

Regis University

Associate of Applied Science from Information Technology

Metro State

General Studies

Overland High School

High School Diploma
Brian BlakeSystem Administrator