Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Leaving Laurel Grocery Company
Timeline
background-images

Danny Watkins

London

Summary

Dynamic Network Administrator with a proven track record at Laurel Grocery Company, enhancing network security and performance through strategic upgrades and proactive monitoring. Skilled in network troubleshooting and user support, I successfully reduced downtime by implementing robust disaster recovery plans, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across teams.

Overview

42
42
years of professional experience

Work History

Network Administrator

Laurel Grocery Company
06.2008 - 06.2025
  • Installed, configured and supported local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) and Internet system.
  • Performed day-to-day LAN and WAN administration, maintenance, and support.
  • Identified and immediately resolved issues with network devices.
  • Assisted IT staff on troubleshooting issues and closing calls.
  • Improved network efficiency by implementing and managing system updates and patches.
  • Monitored system performance and responded to alerts.
  • Maintained network hardware and software and monitored network to support network availability to end users.
  • Enhanced network security through installation, monitoring, and maintenance of firewalls and antivirus software.
  • Reduced downtime with proactive identification and resolution of IT issues.
  • Managed data backups and disaster recovery operations to comply with business continuity initiatives.
  • Deployed virtualization technologies to consolidate resources effectively and reduce overhead expenses associated with physical hardware management.
  • Backed up company data to distributed storage centers to avoid massive data loss.
  • Verified continuity of computer and telephone system services for users..
  • Established comprehensive network documentation to facilitate rapid issue resolution when troubleshooting problems.
  • Improved employee satisfaction by promptly addressing technology-related concerns raised during periodic performance evaluations.
  • Maximized uptime by performing routine maintenance on servers, switches, routers, and other networking equipment.
  • Managed computer operation scheduling, backup, storage and retrieval functions.
  • Optimized server performance by conducting regular audits, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing necessary upgrades.
  • Designed scalable network architecture that allowed for seamless integration of new technologies as the company grew.
  • Implemented network security measures to minimize data loss.
  • Facilitated seamless migrations to new platforms with thorough planning, testing, and execution of data transfers.
  • Maintained applications to keep software current with necessary software updates and upgrades.
  • Conducted risk assessments on all aspects of the network infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities proactively before they became threats.
  • Spearheaded infrastructure projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Consulted with management to determine scope and priorities of projects and to discuss system capacity and equipment acquisitions.
  • Authored documentation for system configuration and troubleshooting.
  • Streamlined user support processes to ensure efficient problem resolution and minimize business disruption.
  • Assessed organizational needs and recommended suitable solutions based on best practices in network design, security protocols, and system administration standards.
  • Recommended development of plans for systems development and operations.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams in developing robust disaster recovery plans to safeguard critical systems and data.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures without compromising network performance or security by optimizing resource allocation across various departments.
  • Managed vendor relationships to negotiate favorable contracts for hardware procurement while maintaining budgetary requirements.
  • Developed and executed comprehensive backup strategy, ensuring data integrity and availability.
  • Fostered culture of continuous improvement, staying abreast of emerging technologies and integrating them into network infrastructure when beneficial.
  • Mitigated security risks, regularly reviewing and updating network security protocols and employee access controls.
  • Elevated employee productivity by ensuring reliable connectivity and performance of wireless networks.
  • Facilitated employee access to critical applications by setting up and managing user accounts and permissions.
  • Optimized resource allocation, carefully managing network budget to maximize ROI on technology investments.
  • Enhanced network security by implementing and maintaining robust firewall and intrusion detection systems.
  • Analyzed complex project server issues and worked on large enterprise and business-critical applications.
  • Led server infrastructure development, quality assurance, staging and production systems.
  • Devised scripts and automation tools to improve system efficiency.
  • Evaluated software products to determine compatibility with existing systems.
  • Identified and resolved network congestion issues and bottlenecks.
  • Developed and documented network policies, procedures and standards.
  • Maximized system availability through development and testing of contingency plans.
  • Resolved issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service.
  • Researched and recommended new technologies and strategies for improving system performance.
  • Implemented, developed and tested installation and update of file servers, print servers and application servers.
  • Analyzed network traffic and performance metrics to optimize system performance.
  • Monitored networks and network devices to resolve technical problems quickly.
  • Performed network security design and integration duties.
  • Diagnosed and executed resolution for network and server issues.
  • Planned and implemented upgrades to system hardware and software.
  • Maintained flexible schedule and responded to after-hours and weekend emergencies.
  • Designed and evaluated WAN and LAN connectivity technologies.
  • Reduced system downtime, proactively monitoring network performance and addressing issues before they escalated.
  • Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues.
  • Installed and configured network printers and other peripheral devices.
  • Bolstered disaster recovery plans, conducting regular tests to ensure rapid restoration of IT services in event of outage.
  • Increased efficiency in network troubleshooting with implementation of advanced diagnostic tools and techniques.
  • Simplified IT support by developing centralized helpdesk system for tracking and resolving network issues.
  • Enhanced communication across organization by deploying and maintaining VoIP system.
  • Contributed to strategic planning, advising senior management on technology trends and network infrastructure needs.
  • Improved network capacity planning with detailed analysis and reporting on traffic patterns and usage.
  • Optimized network performance, conducting regular audits to identify and rectify bottlenecks.
  • Streamlined network operations with deployment of automated software updates and patch management processes.
  • Enabled seamless remote work capabilities by configuring and maintaining VPN access for employees.
  • Supported business growth, planning, and executing network expansions to accommodate new office locations.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards by maintaining up-to-date documentation of network configurations and changes.

Network Administrator

Southeaster Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries
04.2006 - 06.2008
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams for successful completion of high-priority IT projects within budget constraints.
  • Ensured business continuity by implementing reliable backup strategies that included both on-site storage solutions and cloud-based services.
  • Provided exceptional end-user support to troubleshoot hardware and software issues efficiently while minimizing operational disruptions.
  • Designed scalable network architecture capable of handling future growth without compromising current performance levels.
  • Contributed to cost savings through meticulous evaluation of vendor proposals for procuring IT equipment at competitive prices.
  • Administered user accounts by granting appropriate permissions on file systems, databases, and shared resources according to established security protocols.
  • Developed comprehensive documentation for network topology, policies, procedures, and disaster recovery plans to maintain organizational consistency.
  • Implemented comprehensive monitoring systems to track network activity and generate reports for management review on performance metrics.
  • Reduced system downtime through proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of servers and network equipment.
  • Proactively addressed networking issues by analyzing system logs, identifying patterns, and resolving problems before they escalate.
  • Conducted regular audits of the IT infrastructure to identify potential risks or vulnerabilities that could impact system stability or security.
  • Established strong working relationships with vendors and service providers to expedite assistance in addressing technical issues or acquiring necessary hardware/software components.
  • Performed and adhered to change management requirements.
  • Optimized network efficiency with regular updates, patches, and hardware upgrades to ensure seamless operation.
  • Managed the installation of new server racks with proper cable management techniques ensuring a clean, organized environment conducive to optimal performance.
  • Mentored junior team members on best practices in maintaining a secure and efficient network environment promoting professional development.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends by attending conferences, webinars, and workshops ensuring optimal network performance.
  • Implemented robust security measures for safeguarding confidential company data by configuring firewalls and antivirus software.
  • Enhanced network performance by diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues promptly.
  • Streamlined communication channels by configuring email systems, VoIP infrastructure, and messaging applications for internal use.
  • Provisioned new software and hardware for use, following established security policies.
  • Installed important security and functionality patches to maintain optimal protections against intrusion and system reliability.
  • Managed onboarding and offboarding of employees.
  • Worked with users to determine areas of technology in need of improved usability.
  • Completed reports detailing network and systems performance and downtime issues.
  • Drove continuous improvement of IT governance processes.
  • Oversaw file system and storage upgrades while safeguarding data integrity and redundancy.
  • Installed and configured network printers and other peripheral devices.
  • Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues.
  • Resolved issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service.
  • Planned and implemented upgrades to system hardware and software.
  • Monitored networks and network devices to resolve technical problems quickly.
  • Maintained flexible schedule and responded to after-hours and weekend emergencies.
  • Diagnosed and executed resolution for network and server issues.
  • Implemented, developed and tested installation and update of file servers, print servers and application servers.
  • Designed and evaluated WAN and LAN connectivity technologies.
  • Evaluated software products to determine compatibility with existing systems.
  • Developed and documented network policies, procedures and standards.
  • Researched and recommended new technologies and strategies for improving system performance.
  • Analyzed network traffic and performance metrics to optimize system performance.
  • Implemented and maintained virtual private networks.
  • Identified and resolved network congestion issues and bottlenecks.
  • Maximized system availability through development and testing of contingency plans.
  • Analyzed complex project server issues and worked on large enterprise and business-critical applications.

Network Technician

Institutional Distributors Inc
05.1983 - 04.2005
  • Installed cabling, wireless routers, and telephone systems for data communications networks.
  • Performed network diagnostics to determine performance levels of new installations and detect faults in existing infrastructure.
  • Replaced failed hardware in server rack systems, swapping hard disks, power supplies and other field serviceable components.
  • Improved network reliability by troubleshooting and resolving hardware and software issues.
  • Collaborated with team members for successful implementation of large-scale network projects.
  • Traveled to remote office locations to install nodes and implement client software rollouts.
  • Ran cabling and installed data drops for new node installations.
  • Implemented remote monitoring tools to efficiently track system performance and address issues as they arose.
  • Diagnosed and resolved hardware, software and network problems and replaced defective components.
  • Worked with outside vendors for fiber installations and service.
  • Provided detailed reporting on performed maintenance and repairs to support overall network health and recovery efforts.
  • Troubleshot hardware and software to determine and rectify network problems.
  • Supported company-wide IT initiatives, sharing expertise on networking best practices with colleagues across departments.
  • Performed system patches, service packs, hot fixes and new security configurations.
  • Monitored operational and security procedures for numerous computers in network, related systems administration and maintenance protocols.
  • Assessed and responded to network system alerts, prioritizing serious faults to rapidly address downtimes.
  • Configured rack server network hardware considering rail depth, hardware mounting and cable routing.
  • Installed patches and performed backups, system builds and image updates.
  • Performed necessary maintenance to support network availability.
  • Dressed and installed fiber cabling and hardware.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing user concerns and technical issues.
  • Optimized wireless networks through strategic access point placement, enhancing connectivity throughout the facility.
  • Evaluated security measures and made recommendations to network administrator for upgrades and changes.
  • Assisted in the design and installation of new network infrastructure, resulting in increased efficiency.
  • Configured and maintained network backup and recovery procedures.
  • Participated in cross-functional teams for collaborative problem-solving, supporting efficient project completion timelines.
  • Collaborated with networking personnel at providers and data centers to determine origination points for faults and recover from malfunctions.
  • Supported users both local and by phone with problem resolution and education.
  • Increased domain levels by closely managing Windows domain move.
  • Enhanced system performance by conducting regular network maintenance and updates.
  • Maintained detailed inventory records for all networking equipment, simplifying asset tracking and management practices within the department.
  • Configured, monitored and maintained email applications and virus protection software.
  • Collaborated with network administrator in moving private folders to new Exchange servers.
  • Managed security operations for [Number] computers in network, related systems and maintenance protocols.
  • Performed tracing and patching operations for copper networks.
  • Oversaw [Number] desktops in Windows domain and installed firewalls to connect and protect users.
  • Analyzed and defined network requirements, optimization and support for [Type] projects.
  • Streamlined processes by automating routine tasks, saving time for more critical responsibilities within the department.
  • Served as an invaluable resource within the IT department, consistently offering guidance and mentorship to junior technicians working towards professional growth and development.
  • Facilitated seamless transitions during hardware upgrades by providing thorough training on new equipment usage for staff members.
  • Assigned application access, security roles and permissions.
  • Maintained thorough understanding of local area and wide area networking and components.
  • Oversaw and managed operational and security requirements for numerous computers in network, related systems administration and regular maintenance.
  • Operated 4-pair test equipment to terminate network cabling at blocks and routing points.
  • Installed [Type] network jacks in new construction and within existing facilities.
  • Developed comprehensive documentation to streamline future troubleshooting efforts and improve team collaboration.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards by regularly updating network security protocols.
  • Reduced network downtime, quickly identifying and resolving network issues.
  • Assisted in seamless migration of network services during major system upgrades.
  • Streamlined network operations, deploying automated software updates and patch management processes.
  • Simplified network management for non-technical staff with user-friendly tools and training sessions.
  • Played key role in planning and execution of network restructuring projects to support organizational changes.
  • Streamlined communication, implementing VoIP systems to replace outdated telephony infrastructure.
  • Enhanced network security by implementing robust firewall and intrusion detection systems.

Education

High School Diploma -

Laurel County Sr High School
London, Ky
05-1983

Skills

  • Network troubleshooting
  • System administration
  • Technical support
  • Network systems installation
  • Hardware and software monitoring
  • Customer support
  • Wireless networking
  • Router configuration
  • Network security
  • Server management
  • Firewall management
  • IP addressing
  • Network security management
  • Network repairs and maintenance
  • Data backups
  • System upgrades
  • VoIP systems
  • Network architecture
  • Network performance monitoring
  • Performance improvements
  • Disaster recovery
  • Switch configuration
  • IP addressing and subnetting
  • Network security oversight
  • Storage area networks
  • Load balancing
  • Network automation
  • Data backup maintenance
  • Network monitoring
  • Troubleshooting and diagnosis
  • Windows 95/98/2000/XP/XP pro/nt
  • Active directory
  • Computer systems installation
  • Disaster recovery procedures
  • Active Directory knowledge
  • Windows server
  • Network administration
  • LAN and WAN control
  • Hardware installation
  • Cisco router and switch security
  • Technical troubleshooting
  • Network firewall management
  • User support
  • PC diagnostics
  • System updates
  • Program installations
  • Workstation maintenance
  • Servers expertise
  • Decision-making
  • Permissions and Access control
  • Cloud management
  • Infrastructure planning
  • Self motivation
  • Software management
  • Virtual machine operation
  • Data backup
  • User training
  • Startup and shutdown management
  • Technical analysis
  • Remote conferencing support
  • End point configurations
  • Testing and quality assurance
  • New technology integration
  • Mobile device management
  • Virus protection
  • Parts inventory management
  • Packet loss testing
  • SOP writing
  • Connectivity resolution
  • Resource allocation
  • Automation management
  • IT best practice framework expertise
  • Server event logging
  • CompTIA A certification
  • System testing
  • Application configuration
  • Requirements definition

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 9 staff members.
  • In my first year at Laurel Grocery I was able to cut over $738,000 in annual expenses from the Budget.
  • designed network infrastructure for many business from small offices to Huge Warehouses
  • managed and supported many products from IP Camera's to Voip Phone systems. If it connects to a network I have supported it or will quickly learn.

Leaving Laurel Grocery Company

Laurel Grocery  Company Closed on 4/3/2025 I was retained until the final shut down and close out of the Accounting and Payroll. on 6/30/2025.   I would love an interview to see if I could be a good fit for your organization.    Please don't just look at my Resume and say too old or will want to much money.  I need to work 10 more years and pay is definitely negotiable.   Thank you for your time.

Timeline

Network Administrator

Laurel Grocery Company
06.2008 - 06.2025

Network Administrator

Southeaster Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries
04.2006 - 06.2008

Network Technician

Institutional Distributors Inc
05.1983 - 04.2005

High School Diploma -

Laurel County Sr High School

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Danny Watkins