Columbian Home Products, LLCInformation Technology Manager
Feb. 2003 - Mar. 2016North Barrington, ILAt Columbian Home Products, a key player in cookware manufacturing and importing, I significantly contributed to technological advancement and efficiency. Here are my key responsibilities and achievements: Led Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) management, establishing electronic partnerships with major national, regional, and over 80 medium-market retailers using IBM Sterling Gentran, Cleo Lexicom, and Microsoft SQL. Managed Windows and Linux systems organization-wide, handling installations, configurations, backups, and support across various platforms, including SQL, VB, and C# on Windows Servers 2000-2012, Windows Desktop XP-10, and SQL Server 2003 & 2008 R2. Utilized innovative methods to tap into international demand for our product lines. Directed the creation of modern, responsive websites (graniteware.com in 2014, columbianhp.com in 2007), enhancing our online presence and search engine optimization using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more. Through EDI system enhancements, we achieved a 22.6% efficiency boost in supply chain operations within two years, leading to 200% faster processing and a 15% reduction in operational costs while improving workflow. Successfully integrated IT for 6 acquisitions, merging customer data seamlessly into our systems, which resulted in a 27+% return on investment over seven years. Oversaw the complete IT infrastructure, from hardware/software installation and routine maintenance to emergency service and user support, ensuring seamless operation and database integration, network installation across wide-area networks, repurposing and upgrading equipment as necessary, and employee training. Enhanced data retrieval and decision-making efficiency by 26% through the development and deployment of custom C# applications for our MS SQL-based ERP databases. This role enabled me to use my technical expertise to drive the company's growth and enhance operational excellence through innovative solutions and strategic problem-solving.