John Duah - IT Professional, Optimal Area LLC

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Work Background

DialpadInformation Technology Systems Specialist

Mar. 2022 - Oct. 2024Austin, Texas, United StatesAs IT Systems Specialist, my role is to manage our internal deployment and management systems, ensuring every Dialer is working comfortably and efficiently. Daily collaboration with my fellow IT team members, IT Security Team, Engineering and Operations is a forte and prime directive. - MDM Implementation and management for Windows, MacOS, and mobile devices for 1500 employees in 19 countries in collaboration with the IT Helpdesk and IT Security Teams. - Major technical migrations (most recently 500+ Windows computers to an Okta connected MS Intune infrastructure). - Escalation point of contact and advanced troubleshooting/configuration of company wide systems such as: Microsoft InTune/Azure, JAMFPro, Jira, Okta, GitHub, GCP, GWS, AWS. - Co-Management of Austin office technology and workspaces for 170 employees with our office manager; management of events both on and offsite (RKO, All Hands Meetings, Investor Board Meetings for EStaff). - Automation research/ implementation of company technology standards and procedures CapEx/OpEx expenditures and for HR, Finance, Legal, Engineering, General Ops. - Worldwide Automated Patch Management system Deployment (Automox) to all MacOS, Windows, Linux Project dev and implementation (Q1 2024)

Optimal AreaSenior Technical Consultant / Founder

Sep. 2020Austin, Texas, United StatesOptimal Area was founded to address the rising need in the Information Technology Security space. We offer a team of technical consultants to address the needs of small to medium businesses, including: Digital Transformation Cybersecurity Disaster Recovery Mobile Devices Purchasing Remote Work Support info@optimal-area.tech

Sysco LABS Senior Manager of Information Technology, SyscoLABS

Jan. 2019 - Jul. 2021Austin, Texas AreaSysco is the world's largest broad-line food distributor; it has more than 600,000 clients in a wide array of fields. The company operates approximately 330 distribution facilities worldwide; providing service to over 90 countries. My role sits in the tech wing; SyscoLABS. Formerly Cake Labs; we are the arm of the company bringing distribution technology to the forefront of the modern age. I manage the internal office infrastructure in our Austin and Redwood City hubs; controlling networking, Office 365, antivirus, deployment, on-boarding, disaster recovery, budgeting, vendor relations and more.

GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group)Systems Analyst

Jun. 2016 - Dec. 2018Austin, Texas AreaGLG’s mission is to transform the way top professionals share expertise and learn. We curate custom learning experiences with professionals and thought leaders around the world. GLG organizes conversations, small group meetings, mentorships, surveys, and other interactions with a membership of more than 425,000 experts and thought leaders. Technology-driven and nimble, our ~1,100 employees work in 22 offices around the globe. GLG is the world’s largest membership for professional learning. As a Systems Analyst, we maintain the Information Technology infrastructure while developing new ways for our employees to thrive in our environment. From working with vendors and the facilities team to keep systems functional, I also help to maintain our verbose cloud based infrastructure.

Concord Music GroupManager of Information Technology

Jul. 2013 - May. 2016Beverly Hills, CAConcord Bicycle Music (formerly Concord Music Group) is the top independent record label in the world, comprised of Concord Records, Fearless Records, Wind-Up Records, Hear Music, Loma Vista Recordings, Rounder Records, Stax Records, Sugar Hill Records, Vanguard Records and The Bicycle Music Company among others. As the head of Information Technology, I'm responsible for researching, budgeting, purchasing, implementing, maintaining all IT elements across 5 locations based in Beverly Hills, Culver City, Nashville, Cleveland and New York. I also manage IT in our recording studio at the legendary Village Studio in Los Angeles, and also for Bicycle Music Company, another branch of Concord Music Group. Responsibilities and skills: -Microsoft Windows Server -Microsoft Windows Administration -Microsoft Exchange -Microsoft Active Directory -Microsoft Office -Dell Kace 1000 -SQL Database Management -VMWare Mangagement and Deployment -IIS [ERequester] -Mac OS Administration (OS X, Server) -Backup and Disaster recovery (Symantec Backup Exec, Could Tranquilty, Server Density,EMC, Equalogic, Barracuda Cloud) -Blackberry Enterprise Server -PBX\VOIP (Cisco UC-560,Trixbox,Broadview, AT&T Office at Hand) -Mobile OS (Windows Phone, iOS, Android, Blackberry) -Shipping Solutions (FedEx Ship Manager, UPS Worldship) -DNS Management -VPN -Much more! -Project management and collaboration with internal department leaders for company needs, in addition to working with vendors to implement\facilitate technology -Designing and implementing network (switching\routing) and infrastructure solutions to suit a plethora of needs -Resolving complexity and ambiguity in infrastructure -Troubleshooting hardware and software issues and developing time and money efficient solutions, while maintaining integrity of network resources -Maintaining relationships with vendors, ensuring quick turnaround on service requests (Dell,Xirrus,McAfee,Symantec, Microsoft,CDW, AT&T, Broadview Comcast etc.)

$IT Consultant (at Castellan) and Systems\Network Administrator$

CastellanIT Consultant (at Castellan) and Systems\Network Administrator

May. 2010 - Jun. 2013Greater Los Angeles AreaResponsible for implementing IT solutions across a variety of clients ranging from 5 to 150+ user environments. Responsibilities and skills: -Microsoft Windows Server (2000, 2003, 2003 R2, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012) -Microsoft Windows Administration (2000,XP,Vista,7,8) -Microsoft Exchange (2003,2007,2010,2013) -Microsoft Active Directory -Microsoft Office -SQL -VMWare -IIS -Mac OS Administration (OS X) -Backup and Disaster recovery (Symantec Backup Exec, Barracuda Cloud ---Storage solutions, etc) -Blackberry Enterprise Server -PMS Systems\Databases (Opera, Operetta) -PBX\Phones (Cisco UC-560,Trixbox) -Mobile OS (Windows Phone, iOS, Android, Blackberry) -Shipping Solutions (FedEx Ship Manager, UPS Worldship) -Designing and implementing complete network and infrastructure solutions to suit a plethora of needs -Troubleshooting hardware and software issues and developing time and money efficient solutions, while maintaining integrity of network resources -Maintaining active relationships with vendors and ensuring quick turnaround on service requests (Dell,McAfee,Microsoft Partners,Barracuda, MICROS, etc.) -Managing and configuration of network equipment (switches, routers, modems, wifi\access points, etc) -Dedication to detail in written reports, communications, and technical documentation -Years of experience scheduling and completing tasks independently -Team player always willing to pull extra weight when needed\put in overtime

CyberDefenderDesktop Security and Virus Removal Specialist

Jan. 2010 - Apr. 2010Los AngelesWhile at Cyber Defender, learned to properly identify and remove viruses. Advanced technique in manual removal was also integrated into skillset.

Mr. Duah PhotographyFounder / Photographer

Jul. 2009WorldwideMr. Duah Photography is the hub for all my photographic adventures. My photography focus lies across a plethora of categories that have sharped my understanding of photography and the industry beneath it. CONCERTS - Low light and fast movement, quick turnaround for clients/record labels PORTRAITURE - creating concepts, direction of the subject, styling, location scouting FASHION/PRODUCT - Flattering and unique product framing, professional lighting ON SET - Candid on set photography, editing to meet production deadlines LANDSCAPE - Proper wide angle exposure technique and understanding WEDDINGS - Directing large groups of subjects, collaboration with planners and families (see: very excited mothers) LIFESTYLE - Candid photography Skills: -DLSR/SLR Technologies (Canon Preferred) -Professional level comprehension of technology and emerging technologies -Creating new concepts (assembling and implementing all required assets for photographic projects) -Well balanced communication skills both written and among collaborators -Extreme attention to detail in editing and composing shoots -Ability to produce a photo-shoot quickly and efficiently with a minimalists budget -Bulk Editing for quick turnaround -Highly experienced in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom (and many other editing tools) -Actively researching new technologies and trends in photography -Vigilant outlook on pop culture and media aggregates -Dedication to perfecting and completing major projects Recent clients have included: Gawker Media Behind the Hype Onitsuka Tiger EMI Music The Artists Organization Picture Healing Big Hassle Media UMeTime Mitch Schneider Organization Guerrilla Union Hard Rock The Blonde Locks Shark Angel Midnight Mission Devour Media

Behind the HypeSenior Editor / Photojournalist

Sep. 2008 - Dec. 2020Greater Los Angeles AreaOver 150 album, and live music reviews, with credentialed coverage to Southern California’s premiere festivals (Outside Lands, Coachella, Epicenter, etc.) Pit-Access Photography of over 100 bands (both major label and independent) Responsible for managing news from record labels and publicists to post on the site. Coordinating 5 writers, covering an array of music genres, music festivals, live shows, and artist interviews. Created marketing campaigns with various record label and publicists for giveaways and contests. Press-Only access to photograph live musicians from a variety of genres.

Trader Joe'sCrew

Nov. 2003 - Dec. 2009Westlake and Thousand OaksExcellent marks in customer service, work ethic, and responsiblity while working for Trader Joe's Company; a company known for its positively charged employees. Responsible for store maintenance, customer service, cooking, stocking, inventory management, ordering, and knowledge of POS interfaces.