Hi! I'm Harley.
I was an I.T. Technician of 9 years that recently turned engineer. My passion is in the code. I primarily revolve around Linux server management, Python/PowerShell scripting, and various Microsoft tools/subsets. I game, listen to music, and doom-scroll on social media.
Work History
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Full Time College Student
I bounced around with jobs to put myself through college. I worked for my dad part time at his company and also at a car wash in my home town. I worked my way up from being a detailer to sales and was training to be an assistant manager. I was about to apply for the assistant manager position when I moved on to becoming a full time I.T. Technician.
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Full Time Technician
I worked in both corporate and the education sectors. I did a long stent as a Campus Support Technician for the school district in my home town. I was working toward becoming one of the tech leads of the department when I moved on to becoming an engineer.
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Engineer
I was picked up by a global company out of the blue. I had an opportunity of entering into the eningeering role. Primary focus is improving the end-user experience. I am heavy into scripting/automation.
Skills
Graphic Design
I have created my logo and various other graphics on my span of websites. I dabble in graphic design, no where near a professional. I have a good sense of color and helped paint the whole house twice over.
Programming
I am currently teaching myself Python, but I primarily use PowerShell and Bash scripting languauges.
Web Developer
This website, my blog, and documentation is all self-hosted at my home. I built this website. My blog and documentation webistes are running on a self-host version of Ghost CMS. I purchased themes them individually, however, they are heavily modified to suit my design style.
Linux Server Administrator
My whole house runs on Linux, from webserver to my own DNS server. I self-host whenever possible. I do have a few servers in the cloud, such as a backup to my internal DNS server. I also have a custom VPN service and storage solution. I practice the 3 2 1 method, three copies on two different medias and one in the cloud. Very terminal savvy.
Windows Server Administrator
In my current role, I have several servers that I am in charge of running various services that are vital to the workforce. I am learning as I go and leveraging tools like MEM and MECM.
Project Manager
Working in the education system and as well in my current corporate role, my primary job/focus is working on projects. I get assigned projects and manage them to completion. Sometimes I am a starter, and other times I am a finisher. Most of the projects I have usually require assistance from other teams in order to complete.
Time Management
Time has always been my thing. I see things on how long it will take and adjust my practices based on it. If I can find a process to be more efficient without costing precision or effectiveness, I will implement it. On average, I am juggling five to ten projects and will have to adjust my time accordingly. I am dedicated to what I do, and willing to put in my own time to complete something if the end result is worth it.
Logical and Analytical Mindset
I have ADD and ADHD with a mix of other things. I am definitely not good with mathematics, however, I do see puzzles and patterns. I am able to narrow down and focus, as well as open up to see the big picture. When I am planning, I usually plan five to ten steps ahead. My brain is always looking for all available options. I am self-sufficient in the way that I work to get things done. I look at problems to actively find solutions for. If it is something I can do, I will do it. If it is in my wheel house, I will make the effort. If it isn't something that I can do, but I know who is well suited, I will make the approach. I am all about solutions.
Windows Managment
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MacOS Management
I came from the education system where we didn't have proper device management. Utilzing the tools that we had, I built out processes and procedures to setting up MacOS devices for our end-users. These processes included proper management. Starting in my new role at my new place of employment, one of my first tasks was to find a way to properly manage MacOS devices. With no previous experience, I set up a new MDM service. Utilzing my scripting skills, I automated as much as possible with an almost zero-touch environment with a built in software center.
iOS Management
When I was working at the school district, I had the pleasure of managing thousands of iPads for students. Key implementer of processes and procedures to help make thousands of iPads easier to deploy. Played a key role in repairs as well. We had a basic form on MDM management, however, most of the process was manual. Using this experience, I am able to bring that knowledge into my current place of employement and use it to my advantage for proper device management.
Modern/Mobile Device Management
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Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager
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Microsoft Endpoint Manager
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Professional and Diplomatic Communication
In my current role, I communicate with our vendors constantly. I even have monthly cadences with Apple in regards to my job function. I have been told countless times that I approach situations with a diplomatic stance.
Construction and Farming
My parent's have owned a farm and for the past ten years I have been helping out. Going to trade shows, building and maintaining pens, and gardening. I have built chicken pens and fences. I have helped in the process to rebuild the kitchen twice. I have made improvements to the barn. I've built tables and shelves. We mostly grow cucumbers, potatoes, jalapenos, and broccoli. We have various breeds of chickens, two turkeys, and ten ducks. I also can't forget to mention we have 20 or so cats around the property too.
Security Focused
I am security focused a lot of the time. I went to college to pursue a career in security, however, life events have sidetracked my career. Hoping to someday make it back into that field. I have my own DNS server that blocks malicious actors, built a custom firewall, have secured my servers using SSH Keys and YubiKeys (hardware keys). I use privacy first and encrypted solutions for things like my email and storage. I also monitor my network for any bad actors. I also have hidden WiFi networks with secure passwords.
Mechanic
Makeshift car maintainer. I change my own oil and usually am the only one that reparis my vehicle. I also work on the various farm equipment laying around the property.