From Tandy 286 to Solutions Architect: My Journey in Technology
I break down problems, analyze logs, and reverse-engineer solutions to tackle challenges.
My fascination with technology began in my childhood, sparked by our family’s first computer, a Tandy 286, in the late 80s or early 90s. I was captivated by the possibilities these machines offered, and by the time I was in school, I was already the go-to person for troubleshooting computer issues. I was often called out of class to help librarians manage the computer labs, and I spent summers volunteering with the technical leaders of my hometown school district, assisting in the deployment of Windows 95.
After high school, I started working in tech support for a cable internet company. This hands-on experience built the foundation for my professional journey. My first major role came in 2004 at DR Systems, where I began as a field service engineer out of Chicago. Over the years, I worked my way up to systems integration engineer and then solutions engineer. DR Systems not only gave me my first exposure to large-scale infrastructure but also brought me to Chicago—a city I’ve called home ever since. However, in 2014, after the company was bought out and its culture shifted, I transitioned to a role with one of our customers, Edward Hospital in Naperville, leveraging the strong network I’d built.
Becoming a solutions architect was always my ultimate career goal. I achieved that title at UI Health, where I’ve worked since. Delivering on my promise to implement virtual desktops was a pivotal moment, earning me the recognition and title I had strived for.
Throughout my career, I’ve taken on complex projects that shaped who I am as a solutions architect:
• Two EMR conversions to Epic: Massive undertakings that tested my ability to manage scale and detail.
• Active Directory migrations and Exchange Online migrations: Ensuring seamless transitions in critical environments.
• SAN migrations: Managing the backbone of data storage during major upgrades.
• Cloud-driven solutions: Adapting to the shift toward SaaS, I’ve brought modern technology to UI Health to streamline operations and improve workflows.
• Innovative problem-solving under pressure: I once designed and deployed a script mapping thousands of printers to desktops, avoiding a significant go-live failure at the 11th hour—saving the organization from a costly setback.
What defines my approach is a relentless curiosity and the determination to dig into the details. I break down problems, analyze logs, and reverse-engineer solutions to tackle challenges. This mindset has carried me through every milestone, from implementing cutting-edge technology to building scalable, user-focused systems.
Looking back, I see how my early interest in computers has evolved into a career of impact and innovation. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, I remain committed to designing solutions that bridge complexity with clarity, ensuring the organizations I serve are ready to meet the future.
This journey has been fueled by passion, persistence, and the belief that every problem has a solution—you just have to be willing to find it.