Don works with technology while keeping a foot in the creative world.
Don was the first student at his fine art college to use a computer. Studying art that uses technology such as photography and filmmaking/videomaking. He is self-taught in computer technologies which is a natural fit for his trouble shooting skills. He started using a personal computer in the 1980s while at art school. Don set up his first network in 1994 (token ring). Started working at one of the first dot-coms in 1996 and survived the mass layoffs of 2001 and transitioned into IT Management. Don moved from California to Oregon in 2003 and became an early remote worker. He enjoys customer service, standing between the technology and end user, to explain, train, and resolve issues. Don works with stakeholders to manage budgets and get things done.
Highlights from Don’s career in tech…so far. In 1995 he edited 1100-page technical document and was given a bonus for excellent execution on time and on budget. Programmed multi-location phone system and did frequent Q&A on customer web sites. Coordinated desk, phone, and computer set ups for all new hires—over 300 in one year—at an ever expanding dot-com. Learned every aspect of Apple hardware and software support to be an Apple Service Technician. Provided hands on tech support for Beatnik technology demos in Milan, Italy. While IT Manager at Cheskin reduced telecommunications costs by over $2000 per month while increasing available services. At Fujitsu he acquired advanced technical knowledge of mobile, desktop, and enterprise hard disk drives, RAID, SCSI, SATA, Fibre Channel, and other storage solutions. Collaborating within a small team rebuilt the support system for Fujitsu storage products with research, testing, creating new knowledge base articles, and developed requirements for testing lab. Over the last 19-years at the firm Don acted as sysadmin for 5 offices; SD-WAN, network routers, switches, and servers; 100 client systems, 70 iPhones, multiple intranets, VLANs and dozens of active web sites; Mentored IT support staff and IT Student Interns; Provided expert witness testimony and computer forensics; Transitioned the firm to automated systems for Human Resources and Case Management.
- Director of Information Technology, Stahancyk, Kent & Hook, 2005 – 2024
- Product Support Specialist, Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Storage Products Group, 2004
- Manager of Information Technology/Consultant, Cheskin, 2001 – 2003
- Information Technology Support Specialist Contractor, Beatnik, Inc., 2001
- Systems Engineer, Rosai Group, Inc., 2001
- Information Technology Help Desk Specialist, Future Network USA (fmr Imagine Media, Inc.), 1999 – 2001
- Facilities Coordinator and Quality Assurance, Organic, Inc., 1996 – 1998
- Technical Editor Contractor, Health Level Seven (ISO standards document), 1995 – 1996
