James Cermak Email & Phone Number

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area

Symmetric IT Group is an MSP company who provides remote and specialized services to high level customers. I focus on delivering high level customer service to the clients. I work with Symmetric Engineers to install, configure, and maintain client computers, Servers, network equipment, and cloud services. I stress the importance of documenting client hardware and software assets to SIG staff. Often, I try to provide training to clients on security and standard operating procedures. I assist clients with negotiating vendor contracts with ISP providers, copier vendors, telephony vendors, security and alarm vendors, etc. In addition, I assist clients with creating and adhering to I.T. budgets; network infrastructure planning, and provide equipment purchase recommendations. Daily I engage in company sales. At Symmetric we track our calls using ConnectWise Manage and obtain remote access to our customers using ConnectWise Control/Automate. I continuously look for opportunities to grow company revenue and profitability. Major Achievements:• My current major project includes new office construction buildouts and overlooking network security implementations.• Installed, configured, and supported several SonicWall TZ Series Firewall/Routers at various clients configuring routing, firewall security, and remote VPN access.• Provided new physical and virtual server installations and support for a major health company complying with HIPAA regulations.• Installed, configured, and supported a new physical and virtual server using Hyper-V for a machine company adhering to the security requirements of the Department of Defense (DOD).

Tinley Park, Il

An entrepreneurial IT consultancy that provides network and security managed services to various customers. Conducts needs assessment in alignment with customer goals. Recommends appropriate solutions, job time frames and costs. Provide PC and network troubleshooting and support services. [SPECIALTIES & COMPENTENTINCES]Local and Wide Area Network Architecture, Engineering, and OperationsCisco Router, Switch, and Firewall Installation, Configuration, and SupportWireless Access Point Installation, Configuration, and SupportNetwork and PC Security Architecture, Policies, Testing, and ManagementHelpdesk Services Troubleshooting and Support ServicesManagement, Leadership, Staff Encouragement, Team Player Disaster & Recovery / Business Continuity Planning, Testing and ImplementationExcellent Customer Service Skills, Provides Training, Explaining Using Non-Technical Terms Entrepreneurial Skills, Self-Starter, Ambitious, Reliable, Dedicated, Sales & Marketing SkillsMajor Achievements: • Focused on customer satisfaction, system security, and reliability• Created secure LAN’s using HIPAA guidelines for several Dental and Medical Offices• Installed & supported Windows 2K3, 2K8, 2K12, 2K16 Active Directory Servers for various clients• Installed, configured, & managed several SonicWALL Wireless Firewall Routers using both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, increasing security for financial and dental facilities• Performed security and penetration testing using Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit, and Nessus• Hired and managed subcontractors for larger detailed projects • Assisted customers with creating and implementing Disaster & Recovery plans• Assisted customers with the purchase, installation, and support of various hardware and software products pertaining to their business• Installed, configured, and supported Luxul Wireless Access Points and Controllers for several clients • Saved clients over 20% in IT costs utilizing extensive research and planning techniques

Greater Chicago Area

Led the project that created the company’s technology function. Designed & implemented a new secure Microsoft Server network to support the flow of confidential data. Researched, purchased, and configured all company computers and laptops. Provided 24/7 daily onsite and remote support to all employees. Major Achievements: • Managed $1M+ technology budget, reviewing bi-annually with the Chief Financial Officer• Assisted construction Project Managers and Architects with the company build-out and relocation project• Created, monitored, and supported a secure, stable local area network using a Cisco Router• Configured Cisco Catalyst Switches for layer 2 switching and layer 3 routing• Secured the internal network using a Cisco ASA-5520 IDS/IPS Firewall, provided 24x7 monitoring• Installed and configured Windows Server 2K11 with Active Directory and MS Exchange (OWA access)• Recommended, configured, and supported Cisco VoIP telephones• Negotiated contracts with outside vendors for secure high speed internet access, cable TV service, copier leasing, and onsite Bloomberg stock-market-feed service• Managed small to medium scale technology projects

Greater Chicago Area

Drove all aspects of IT operations. Developed and managed the annual $2M+ technology budget, presenting it to Senior Partners and CFO bi-annually for approval. Managed a team of 6 engineers. Major Achievements: • Designed, engineered and maintained a secure and reliable Cisco local and wide area network• Installed and supported several 2K3 Windows Servers including Active Directory and MS Exchange• Installed and configured a Cisco Router with a Static IP for port forwarding, configured various IP services and routing protocols such as DNS, DHCP, BGP, OSPF, RIPv2, and EIGRP• Secured LAN with dual (redundant) Cisco PIX-515 Firewalls for failover connectivity• Provided VPN services to remote employees using a Cisco VPN-3000 Concentrator• Managed IDF / MDF data rooms hosting Cisco Catalyst Switches using FDDI, CAT5e, and CAT6 connectivity• Created secure VLAN connections adhering to separation of duties and least privilege policies• Managed domain name settings with Network Solutions, iPowerWeb • Monitored network activity using Solarwinds suite of tools (SNMP)• Installed, configured, and supported Blackberry, SQL, and Application Servers• Hired reliable staff, conducted employee performance evaluations, assisted in employee growth• Project managed several major office relocation projects • Created RFP’s, reviewed contracts, hired and managed external vendors engagement • Conducted BCP/DR planning and internal audits in accordance with Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) requirements• Tested DR plan annually at offsite recovery facility• Created application test environment to ensure program stability before live deployment • Created and updated technology environment document binder hosting Visio network diagrams, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, Adobe PDF documents, and network structure pictures • Worked closely with and provided detailed reports to parent company Mass Mutual • Created and managed an internal helpdesk team to provide company wide support

Responsible for the daily utilization and actions of 6 Systems Engineers. Provided external clients with technology related support. Collaborated with other Systems Engineering Managers. Provided hands on assistance to systems engineers as needed. Assigned a Project Manager roll for several clients.Major Achievements: • Maintained a secure and reliable local and wide area networks for several major clients such as Quaker Oats, Archdiocese of Chicago, FMC, Amaco Oil, Interstate Insurance Group, DDB Needham, etc. • Provided support for American Association of Oral and Macillofacial Surgeons as intrum IT Manager • Obtained Certified Novell Administrator (CNA) and Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) Certifications• Upgraded network hardware and PC's for Midway Games • Managed network connectivity and VLAN configurations for Motorola• Provided technical support, help desk support and IT security to employees of Goldman Sachs on Chicago Mechantile Exchange (CME) trading floor

Greater Chicago Area

Provided leadership, assistance with employee development, technical training, and support to a staff of 18 technical LAN Administrators. Responsible for the following: overlooking the completion of projects, tasks and Help Desk trouble calls; provides reports to senior management such as departmental cash flow, trouble call analysis, monthly project review; assistance in employee technical development; verification of equipment orders; creating departmental SLA’s and assisting with employee quarterly & year end performance reviews. Organized an internal Help Desk support team composed of 8 people for the Chicago Office. Evaluated and implemented new problem tracking software to be used by Help Desk.

Clearing And Garfield Ridge - Chicago

Assisted buyers in finding their dream home to live in and assisted sellers in selling their existing home. Worked with various attorneys on real estate law and mortgage brokers with loan pre-approvals and loan pre-qualifications.

Greater Chicago Area

Provided service to customers on Microsoft based PC's, Apple Mac's and printers. Dispatch manager for 30+ technical engineers. Managed major client Quaker Oats’ IT department. Assisted with managing a computer upgrade project at Northern Trust Bank.

Greater Chicago Area

Started building my computer services career with Arthur Andersen. Managed the audio visual department for 1 year. Promoted to computer services department as a Level 1 Engineeer. provided computer services to employees.

Nas Oceana - Virgina Beach, Va

Corrosion Control - Airframe Shop Supervisor, Mechanic on F-4 Phantom and F-14 Tomcat. "Collateral Duty Inspector" - approves and authorizes aircraft as flight worthy after released from maintenence. Served on USS Saratoga and USS John F. Kennedy. Gained valuable experience in the leadership of teams, the delivery of completed project results, meeting time constraints, maintaining control under stressful situations, understanding and working with different personalities, and adhering too and enforcing the importance of safety.

Associates Of Applied Science (Aas), It Security Specialist, 3.9 Gpa

Activities and Societies: Phi Theta Kappa Honor SocietyWorking on obtaining the following Certifications: Security+, CCNA, CCNP, CISSP.

Aviation / Business Management, 4.0

Entered the Aviation Management Degree program which was ultimately cancelled by SSC. Classes of study were primarily Ground School.

Various

Activities and Societies: Phi Theta Kappa Honor SocietyTook various management and business classes to enhance my career.

Various, 4.0

Took several general education courses while serving in the United States Navy.