Justin Strate Email & Phone Number

Hired to lead and manage the core Help Desk and Project Execution team, I also work closely with clients on providing solutions for their businesses including hardware procurement, software licensing and Cloud provider start-ups.

Hired to establish a new Information Technology department within AgraForm, my roles expanded to other needs throughout the plant which included overseeing the development of our Operations Technology initiatives and maintenance. In collaboration with ownership and top level plant/operations managers we have worked to improve communications, plant efficiency, quality assurance for our clients products and more on tight timescales and efficient operating budgets. I.T. Plant Departments work together to improve all aspects of plant operations including production, packaging, shipping, client satisfaction and pilot projects for new products.Projects and department responsibilities include:- Short- and long-term initiative planning for IT/OT and Marketing Departments- IT Department Budget Outlining and Control- Liaison for IT / OT and Marketing Department Vendors- Management of IT and OT Department Projects pertaining to Network, Server and Controls Infrastructure- First level support for IT/OT Requests and Issues- Provided 24/7 Plant Support- Secured and monitoring Corporate and Controls Networks- Implemented a variety of department initiatives including Email migration to Office365, Site to Site VPN setup for new locations, VoIP implementation, website creation and SEO marketing content development and more.- Reviewed, Proposed and Procured new HMI / OT Controls software with assistance from internal department personnel and external vendor resources- Managed HMI/SFC Controls Software implementation timeline to run 2-4 Years- HMI and PLC Operations Improvements in Conjunction with External Integrators- Management of Custom Internal Application Software Development LifecyclesIn addition to department responsibilities, I have been trained and executed a variety of tasks/projects across other internal departments as needed joining supervisors and management at AgraForm to deliver client products in a efficient and timely fashion.

While at Strategic Technology Group I was able to provide oversight to client internal technology initiatives, IT support for client’s employee's and quick execution when both severe and low priority issues arose. This included facilitating and working with 3rd party vendors like Microsoft, Cisco Meraki, Dell and multiple 3rd party custom software companies to fix complex issues within client networks.I lead client projects and initiatives for this IT consulting firm, including:• Implementation of new products and services through STG for our clients• Worked on multiple server replacements and first-time setups for clients ranging from 5 users to over 200+• Navigated complex software implementations that required knowledge of over half a dozen programs that interfaced with each other to deliver the clients products and services• Provided end user support and managed IT services to over 1500+ end users from printer connection troubleshooting to PC setups and migrations• Lead and participated in multiple Microsoft self-assessments for clients with and without VLK and Office365 licenses• Executed multiple VLAN layered networks providing guest, industrial network security and camera segmentation to secure and speed up client network accessibility• Implemented Cisco Meraki firewall standard for STG clients allowing for faster troubleshooting and access changes while creating stable network platforms for our clients• Developed an expert ability to understand client product needs, quote out solutions and execute on product purchases under client approvals (i.e. Server, Laptop/Desktop, Network Hardware products) as a value-added partner for major brands.STG provides multi-layered IT support for small to medium business in the St. Louis area. With their technical expertise and utilization of industry standard management applications and processes STG manages, monitors and secures our clients hardware, server infrastructure and nation-spanning networks.

Arnold, Missouri, Us

Key Responsibilities Include:• Senior project leader for national and multi-national clients• Planning and executing IT support projects for production and OT initiatives, including networking, IT security, workstation setup, end-point connections, and more• Monitoring and alerting managed clients to issues with infrastructure utilizing industry leading platforms and tools• Providing both end user and server/application support for managed clients• Monitoring and securing Windows Server and Network environments through BPA's (Best Practice Assessments) and implementation of firmware and system updates• Developing long-term IT priority roadmaps for clients including backup points, network and user security, planned upgrades and replacements, etc.Connecting US Manufacturing and Service Companies with the latest IT Resources and Technology. STA is an IT Management and Consulting company dedicated to the security and support of US Manufacturing and Industrial businesses both large and small. We provide complete management of larger multi-national client’s networks and server infrastructure to ensure security against growing global threats.We help manufacturing plants and industrial companies extend the life of their control systems, networks, and other automation investments while managing the risk outdated systems create. STA’s managed IT services help you monitoring networks and backups for plants, deploy virtual servers and other industrial IOT manufacturing services, remotely manage plant networks, upkeep antivirus software’s, and stay ahead of line slowdowns and network outages.We also support controls engineers by taking the IT tasks off your hands that you don’t want to worry about. Including network device maintenance, firewall log reviewing, and upgrade scheduling for many of your physical and virtual systems.

St. Louis, Missouri, Us

EPIC Systems Inc. Is a large process and manufacturing firm located in South St. Louis, Missouri. EPIC designs, builds, and fabricates custom manufacturing systems and IIOT manufacturing solutions for its clients.I was the primary IT point of contact for all needs both internal and external which included supporting client automation projects throughout the Power and Controls division. From management to end user support I helped to create and implement a number of internal programs aimed at standardization. This included product lifecycles, physical to virtual implementations, industrial network security, technology expansions and written protocols.Throughout my time as the Network Administrator II I worked on many major projects including:• Complete physical to virtual server implementation and migration• Hardware replacement lifecycle for end users• Overhaul of all conference rooms including active displays and HD projectors• SMTP to Office365 Migration• iSCSI Network and SAN Implementation (Vendor Partnership)• Major upgrades to internal accounting software/platforms• Created of a fixed budget outline for planned and recurring costs ($250k a year)While providing support and direction to the company I also consulted on multiple client projects which included thin client server deployments, server configurations, backup process outlines and execution and networking setups for SCADA networks at clients sites.

Overland Park, Ks, Us

Avazpour’s comprehensive portfolio of services has innovative solutions that provide flexibility and scalability in a controlled and secure environment. These services are strategically designed to assist in becoming engaged in any level of IT lifecycle that the client may be in. Services include Cloud Hosting, Data Protection, Virtual Disaster Recovery and full IT Department Management.I provided IT support services on a daily basis in this roll. Receiving helpdesk calls, tickets and emails I was able to manage and multitask end user requests and problems effectively. During projects and client onboarding processes, I worked with other arms of the company including the Systems Administrators, Network Administrators and Sales Coordinators effectively to complete and sometimes troubleshoot end user requests and issues.I developed expertise for Managed IT Services through:• Resolving various helpdesk requests through a managed ticketing system• Setting up clients through multiple Active Directory and Exchange services• Basic network troubleshooting within multiple site to site VPN's• Hardware repair and deployments utilizing Dell and HP hardware

Heartland Services Inc is a direct partner to Panasonic and designated US repair facility for multiple lines of products. These include Panasonic Toughbook Laptops, Panasonic Projectors and more, with the ability to image, deploy, and repair each unit down to circuit board repair.While at HSI, I repaired and deployed multiple lines of Toughbook Laptops including the CF-48, 50, and 52 units. This required following proper repair procedures, extensive knowledge of diagnostic processes, and management of a repair queue through an internally developed logistics software.

Associate'S Degree, Network Systems Administration

Information Technology

Education record