Larry Souder Email & Phone Number

Mchenry, Il, Us

Chicago, Illinois, United States

As a Senior Software and Database Engineer, I oversee the outsourcing of shared mail production, involving intricate modifications to existing entity framework objects and the establishment of streamlined processes for data movement across production, reporting, and billing. As part of my accomplishments, I integrated Daily Herald products into the SAM production system, ensuring compatibility through the development of C# objects for format conversion. Moreover, I executed a critical upgrade to SAM 19, aligning data processing and reporting with database structure changes, benefiting key programs like Orlando Sun Sentinel, Baltimore Sun, Hartford Currant, and Chicago Tribune's shared mail. Further, I transitioned shared mail customer lookup screens from Kaleidoscope to Opslink, enhancing accessibility and operational efficiency. In addition, I facilitated the outsourcing of newspaper production for the Baltimore Sun and assumed responsibility for Opslink\KPI, ensuring smooth scheduling, processing, and reporting for newspapers across various locations. Taking charge of data processing for Hartford ValuMail, I integrated essential processes into Gizmo, covering data pulling, business rule application, and final address processing for mail preparation and SAM formatting. Lastly, I maintained system integrity by migrating the mail tracker system and production dashboard to new servers, ensuring uninterrupted operation and accessibility for all stakeholders.

Northlake, Illinois, United States

In my role as a Senior Software and Database Engineer, I developed Casey’s direct mail ordering system within our client-skinned Gizmo. This system enabled us to visualize Hadoop-derived data on Google Maps around our stores, making it easier to order direct mail campaigns and proof mailer images before production. Additionally, I implemented the Camping World direct mail ordering system within our client-skinned Gizmo, giving our clients the ability to order customer direct mail at the store level and efficiently proof and process direct mail campaigns. Moreover, I drove crucial projects, including the transition of the mail tracker system and production dashboard to new servers, meticulously ensuring uninterrupted functionality and accessibility. I likewise assumed control over critical components such as C# ASP code, web services, and Windows services for Gizmo, Kaleidoscope, and related projects, enabling efficient management and maintenance. Furthermore, I played a key role in integrating the Hartford select mail program into Gizmo, enhancing its functionality by incorporating zone definitions, suppression lists, and business rules while ensuring compatibility with the SAM format. Lastly, I successfully mitigated a ransomware attack on Tribune by implementing robust safeguards, creating backups, and assisting in server reconstruction, thereby minimizing data loss and ensuring uninterrupted production, underscoring my commitment to driving excellence and overcoming challenges in software and database engineering.

Northlake, Illinois, United States

During my time at Tribune Direct subsidiary Tribune Publishing as a Team Lead and Database Administrator, I spearheaded the development of a shared mail program within our internal data processing system. This involved establishing business rules and integrating a materials database, SQL tables, stored procedures, and reports into Kaleidoscope, enhancing our ability to track production, quality, and material usage. Furthermore, I led the migration of the National database from SQL Server to a Hadoop cluster. Leveraging my expertise in Java and C#, I ensured seamless access to and management of the data. Another significant achievement was implementing Kubota direct mail ordering and Scott's lawn care direct mail ordering within a client-skinned Gizmo platform. This enabled comprehensive searches across all databases for California addresses and PPI data requests. Throughout my tenure, I diligently maintained the National database in SQL Server, which housed extensive demographic information for over 200 million individuals. This database played a pivotal role in facilitating data extraction for direct mail campaigns, collaborating closely with the Kaleidoscope project.

Master'S Degree, Computer Science

Bachelor'S Degree, Computer Science

Activities and Societies: Sigma Alpha Mu