Mark Simmons Email & Phone Number

Durham, Ct, Us

Wallingford, Ct

Hands-on manager and technical lead for all IT-related projects at automobile dealership group consisting of 10 stores and over 500 employees throughout CT. Automated workflows and increased overall reliability of technical services. Created and designed business plans, project parameters and strategies for updating company infrastructure and workflow, with an emphasis on security, timelines and budgets. Key Accomplishments:Replaced analog phone systems with Shoretel VOIP, increasing reliability and reducing monthly costs Migrated from on-prem Exchange to Office 365Renovated aging infrastructure by virtualizing most of the company servers utilizing Microsoft Hyper-VImplemented ticketing system to ensure prompt and proper handling of employee concernsInstalled and configured Datto Backup solution to secure data on File, AD, and other critical serversAutomated computer deployment process to reduce labor timeCoordinated migration from local accounts to Domain, increasing security and centralizing managementManaged Websense/Forcepoint Security Portal, focusing on maintaining network security and accessManaged Cisco ASA, securing remote VPN access for management and outside vendorsPresented information on IT initiatives to upper management with budget and expected timelinePlanned, budgeted, and managed installation at new acquisitions and moving of existing storesStandardized desktop and laptop deployments, reducing maintenance costsMaintained relationships with outside vendors, negotiating contract renewals for all IT and telecom servicesUtilized technical expertise and abilities to increase overall efficiency and effectiveness of daily processesContinuously evaluated new technologies as they applied to automotive industry needs

North Haven, Ct

Facilitated relationships with outside vendors to streamline lead generation process with a focus on accountability and meeting budgetary goals. Key Accomplishments:Managed and maintained customer facing websites using Content Management System and HTML codingEstablished Social Media presence on multiple platforms including Facebook and TwitterGrew partnerships with vendors to streamline media creation processEvaluated new and existing lead providers to reduce generation costsCreated and maintained customer follow up processes to increase sales and retention

Built and maintained relationships with over 50 automobile dealerships in New England with a focus on improving sales processes through implementing new software and ongoing training. Key Accomplishments:Responsible for visiting new and existing accounts on a monthly basisProduced monthly reports to present to upper management and discuss areas for improvementLed software training classes for all dealership personnel, focusing on benefits of utilizationDesigned email templates for sales and service departments to drive customer retention