Nick Praechter Email & Phone Number

St Louis, Missouri, United States

In my role as an IT Administrator, I ensure our systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with the organization’s evolving needs.Daily Responsibilities:IT Strategy and Oversight: Evaluate and improve IT operations to enhance efficiency, strengthen security, and align with business goals.Network Security Management: Administer Fortinet Enterprise Routers, applying stringent security configurations and monitoring protocols to fortify our network against cyber… Show more In my role as an IT Administrator, I ensure our systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with the organization’s evolving needs.Daily Responsibilities:IT Strategy and Oversight: Evaluate and improve IT operations to enhance efficiency, strengthen security, and align with business goals.Network Security Management: Administer Fortinet Enterprise Routers, applying stringent security configurations and monitoring protocols to fortify our network against cyber threats.Office 365 Administration: Manage and tailor Office 365 services to boost team productivity and collaboration, maintaining stringent security and compliance standards.Virtualization and Infrastructure Management: Oversee a cluster of 60 VMware VMs, utilizing VMware vSphere and MS Hyper-V to ensure optimal performance, high availability, and efficient resource management.Scripting and Automation: Employ PowerShell, Python, and batch scripting regularly to automate routine tasks, enhance system configurations, and streamline operational procedures, significantly increasing operational efficiency and reliability.IT Support and User Management: Deliver daily support to around 75 users, resolving hardware and software issues promptly to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.IT Service Management: Use ConnectWise and Manage Engine Suite for IT service management and security monitoring, effectively handling service requests and incidents while maintaining vigilance over the IT ecosystem.Technologies and Tools:Virtualization Platforms: VMware vSphere, MS Hyper-VCybersecurity Solutions: Fortinet Enterprise RoutersCollaboration Tools: Office 365IT Service Management: ConnectWise, Manage Engine SuitesScripting Languages: PowerShell, Python, Batch Scripting Show less

Madison, Illinois, United States

Systems AdministrationThis position includes working with many different hardware and cloud base systems like O365 admin, includes email, share point administration and 365 Dynamics on a daily basis, wired/wireless networking and providing support for the company employees. Other hardware I work with day to day include Cisco, Fortinet, Netgear Switches, Ubiquiti Hardware/AP's, Win Domain Controllers, DNS Servers, DHCP Servers, GPO policies, FreePBX Servers(SIP/VOIP). All Severs… Show more Systems AdministrationThis position includes working with many different hardware and cloud base systems like O365 admin, includes email, share point administration and 365 Dynamics on a daily basis, wired/wireless networking and providing support for the company employees. Other hardware I work with day to day include Cisco, Fortinet, Netgear Switches, Ubiquiti Hardware/AP's, Win Domain Controllers, DNS Servers, DHCP Servers, GPO policies, FreePBX Servers(SIP/VOIP). All Severs are Windows Servers 2008-2019 and have been migrated over to Hyper Visors during my time as the admin. Projects completed:Migration of Active Directory from Windows Server 2008 to Virtual Windows Server 2019 (this needed several migrations to get to Windows Server 2019), migrated application servers, and an PBX server from bare metal to a virtual server. These migrations included a exchange server, share point over to Azure cloud Exchange(O365). We also self-host 50+ websites that need maintaining, backing up and patching (Linux, Ubuntu, CentOS).Migration from Pfsense then to a 200F Fortinet to handle the HA environment the company now finds itself in. Planned and created custom Spam filter on premise. Planned and built Eth2 Validation servers currently earning the company a stable APR.High Availability for WHM Servers. Show less

Madison, Illinois, United States

Assisting in Systems Administration and Help Desk related issues. While in this position I have migrated several Hyper Visors into one, Cleaned up GPO Policies and complete normal day to day tasks such as checking backups, assisting in setting up new Employees for on-boarding with e-mail, desktops and other devices requested at the time of the on-boarding. All Help Desk Tickets are worked through Spice Works Ticketing System.

Greater St. Louis Area

Founder & IT ConsultantServices Provided:Data Extraction: Reports and data export structured to compliy with governmental subpoena's.Server Management: Server migration and configuration projects, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal setup. Proficient in patch management, enhancing system reliability and security.Cybersecurity Initiatives: Conducted comprehensive security testing and executed strategic patching to fortify systems against… Show more Founder & IT ConsultantServices Provided:Data Extraction: Reports and data export structured to compliy with governmental subpoena's.Server Management: Server migration and configuration projects, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal setup. Proficient in patch management, enhancing system reliability and security.Cybersecurity Initiatives: Conducted comprehensive security testing and executed strategic patching to fortify systems against vulnerabilities. Expertise in virus and malware eradication, safeguarding digital environments.Networking Solutions:Designed and implemented small office networking solutions, including wiring and infrastructure setup. Troubleshooting and repairing a broad spectrum of devices including computers, tablets, and PBX phone systems.Web and Database Development: Led the development and implementation of web and database solutions utilizing MySQL, PHP, HTML5, and CSS, enhancing clients' online presence and operational efficiency.Virtualization and Cost Optimization: Guiding businesses through the virtualization of servers and hardware using various hypervisors (ESXi, OpenVZ, Windows Hyper-V), achieving significant cost savings and improved IT infrastructure flexibility.Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning: Develop and implemented comprehensive on and offsite backup strategies and disaster recovery plans, ensuring business continuity and data integrity.Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct in-depth security audits and penetration testing to identify and mitigate internal and external threats, enhancing organizational resilience against cyber threats. Show less

Weldon Springs, Mo

Snow Specialist:Working IT tickets for code and hardware issues for my Tier 2 team. (Service Now ITSM)Technical Support Tier 2 Team LeadManaged and provided support for our Tier 2 team and helping program DMS100 and 5ESS telecom pots switches with the USOC programming language, this was during Verizon’s migration from copper to fiber connections to subscribers.Tier 2Consist of mostly assisting and support agents taking support calls from businesses with network… Show more Snow Specialist:Working IT tickets for code and hardware issues for my Tier 2 team. (Service Now ITSM)Technical Support Tier 2 Team LeadManaged and provided support for our Tier 2 team and helping program DMS100 and 5ESS telecom pots switches with the USOC programming language, this was during Verizon’s migration from copper to fiber connections to subscribers.Tier 2Consist of mostly assisting and support agents taking support calls from businesses with network and device issues, creating private circuits and supporting them (MPLS, BGP, VPWS/VPN). Also working tickets in Service Now for Server App, Desktop Software, Hardware tickets. Salesforce work consist of configuring queues and DB pull logic/scripts for other teams to work out of. Most troubleshooting is through proprietary software, GUI's and open source terminals like putty, which consist of remoting into CO's/Edge Routers, Layer 2 & 3 Switches.Also consist of supporting field techs and installers. We did support some ADSL business connections that are unable to have FIOS. (DSLAMS, Modems, WiFi routers). At the end of my time with Verizon I mostly worked the IT (SNOW) role and supporting/managing Tier 2. Show less

Chesterfield, Mo

IT Infrastructure Specialist & Tier 2 SupervisorKey Responsibilities and Achievements:Unified Communications Management: Actively participated in the maintenance and upgrade of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platforms, SIP/VOIP systems, instant messaging/chat applications, web services, and Data Center/Active Directory LDAP servers, ensuring high availability and performance.Consulting on Network Infrastructure: Provided expert consulting services on networking… Show more IT Infrastructure Specialist & Tier 2 SupervisorKey Responsibilities and Achievements:Unified Communications Management: Actively participated in the maintenance and upgrade of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platforms, SIP/VOIP systems, instant messaging/chat applications, web services, and Data Center/Active Directory LDAP servers, ensuring high availability and performance.Consulting on Network Infrastructure: Provided expert consulting services on networking and routing configurations, including the implementation of dual-stack IPs, to optimize data flow and system efficiency.Advanced Technical Support: Served as Tier 2 Supervisor, overseeing the call queue and addressing complex technical issues. Specialized in subnetting extensive networks and establishing VLANs to enhance network segmentation and security.Network Troubleshooting: Engaged in Tier 2 Support activities, including monitoring and resolving remote network problems. Daily responsibilities encompassed handling customer inquiries, managing trouble tickets, and utilizing remote access protocols such as SSH, Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, RDP, and FTP to diagnose issues within both wired and wireless networks, predominantly comprising Cisco and other premium hardware.Ticketing System and Documentation: Efficiently utilized a custom ticketing system for comprehensive documentation of troubleshooting processes, resolutions, and ongoing support needs, ensuring transparency and accountability.Network Infrastructure Deployment and Maintenance: Gained hands-on experience with DSLAMs and CMTS systems in large-scale environments, managing extensive arrays of access points, switches, and ethernet connections through detailed analysis of network schematics and as-built documentation.End-User Support and Network Security: Provided daily support to end-users, addressing connectivity and network performance issues, alongside proactive network abuse monitoring (packet sniffing/traffic analysis). Show less

Clayton, Mo

Network and Server Infrastructure: Successfully designed, implemented, and managed the company's network architecture and server infrastructure, including DNS, Active Directory, Group Policies, VLANs, and firewall/routing configurations, to support operational requirements and enhance security.Website Management: Oversaw the maintenance and periodic updates of the company website, ensuring content relevance and optimal performance.VPN Gateway Implementation: Established a secure VPN… Show more Network and Server Infrastructure: Successfully designed, implemented, and managed the company's network architecture and server infrastructure, including DNS, Active Directory, Group Policies, VLANs, and firewall/routing configurations, to support operational requirements and enhance security.Website Management: Oversaw the maintenance and periodic updates of the company website, ensuring content relevance and optimal performance.VPN Gateway Implementation: Established a secure VPN gateway, facilitating remote access to network resources for off-site employees and enhancing productivity.System Updates and Patch Management: Proactively managed the update and patching process for all network clients and servers, maintaining system integrity and security across the infrastructure.Technical Support: Provided comprehensive technical support services to end-users, primarily focusing on Windows-based clients, resolving issues efficiently to minimize downtime.User and Hardware Management: Managed the addition and removal of clients/users and hardware as required, ensuring network adaptability and scalability.Server Administration: Administered a diverse server environment, including Windows Servers (2003-2007) and Linux-based systems, with specific expertise in Asterisk SIP/PBX servers. Managed server racks (U1 and U2), optimizing space and ensuring efficient operation. Show less