Richard (Joey) Smith Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Ga, Us

Atlanta, Ga

Through iTech Atlanta, I have had the privilege of collaborating with what is now Professional Delivery Providers (PDP). This journey commenced in February of 2018 with a small logistics company called Retail Direct, where we assumed comprehensive oversight of their Information Technology services, including software development and partner integration initiatives.A significant challenge in contemporary logistics is the efficient integration of diverse partners and customers to manage operations effectively. By normalizing services onto a unified platform, we not only streamlined operations but also enabled the addition of industry-competitive features that spurred innovation. Following steady growth, Retail Direct was acquired in 2023, leading to its transformation into PDP. Our proven expertise and track record in the sector warranted our retention for the continued provision of all IT services post-acquisition, including software development.🔹Engineered a resilient, cloud-based infrastructure from inception, ensuring high availability.🔹Recruited and managed agile software development teams for rapid response to emerging needs.🔹Instituted robust security protocols, incorporating secure single sign-on across all services.🔹Administered comprehensive helpdesk services to all end-users.🔹Managed all IT assets, including but not limited to laptops, desktop PCs, mobile phones, and additional hardware.🔹Facilitated seamless integration with multiple partners to automate data flows, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.🔹Achieved exceptional uptime metrics through meticulous system management.🔹Utilized Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and other technologies for task automation, thereby enabling integrations previously unattainable.🔹Implemented automated reporting mechanisms across all operational facets.🔹Established proactive infrastructure monitoring to preempt and mitigate service-impacting issues.

Marietta, Ga

Since co-founding iTech Atlanta in 2003, I've directed its growth from a startup to a comprehensive tech solutions enterprise. My role has been multi-faceted, from strategic leadership to technical oversight. My tenure at iTech Atlanta reflects my passion for leveraging technology as a transformative force for businesses.🔹Historically proven work ethic putting my customers needs above my own. 🔹Leadership & Team Management: Founded as a partnership, grew our client base by managing project/support teams and a robust helpdesk. 🔹 Strategic Consultation: Offered virtual-CIO services and startup consultations which uniquely positioned the company to offer scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes, enhancing their growth trajectory.🔹 Tech Selection: Tech-agnostic approach ensured the right hardware and software based on client needs, ensuring effectiveness and scalability.🔹 Disaster Recovery: Leveraged industry-leading tools to build and manage disaster recovery solutions. 🔹 Monitoring: Implemented a Managed Services Platform with custom application and system monitoring to preempt operational issues.🔹 RPA Integration: Integrated RPA into our solutions stack to automate routine tasks, improving efficiency and freeing up human resources for more value-added roles.🔹 Scalability & Growth: Designed infrastructures that elevated startups into major companies, focusing on innovative solutions, support, and minimal downtime.🔹 Tech Integration: Facilitated tech integrations for customers to enhance service offerings, facilitate mergers, and ensure seamless operational continuity.🔹 Outcome-Oriented: Focused on solutions that not just manage but excel. This leveraging DevOps, implementing complex system integrations, and automating processes to enhance operational efficiency.

Marietta, Ga

As a Co-Founder and Strategist at TruPrep, I helped lead a multifaceted emergency preparedness business with both a physical retail location and a robust eCommerce platform. Established with a vision to provide essential preparedness solutions, TruPrep serves a diverse customer base seeking reliability and quality. Through a mix of strategic leadership, operational management, and innovative marketing, TruPrep has become a go-to resource for emergency preparedness solutions. 🔹Strategic Leadership: Established the brand identity and company direction, setting the stage for a trusted name in emergency preparedness.🔹Marketing & Branding: Spearheaded multiple aspects of marketing and brand management. Successfully rebranded the company, encompassing new logos, a revamped website, and a revitalized online presence.🔹People Management: Managed personnel, from hiring and onboarding to scheduling and performance evaluation.🔹Event Management: Orchestrated and promoted a range of events to increase brand awareness and community engagement.🔹Product Management: Led the selection and evaluation of products, always keeping an eye on market trends and customer needs.🔹Retail Expansion: Supervised the launch of multiple retail locations, each aligned with our core brand values and customer service standards.🔹eCommerce Excellence: Built and managed a seamless eCommerce platform. Implemented automation solutions to integrate online and in-store sales operations.🔹Competitive Edge: Strategically acquired several local competitors, expanding our market share and brand influence.🔹Unique Offerings: Introduced a line of refurbished military vehicles, both as a display feature and as a resale item, adding a unique facet to our brand.

Marietta, Ga

Marietta, Ga

Through iTech Atlanta, I became a long-term contractor for RXO, Inc., formerly known as 3P Delivery and then 3PD. Starting in 2002, after their first year in business, we revamped their technology infrastructure, laying the cornerstone for scalability prior to their explosive growth. From that moment on, we were aligned with their success.Navigating the logistics sector, characterized by high-paced operations and frequent mergers and acquisitions was a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. This logistics sector, required 24/7 system uptime. Downtime wasn't an option. We thrived under this pressure, ensuring optimal performance year-round.In 2013, 3PD was acquired by XPO Logistics and later, in 2022, became RXO. I contributed to the technology backbone throughout these changes until mid-2023. Although space limits the details, key accomplishments include:🔹Designing a high-availability infrastructure with software partners.🔹Managing a 12-year helpdesk service, before its transition to XPO in 2018.🔹Leading efforts for Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance.🔹Maintaining nationwide data centers until their 2017 transition to XPO.🔹Supporting software development with critical technologies.🔹Overseeing multi-platform database systems for performance and security.🔹Ensuring near-zero downtime with robust disaster recovery plans.🔹Maintaining remarkable uptime metrics throughout our contract.🔹Managing a large team, instilling a culture of excellence.🔹Implementing strong security measures.🔹Streamlining technology during mergers and acquisitions.🔹Office buildout and management🔹Desktop, server, network, and full end-to-end technology management🔹Software troubleshooting and problem identification🔹Instrumental in startup of DevOps program and continued coordination between software and infrastructure development.

Atlanta, Ga

Holiday Automation was born from a passion for technology-driven lighting synchronized to music. What began as a personal hobby soon blossomed into a full-fledged business, pioneering commercial lighting displays. Holiday Automation served as an avenue to merge my technological prowess with commercial applications, carving a unique niche in the market.🔹Tech Visionary: Designed and built my own controllers to synchronize lights with music, placing my home on Electronic Home's Top 10 Christmas displays list.🔹Business Owner: Launched the venture as a sole proprietor, overseeing all operational, financial, and creative aspects.🔹Commercial Success: Designed and installed a large-scale Christmas display at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, making it one of Georgia's largest and most visited displays.🔹Multi-Industry Application: Leveraged lighting technology to create a simulated traffic system for high-profile court cases, showcasing its adaptability.🔹Project Management: Managed all planning, execution, and post-event evaluations for lighting installations.🔹Innovation: Used the business as a playground to experiment with technology, stretching my tech acumen beyond traditional boundaries.🔹Networking: Built strong relationships with commercial entities, showcasing the potential of technology-driven displays.

Atlanta, Ga

As an extension of TruPrep's emergency preparedness mission, I launched and managed Ready Radio, aired on a local AM station in Atlanta, GA. The show aimed to cultivate a well-informed listener base, thereby increasing customer engagement and support for TruPrep. Through Ready Radio, I was able to leverage various channels and platforms to effectively expand TruPrep's brand presence and customer base, while also honing skills in media management, talent management, and multi-platform marketing.🔹Strategic Initiatives: Successfully conceptualized and executed the radio show to serve as a marketing and customer engagement channel for TruPrep.🔹Talent Management: Identified and managed a roster of talent, ensuring high-quality, on-brand content that resonated with our audience.🔹Station Relations: Conducted negotiations with the local AM station, securing a broadcasting slot that aligned with our targeted listener demographics.🔹Content Strategy: Developed and curated engaging content that focused on emergency preparedness, in line with TruPrep's core values and mission.🔹Web Presence: Oversaw the development and maintenance of the show’s dedicated website, Ready Radio, where over 50 episodes are still accessible.🔹Publication and Syndication: Managed the podcasting of all episodes on iTunes, thereby broadening our reach beyond traditional radio listeners.🔹Marketing and Promotion: Took charge of all promotional aspects, including social media marketing and PR, to grow listenership and engagement.🔹Audience Engagement: Successfully built a substantial following that not only tuned into the show but also became supporters and customers of TruPrep.

Atlanta, Ga

As an extension of iTech Atlanta's mission to empower businesses through technology, I co-founded and produced Business Tech Today, a radio show that aired on AM1160 in Atlanta, GA. Though the show was short-lived, it served as an enlightening venture into the world of media and business technology and it was a practical learning ground in balancing multiple responsibilities and making strategic choices for the greater good of the business.🔹Strategic Initiatives: Launched the show with the aim to disseminate valuable technology insights for businesses, and as a marketing strategy for iTech Atlanta.🔹Co-Hosting and Content Creation: Designed and co-hosted the shows, creating a diverse range of topics that spoke to leveraging technology for business enhancement.🔹Talent Collaboration: Collaborated closely with my iTech Atlanta business partner, aligning the content strategy with our company’s objectives and audience needs.🔹Broadcast Negotiations: Secured a broadcasting slot on AM1160, strategically chosen to reach our target audience of small to medium-sized business owners.🔹Web Presence: Oversaw the maintenance of a dedicated website, Business Tech Today, where episodes were accessible and the facebook page where a small following was formed🔹Time Management: Made the calculated decision to retire the show after six episodes, recognizing that the time investment was affecting other critical business endeavors.🔹Learning Experience: Gained invaluable insights into radio production, media management, and content strategy, enriching my multi-faceted skill set in technology and entrepreneurship.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

I started my career at Transdyn Controls (who were later acquired by Kapsch TrafficCom), a leader in control systems for various infrastructures such as water treatment facilities, electrical distribution, and intelligent transportation systems. Within a couple short years, I rapidly advanced to the position of Senior Systems Engineer. My work laid the foundation for my professional identity and paved the way for my future entrepreneurial endeavors in technology.🔹Rapid Progression: Started as a fresh graduate from Georgia Tech and quickly ascended to the role of Senior Systems Engineer, a testament to my technical acumen and problem-solving skills.🔹Innovation in Control Systems: Spearheaded the incorporation of cutting-edge technology solutions like high availability networking, clustering, and security into an industry traditionally reliant on older technology.🔹Key Infrastructure Projects: Designed and consulted on critical systems controlling major U.S landmarks such as the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, the George Washington Bridge, and various water distribution systems nationwide.🔹Global Reach: Extended my expertise to international projects, specifically in the realm of intelligent traffic systems, ensuring that our solutions were globally competitive.🔹Security & Reliability: Focused on the crucial aspects of control systems where high availability and security were paramount, owing to the nature of the infrastructures we were handling.🔹Transitional Role: Continued consulting for Transdyn during the startup of iTech Atlanta, driven by my passion for the work and the relationships I had built at the company.

Atlanta, Ga

During my graduate studies at Georgia Tech, I worked part-time at Corporate Express (now owned by Staples), a company that provided delivery services for office supply stores. Juggling a full academic load with a 20-hour work week, I provided IT consultation services, gaining invaluable real-world experience while pursuing academia.🔹Dual Commitment: Successfully balanced a demanding Master's program at Georgia Tech with a part-time job, demonstrating exceptional time-management and multitasking skills. This period was a critical stepping stone that prepared me for my subsequent role at Transdyn and the diverse challenges I would tackle in my career.🔹Multi-site Infrastructure: Managed a T1-interconnected PBX infrastructure that linked three large offices, ensuring seamless communication within the company.🔹Server Management: Took charge of Novell Servers and Windows Desktops, maintaining a stable and secure IT environment.🔹Full Tenure: Stayed with the company throughout my academic journey at Georgia Tech, leaving only to accept a full-time professional engineering role at Transdyn.🔹Early Career Multitasking: This experience provided a rigorous test of my ability to manage both academic and professional commitments, laying a strong foundation for future roles that required similar multitasking and time-management skills.

Atlanta, Ga

While completing my Master's degree in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech, I also participated in a 6-month co-op program with Torrington, a division of Ingersoll Rand. During this period, I was involved in multiple engineering projects, leveraging my academic knowledge in a practical, industrial setting.🔹Co-op Experience: Successfully balanced my academic commitments with a 6-month engineering co-op, gaining hands-on experience in an industrial environment.🔹Intranet System: Designed and implemented an intranet information system for streamlined document and information management, utilizing Microsoft Internet Information Server and Microsoft SQL Server.🔹Process Management: Installed integrated process management systems that improved operational efficiency and contributed to a more robust manufacturing environment.🔹Quality Data Collection: Implemented systems for collecting and analyzing quality data, aiding in process optimization and quality assurance.🔹Manufacturing Networks: Developed and maintained manufacturing network systems, ensuring seamless communication and data flow across the organization.

Dry Branch, Georgia

Shortly after finishing high school and during the initial years of my college education, I worked at Dry Branch Kaolin, a mining and processing center for Kaolin. I began with manual labor tasks but rapidly moved up to the Research & Development department due to my technological proficiency. This experience was instrumental in shaping my interest and capabilities in technology and automation, serving as a foundational stepping stone for my subsequent academic and professional endeavors.🔹Automation: Spearheaded the automation of the R&D testing center, focusing on kaolin applications in enhancing paper products.🔹Data Collection: Integrated all paper testing equipment into a customized data gathering system using RS-232 protocols. This was before the widespread use of the Internet, requiring a deep understanding of available technologies.🔹Reporting: Generated comprehensive reports based on the automated data collection, providing key insights for product development.🔹Resourcefulness: Accomplished automation and data integration using technology that was not widely available at the time, demonstrating early technological acumen.🔹Transition: Continued to make significant contributions until my move to Atlanta to pursue further education at Georgia Tech made it infeasible to remain with the company.

Bsee, Electrical Engineering, 3.2

Studied Electrical Engineering with a an emphasis on network communications, systems & controls, and computer engineering. Also minored.

Msee, Electrical Engineering, 3.4

Studied Electrical Engineering with a an emphasis on network communications, systems & controls, and computer engineering. Also minored.

Engineering Transfer Program To Georgia Tech, Engineering Transfer Program To Georgia Tech, 3.8

Activities and Societies: Engineering Club - President Baptist Student Union - Athletic Director Engineering Award Calculus Award.