HOWARD GRIPP

Experience

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  Metz Baking Company

  Jan 1987 - Aug 1997

  Manager of IT Networking

  Hired as AS/400 COBOL programmer, and promoted to Manager within 18 months. Oversaw operations of daily networking / telecommunications for 35 sites across the United States, 2,500 end users, and 2,800 computer systems. Played a key role in growing company from 4 servers and 100 computers to 50 servers with 2,800 systems for 2,500 end users. Directed all IT and telecom purchasing, installation, configuration, and other relevant activities nationwide, annual budgeting, and managing all computer projects. * Managed a staff of 10 employees supporting all IT systems.Bread Manufacturing company that was sold and closed in 1998. Show less

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  Silgan Containers

  Sept 1997 - Nov 2014

  Sr. IT Infrastructure Manager

  Responsible for managing all IT and telecommunication functions for 44 sites across the United States, with a network featuring 4,000 systems with 3,500 end users. Directly supervise a 14 member staff supporting four IT divisions. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, authoring and managing a $3 Million annual budget, planning and overseeing major IT projects, purchasing hardware and software, telecommunications, associated equipment and products, network maintenance, infrastructure, compliance, and SG&A. * Current projects: VMware virtualization of all data center network servers, disaster recovery, cloud based remote data storage, installation of VOIP on NEC systems, installing Virtual Storage Appliance at remote facilities, controlling all software licensing, purchasing, merging local and long distance telecom, MPLS conversion from one vendor to another, planning and implementing a full DR plan for the data center and corporate office, plant acquisition.* Created Help Desk department, including the development/implementation of a tracking system using Help Star. Built the department from scratch and now have 7 employees including a Supervisor. Developed the Help Desk employee in to tier 2 technicians who can solve 90% of the problems.* Developed a system designed in Access to keep all IT equipment up to current technology standards, with servers and laptops on a 3-year upgrade rotation, and desktops on a 5-year upgrade rotation.* Successfully planned and managed the company-wide migration from Novell to Microsoft for 44 sites. Delivered project 6 months ahead of schedule in 2.5 years.* Developed a system designed in Access to track all software licensing for the company. This also uses ODBC connections to multiple SQL databases to retrieve information from external systems including Lansweeper and Help Star.* Developed a Purchase Order system in HTML and ASP.NET for all of our IT company purchases. Show less

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  Heartland Farms

  Nov 2014 - now

  Director of Information Technology

  Responsible for the overall planning, organizing, and execution of all IT functions at Heartland Farms, Inc. This includes but is not limited to directing all IT operations to meet the internal and external requirements of the company as well as support and maintain existing applications and development of new solutions. Strategy involves creating internal processes, hardware planning, and software development for in-office operations as well as supporting technology in wash plant, storage warehouses, tractors as well as other equipment. * Analyze complex business needs presented by the user community and/or clients and recommend technical solutions* Ensure consistency and maintainability of existing applications by creating, maintaining, and ensuring standards / procedures for implementing technical solutions* Directs operations in executing production tasks according to a documented schedule that meets or exceeds customer expectations* Produces detailed time line for each application release and implements effective project control* Direct the maintenance and needs of physical infrastructure* Directs and prioritizes the work load of subordinate personnel* Directs the physical and virtual security of the organizations IT resources to ensure security* Participates on all hardware and software evaluations and maintains vendor contacts* Manage and implement disaster recovery solutions* Directs education of his/her staff* Develops training for new / current programs and technology for all users* Perform liaison duties between users, operations, and programming personnel in the areas of systems design, modifications, and troubleshooting* Accomplishes financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective action Show less

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  Adventure 212

  Feb 2016 - Jan 2019

  Director Of Information Technology

  Responsible for the overall strategic planning for Information Technology at the Health Club.