Michael Markus

Michael Markus

Founder / Owner

location of Michael MarkusMcCordsville, Indiana, United States

Connect with Michael Markus to Send Message

Connect

Connect with Michael Markus to Send Message

Connect
  • Timeline

  • About me

    Experienced Audio-Visual Professional and Technical Writer

  • Education

    • Pike High School

      -
      High School Diploma

      Activities and Societies: Swim Team all 4 years, I set a school record and was captain during my Senior year Played Football as a Sophomore

    • ITT Technical Institute - Indianapolis, IN

      1980 - 1982
      Associate's degree Electronics Engineering Technology 3.6 GPA
    • Flourish School of Yoga

      2012 - 2013
      200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training - RYT Yoga Teacher Training/Yoga Therapy
    • ITT Technical Institute - Indianapolis

      1980 - 1982
      Associate of Science - AS Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering 3.6 GPA
  • Experience

    • VCR Housecalls, Inc.

      Aug 1985 - Jun 2004
      Founder / Owner

      I founded and operated a full-service consumer technology repair companyI managed an 18 person staff in three retail locations with an average annual gross income of $1MI performed and supervised administrative functions such as accounting, office management, human resources and marketing.I established and directed staff on customer service standards and support levelsI built relationships with manufacturers such as Panasonic, Sharp, Sanyo and Thomson and several extended warranty companies.I organized and maintained inventoryI performed house calls and in-shop repairs on consumer electronics such as televisions, VCRs, audio visual equipment, home theatres and computers Show less

    • Indianapolis Financial Group

      Jul 2004 - Aug 2005
      Financial Services Representative

      I designed and proposed financial plans to targeted prospects, businesses, and individualsI performed over 100 cold calls a week, networked in various chambers, successfully closed dozens of salesI obtained licenses and certifications

    • Security Labs

      Aug 2005 - Aug 2007
      Service Manager / Technician

      I improved repair rate efficiency by 300% and reduced service return rate to 1%I established quality standards, organized parts inventory, developed and maintained repair symptom/cures database to improve repair efficiencyI solved customer network configuration problems that enabled them to utilize our products on the internetI evaluated prototypes and made recommendations to engineers in AsiaI trained and onboarded technicians I performed field service repairs Show less

    • Electronic evolutions, inc.

      Oct 2007 - Jan 2008
      Sales Representative / System Designer

      I created an aggressive sales plan with measurable objectives, activities and goalsI aggressively executed sales plan resulting in meeting with and developing relationships with influencers, prospects and clientsI actively participated in a broad range of organizations in pursuit of prospective clients including AIA, CSI, TechPoint, Chamber meetings, and Rainmakers

    • CIM Technology Solutions

      Feb 2008 - Nov 2010
      Project Manager

      I consistently exceeded client expectations by delivering quality projects on time.I delivered simultaneous projects, under budget, using established project management methodologies.I initiated and directed design resolution meetings with management, clients, and architects.I managed the entire project life-cycle activities. I wrote proposals for RFPs, produced functionality statements, attended and directed project launch meetings, conducted site visits, confirmed and revised drawings as necessary. I completed and submitted sub-vendor RFIs, architectural drawings, BOMs, project timelines, and project close out documentation.I scheduled and directed all sub-vendor activities to ensure project compliance, methodologies and quality standards and coordinated IT strategy regarding all IP based solutions.I fostered strong client relations by listening and helping them recognize their needs. Maintained open dialogue with sales and management through weekly project status meetings as well as identifying new business opportunities. Show less

    • Supertronics AV Service, LLC

      Nov 2010 - Nov 2012
      Founder / Owner

      I established the business entity as an LLC.I configured and maintained QuickBooks.I created promotional materials based on a marketing plan I wrote.I created and maintained a website.I built a contact network for the purpose of acquiring new audio, video, and control projects.I quoted, designed, and installed projects. I programmed system remote controls.I contracted with other AV companies to perform their installations and service.I attended manufacturers’ training to expand product knowledge, learn about emerging technologies, and implementation strategies. Show less

    • Flourish Yoga and Wellbeing

      Nov 2010 - Aug 2012
      Co-Founder, Business Manager and Consultant

      I created and maintained the web site using WordPressI created the monthly and published the newsletter I created business planning spreadsheetI established and organized policies, procedures, price lists I performed daily duties of opening, closing, training staff, and customer serviceI created various promotional marketing concepts and materialsI implemented MindBody POS software I configured Quickbooks and trained the owner to use for bookkeepingI coached the owner on all aspects and strategies of operating a successful business Show less

    • Sensory Technologies, a Diversified Company

      Aug 2012 - Mar 2021

      I authored hundreds of User Guides and delivered on-site and on-line Trainings to our clients on the AV systems we installed. Empowering them to gain confidence and successfully achieve their professional objectives. Through discovery, analysis, learning moments, and my engineering skills, I determined system functionalities using system diagrams, manufacturer’s specifications, andTouch Panel screenshots to write User Guides that were easy for anyone to understand.I created (4) dynamic templates. A Quick Start Guide, Comprehensive Guide with a Quick Start, and Flash Cards. Then, driven by the need to meet social distancing guidelines, I developed a Mobile template, optimized to fit on individuals’ phones and tablets.Just before leaving, I developed a Responsive HTML5 version that would open and adjust to fit on any device. Using HTML5 also made it possible to imbed the instructions into the Touch Panel UX, and make the User Guide intelligent and interactive. I wrote procedures to improve accuracy and efficiency by developing a Functional Description worksheet. It documents everything needed (and not needed) in a system, starting from the Account Executive’s initial conversations with the client, through Design Engineering, Programming, and Implementation. It is now a required document for every Project Folder.I developed an internal Workflow Process for developing User Guide Materials. Making the creation of User Guides part of the Project workflow.I collaborated closely with Account Executives, Project managers, Field Engineers, and Programmers to deliver required materials, develop solutions, and meet deadlines and budgets. I performed hundreds of on-site and virtual Trainings for corporations, universities, hospitals, law firms, and non-profit organizations.I enjoyed collaborating with clients when the Project’s scope included on-site Training, problem solving, or precise User Guide editing. Show less Prior to promotion to Orientation Engineer, I worked for nearly seven years as a Field Service Technician - from January 2019 until June 2019, worked both positions.I performed AV break/fix, Preventative Maintenance, and On-boarding Service Calls.I developed great relationships with many of our regular clients – many would request me for service calls.I learned everyday – became proficient with configuring and troubleshooting Crestron, AMX, Extron, Biamp, Jupiter, Planar, Netgear, Cisco, Pakedge and nearly every manufacturer’s product in the AV and IT industry.I maintained my service vehicle with a highly comprehensive spare parts inventory, tools, and test equipment – this led to me creating an inventory and tools list for use in the Indianapolis, Chicago, Buffalo, and Rochester Client Solutions Centers.I made important improvements to CRM: - I created an entity for Service Calls (it had been embedded in the Case File entity making it very cumbersome to manage). - I created an entity for a System – a System stays with the Room and is where all documentation is stored and maintained – it’s the basis for Sensory’s ‘AValytics’. - I created a ‘symptom/cures’ database to track recurring problemsI was requested for and performed multiple White Glove Meeting Support. Show less

      • Orientation Engineer

        Jan 2019 - Mar 2021
      • Field Service Technician

        Aug 2012 - Jan 2019
    • Blooming Life Yoga

      Jan 2015 - Feb 2021
      Yoga Instructor

      I currently teach a Strengthening Slow Flow yoga class on Saturday mornings.I taught a Pranayama and Vinyasa Flow class for a year – teaching four classes a week.I substitute for other teachers from time to time when I’m available.I led a Book Club on the book, Autobiography of a Yogi.I assisted with Yoga Teacher Training.

    • Ultimate Technologies Group

      Jul 2021 - now
      Technical Lead
  • Licenses & Certifications

    • PowerPoint: Eight Easy Ways to Make Your Presentation Stand Out

      LinkedIn
      May 2021
      View certificate certificate
    • PowerPoint Essential Training (Office 365/Microsoft 365)

      LinkedIn
      May 2021
      View certificate certificate
    • Certified AV Associate

      Extron
      Jun 2017
      View certificate certificate
    • OSHA 30

      OSHA Safety Training Institute
    • Excel Essential Training (Office 365/Microsoft 365)

      LinkedIn
      May 2021
    • Networking Technology

      AVIXA
      Oct 2018
      View certificate certificate
    • TesiraFORTÉ

      Biamp
      Apr 2018
    • Harman Certified Control Associate | Commissioning

      AMX by HARMAN
      May 2018
      View certificate certificate
    • Harman Certified Control Associate | Design

      AMX by HARMAN
      Mar 2017
      View certificate certificate
    • Principles of Audio

      SYNERGETIC AUDIO CONCEPTS INC.
      Jan 2015
      View certificate certificate
    • CP132: AMX Programmer 1 | Introduction to NetLinx Programming

      AMX by HARMAN
      Nov 2009
      View certificate certificate
    • Systems Programming

      Crestron Electronics
      Dec 2014
      View certificate certificate
    • General Radiotelephone Operator License - PG

      Federal Communications Commission
      May 1982
    • Essentials of the AV Industry

      AVIXA
      Jan 2009
      View certificate certificate