Tom Thomas
CCIE #9360 - CCSI #21702 - CCSP
- Author - Technologist - Entrepreneur
105 Kenzie Court | Madison, MS 39110
[Voice] 601.790.0492
MY GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Any future growth will be guided by my desire to grow further as a technologist, business leader, and entrepreneur allowing me to create IT Architectures through strategic planning. I am looking for a challenging opportunity in a team environment that will allow my leadership and contributions to positively impact the overall success of the company. The opportunity for additional personal growth and continued education (I believe there is always something to learn) is necessary as I complete my MBA and explore Doctorate options in the future.MY PROFILE
Tom has the ability to understand and effectively communicate customer requirements, both business and technical. This allows for deeper business discussions in order to determine strategic direction with existing or new architectures. This skillset and experience has allowed Tom to develop strong business relationship with team members, partners and customers. Clearly demonstrated abilities to develop potential revenue and sales opportunities through new products by using sound judgment in order to formulate recommendations to determine project scope for deliverables.Human level communicator & Technologist that has the ability to speak to different business audiences with varying levels of technical expertise. Successful engineer (CCIE #9360), experienced leader, communicator, and a Certified Cisco Systems Instructor (CCSI #21702) with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and get the job done right attitude.
Strong dedication to customer service with an in depth understanding of the value of relationships in the sales process. This dedication to customer service and doing the right thing allows for a strong understanding of business development and methodologies on how to be successful. Possesses extensive consultative selling skills to creatively develop, present and help sales executives sell customer proposals.
CAREER CERTIFICATIONS
Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE #9360) Routing & Switching - Current & ActiveCisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)
Cisco Intrusion Prevention Specialist
Cisco IOS Security Specialist
Certified Cisco Systems Instructor (CCSI #21702) - April 2000
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco IP Telephony Product Essentials & IP Telephony Solutions
INDUSTRY & MEDIA PUBLICATIONS:
Network Security First-Step - Cisco Press - May 2004OSPF Network Design Solutions - 2nd Edition, Cisco Press - April 2003
Juniper Networks Reference Guide: JUNOS Routing, Configuration, and Architecture - October 2002
CCIE Routing & Switching Exam Cram - August 2000
Cisco Course Companion Series (9 books total), Series Editor - 2000
Thomas’ Concise Telecom & Networking Dictionary - April 2000
CCIE Network Design and Case Studies, Security Chapter - April 1999
CCNA Study Guide Questions, Cisco Press - January 1999
OSPF Network Design Solutions, 1st Edition - Cisco Press - September 1998
Information Week, VoIP Gotchas, November 14th Issue 2005 - Cited in Article - View Online - View PDF
EDUCATION
MIS Degree - Master of Science in Network Architectures, 2010 GraduationBS Degree - Computer Science, University of Maryland, 1994
AS Degree - Computer Technologies, University of Maryland, 1993
AS Degree - Avionics Technology, Community College of the Air Force, 1992
Extensively trained in networking and detailed Cisco training
MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP
Tom was the founder of NetCerts.com, an education and certification focused company, (now CCPrep.com) and more recently Granite Systems, Inc., a professional and managed services solution provider. He was previously an Instructor for Chesapeake Computer Consultants, Inc. (CCCI) and a lead Course Developer for Cisco Systems. Tom has also been a part of authoring teams on over seventeen IT related books, including his solo'd OSPF Network Design Solutions [1st & 2nd Editions] and his most current First Step: Network Security both published by Cisco Press.Tom has served the Director of Networking for I-NAP Limited a UK based ISP where he was responsible for designing the global networking infrastructure, security implementations and new product development to include IP Telephony with QoS. I-NAP provides ISP and integration services for multiple vendors across disparate geographical locations requiring complete interoperability and connectivity.
Six Sigma - Yellow Belt | Technical Leadership | Principle Centered Leadership | Total Quality Management (TQM) | Management By Objective (MBO) | Duke University Fuqua School of Business - Leadership Conference on Building Ethical Communities | Corporate Spokesman Media Training [08/05]
AWARDS & ACHEIVEMENTS
BellSouth "Customer Rules!" award winner for excellent customer service leadership [09/06]Dimension Data Solution Architect of the Year [H1 - 2005]
First ever Dimension Data "New Hire" to receive the DDNA "Jacket" award from the CEO for performance and leadership [10/04]
Recipient of the MCI “Allstar” Award for Exceptional Performance
MCI Recruiting Award [12/97]
United States Air Force Achievement Medal [01/95]
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
AT&T Business Field Services (formerly Bellsouth)Network Technical Expert - Team Lead - PreSales (06.2006 - Present)
• Led the operational and pre-sales support team for the State of Mississippi consisting of over 12 certified engineers
• Tracked pre sales generation activities, assisting sales of over 5 million dollars as the leader of the MS Pre-Sales engineering team
• Worked as team lead to improve the process and relationship for deeper and stronger Cisco / AT&T interaction
• Our team was an advanced installation, service and support team for new products being introduced into the local customer base as well as legacy support
• I have had the opportunity to work with many high profile accounts in both the pre- and post- sale areas. I have been designated as team lead in this position
• Working with a variety of different customers and government agencies providing strategic IT planning and compliance across Enterprise network architectures
• Team member of IT Governance efforts focusing on network architecture, budgeting, and development to ensure compliance with Federal and State Laws
• Responsible for designing and implementing Firewalls (ASA) in many configurations and VPNs (SSL, L2L, Remote)
• Implemented wireless solutions in a variety of environments to ensure flexible and secure coverage
• Responsible for network design and implementation of MPLS, Metro Ethernet, and IP Telephony
• Participated in the state wide MPLS network design and implementation conversion
• Utilized consultative selling skills to creatively develop present and help sales executives sell customer proposals
• Worked with and provided leadership to external teams / contractors as well as various partners
• Assisted in the implementation and tuning of advanced security solutions: SSM Content Model for ASA, Cisco MARS, Intrusion Detection (IDS) and Protection Systems (IPS)
Dimension Data - Senior Enterprise Solutions Architect
IP Convergence Practice - Enterprise Team (08.2004 - 04.2006)
• Provided pre-sales support to multiple Account Managers and clients of all sizes with a focus on Enterprise and complex network requirements with IP Telephony
• Interacted with customers at all levels (CEO, CIO, CFO, CTO) to identify business requirements allowing the creation of a targeted technical solution
• Created detailed customer documentation covering all facets of the proposed solution as well as pricing and costing
• Developed and refined IP Telephony managed services offerings to provide clear and concise pricing as well as sales methodology
• Lead design IP Telephony and MPLS network architect for the British Petroleum (BP) America's (north, south, canada, and latin) network responsible for creating the design, documenting and presenting
Designed and sold converged networks consisting of IP Telephony and video utilizing best practices and advanced technologies
• Responsible for assisting in strategic account planning for various key accounts in order to facilitate and drive additional revenue opportunities • Awarded the IP Convergence "Iron Man" Solutions Architect of Year (2005, H1)
• Elected by my peers as Chairman of the Solutions Delivery Leadership Forum (SDLF) for Dimension Data North America were I provided leadership and championed change to improve our customers experiences
• Selected and trained as a corporate spokesman in order to interact with the media at all levels
U.S. Networks - Director of Engineering (05.2002 - 03.2004)
• Duties included interfacing with business customers to understand requirements, interface with vendors to test and implement new technologies, interface with internal application owners to optimize applications for use around the world
• Designed and implemented Network Operations Center (NOC) and Service Provider network infrastructure with advanced IP networking techniques [redundancy, routing, security, VoIP] in order to support internal and external customer requirements
• Supported account managers at levels and all times during the sales process
• Led over 2 million dollars in sales for 2003, top performer for 2002 & 2003
• Developed key partnerships with key vendors and customers to increase business and growth at all levels
• Led and trained additional consulting engineers in business development and sales processes
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and ability to apply them appropriately in gathering requirements and communicating solutions
• Documented product definitions and pricing with bundles in order to increase sales. Ability to use sound judgment in formulating recommendations to internal and client senior management.
• Ability to develop a strong business relationship with team members, partners and clients.
• Experience presenting organizational solution offerings to potential clients, working with clients to determine scope and deliverables of potential engagements.
• Worked as part of a team to develop product definitions, budgets and evaluation of new services to include contract develop with complete Terms & Conditions.
Ericsson IP Infrastructure - Principal Consulting Engineer (09.2000 - 02.2002)
• Responsible for various global network design, validation and implementation projects, based on Ericsson, Cisco and Juniper Networks routers to ensure interoperability in multi vendor networks
• Actively deployed complex secure OSPF and BGP networks with MPLS and VPNs for multiple international networks
• Assisted in the design of an Australian ISP network and rollout with complete BGP and OSPF over a mixed ATM environment throughout Melbourne and Sydney
• Developed multiple detailed network designs and request for proposals in support of RFPs in a pre and post sales capacity for multi-vendor networks
• Responsible for providing third level support and troubleshooting to clients on a 7x24 basis in support of their networks and designs
• Design and implemented network security policies using a combination of security technologies with specialized equipment such as firewalls/routers
• Conducted customer and employee training and designed/built an on-line training lab and instructor team to increase competence within Ericsson
• Developed, hired, budgeted and managed new Ericsson Global Training Center/Team and involved in the building/leasing of a new facility
• Managed multiple vendors and evaluated technology to determine optimal budgetary and technological solutions
• Worked with varied international sales organizations analyzing customer needs and meeting them through the Ericsson product set
NetCerts.com - CEO & Founder / CCPrep.com - Director of Cisco Content - (05.1999 - 05.2001)
• Conducted multiple consulting engagements to assist small and medium sized companies design or resolve routing and switching problems
• Founded, managed and established one of the most popular content rich Internet Certification Portals, http://www.netcerts.com recognized for innovation and quality content.
• Developed business plan and built partnerships with major publishers, training organizations, book retailers, and key content creators and popular industry authors.
Mentor Technologies - Senior Instructor / Consultant - (10.1999 - 08.2000) Formerly Chesapeake Computer Consultants, Inc
• Mentor Technologies had a 30% downsize event and I was affected by it, since then the company has since gone out of business
• Led the team that designed and deployed e-learning course and equipment for ICNDe an electronic learning course
• Managed and streamlined several projects to reduce expenditures while still meeting corporate objectives
• Led course development and review for specialized customer content
• Responsible for project design and development of a CCNA elearning solution to facilitate online learning
Cisco Systems - Certification Architect / Course Developer - (08.1998 - 05.1999)
• Responsible for working as part of a team in a remote environment to develop internal and external educational courses
• Developed the first Cisco course addressing multi-layer switching techniques, BCMSN.
• Designed and developed certification methodologies dealing with ATM/LANE and 8500 Product series for Cisco System Engineers (SE)
• Led the development of Cisco Career Certification program material
MCI Managed Networks - 3rd Level Group Leader - (06.1997 - 08.1998) United States Postal Service (USPS) Network Operation Center (NOC)
• Group leader for the Advanced Systems Support Engineering Team (ASSET), duties included scheduling, work assignments, and troubleshooting
• Design Lead responsible for the design, implementation, support, and training of a network wide security policy utilizing Cisco’s PIX Firewall product
• Led Tier 3 technical support and design assistance teams with responsiblility for fault isolation, troubleshooting and repair
• Designed and implemented network wide Cisco PIX Firewall's in support of a network wide security policy to include Cisco Secure ACS
• Designed and evaluated a complete end-to-end recurring network audit including documenting, implementing, and presenting the results to the client
• Drove and organized the development of Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) for the United States Postal Service
• Managed vendor relations to include evaluating and recommended purchases
• Researched and authored a proposal for the purchase of a variety of network troubleshooting and analysis tools
AT&T Solutions - Technical Team Leader - (06.1996 - 06.1997)
• Team member for multiple client network redesign and upgrade teams
• AT&T Solutions recruiting Team Leader for Georgia Tech
• Coordinated, trained and empowered multiple technical associates by developing custom tools and training programs
• Provided 7x24 Tier 3 technical support and network management to include installation, modification, upgrading both software and hardware, for Cisco routers over frame relay and ATM
• Troubleshoot and configured various networking protocols, as listed above, using the OSI model to ensure interoperability with legacy and future systems
• Responsible for vendor management and network outage escalation procedures within contractual guidelines provided to the customers
• Created a central customer network information depository for all clients in Microsoft Access that contained all applicable site and network information
• Led and tracked the identification, submission, and resolution of potential network related bugs with various vendors
Utility Translation Systems (UTS) - Application Support Manager - (10.1995 - 06.1996)
• Support manager for the United Kingdom corporate account responsible for interfacing with the customer, providing quality service, tracking of reported bugs and requested enhancements which were reported to management on a weekly basis
• Troubleshoot and corrected computer problems unique to the utility industry while they were running companies software. To include verifying network integrity, hardware operation, and evaluating software bugs
• Authored a User’s Manual and Tutorials for main corporate product line
United States Air Force (USAF) - Aircraft Avionics Specialist - (01.1985 - 06.1995)
• Desert Sheild / Desert Storm veteran • Received the Master Technician Certification allowing me to authorize aircraft readiness to fly on F-4 and F-15 fighter jets
• Schedule, coordinate, and lead troubleshooting teams, ensuring zero defects as the supervising responsible technician
• Supervise, counsel and evaluate employees on job performance to include various awards and annual performance reviews
• Configured and installed 30 node multi-configured Local Area Network using Windows for Workgroups in three different remotes and planning for contingency operations
• Managed aircraft computer technicians responsible for over 54 millions dollars of equipment
• Reprogrammed, maintained and updated multiple LAN workstations after a specialized software package was installed
• Revised and implemented new procedures, increasing efficiency 20% and reducing costs by over $50,000
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Personal and Profession references are available upon request
U.S. Government "Top Secret" Security Clearance [Expired]