Though I have 45 years in the computer industry, I don’t consider myself a stereotypical “geek” – like a good doctor, I believe I have a good bedside manner when assisting others. That’s why I use the name notacomputergeek.
In 1981, I got my first degree – Associates in Drafting. However, after taking an Intro to Data Processing class and a Basic Programming class, I realized I didn’t want to be a drafter and that led me to become a software developer of CAD software in the early 80’s. I was one of the original authors of Bruning’s EasyDraf2 and probably one of the premier HP Pascal programmers in the world, but what good does that do me now? If you don’t keep current with technology, it will pass you by.
After getting a couple more Associate degrees in Business Administration and Accounting, I was running a multi-million-dollar company providing CAD drafting, temporary staffing, and CAD automation. As with most small business owners, I wore a lot of hats – HR, Marketing, Advertising, etc. I started getting away from what I loved and didn’t like that.
That company broke into multiple pieces, and I went to work for a publishing company as their Applications Manager. These were the days of the early internet, Y2K, and eventually the .com bust. I made it through three layoffs but was let go on my birthday in the fourth layoff.
I decided to go back to school and got my BS in Management Information Systems (MIS) while providing technology services to non-profit companies. I now work as a Director of IT & Facilities for a non-profit and an IT Consultant specializing with non-profit agencies. I’m a “jack-of-all-trades” and work daily with all facets of technology – planning, servers, desktops, applications, cybersecurity, etc.
My commitment to community is still a driving force in my life as I continue to volunteer, offer technology service discounts to local non-profit agencies, and am honored to be a graduate of Leadership Tulsa Class 49.
notacomputergeek 