Aurora Training Advantage

Chief Executive Officer

ITU Online

ITU Online Training is dedicated to bringing students comprehensive training in all major aspects of the IT industry. ITU offers courses for individuals seeking IT career certifications and corporate training for organizations that want their employees to have the latest technology skills.

Triad Behavioral Health

Triad Behavioral Health provides exam preparation, continuing education, and career services for behavioral health individuals, institutions, and organizations for over 40 years. Triad’s brands include – AATBS, Academic Review, Taylor Study Method, Gerry Grossman Seminars, and Smart Practitioner.

Chief Marketing Officer

Lost River

As a decisive leader, spearheaded all organizational initiatives, including the management of Marketing, Sales, and Development teams. Oversaw the design, development, and deployment of an ecommerce website while simultaneously guiding the marketing team in building brand awareness through online and offline strategies.

Chief Operations Officer

Automobile Club of Southern California

Responsible and accountable for the development of the AAA Mobile app. Collaborated with various strategic development partners to design, develop and deploy App. Drove and set priorities, milestones, requirements, and ensured features were in alignment with the strategic business objectives of AAA.

Sr. Product Manager - Mobile Application

Next Day Flyers

As the manager of an eight-member Marketing Operations team at NextDayFlyers, I steered the tactical execution of products and services on the ecommerce platform. In collaboration with Dev, manufacturing, and executive teams, we successfully aligned priorities and requirements with strategic business goals, thus maximizing team performance and productivity.

Marketing Operations Manager

M2 Technical Services Inc.

Managed due diligence for potential investments for The Sentient Group, a major private equity firm with $2.3 billion in global resource projects.

Sr. Product Manager /Consultant

Ultimate Truck and Auto Accessories

Responsible for the design, development, deployment of two eCommerce web sites - www.ultimatetruck.com and www.ultimateoutdoor.com. Developed marketing strategy to build brand awareness, traffic and conversions of users. Decisive leader of all technical initiatives of the organization.

Director of eCommerce

AutoAnything

Managed merchandising team accountable for implementing, maintaining and managing new and existing products on eCommerce site.  Communicated with the executive team, vendors, and internal departments to coordinate overall merchandising efforts in accordance with corporate strategy and revenue goals.

Manager

MP3.com

Planned and managed the development, testing, launch and operation of products and services designed to increase traffic, build user communities that all generate revenue. Analyzed success metrics and made adjustments to service as necessary.

Senior Product Manager

Ever wondered why some companies thrive while others merely survive? The difference might be closer than you think.

Many organizations grapple with aligning their business objectives to operational execution, leading to missed opportunities and stagnant growth. CEOs and executives often find themselves overwhelmed by complex market dynamics, struggling to foster high-performing teams essential for innovation and profitability.

Imagine leading an organization where strategic goals seamlessly translate into exceptional results. Your teams are not just performing—they're excelling—propelling your company to new heights of revenue and market expansion. Picture navigating complex business environments with confidence, backed by innovative strategies that place your company ahead of the competition.

With over 23 years of executive leadership experience, I specialize in transforming organizations by aligning business objectives with effective operational execution. My expertise includes developing and implementing innovative business strategies that exceed revenue and market goals. By fostering cultures of excellence and collaboration, I build and lead high-performing teams equipped to tackle today's fast-paced markets. Leveraging deep market insights and financial acumen, I navigate complex business environments, identify growth opportunities, and position organizations ahead of industry trends.

Ready to transform your organization and achieve remarkable success? Let's connect. Send me a message or schedule a meeting to discuss how we can align your business objectives with actionable strategies for growth.

Derrick Josten

Designing, configuring and maintaining the physical and virtual infrastructure of Nutanix AHV and VMware ESXi hosts, plus Windows and Linux servers. I work directly with various business units, which utilize our virtual environments, to support their projects. The environments include multiple datacenters and RoBo stores/sites, multiple vCenters and Prism clusters with over 600 ESXi or AHV hosts across different geographic sites (including Cloud offerings) hosting over 1600 Linux, Windows, and appliance VM’s. 

Projects and Responsibilities include:
- (2024) Primary Senior Systems Engineer for design and build out of the Nutanix AHV based HCI solution across all stores. Including migrating all store vm's during to the new hardware with store no outages. The new infra saves over $20k per store in hardware and software related costs, let alone the performance gains.
- (2022-23) Primary Senior Systems Engineer for design and build out of a data center refresh moving from C7000 to Synergy. Moving the Corp infra to the new solution, including migrating over 1400 vm's during to the new hardware with no outages. The new infra saved over $1.4M in hardware related costs, let alone the performance gains.
- (2015-16) Key infra SE for a new Retail virtual hardware solution, from end-to-end, utilizing HPE SimpliVity HCI
- Deployed additional Hyper Converged Infrastructure (HCI): VMware VSAN
- Deployed Disaster Recovery (DR) processes on VMware Site Recovery Manager and Zerto
- Designed and implemented vROps, Skyline and Log Insight for better virtual infrastructure monitoring, capacity planning and logging.
- Core infrastructure engineer for our Cloud enablement, including tying our on-premise infrastructure into various cloud providers (AWS and Azure)
- Vetting new technologies in an effort to streamline processes and compute power.
- VDI infrastructure upgrade project as Lead Infra Engineer, designed a robust infrastructure based on HPE Synergy, utilizing its Composable Infra.

Senior Systems Engineer (Nutanix, VMware, Windows and Cloud)

Avalara

Employed by Avalara as a Systems Engineer – where we make sales tax less taxing. Like at prior employers, I provide a great variety of technical services which include: monitoring and maintaining the servers (Windows 2012R2 and 2008R2 Servers) and the services they provide (Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Exchange, printing, file sharing and permissions) in a highly VMware virtualized environment. I built out of a new data center, which I managed from design, scope and implementation. The new DC is a mostly VMware vSphere virtualized environment utilizing HPE blade/chassis systems and both solid state and traditional disk storage (Nimble and NetApp). I also assist in monitoring the SPAM firewall, IP phone system (Cisco UCX), and the building access system. I also monitor and configure the network stack (Juniper SRX/EX series and Cisco Nexus/ASA). This is a fast growing company with several world-wide offices which offered me a great opportunity to show my skills in helping to build and enhance the network infrastructure. While we work to keep the infrastructure growing during this great expansion of the company, I plan to work at implementing and updating varied systems to streamline network and configuration processes. I also plan to help streamline the processes within the IT group via troubleshooting, automation and documentation.

Systems Engineer

Kitsap 911

Employed by West Sound Workforce as an Operations Support Technician for the Kitsap County 9-1-1 center (CENCOM). I provide a great variety of technical services which include: monitoring and maintaining the servers (8 – Windows 2003 servers; 6 – Windows 2008R2 Servers) and the services they provide (CAD/COMM 9-1-1 system, Active Directory, printing, file sharing and permissions); maintaining CENCOM PC’s (Win7 and XP); and maintaining and upgrading police and fire MCT’s (Mobile Communications Terminals – the PC’s in their vehicles). I recently configured and installed new servers for CAD/COMM and the Domain Controllers, and was successful at negotiating our costs down by almost 45%. These 6 new servers are utilizing Server 2008 R2. I have now moved all Shares and Domain processes to these new Domain Controller servers, and have upgraded the Active Directory to the latest 2008R2 architecture (Forest/Domain Functional Levels) in preparation for more Windows 7 PC’s. I have successfully (and continually) implement and update Group Policies to streamline network and configuration processes. I have also been able to streamline the processes within the IT group via troubleshooting and documentation.  I was successful at troubleshooting and resolving a long-term communication problem with the MCT’s within a week which had been an unresolved issue for months before I was tasked with the troubleshooting. I also regularly work with County IT to test and resolve interoperability between our networks.

Operations Support Technician

Jazzercise, Inc.

I planned, managed, and oversaw the following deployments: 60+ new Intel "white-box" PC's, 105+ new Dell or Lenovo laptops (twice), several server replacements (Intel white-boxes and 1 Intel modular  blade-style  chassis with several servers which utilized virtual server), upgraded the building internet connection from T1 to fiber, installed a Barracuda email firewall/gateway, replacement of our phone system to an Avaya IP Office (VOIP type), assisted with the upgrade of the accounting system to Epicor, installation of 45+ LCD monitors, HP ProCurve switch and Juniper firewall installation, upgrade/replacement or several APC UPS's, and rewiring of the patch panel and server racks. Daily duties include: Manage and maintain the network infrastructure (20 servers, 12 printers, 50+ workstations and 105+ laptops worldwide). Support 160+ users in the local office and remote users around the world. Also provide support to 7800+ instructors around the world. Utilize Windows Server 2008, 2003, 2000, SQL 2000/2003, and Microsoft Exchange 2003/Exchange Online (Exchange 2007). Plus Windows 7, Vista, XP Pro, Linux and Mac OS X. LTO backup utilizing Symantec BackupExec software. HP ProCurve switch and Juniper firewall installation and maintenance. Implementing Microsoft's Online  Services (including Business Productivity Suite and Exchange Online). Utilized McAfee TotalProtection and VirusScan installation and support for anti-virus protection. Negotiated with vendors for equipment and/or services. Replace, install or upgrade servers and PCs as needed. Install or upgrade hardware and software as needed.

Network/Systems Administrator and Desktop Support

International Lottery & Totalizator Systems Inc.

Windows NT/2000/2003 network, Exchange 5.5 and 2003, SQL Server, 9x through XP clients; Cisco router and PIX firewall; LTO, AIT and DAT tape backup using ARCserve software; 18 servers and 75 clients; Ethernet). Assisted in migration to a 2003 server with Exchange 2003. Supported the hardware configuration and OS installation for lottery and voting systems, with assistance through QA. StarTeam server/software administrator. HEAT help desk software administrator. Cell phone, software and PC inventory control. Telecom and alarm system maintenance and liaison - helped configure and install new telecom system. Configured and built rack system for a new gaming/betting product.

Network Administrator and Applications Support Specialist
Assistant LAN Administrator

Scripps Health

Member of the IS department. Provided workstation, network and systems support. Supported Windows 95, 98, NT Server / NT Workstation, 2000, XP, Office 97, 2000 and XP, MAC and Novell clients with some Novell server experience. Large network configuration, 120 servers and approx. 3100 desktops. Ethernet and Token Ring experience.

PC Technician

Provided technical PC support for music artists to configure their PC for creating, downloading and uploading mp3 files to MP3.com. Assisted in creating artists webpage's utilizing HTML and verifying/correcting any issues that may arise. Utilized eGain for the email support system, as well as administered the 2 NT4 Servers running the eGain system.

Technical Artist Support

SSD Systems, Protection One

Supported the local network and provided telecom support when needed. Installed electronic security installation and provided service for commercial and residential applications.

Young Alarm

Westinghouse Security

Supervised 5 technicians. Maintained supply parts and service schedules for each day. Provided electronic security installation and service for commercial and residential applications. Offered training and support when needed.

Branch Manager

US Navy

Trained extensively in electronics, digital and communications technologies.  Training Officer and Spare Parts Officer for the Electronics Division. Lead Petty Officer for the I.C. shop of 4 technicians. Specialties in: CCTV, Mk23 Gyro Compass and Xerox photocopier technician.

Interior Communications Technician

Experienced systems engineer with 25+ years in IT providing excellent and detailed data center engineering/administration, Nutanix and VMware design/implementation/support and customer service. I've supported employers from the small, enterprise, corporate, government environments. I continually build my skills as a Senior Systems Engineer and enjoy the excitement and challenges of the ever-changing hardware, software and general needs of IT. My additional skills include negotiating contracts, purchases and leases; creating budgets and presenting proposals and presentations to the like. I'm highly adaptive to the environment, supporting multi-tiered business units, solving the most complex issues and integrating new technologies.

Specialties: 
Nutanix AHV 6.x
VMware virtualization on vCenter/vSphere 4.1-7.x
Cloud services (primarily AWS, Azure)
vROps, LogInsight, vRA/vRO
Windows servers and desktops (Server NT4.0-2022, Windows 95-10)
Networking utilizing Cisco, HPE and Juniper firewalls, routers and switches
FC, iSCSI and NFS DAS/SAN/NAS storage: 3PAR/Primera, IBM/IBM SVC, EMC, Dell, Nimble and NetApp
Traditional Server Hardware: Intel, Dell, and HPE server hardware (including rackmounts, and  blade/chassis of HPE C7000 and Synergy)
HyperConverged Infrastructure (HCI): HPE Nutanix, HPE SimpliVity, VMware VSAN
HPE technologies: OneView, Virtual Connect; Synergy OneView Composable Infrastructure
Microsoft Office 95-2016/Office 365
Microsoft Active Directory, Exchange 2000-2010, SQL 

Certifications and training:
VMware VCP5-DCV, VCP6-DCV
Nimble Technical Sales Professional
Microsoft MCSE
Cisco CCNA
Linux RedHat
ITIL Foundations

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Derrick Josten

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