My name is Tom and I am an immigrant from a small town in Poland. Growing up, I always had a fascination with technology and its endless possibilities. I remember the first computers that I have shared with my older brother. These were a Nintendo NES and a Commodore 64 that utilized compact cassettes as the storage medium via a VIC-1530 Datassette drive. As the technology advanced, we have upgraded to Amiga 500 and then Amiga 1200. The latter provided us with an amazing capability to connect to the internet. Being able to access a web browser and connect with people around the globe via Internet Relay Chat (IRC) application, which was developed in 1988, was an absolute game-changer for us.
As a teenager, I dreamed of one day moving to America to pursue my passion and achieve the American Dream. This was possible through the hard work and determination of my father, who did whatever was necessary to ensure that our family has a decent life. With God's grace, we were able to leave a country torn by the communist regime and corruption in pursuit of a better future.
A year before graduating from high school, I have decided to join the United States Navy as a way to serve my new country and gain valuable experience in the technology field. While in the Delayed Entry Program, I have tested my ambition and was able to get promoted before leaving for bootcamp. During my time in the Navy, I was exposed to various sophisticated computer systems and learned the value of hard work and perseverance in difficult and stressful situations. Through the Honor, Courage, and Commitment, which are the three Navy's Core Values, I was able to grow as a leader and be a key player in the success of every mission I took a part in.
After completing my service, I have decided to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice as I wanted to learn more about how our justice system works and serves our communities. Soon after getting my first Bachelor's degree with high honors, I have made a choice to pursue a career in the civilian sector of the IT industry. I earned multiple industry certifications to further my knowledge and skills. My latest educational achievement was completing a BS degree in Cloud Computing from WGU, which took me a little bit under a year to get.
Currently, I work at Amazon providing enterprise-level support to multiple large fulfillment centers (FCs) in Perris, CA. In this role, I am responsible for troubleshooting and resolving various technological issues as well as configuring and installing hardware and software for operations. To date, I have lead numerous complex projects meant to either remediate existing issues or to provide improvements throughout the site I support. While I take pride in my work and enjoy helping others, I have learned to embrace the challenges that come with working in a fast-paced environment.
Throughout my career at Amazon, I have demonstrated a strong work ethic and a drive to not only get things done, but to get things done the right way. As a top performer in my department, I am always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. While supporting multiple large sites in the region and working besides some amazing technicians and engineers, I have resolved and performed nearly 7000 trouble tickets and equipment and site audits. Additionally, I have successfully completed nearly 250 Change Management activities of various complexity, which often involve working with outside vendors.
Being an immigrant, a husband, and a father to two beautiful children, I am grateful for the opportunities that America has given me. I am proud to contribute to the success of my company and my community, and I look forward to continuing my career in the technology field. I know I have a lot to offer and my core intention is to bring tremendous value wherever I go.
Managing computer systems within an organization. This includes tasks such as installing and configuring software, managing system updates, and monitoring system performance.
Setting up and maintaining computer networks within organizations. This includes configuring routers and switches, setting up firewalls, managing network security, and troubleshooting network issues.
Providing in-person or remote help desk support to users within an organization. This involves answering questions, resolving technical issues, and providing guidance on software and hardware usage.
Planning, organizing, and overseeing IT projects from start to finish. This may include defining project goals and objectives, allocating resources, managing budgets, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Tom reported to me for nearly two years and during that time I witnessed him endure multiple shifts changing, senior leadership and IT reorganization. He worked on incident and change management daily keeping the operations of the buildings that we supported top notch. I looked to Tom as a leader, someone that I could trust and would continue to carry himself at a high level without my presence. Tom was instrumental during the pandemic when we had to accomplish more with less.
I have worked with Tom at Amazon (OpsTech Solutions) for over a year now supporting Fulfillment Centers of various types, both directly and indirectly. During my time working with him directly, he has clearly demonstrated excellent work ethic, exceptional intelligence, efficiency, and thoroughness in his work duties. Tom has consistently displayed initiative in completing projects and handling operational problems. He is not afraid to get his hands dirty with any project he has the opportunity to tackle.
Tom and I have worked together closely for the last two years at Amazon where he has consistently delivered improvements to our enterprise network. He has set himself apart from his peers as a skilled and motivated engineer. Tom has also shown himself to be an open-minded leader that quickly adapts to the needs of the business and his peers. Additionally, I have reviewed over a hundred of Tom's successful network change requests to improve network availability and stability.
Tom is the type of person that takes on all projects with confidence and poise. He could seamlessly multi-task and lead a team through the most arduous and demanding assignments. I could always rely on him for error free, top-notch performance. He was very good at his craft yet, he remained humble and was easy to work with. Tom will lead, excel, and strive for the top. This is Tom in a nutshell. If I had the option to serve with him again, I would 10 times over.
I worked with Tom for several years as his Division Officer while on active duty. He was a standout team member and earned my complete trust and confidence. As a Petty Officer in my division, Tom performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Demonstrating superior organizational skills and technical expertise, he was instrumental in the highest level of operational readiness and productivity in the most demanding environments.
I have known Tom for over 9 years. Tom is an intelligent and motivated individual that quickly became a valuable member of my company. His background and education are exceptional and he consistently sought out and found solutions to any problems that were presented to him. Tom is not only one of the most professional technicians I know, but he has also become a personal friend. I strongly believe Tom will become a valued employee in any position he is assigned.
I have served alongside Tom in the US Navy between 2003 and 2007. Based on my observations I found Tom to be a friendly, easy-going guy who understands the value of hard work. The job we did on the flight deck was dangerous and grueling, long hours in extremely uncomfortable conditions while performing a job that had little to no margin for error. The attention to detail we had to learn and adhere to is highly useful in the IT field where mistakes can have serious consequences for network viability.
Tom has been a phenomenal partner to the operations team in support of Project AmaZen, Project Vaccine, as well as the day to day operations of both ONT1 and BUR7. His ability to anticipate issues and the needs of the operation have made him a great leader when there are logistical or technical challenges to any problem. Tom has also demonstrated his ability to research problems, coordinate tasks with other members of his team, and get key stakeholders involved as needed.
Tom is a strong leader constantly demonstrating initiative that knows how to empower his team and peers to get the job done. He is resilient and humble which gives him the ability to learn from others so that he can reciprocate what he learns to teach others to succeed. Tom is able to earn the trust of his team and that is important when it comes to decision making. His ability to join teams and lead with fairness and tact is what allows him to be successful at what he does.
I have had the pleasure to work with Tom in OpsTechIT Data Intelligence's (ODI) Ground Truth (GT) review program. Tom has displayed a strong Bias for Action and has taken extra time and effort to share his expertise in the ticketing system with ODI, completing 6000+ reviews in 14+ hours. Tom's feedback has directly contributed to the creation of ODI's machine learning models to auto-classify tickets. This ultimately resulted in a better user experience for other OpsTechIT reviewers and a more robust setup for future review jobs.
Tom is an excellent communicator, who is able to relay technical information into layman’s terms for Sr leaders and those not familiar with the IT field. He exercised initiative by securing procurement, vendor installation, and programming for our project within a reasonable timeframe. Tom also spent time with LP personnel to ensure the cameras were aligned properly, as well as performing to the Amazon security standard. He embodies the Amazon Leadership Principles, most notably the principles of Customer Obsession, Ownership, and Deliver results.
Supports multiple local businesses operating Windows and Linux platforms and utilizing the following technologies: pfSense+ Router/Server/Firewall, Microsoft 365 Suite, Windows Server, Microsoft Exchange, Networking Equipment (Cisco, Ubiquiti, Netgate, TP-Link), IoT, Management Software (Azure AD, Microsoft Intune, M365 Defender, Synology NAS DSM), Monitoring & Support Software (Zabbix Monitoring, Dameware Remote Support by SolarWinds, Zoho, SpiceWorks Cloud).
Provides enterprise-level support to multiple large warehouses in SoCal. Daily tasks consist of troubleshooting and resolving various technological issues as well as configuring and installing hardware and software for operations.
Allocates, maintains, manages, audits, and troubleshoots of IT equipment used in Amazon Operations facilities that includes networking equipment (switches, routers, firewalls, wireless Access Points, surveillance cameras), desktops, laptops, thin clients running Windows and Linux OS, handheld & base radios, mobile devices, printers, scanners, VoIP phones, etc.
Handles on-site and remote support requests and procedures across the network with the use of a Remedy, SIM, and ServiceNow ticketing systems, and various tracking software. Maintains inventory of equipment, equipment initialization, configuration, and detailed documentation of services performed.
Performs daily utilization of clients, servers, and network monitoring systems that include concepts such as DNS, DHCP, SSL, OSI Model, and TCP/IP. Assists in training new hires and providing mentorship to other associates interested in the field.
Takes part in various projects focused around infrastructure improvement, availability, redundancy, and security (i.e. equipment lifecycle programs, addressing critical vulnerabilities, assisting with builds, bringing facilities up to standard, etc).
Implemented system upgrades, updates/patch fixes; used analytical knowledge to troubleshoot and resolve various hardware and software problems. Resolved data access issue by recommending and assisting in setting up a shared drive (SAN) on company’s network to enable easier and more efficient access to files crucial for the support of company’s mission.
Helped resolve technical problems by using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Worked independently as well as with outside vendors in conducting testing and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality and performance.
Provides IT technical support, including consulting, research, installation, troubleshooting of system and networking hardware, and problem resolution.
The fundamentals of networking with the goal of acquiring the CCNA certification.
Overview of various data security concepts and practices.
Aviation Ordnance Technician; Strike-Fighter Squadron VFA-14
♦ Outstanding/Superior Performance Citations and Letters of Recognition for excellent technical skills, presenting maturity and professionalism at and beyond workplace.
♦ Nominated for Junior Sailor of the Quarter Award, Q4 2006; Recognized for exhibiting superb initiative, productivity unequaled to others in the squadron, setting the bar for others in a leadership capacity.
♦ Earned the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist designation (2005) and became Collateral Duty Inspector for two work centers.
♦ Recognized for tireless efforts significantly contributing to the safe, successful expenditure of over 147K pounds of free fall and forwarding firing ordnance as well as 10.7K rounds of 20MM ammunition during a high-tempo pre-deployment training cycle.
♦ Tracked and maintained accountability of over 500 pieces of aircraft armament equipment; ensured 100% accuracy resulting in zero (0) discrepancies.
♦ Received numerous awards for superior performance of duties as a Plane Captain and Ordnance Technician during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) while deployed to the Persian Gulf onboard USS Nimitz.
