Austin Thaldorf-Huelsbeck
Systems professional with 5+ years of experience in infrastructure management, network administration, and technical support.
Skilled in Windows Server environments, scripting automation, and implementing security protocols.
Demonstrated ability to manage enterprise network infrastructure, streamline IT operations, and provide exceptional technical support while maintaining strong client relationships.
Journey
- 2023
Systems Administrator
Managing enterprise infrastructure for 7,000+ users with 99.9% uptime. Led $100K cost-saving CRM migration and developed automation tools that reduced administrative overhead by 90%.
- 2023
Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Completed comprehensive Google certification covering TCP/IP, networking, security, hardware troubleshooting, and systems administration.
- 2022
IT Support Specialist
Built entire IT infrastructure from zero as sole dedicated IT staff member. Implemented ticketing systems, Active Directory, SSO integration, and comprehensive security protocols.
- 2021
Software Engineering Certificate
Completed intensive software engineering program at Thinkful Academy, solidifying development skills and modern web principles.
- 2021
Freelance Web Developer
Started building client websites using modern JavaScript frameworks, implementing database solutions, and establishing deployment pipelines. This includes web design, SEO and optimization, and professional client communication.
- 2018
Self-taught developer journey
Began learning programming fundamentals and web development, building personal projects and exploring various technologies that would later become professional skills.
- 2014
Technical Phone Support
Provided remote technical troubleshooting for UBS bank and gained valuable experience in customer-facing IT support, developing communication skills and knowledge of enterprise IT.
- 2013
BA in Audio Engineering
Graduated with Bachelor's degree in Audio Engineering and minor in Mathematics from George Fox University, demonstrating technical skills with creative problem-solving.
- 2010
University IT Work Study
First formal IT role supporting university technical infrastructure while completing undergraduate studies. In addition to help desk support, this role included building and installing networking and A/V systems, ingesting and backing up media, and live A/V operation.
Creative & technical pursuits
I have always been drawn to projects that allow creative expression with technical precision.
Over the past six years, I have been able to manifest exactly that type of project alongside my wife Emily, through running a wedding videography business together. It has been an amazing way to stay connected with my filmmaking background, and challenge myself to grow and learn, while actually building something meaningful with my wife.
The client work in particular has taught me a lot about maintaining professionalism even under tight deadlines and in stressful situations, and these skills have served me incredibly well as I have transitioned into IT.
Before that, I spent about 5 years in Nashville's music scene, making records and touring in various bands. My degree was in audio engineering, and in college I had gotten the chance to dive deep into the technical side of sound. I was able to turn that into a modest profession, but these days I'm more likely to be tinkering with code than plugin settings. I have been surprised by just how well that foundation in problem-solving and attention to detail carries over.
Strategic thinking & problem solving
Honestly, Magic: The Gathering is a fundamental part of my personality. I've been playing for more than twenty years, and it is the best ongoing education in analytical thinking I've ever received.
What I love most about the game is all the layered components, each with challenging decisions to make along the way, which add up to form incremental advantages. There's a constant calculation required to understand your advantages and weaknesses, your outs and your odds, while navigating complex interactions.
Nowadays, I'm drawn almost exclusively to limited formats like draft and sealed. Unlike constructed play which requires memorizing cards and their obscure interactions, limited rewards the player's adaptability to a greater degree.
Life outside of work
When we're not at a wedding, Emily and I love spending time together playing Stardew Valley, working through a good series, or just spoiling our little chihuahua and Siamese cat.
Moving to a new city has already been an adventure, and we are working on discovering our favorite spots in Lexington.
Experience
The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
System Administrator- Manage enterprise infrastructure for 10,000 users, ensuring 99.9% uptime, security compliance, and optimal performance
- Administer core IT systems including Active Directory, DHCP/DNS, and remote management tools
- Led CRM system migration project, automating processes and reducing annual costs by $100,000
- Developed Python CLI tool to automate account management workflows, reducing administrative overhead by 90%
- Engineered security improvements through ESET Protect and PowerShell scripts, reducing vulnerabilities by 50%
- Designed and implemented network and complex A/V infrastructure upgrades across multiple facilities
The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology
IT Support Specialist- Implemented critical infrastructure from zero including ticketing system, RMM solutions, and inventory tracking
- Designed and deployed enterprise network architecture with Active Directory, SSO integration, and self-service password writeback
- Established security protocols including endpoint acceptable use, antivirus deployment, data classification, and access control
- Created, hosted, and deployed comprehensive documentation for all IT processes, policies, and disaster recovery scenarios
Freelance Web Developer
Self-employed- Design and develop custom websites for clients using modern frameworks like Next.js
- Implement database and CMS solutions with version control, backup, and automated maintenance
- Establish pipelines using Vercel, GitHub Actions, Docker, and self-hosting for streamlined deployment
Education
IT Support Professional CertificateFocused on network protocols, cloud computing, system administration, and security
Thinkful Academy
Certificate, Software EngineeringFocused on JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, React.js, Node.js, PostgreSQL, RESTful APIs, responsive design, and modern software development practices
George Fox University
BA, Audio EngineeringMinor: Mathematics
Coursework: Computer Science Fundamentals 1 and 2, Calculus 2 and 3, Introduction to Mathematical Proofs, Probability, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis
Ready to work together?
I'm currently seeking engaging new opportunities where I can apply my technical expertise to solve your next challenges.