My story
Hi, I am Michal Ferber 
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As a homeschooled kid in small-town South Carolina, I was always drawn to computers. Once I realized I had a natural knack for technology, I never looked back. After graduating a couple of years early from high school, I kicked off my career on graduation day with an internship at a local system integrator. That led me deep into the world of programming, network infrastructure, telephony, and system automation.
Over the past 30+ years in IT, I've worn a lot of hats — developer, network engineer, sysadmin, consultant — and earned a long list of certifications from Microsoft, Google, Citrix, Ascom, Genesys, Milestone VMS, and many more (yes, even the original MCSE on NT 4.0).
What really sets me apart is my ability to think end-to-end. I don't just write code — I design self-sustaining systems. From front-end interfaces to back-end APIs, database design, and DevOps automation, I build tools that are functional, secure, and easy to maintain.
These days, you'll find me scripting in Bash and Python, managing Dockerized services, building Jekyll-based websites, and fine-tuning self-hosted dashboards — all while staying curious and learning new things. Whether it's a Linux box in my home lab, a cloud VM, or a Raspberry Pi under my desk, I enjoy making tech work together like it was always meant to.
[Skills]
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Google Microsoft Milestone [Timeline]
Freelance Consultant & Developer
TechGuyWithABeard
Florence, SC
Jan 2025 — Present
Provide full stack development and IT consulting, specializing in C#, Python, and web solutions. Architect self-hosted applications in a home lab, utilizing SQLite and PostgreSQL for data management and Docker for deployment. Develop custom APIs and automation scripts, enhancing client workflows and reducing operational costs by up to 20%. Maintain professional portfolio at michalferber.me, showcasing freelance projects and technical expertise.
Founder & CEO
Ari Integration LLC
Huntersville, NC
Oct 2020 — Jan 2025
Founded a Managed Service Provider focusing on Virtual CIO, endpoint security, and cross-platform (Windows/macOS) management. Architected cloud-based solutions using Azure and AWS, cutting client infrastructure costs by 25%. Developed C# and PHP applications with RESTful APIs, streamlining operations for 50+ clients. Secured Microsoft Silver Partner and Google Workspace Partner status.
Director of Telecommunications
McLeod Health
Florence, SC
Oct 2012 — Oct 2020
Led IT and telecom for seven hospitals and 100+ practices, managing a $2.1M budget. Implemented VESTA Communicator, automating notifications for 8,600 staff via API integrations, slashing emergency response times from 10 minutes to 1.5 minutes (featured in Airbus/Motorola case studies, 2014–2018). Engineered a C# video camera application for COVID patient monitoring, deployed in 500+ rooms in 30 days. Built a C# and web-based work order system, boosting team efficiency by 40%. Managed infrastructure including Avaya PBX (9,500+ stations), Genesys PBX, and Milestone CCTV (750+ cameras). Secured USAC grants as IT liaison with SCDOT, SCDHEC, and SCEMD.
Telecommunications Manager
McLeod Health
Florence, SC
Feb 2007 — Oct 2012
Directed telecom operations for three hospitals and 60+ practices, overseeing budgets and upgrades. Deployed a VoIP system with 300 wireless phones, scaling to 1,200+ with zero downtime. Optimized switchboard operations, cutting response times by 30%.
Software Engineer
Taylor Data Systems, Inc.
Florence, SC
Aug 2005 — Feb 2007
Developed a VB.NET and XML tagging application for a global steel manufacturer, integrating with Ross ERP. Delivered solutions using .NET, C#, SQL Server, Oracle, and AWS, meeting 100% of client SLAs. Managed Cisco networks and Windows Servers, ensuring 99.9% uptime.
Software Engineer
Knight Software, Inc.
Florence, SC
Nov 2004 — Aug 2005
Engineered VB6 and VB.NET features for the KIS product line, serving 10,000+ users. Co-developed an ASP.NET and SQL Server web application, reducing onboarding time by 50%. Resolved 95% of helpdesk tickets within 24 hours.
Server Engineer
McLeod Health
Florence, SC
Jun 2000 — Nov 2004
Built a VB6 and ASP bed-tracking system with SQL Server, integrated with EMR via HL7, adopted by multiple hospitals. Developed a TCP/IP management web app, improving IP allocation by 60%. Managed Citrix and IIS web farms, supporting 400+ applications across 250 servers.
Project Manager
Netcom Information Systems
Florence, SC
Feb 1999 — Jun 2000
Created an ASP and SQL Server work order system, cutting delivery times by 20%. Delivered Microsoft and Cisco network solutions across NC and SC. Programmed a Windows CE inventory app for CP&L linemen.
Freelance Consultant
Self-Employed
Florence, SC
Mar 1998 — Feb 1999
Designed robotic motion control systems for Lockheed Martin, enabling remote missile inspections. Migrated TMACS database to a Microsoft NT web platform for Warner Robins Air Force Base. Founded a web hosting company, serving 50+ clients with 99.8% uptime.
Support Engineer
ACS Technologies
Florence, SC
Jun 1997 — Mar 1998
Provided technical support for software solutions, resolving 90% of issues within SLAs. Led Windows 2000 deployment for 1,000+ devices across Gulf Coast offices.
Chief Technologist
Victory Industries, Inc.
Lamar, SC
Apr 1996 — Jun 1997
Migrated Microsoft NT 3.51 to NT 4 across a 4-city WAN, improving network reliability. Managed SQL and IIS servers, ensuring 99.5% uptime.
Intern
Victory Industries, Inc.
Lamar, SC
Apr 1995 — Apr 1996
Assisted in network administration and software development, gaining foundational IT and business skills.
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