My story

Hi, I am Michal Ferber :wave:,

As a homeschooled kid in small-town South Carolina, I was extremely interested in computers. Once I realized I had an affinity for technology, I never looked back. After graduating a couple of years early from high school, I began my career on graduation day with an internship at a local system integrator shop. I went on to delve into programming, network infrastructure, telephony, and more.

Over my career in IT spanning more than 30+ years, I’ve collected many IT certifications [Microsoft, Google, Citrix, Ascom, Genesys, Milestone VMS, C-Cure 9000, etc.], and I even earned my Microsoft MCSE NT 4.0 in the early years. Here recently, I’m currently investing lots of time in Google workspace and Google cloud.

[Skills]


Programming Skills

HTML5/CSS3

95%

C#

90%

JavaScript

85%

Python

85%

SQL

80%

Visual Basic

70%

PHP

65%

Ruby

60%

Rust

40%

Go

30%

Other Skills

Adaptability/Flexibility

75%

Attention to Detail

85%

Communication

85%

Creativity

75%

Integrity/Honesty

90%

Leadership

80%

Problem Solving

80%

Resilience

80%

Teamwork

80%

Work Ethic

85%

[Badges]


[Certifications]


[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.