PhilipNewman
Senior IT Technician with over 6 years of managed service provider experience supporting diverse client environments across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Specializes in network security, Microsoft 365 administration, and Windows Server infrastructure. CompTIA A+ and Network+ certified. Maintains a personal 5-server home lab for continuous learning and experimentation.
Experience
Senior Technician
Progressed from Technician to Senior Technician at a managed service provider supporting multi-client environments. Current focus is security administration, with broad experience spanning break-fix support, system deployment, network infrastructure, and enterprise integrations.
- Deploy and maintain Dell servers and Windows Server environments (2008 through current), including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, RD Gateway, and associated server roles
- Administer Microsoft 365 tenants including Entra ID, Azure, SharePoint, Teams, and licensing
- Configure and maintain firewall and network security infrastructure: SonicWall, Sophos, WatchGuard, MikroTik, Ubiquiti UniFi, and OPNsense; VPN setup and deployment; access point provisioning; Cisco, Aruba, Sophos, and HPE switching
- Lead Sophos Central administration including endpoint protection, email gateway, and API integrations; conduct vulnerability assessments using Vulscan
- Manage client environments via ConnectWise PSA, ConnectWise Automate RMM, Datto Backup and RMM, and IT Glue
- Administer access and privilege management tools including AutoElevate, QuickPass, and Keeper (admin)
- Proficient in terminal and CLI workflows across Windows, macOS, and Linux environments
Computer Technician / Sales Associate
Diagnosed and repaired customer computer systems including hardware replacements, software troubleshooting, and performance optimization. Advised customers on hardware and software solutions tailored to their needs.
Farm Hand
Maintained daily barn operations including equipment troubleshooting, repair, and upkeep. Managed mechanical and operational tasks across a working farm environment.
Chief Operator
Performed ultrasonic testing of railroad tracks. Responsible for operation and maintenance of testing machinery, reading high-speed ultrasonic readouts in real time, and identifying rail defects with precision. Built and maintained strong professional relationships with railroad personnel at all levels. Obtained Ultrasonic Level II certification.
Sales Associate
Built and maintained relationships with prospective, existing, and future customers. Generated new business opportunities and provided clients with detailed insight into vehicle features, benefits, and options.
Education
Metalworks Institute of Sound and Music Production
Chippewa High School
Skills
Windows 10/11 · Windows Server 2008–2022 · macOS · Linux · Terminal & CLI
SonicWall · Sophos Firewall · WatchGuard · MikroTik · Ubiquiti UniFi · OPNsense · Cisco · Aruba · HPE Switching · VPN Deployment · Access Point Setup & Provisioning · DHCP · DNS · RD Gateway
Microsoft 365 Administration · Entra ID · Azure · SharePoint · Teams · Group Policy · Microsoft Licensing
Sophos Central · Sophos Endpoint · Sophos Email Gateway · Sophos API · Vulscan · AutoElevate · QuickPass · Keeper (Admin)
ConnectWise PSA · ConnectWise Automate · Datto Backup & RMM · IT Glue
Dell PowerEdge Servers · iDRAC · Workstation & laptop diagnostics and repair
Ubuntu Server · Unraid · TrueNAS
Interests
Outside of work I maintain a personal home lab running 5 servers — a hands-on environment I use to test configurations, explore new technologies, and stay current with virtualization, networking, and server administration. I also enjoy the outdoors, film, music, and building things.
Awards & Certifications
- CompTIA A+ Certification — with High Score
- CompTIA Network+ Certification
- Level II — Ultrasonic Certification