Paul Olson
Senior Database Developer
SQL Server DBA, Data Developer, and IT leader.
I have always been a craftsman, whether it was robotic assemblies years ago or a custom MSSQL Server health and monitoring application last week.
2013 - PRESENT
bswift Inc.MSSQL 2008R2-2022 | Server 2008-2022 | VMware | AWS | Power BI | Hadoop | F5 | SharePoint | .NET | C# | PowerShell | Python
2010-2013
ITW.MSSQL 2000-2008R2 | Server 2000-2008R2 | VMware | Dell-hp SAN | Cisco | Numara | F5 | SharePoint | AD | Exchange
2004-2010
UTC.MSSQL 2000-2005 | Server 2000-2008 | VMware | Dell SAN | Cisco | Citrix | Oracle | C# | Visual Studio | Power Shell
Key skills and experience
As a seasoned SQL Server DBA, Data Developer, and IT Leader with a robust history in database architecture, engineering, and leadership, I bring a wealth of experience in managing and optimizing enterprise-scale data infrastructures. My technical acumen spans across SQL Server (2008R2-2022), VMware, AWS, Power BI, and various development languages including PowerShell, Python, and C#.
Performance Optimization & Complex Development
Developed a HIPAA-compliant enterprise-wide de-identification software and a high-performance custom backup solution, significantly outperforming traditional products.
Database Architecture & High-Availability Systems
Expert in designing complex SQL Server architectures, including Always On and Distributed Availability Groups, with a proven track record in managing migrations and integrations during major corporate acquisitions.
Leadership & Strategic Planning
Demonstrated leadership in guiding teams and providing strategic insights to executive leadership, focusing on scalability, technology adoption, and risk management.
Disaster Recovery & Infrastructure Management
Architected and implemented a robust DR strategy achieving a 15-minute RPO for critical databases, reducing DR deployment time significantly. Proficient in selecting and managing SQL Server performance monitoring tools and optimizing database and query performance to enhance application efficiency.
Leadership and Strategic Management
My career encompasses significant leadership roles where strategic planning and effective management have been pivotal. Highlights include:
Team Leadership: Led diverse teams of IT professionals, fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and accountability.
Strategic IT Planning: Developed and executed long-term strategic IT plans that align with corporate goals, including major infrastructure migrations and upgrades.
Operational Excellence: Orchestrated the seamless integration of IT operations across multiple acquisitions, ensuring consistent service delivery and system availability.
Project Management: Managed high-stakes projects, from security system deployments for high-profile locations to enterprise-wide IT solutions, delivering on time and within budget.
Stakeholder Engagement: Provided decisive leadership and technical guidance to executive teams, influencing the adoption of advanced technology solutions to drive business growth.
Paul Olson: Coder & strategist
My strengths are SQL Server Architecture, Database Engineering, and IT Leadership with years of experience in designing, optimizing, and managing enterprise-scale data infrastructures. I am passionate about emerging technologies, automation, and leading teams to drive innovation and operational excellence.
Development Tools
I have extensive experience with a diverse range of development technologies and environments, critical for modern IT infrastructures and software solutions. My toolkit includes:
Databases: SQL Server (2008R2-2022), PostgreSQL, Oracle
Programming Languages: C#, Python, PowerShell
Platforms: VMware, AWS, SharePoint
Data Analysis: Power BI, Hadoop
Web Development: .NET, HTML, CSS
Security and Networking: F5, Cisco, Citrix
Development Skills
My development skills are rooted in a practical approach to solving complex problems and improving operational efficiency. Key skills include:
Database Design and Management: Expert in creating scalable and efficient database architectures, with a focus on security and compliance (HIPAA, SOX).
Automation and Scripting: Advanced proficiency in automating tasks and processes to enhance system reliability and workflow efficiency using PowerShell and Python.
Performance Tuning and Optimization: Skilled in diagnosing and enhancing system performance, with a strong emphasis on SQL Server optimization and query tuning.
Software Development: Experienced in building and maintaining custom software solutions, including AI-driven analytics platforms and enterprise-wide applications.
Data Security and Compliance: Adept at implementing robust security measures, ensuring data integrity and compliance across multiple platforms.
Current Project Experience
I have been a key contributor to bswift’s database infrastructure for over 12 years, serving as the lead database administrator and primary engineer responsible for database architecture, disaster recovery, performance optimization, and compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA. Throughout my tenure, I have designed and implemented mission-critical solutions that have shaped the reliability, security, and efficiency of Bswift’s data environment.
Database Infrastructure & Performance Optimization
Engineered a resilient disaster recovery (DR) strategy capable of rebuilding production databases within four hours, with a 15-minute RPO, covering hundreds of terabytes of data across dozens of databases.
Designed and deployed a custom SQL backup solution that has operated with near zero downtime for over a decade, outperforming commercial solutions.
Implemented performance tuning methodologies for SQL Server, optimizing stored procedures, indexes, and execution plans, significantly reducing query execution times.
Led multiple data center migrations spanning from Rackspace → Sungard → Aetna → CVS → AWS, involving the transfer of hundreds of servers and databases across all lifecycle environments.
Managed Always On Availability Groups across geographically distributed regions, ensuring high availability and fault tolerance for critical systems.
Created AI-driven analytics for query performance to automate SQL plan optimization and identify bottlenecks dynamically.
Compliance, Security & Lifecycle Management
Developed a robust de-identification system to anonymize Protected Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in lower lifecycle environments, ensuring HIPAA compliance.
Implemented a structured change management process, promoting best practices for database modifications and deployments.
Designed and maintained a lifecycle refresh system, automating non-production environment updates using SQL, PowerShell, and C#, eliminating manual refresh inefficiencies.
Led HIPAA and SOX compliance reviews, working with auditors to ensure data governance policies were followed across the organization.
Monitoring, Documentation & Knowledge Sharing
Researched, selected, and deployed all database monitoring solutions, including Idera and custom-built monitoring tools.
Created and maintained the internal DBA blog, serving as a knowledge-sharing portal for best practices, troubleshooting, and SQL development guidance.
Developed extensive technical documentation, providing guidance beyond database administration, including developer best practices and enterprise-wide IT policies.
Authored SQL Server deployment documentation, ensuring repeatability and efficiency in patching, upgrades, and configuration standardization.
Led developer training on database best practices, fostering collaboration between database teams and application developers.
Strategic Leadership & Team Influence
Served as the lead resource for capacity planning, ensuring proactive scaling of database resources to meet business growth and peak load demands.
Championed the adoption of flexible sharding architecture, improving database scalability and reducing contention in high-traffic environments.
Mentored junior DBAs and developers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
Collaborated on technical debt reduction initiatives, working with SMEs to optimize database efficiency and eliminate legacy constraints.
Provided executive-level insights into database performance trends, supporting strategic IT decision-making.
Downloads
What my colleagues are saying
Daniel J. Cosgrove, Leader
"Paul effectively uses his skills to identify, trouble-shoot, and implement IT solutions seamlessly with little customer disruption. When he is on the job, I can be confident to receive top-notch, focused service from an “A+” professional. I have personally received great feedback from my customers on Paul’s skillful work."
Karen Goetz, PMP
"Paul has done a consistently excellent job planning, installing, and supporting our computer applications. He has a strong work ethic and dedication to his customers. He brings both the high level planning and oversight skills; as well as a detailed knowledge of our software, database, servers, devices, and programming. I can always rely on him."
Steve Bakes, President
"Paul effectively uses his skills to identify, trouble-shoot, and implement IT solutions seamlessly with little customer disruption. When he is on the job, I can be confident to receive top-notch, focused service from an “A+” professional. I have personally received great feedback from my customers on Paul’s skillful work."
Getting in touch
paul@olsonhouse.us
I'm always open to discussing technology, innovation, and creative solutions. Whether you're interested in collaborating on a project or just want to share insights, feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to connecting with you!
312-852-6060
Feel free to give me a call to chat about potential opportunities, share insights, or even just to connect over our shared interests in technology and innovation. I'm here to engage and collaborate!
Location
I live just outside of the Indiana Dunes National Park.
- 30 min to downtown Chicago
- 40 min to South Bend
- 1.5 hrs to Purdue University
- 14 hrs to The Great Pyramid
- 90 days to Mars basecamp