Home Lab Topology

Infrastructure & Home Lab

Environment: Proxmox VE (Type-1 Hypervisor), Linux (Fedora, Ubuntu Servers), Windows 11 Enterprise.
Network: VLAN segmentation, DNS/DHCP reservations for servers and static nodes, Nginx, Tailscale VPN.
Objective: I built this lab to build and break things safely. It simulates a live enterprise environment so I can test and experiment with VLAN trunking, firewall rules, and failure states without risking my personal data.

View Config on GitHub
Scripting Demo

Tools, Scripting & Deployments

Enterprise Ticketing (osTicket): Deployed a self-hosted mat's help desk ™ on an Ubuntu Server VM via a LAMP stack with a dual objective: to familiarize myself with enterprise ticketing workflows and to force strict documentation habits on myself. I utilize this system as a live home lab log- generating timestamped tickets for every network change and configuration update to create a permanent digital trail of my home infrastructure.

Windows (PowerShell): Developed a diagnostic tool to automate system health checks, event log auditing, and resource monitoring for Windows 11 environments.

Linux (Bash): Created a deployment script for Ubuntu Servers to auto-provision Nginx, configure firewalls (UFW), and set up reverse proxy routing.

View Scripts
CompTIA A+

Credentials & Methodology

CompTIA A+ Certified (Jan 2026)
Gained a broad base of experience with hardware components, virtualization, TCP/IP networking, security protocols, and operational procedures (Core 1 & 2).

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (In Progress)
Active study focused on packet-level analysis, OSPF routing, and VLAN architecture using Packet Tracer and physical switching.

Practical Application
The A+ certification gave me the foundational knowledge; the Lab gave me the hands-on experience to learn the application of that knowledge. I focus on "Proof of Concept" learning by building (and breaking) live servers and networks to ensure my knowledge holds up in a professional environment.

Professional History

Operational leader with 10+ years of experience. I specialize in identifying and finding solutions to problems, increasing efficiency, and creating/maintaining system reliability.

Historical Restoration

Owner & Project Manager

The Rusty Nail Carpentry (2019 - Present)
I oversee and facilitate renovations and historical restoration including a 12-month contract with the Strawbery Banke Museum. I navigate the strict parameters of New England historical preservation, managing budgets, subcontractors, and municipal inspections to ensure quality and compliance.

My scope of work extends to fine finish carpentry and custom fabrication as well. Beyond structural renovations, I design and build furniture, custom cabinetry, and detailed millwork.

Operations Management

Partner & Operations Manager

50 Local / The Elective (2017 - Present)
Co-founded The Elective and directed operations at 50 Local. Led product development for a Forbes-recognized flavor collaboration with Shimmerwood Beverages in addition to curating a monthly cocktail workshop series for 7 years.

I developed the material for over 15 unique classes—covering topics like Prohibition, Tequila + Mezcal, and Bitters Making—growing the program from small private sessions into sold-out public events with 25+ seats.

I also served as the primary technical troubleshooting specialist for POS migrations, network troubleshooting, and inventory system management.

Crisis Management

Senior Supervisor

Discovery School of VA (2013 - 2016)
Provided group leadership and counseling to at-risk youth (12-18) in an outdoor boarding environment, coordinating campsite development, 10-day group hikes in the Appalachian Mountains, and group therapy to address issues like drug use and violence.

Maintained campsite safety in a high-risk environment with an 85% staff dropout rate. Enforced strict adherence to state regulatory documentation and compliance protocols.

System Config

General Manager

La Sombra / Gusto (2009 - 2012)
I joined the team at age 20 and moved up to General Manager, serving as the owner's direct operational partner. Together, we executed an intense, three-week renovation and total rebrand—flipping the venue from a Latin bar to an upscale Italian eatery.

I also built the operational infrastructure for the new concept and configured a new Aloha POS deployment from scratch, migrated a staff of 30+ to a more modern scheduling platform, and developed an easily editable/adjustable inventory system.