I'm originally from Steubenville, Ohio - the home of the Catholic Central Crusaders, Big Red High School football, and Weirton Steel For me, it's also the home of kielbasa (Polish Sausage), golabki (cabbage rolls) and pieroghi (little onion filled dumplings fried in butter and topped with sour cream)! You might recognize Steubenville as the home town of Dino Crucetti (Dean Martin) and Jimmy the Greek Snyder.

I was stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB when I separated from the US Air Force in 1981. That's when I decided to make my home in the Dayton area. Beavercreek is a growing community to its east.

I initially started contracting when I was young and more interested in earning some money than in finding an entry-level position. Today, I still enjoy contracting. I believe it has offered me a wider variety of projects and experience over a shorter period of time than I would have had working for one company, allowing me to concentrate on areas that particularly interest me. It has been a pleasure meeting and working with so many new colleagues - as well as being able to arrange winter employment in southern climates!

Not without its drawbacks, I do miss spending time with my family. I have, on occassion, been able to work "virtually" and I prefer this arrangement when possible. In the long run, telecommuting, along with necessary onsite visits, helps me keep the "Big Picture" and team spirit necessary for success. I also drive my wife nuts (and vice versa). In the meantime, I remain willing to entertain the right offer of permanent employment.

My formal education includes an AAS in Computer Programming Technology, along with coursework in database design, UNIX system administration, several 3rd generation languages, cost management, team leadership and effective writing. The PROGRESS 4GL and RDBMS is merely my passion.

My idea of the ideal working environment is one in which:

• I have clear assignments and defined objectives. There is a goal.

• I have the proper resources to accomplish my assignments, including hardware, software, test data, access permissions, and authority. Having adequate time would be nice, but since I'm usually working away from home, I don't mind trading long days for an occassional long weekend.

• I feel like part of the team, and not an outsider. (This isn't always true, but usually. Sometimes it's better to be the GUNSLINGER than the GOOD OL' BOY.)

From me, you can expect the results you seek:

• Modular, common sense solutions to problems

• Correct (as opposed to "acceptable") system functioning

• Better, faster processing

• Well documented, easy-to-read (and modify) code

Now that I've had the opportunity to introduce myself to you I look forward to a more personal meeting. Consider e-mailing me about your interests and a good time for us to talk.

In the meantime, wishing you success!