Drew West
Vice President of Software
Contact
205-340-1960 (Mobile)
drew.west.technology@gmail. com
www.linkedin.com/in/drew- west-450615143 (LinkedIn)
achql.com/drewwest (Company)
Top Skills
SQL
Data Analysis Analytical Skills
Certifications
Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Support Specialist
Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
Drew West
20 Years' World Class IT Experience! 5X Certified by Cisco, Redhat, Global Knowledge, Firefly, and security professionals from the NSA. West Blocton, Alabama, United States
Summary
With 20 years of experience in Dev/Ops and IT engineering, Drew is a versatile and skilled professional who leads and supports projects involving automated manufacturing, data center startups, and automotive OEMs. He holds certifications from Red Hat and Cisco, two of the world's leading IT and networking companies, and has a proven track record of delivering high-quality work in challenging and fast-paced environments.
As a Dev/Ops lead at ACHQ Logistics and an IT Analyst III at IAC Group, Drew applies his extensive knowledge and skills in VMware, SQL, Linux, Windows, AS400, SAP, and J.I.T. systems, among others, to build innovative and cost-effective solutions
for multiplicative manufacturing and data center clients. He has recently launched and managed two automated facilities in top- tier automotive manufacturing with 60-day deadlines, scaled and managed highly available (99.999%) multi/uni-cast video networks and systems, and helped launch two additional automated sub- assembly facilities for suppliers of Mercedes. Drew is passionate about optimizing and innovating IT engineering and rollouts for multiple automotive OEMs and data center clients.
Experience
ACHQ Logistics, LLC
3 years 11 months
Vice President of Software October 2024 - Present (3 months) Naples, Florida, United States
Drew West has advanced from a Senior Technical Advisor to President of Software at ACHQ Logistics, LLC, where he now leads the charge in establishing a network of automated factories across the Southeast US. His new role focuses on integrating cutting-edge automation technologies
to optimize manufacturing processes, ensuring that ACHQ's logistics and assembly operations benefit from increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced scalability, thereby positioning the company at the forefront of the logistics industry's technological evolution.
Senior Information Technology Consultant February 2021 - October 2024 (3 years 9 months) Naples, Florida, United States
Role Overview:
At the helm of ACHQ Logistics' DevOps revolution, Drew orchestrates a symphony of innovation. He's the mastermind behind transforming assembly lines into balletic feats of automation, conjuring new automated warehouses and OEM factories from the ground up. With a capital investment of $100 million USD at his disposal, Drew isn't just leading projects; he's crafting the future of logistics, one automated marvel at a time.
IAC Group
I.T. Analyst III
October 2022 - Present (2 years 3 months) Cottondale, Alabama, United States
Responsibilities:
Network Management: Spearheads the engineering and deployment of Cisco network solutions, ensuring robust connectivity and security across multiple Automotive OEMs.
Server Administration: Expertly manages a diverse server environment including:
Linux Servers: Optimizes and maintains high-performance Linux systems. Windows Servers: Oversees Windows server operations, ensuring uptime and performance.
Virtualization: Proficient in both VMware and Hyper-V environments, managing virtual infrastructure to enhance scalability and efficiency.
Database Management: Administers SQL databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance optimization.
Legacy Systems: Maintains and upgrades AS400-like systems, integrating them seamlessly with modern IT infrastructure.
24/7 Operations: Ensures all IT systems operate flawlessly in a continuous production environment, managing critical updates, patches, and troubleshooting with minimal downtime.
Technology Integration: Implements and supports cutting-edge technologies such as VergeIO, enhancing data storage and retrieval processes.
Project Leadership: Leads IT rollouts, coordinating with cross-functional teams to meet project deadlines and quality standards.
Lear Corporation
Systems Administrator
February 2020 - January 2021 (1 year) Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Role Overview:
At Lear, Drew stood as a bulwark against the chaos of supply chain disruptions, ensuring that the critical flow of data remained unblemished. His focus? Providing Mercedes with impeccable airbag data, a task that demanded precision and foresight. Amidst the turmoil of global logistics, Drew's meticulous oversight guaranteed that safety-critical information was always accurate and readily available.
Beyond this, Drew was the maestro of automation within Lear's IT landscape. He orchestrated the symphony of AS400 systems, transforming them into efficient, automated marvels that hummed with productivity. His domain extended to the virtual realms of VMware, where he managed server environments with a deft touch, ensuring seamless operations across the board.
Windows and SQL servers also fell under Drew's purview. He was not just an administrator but a guardian of these systems, ensuring they operated at peak efficiency, providing the backbone for Lear's digital operations. His role was not merely about maintenance but about innovation, pushing the boundaries of what these systems could achieve in supporting Lear's global operations.
In essence, Drew was the silent force that kept Lear's digital heart beating steadily, even when the external world was in flux. His expertise in managing diverse IT systems, combined with his commitment to data integrity, made him an invaluable asset, ensuring that Lear's technological infrastructure was not just robust but also agile in the face of adversity.
C Spire
Video Systems Engineer
2017 - 2020 (3 years)
Ridgeland, Mississippi Role Overview:
In the dynamic realm of video broadcasting, Drew emerged as a pivotal figure at C Spire TV. Tasked with the monumental challenge of launching new television platforms, he didn't just meet expectations; he exceeded them.
Drew's approach was nothing short of revolutionary, blending cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of video delivery systems.
His toolkit was diverse and powerful: Cisco UCS for server consolidation, Nexus for networking, VMware ESXi for virtualization, Red Hat Linux for robust server environments, and Python scripting for automation and efficiency. With these tools, Drew crafted a digital infrastructure that was not only scalable but also remarkably reliable.
Under Drew's stewardship, C Spire TV's platforms didn't just go live; they soared. He ensured that the systems could handle peak loads without flinching, providing viewers with an uninterrupted, high-quality viewing experience. His work wasn't just about technology; it was about enhancing the viewer's life, making entertainment accessible, reliable, and seamless.
Drew's expertise in these technologies allowed him to build systems that were future-proof, capable of adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of digital media. His scripting skills in Python were particularly instrumental, automating routine tasks and allowing for rapid deployment and adjustments, which was crucial in the fast-paced world of TV broadcasting.
In essence, Drew was the architect behind C Spire TV's digital renaissance, turning complex technology into a viewer's delight. His role was not just about launching platforms; it was about setting new standards in video delivery, ensuring that C Spire TV was not just a provider but a leader in the industry.
Astra/CFX Holdings, LLC
IT Project Manager
March 2013 - April 2017 (4 years 2 months) Role Overview:
At the heart of Astra/CFX's ambitious project to revolutionize automotive assembly, Drew was the linchpin. His expertise was instrumental in the successful launch of not one, but three state-of-the-art automated wheel/tire
assembly facilities for industry giants BMW and Mercedes. Drew didn't just participate; he was the primary onsite technical resource, embodying the spirit of innovation and precision.
In this role, Drew managed multiple data centers, each a complex ecosystem requiring meticulous oversight. His responsibilities spanned ensuring
these centers operated at peak efficiency, handling everything from power management to network connectivity, all while maintaining the highest standards of data security and integrity.
His technical acumen shone brightest in supporting the .NET automation systems. These systems were the lifeblood of the assembly lines, where precision and speed were non-negotiable. Drew's deep understanding
of .NET allowed him to troubleshoot, optimize, and innovate, ensuring that the automation not only met but exceeded the expectations of BMW and Mercedes.
Drew's presence on site was more than technical support; it was a guarantee of quality and reliability. His ability to navigate the complexities of data center management while simultaneously advancing the automation systems underscored his versatility and depth of knowledge.
In essence, Drew was the architect of efficiency and innovation at these facilities. His work didn't just contribute to the launch; it was the cornerstone upon which the success of these projects was built. His role was not just about technology; it was about crafting a future where automotive assembly is synonymous with precision, speed, and reliability.
Ark Cloud Services
System Administrator
January 2014 - March 2017 (3 years 3 months) Miami/Fort Lauderdale Area
Role Overview:
At Ark Cloud Services, Drew was the silent architect behind the scenes, ensuring that the digital backbone of their clients' operations ran smoothly and efficiently. As a Systems Administrator, his domain was vast and critical: he managed the network and server infrastructure, weaving together a tapestry of technology that underpinned client success.
Drew's expertise spanned across multiple technologies:
Legacy Cisco Catalyst Networks: He was the guardian of these networks, ensuring they not only kept pace with modern demands but also integrated seamlessly with newer systems.
ASA Firewalls: Drew fortified client networks, implementing robust security measures that protected against cyber threats, maintaining both integrity and confidentiality.
Active Directory: He was the master of domain services, managing user access, permissions, and authentication across the enterprise, ensuring seamless operations.
VoIP Systems: Drew's touch ensured crystal-clear communication, optimizing VoIP systems for performance and reliability, making sure that every call was as clear as if it were face-to-face.
His role was not just about maintenance but about innovation within constraints. Drew leveraged his deep understanding of these systems to enhance performance, reduce downtime, and increase reliability, all while keeping an eye on future scalability.
In essence, Drew was the linchpin of Ark Cloud Services' client infrastructure. His work wasn't just about keeping systems running; it was about crafting an environment where technology was not just a tool but a strategic advantage. His meticulous oversight and proactive approach meant that clients could focus on their core business, secure in the knowledge that their digital foundation was in expert hands.
NAOS International Production Operator 2013 - 2014 (1 year)
Tuscaloosa, Alabama Area Role Overview:
At Mercedes-Benz USI, Drew revolutionized sedan hybrid assembly through innovative production techniques:
Dynamic Line Adaptation: Drew implemented "floating production lines," allowing seamless transitions between traditional and hybrid sedan assembly without significant downtime. This was achieved through advanced automation and real-time analytics.
Quality Control Mastery: He maintained Mercedes-Benz's stringent quality standards during hybrid integration. Using predictive analytics, Drew ensured potential issues were resolved proactively, keeping production quality high. Digital Integration: Leveraging digital twins, Drew optimized assembly processes virtually before physical implementation, ensuring efficiency and reducing errors.
Leadership in Transition: Drew's leadership was crucial in aligning diverse teams, ensuring smooth transitions towards hybrid production, reflecting Mercedes' focus on flexibility and employee empowerment.
Sustainability Focus: His initiatives also aimed at reducing waste and energy consumption, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
Drew's work at Mercedes-Benz USI wasn't just about assembling cars; it was about pioneering a new era of automotive production where technology, efficiency, and sustainability converge.
Perfect 10
IT Field Technician
2007 - 2014 (7 years)
South East, USA Role Overview:
At Perfect 10, Drew was the linchpin of technical innovation, tackling diverse telecommunications challenges:
Satellite Expertise: He expertly installed satellite systems, optimizing connectivity for remote clients.
HughesNet Audits: Conducted thorough audits, enhancing system performance and compliance.
Video Conferencing: Deployed and configured secure, efficient video conferencing for government and corporate sectors.
Problem-Solving: Drew's technical skills and problem-solving ensured flawless system implementation and maintenance.
His work set new benchmarks in telecommunications, ensuring clients enjoyed reliable, cutting-edge solutions.
Education
Red Hat
RHCSA, Red Hat Enterprise Linux · (2019 - 2019)
Firefly - Education
Complete, UCS Test Drive for Technical Decision Makers · (2018 - 2018)
Firefly - Education
Complete, Optimizing UCS · (2018 - 2018)
Global Knowledge
Complete, Redhat RHCSA Course · (2018 - 2018)
Jones County Junior College
Incomplete, Information Technology · (2011 - 2013)
Cisco
UCS Test Drive for Technical Decision Makers
Cisco
Optimizing a Cisco UCS Environment
Redhat
Certified System Administrator (2018)