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✅ TOP RATED Consultant on UpWork | *100% Client Recommendation Score* My name is Ryan, and I am one of Upwork's highest rated SQL Server DBA (Database Administrator) and Developers. I've worked with numerous companies on projects including database administration, optimization, performance tuning, automation, and SQL programming. If you are having a database issue, you have come to the right place for help. Unlike other database professionals, I am able to effectively communicate to understand your business needs and technical architecture in order to meet your deliverables. I keep my high Job Success Score and Five-Star Feedback rating by accepting only the jobs I know myself to be the best person for. If I'm not completely confident in delivering you the perfect job, I'll let you know and steer you in the right direction. Thank you for reading this far, and I look forward to discussing your project together. Technical Skills: Twelve (12) years of experience in SQL Server versions from 2005-2022, and over 7 years working with Azure and AWS. Certifications: • MCA: Microsoft SQL Server Systems AI-Enabled Database Solutions • MCSE: Microsoft SQL Server Systems Expert Data Platform • MCSA: Microsoft SQL Server Certified Solutions Associate • MCITP: Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator • MCITP: Microsoft SQL Server Business Intelligence Developer • MCSA: Microsoft SQL Server Certified Solutions Associate

I’m a Senior SQL Server & BI Developer specializing in database performance, T-SQL, ETL, and Power BI. With 15+ years of experience and a proven Upwork track record, I help businesses solve complex data problems — from slow SQL queries and database bottlenecks to ETL pipelines, data warehouses, and Power BI reporting. ### What I can help with **SQL Server & Database Development** * Database design, architecture, and development * Complex T-SQL queries and stored procedures * Query optimization, indexing, and execution plan analysis * Database troubleshooting and performance tuning * PostgreSQL and other relational databases **ETL & Data Engineering** * SSIS / ETL development and optimization * Data integration and transformation * Data warehouse development * Troubleshooting and improving existing data pipelines **Power BI & Business Intelligence** * Power BI reports and dashboards * DAX and data modeling * Performance optimization * SSAS / semantic models * SSRS reporting I also have experience with modern data platforms including Databricks, Snowflake, BigQuery, and Google Spanner, as well as Domo (MajorDomo certified). I’m comfortable working with both legacy and modern data environments — whether you need to troubleshoot an existing system, improve performance, or build a new data solution. If you have a slow query, a problematic database, an ETL process that needs fixing, or a BI solution that needs to scale, I can help.

Got a data problem? Whether it's a messy spreadsheet, a slow SQL Server, or a reporting environment that nobody trusts — I can fix it. I'm a Senior Data & Business Intelligence specialist with over 20 years of hands-on experience across enterprise environments in financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and scientific industries. Excel has been at the center of my work from day one — and so has SQL Server, Power BI, SSRS, SSIS, and Azure. Here's what I can help you with: • Clean and organize messy data removing duplicates, standardizing formats, fixing errors (Excel or SQL) • Build Pivot Tables, Power Query automations, and Excel dashboards your team will actually use • Advanced Excel formulas — XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, dynamic arrays, conditional logic • Design and build Power BI dashboards and reports with real, actionable insight • Architect or optimize your SQL Server database — stored procedures, indexing, performance tuning • Build ETL pipelines with SSIS or Azure Data Factory to move and transform data reliably • Set up or improve your SSRS reporting environment, including security and report development • Migrate legacy data (FoxPro, Access, older SQL Server) to modern SQL Server or Azure SQL • Design data models and data marts that make reporting fast and accurate In my career I've built terabyte-scale data marts at Wells Fargo, replaced entire Excel-based reporting systems with SSRS and Tableau at Eurofins Scientific, managed 13 SQL Server instances at Bridgestone/Firestone, and administered Power BI and SSRS environments in healthcare. I've been the go-to person for complex data challenges — the one colleagues and management called when the spreadsheet broke or the reports stopped making sense. Currently, I'm building a pro bono analytics platform for a 45-bed recovery residence — a full stack engagement from SQL Server star schema design and Python ETL through a 14-page Power BI dashboard, deployed to Azure SQL Database. It's the kind of project that shows what Business Intelligence can do for organizations that need it most. I hold a Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification, Microsoft certifications in SQL Server and Azure Data Fundamentals, and a Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. I work cleanly, communicate clearly, and deliver on time. Tell me what you're working with and let's get it sorted. Let's make your data work for you.

SQL Server slow? SQL Server Agent jobs failing? Planning an Azure SQL migration and need to know what will break? I diagnose the problem, explain it in plain English, and give you a prioritized plan. I have worked with Microsoft SQL Server for more than 20 years. I am Expert-Vetted on Upwork, with a 100% Job Success Score and 5.0 feedback across eight jobs. Most engagements begin with a focused diagnostic. We meet through Upwork, I review what is actually happening, and you get a straight answer. The cause may be a query, an index, configuration, a failed job, or an architecture decision. If it is a small fix, I will say so. If it needs a larger effort, I will define that work before you commit. WHAT I HANDLE - Slow queries and execution plans - SQL Server Agent job failures - Index, memory, tempdb, and configuration problems - SSIS packages failing after environment changes - Reports with inconsistent or untrusted results - Azure SQL migration readiness and execution Beyond database rescue, I build and modernize line-of-business applications in C#, ASP.NET Core, Blazor, and Azure. I also work on AI features that must operate against existing SQL Server data and permissions. That work starts with the business question, access rules, and a clear way to verify the result. BACKGROUND I have run Coding Innovations since 2009. My work includes healthcare, retail, supply chain, and automotive systems. Before that, I was a lead developer and architect at Perot Systems (Dell). Credentials: MCSA SQL 2016 Database Development, MCDBA for SQL Server 2000, MCAD (.NET), Certified ScrumMaster. US military veteran. I work remotely on consulting engagements. HOW TO START Use Upwork Messages to tell me what changed, when it started, and what business process is affected. If you have an execution plan or error message, include it. I will tell you the next useful step.

SQL Server slow, unstable, poorly documented, or becoming too risky to manage? That is exactly where I help. I'm a senior Microsoft SQL Server DBA and Developer with nearly 20 years of experience helping businesses troubleshoot, stabilize, optimize, migrate, and maintain SQL Server environments across versions 2000 through 2022. My work covers production DBA support, performance tuning, T-SQL development, high availability, disaster recovery, Azure SQL, AWS RDS, reporting, ETL, security, and database architecture. I help clients solve real SQL Server problems without unnecessary complexity. Whether your queries are timing out, backups are questionable, SQL Agent jobs are failing, reports are slow, an upgrade is overdue, or nobody is fully confident in the recovery plan — I can assess the environment and move it in the right direction. WHAT I DELIVER ◾ Performance tuning — slow queries, execution plans, indexing, waits, blocking, deadlocks, parameter sniffing, Query Store analysis ◾ Production DBA support — backups, restores, DBCC checks, SQL Agent jobs, maintenance plans, monitoring, alerts, server health reviews ◾ High availability and disaster recovery — Always On Availability Groups, clustering, log shipping, replication, backup strategy, restore testing, RTO/RPO planning ◾ SQL Server development — stored procedures, views, functions, triggers, T-SQL cleanup, reporting queries, data logic troubleshooting ◾ Migrations and upgrades — version upgrades, server moves, cloud migrations, Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, AWS RDS ◾ Reporting and ETL — SSRS, SSIS, data imports/exports, scheduled jobs, broken or slow reporting processes ◾ Security and compliance — permissions, least privilege access, SQL logins/users, auditing, encryption, documentation, PCI, STIG compliance ◾ Documentation and knowledge transfer — runbooks, handoff guides, diagrams, and practical recommendations your team can use PERFORMANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING Many clients bring me in when SQL Server is already under pressure. Common problems I fix: ◾ Slow applications caused by inefficient SQL queries ◾ Reports that time out or block production users ◾ High CPU, memory pressure, tempdb issues, or storage bottlenecks ◾ Blocking, deadlocks, and long-running transactions ◾ Poor or over-indexed databases ◾ SQL Agent job failures ◾ Backup chain confusion or restore uncertainty ◾ Availability Group, replication, or failover problems ◾ Legacy databases with little or no documentation I focus on finding the actual cause, explaining it in plain terms, and recommending fixes that are safe for production. HOW I WORK 1. Discovery — Review the environment, the problem, business impact, risks, and current configuration 2. Assessment — Identify performance, reliability, security, backup, and architecture issues 3. Plan — Prioritize the safest and highest-value fixes first 4. Implement — Make careful changes with rollback awareness and documentation 5. Validate — Confirm the issue is resolved using data, not guesswork 6. Support — Provide clear next steps, ongoing monitoring, or handoff documentation WHAT CLIENTS SAY "Throughout our two-year contract, Michael demonstrated extraordinary proficiency as a Microsoft SQL Database Administrator, perfectly marrying technical expertise with excellent communication and a proactive mindset." -- Cloudacio “I have worked with Michael on several different projects ranging from web tool design and implementation to using his skills as a SQL DBA for contract work. When I need a skilled person for software development, web or DBA work - My first call always is to Michael.” -- Keith Swingle, VP Strategic Partnerships, NetVPro "Michael was a lifesaver in helping us figure out some complex Microsoft SQL Server issues. Watching him work inside a database is like watching a wizard." -- Bchex WHY CLIENTS WORK WITH ME Clients value that I'm practical, responsive, and able to explain technical database issues in plain English. I'm comfortable working with business owners, developers, IT teams, vendors, and executives. I don't throw scripts at the problem. I look at the full SQL Server environment: configuration, workload, queries, jobs, backups, HA/DR, application behavior, and operational risk. My goal: make your SQL Server environment faster, safer, more stable, and easier to support. COMMON ENGAGEMENTS ◾ SQL Server health check ◾ Emergency production troubleshooting ◾ Performance tuning review ◾ Query and index optimization ◾ Backup and restore validation ◾ SQL Server migration planning ◾ Azure SQL / Managed Instance support ◾ Always On Availability Group troubleshooting ◾ SSRS / SSIS / SQL Agent job support ◾ Long-term DBA support Whether you need a one-time SQL Server review, emergency troubleshooting, migration help, performance tuning, or ongoing DBA support — click **Invite to Job** and send me a quick summary of what you're trying to fix, improve, or migrate.

I am an experienced information technologist with notable career accomplishments and expertise in departmental and project management, consulting, software development, database programming and administration, and systems infrastructure. It is my goal to provide my expertise and consulting services to clients in order to assist them in running an efficient and profitable business, and to establish long-term business relationships with these clients.