Dean Simmer

Youth Minister & IT Guy

Greater Detroit Area

Current
  • Youth Minister at Christ Church Cranbrook
  • Barista at Starbucks Coffee Company
  • Technology Consultant at Detroit Cristo Rey High School
  • Developer at DSimmer.com (Sole Proprietorship)
  • Associate Writer at PalmAddicts
Past
  • Mortgage Banker at Quicken Loans
  • Consultant at Sterling Office Systems
  • Sales Associate at Metro Imaging Systems
  • Information Technology Assistant at Hillsdale College
  • Sales Associate at Lemstone Books
  • Painter's Assistant at GBG Painting
Education
  • Hillsdale College
Connections
105 connections
Industry
Computer Software
Websites

Dean Simmer’s Summary

Independent contractor with experience in both computer hardware and software. Experience includes web design, computer programming, database management and network administration.

Dean Simmer’s Specialties:

Information technology, network support, VNC, Microsoft Office, graphic design applications


Dean Simmer’s Experience

  • Youth Minister

    Christ Church Cranbrook

    (Non-Profit; 11-50 employees; Religious Institutions industry)

    May 2008Present (6 months)

    - Director of youth programs (7-12) for large parish in the Episcopal Church.
    - In the office sometimes, running around metro Detroit a lot more.

  • Barista

    Starbucks Coffee Company

    (Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; SBUX; Retail industry)

    January 2008Present (10 months)

    - Brew and serve coffee beverages to customers in a timely, professional manner.
    - Assist shift supervisor in store opening or closing responsibilities.

  • Technology Consultant

    Detroit Cristo Rey High School

    (Non-Profit; 11-50 employees; Education Management industry)

    November 2007Present (1 year)

    - Handle purchasing of information technology equipment and services.
    - Assist the school president with projections of technology deployment based upon growth.
    - Install and build multiple PCs and laptops for school staff.
    - Migrate staff from old equipment into new PC work environments.
    - Manage network security and infrastructure.

  • Developer

    DSimmer.com (Sole Proprietorship)

    (Sole Proprietorship; Myself Only; Computer Software industry)

    August 2006Present (2 years 3 months)

    Development of personal and commercial websites for individuals, companies and non-profit organizations. Projects have included the implementation and expansion of content management systems as well as hardware and software development onsite.

  • Associate Writer

    PalmAddicts

    (Public Company; 51-200 employees; Writing and Editing industry)

    July 2006Present (2 years 4 months)

    Volunteer writer for PalmAddicts, one of the largest user-run websites for information, news and reviews for Palm products, accessories and applications. This includes writing product reviews of hardware and software, as well as sharing opinions and suggestions with new Palm users.

  • Mortgage Banker

    Quicken Loans

    (Privately Held; 5001-10,000 employees; Financial Services industry)

    May 2007November 2007 (7 months)

    -Consulted with clients about current and future needs to help them achieve their financial goals.
    -Established an ongoing financial services relationship with clients through the delivery of world-class client service.
    -Interviewed clients and gathered information pertaining to their unique financial situations.
    -Used state-of-the-art technologies to conduct credit, underwriting and financial analyses and qualify the client for various loan programs.
    -Educated and advised clients on the home buying process and how to better manage their mortgages.
    -Assisted clients through the loan process from application to closing and made myself available as a contact after closing as well.

  • Consultant

    Sterling Office Systems

    (Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Business Supplies and Equipment industry)

    November 2006May 2007 (7 months)

    - Digital Imaging & Document Management Consulting with emphasis on healthcare and legal sectors.
    - Generated new product placement and increased market penetration in 8-county metro Detroit area.
    - Worked with many non-profit organizations to provide cost-effective solutions.

  • Sales Associate

    Metro Imaging Systems

    (Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Business Supplies and Equipment industry)

    May 2006October 2006 (6 months)

    Digital Imaging & Document Management Consulting with new businesses in the metro Detroit area. I utilized both inside and outside sales skills to market to clients of many sizes and industries, providing them with solutions in both office equipment and software to streamline their business workflow.

  • Information Technology Assistant

    Hillsdale College

    (Educational Institution; 201-500 employees; Information Technology and Services industry)

    January 2003May 2006 (3 years 5 months)

    User Support:

    Handled problems and requests from students, faculty and staff on campus. This included some phone support, remote desktop assistance, as well as on-site assistance.

    New System Installs:

    Worked in teams to install new computer labs and workstations for faculty and staff.

    Assistance Work:

    Assisted both the college webmaster and Director of Student Services to update department information and brochures. This included the creation of PDFs and documentation for new students and faculty, editing PowerPoint presentations, updating web pages and creating graphic images and posters.

  • Sales Associate

    Lemstone Books

    (Privately Held; 1-10 employees; Retail industry)

    August 2001August 2004 (3 years 1 month)

    Responsible for ordering and stocking all music from multiple record distribution companies.
    Developed marketing materials for in-store displays and advertisements.

  • Painter's Assistant

    GBG Painting

    (Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Construction industry)

    May 2000August 2001 (1 year 4 months)

    Worked as a painter's assistant, doing projects in the shop as well as on residential job sites. This included prep work on job sites as well as painting and spraying work. I also worked as part of a two-man team to apply weather treatment to decks and porches.


Dean Simmer’s Education

  • Hillsdale College

    BA, History, Music, 20022006

    I followed some friends to Hillsdale and found it to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. The education was intensive and rewarding. Professors and students have become lifelong friends. And I was able to study history for four years and graduate with a completely useless degree.

    Activities and Societies:
    Mu Alpha Music Honorary, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, College Choir

Additional Information

Dean Simmer’s Websites:

Dean Simmer’s Interests:

Gadgets, history, research, reading, and the internet.

Dean Simmer’s Groups:

American Cancer Society, Christ Church Cranbrook

  •    Hillsdale College Alumni

Dean Simmer’s Honors:

Maud Glover Folsom Scholarship Recipient


Dean Simmer’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

  • consulting offers
  • new ventures
  • job inquiries
  • expertise requests
  • business deals
  • reference requests
  • getting back in touch

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