Chas. Thompson

August 2019 – Present

Program Support Engineer, TGW Systems

Development of replacement pricing tool integrated with AutoCAD, Excel and SQL. Re-Development of Excel based Engineering tools to integrate SQL and speed. Web and Virtual Reference Solutions Development. Data Maintenance and solutions analysis. Developing in VBA, C#, T-SQL, PHP and Autolisp.

October 2012 – Present

Host / Producer, MI Ice Guys

After realizing the desire of many for continual information about one of my favorite sports, I started a podcast and seminar group focusing on Ice Fishing in Michigan.   Joined by several teammates we work to evaluate and then disseminate information on products, techniques, safety and conditions relating to our favorite sport.

October 2004 – July 2019

Director of Operations, Schmohz Brewing Company

Taking on a new challenge within the burgeoning craft beer industry, I joined a small team to operate Schmohz Brewing.   Duties encompassed Brewing, Cleaning, Bartending, Maintenance, Sales, Distribution, Marketing, IT, Security, Event Management and customer engagement.

March 1989 – September 2009

Systems Analyst, Rapistan / Siemens / Dematic

As a member of the Engineering Tools Group I worked with designers and engineers to streamline and automate computer based tools.   Observing their activities to identify repetitive, calculation intensive or error prone tasks then presenting conceptual software solutions to management and programing teams.   I would also work as a liaison to the end users as development of the solution progressed.   Focus would shift toward deployment and training, where I would write and produce materials for the classes I would eventually teach locally and remotely.

The other facet of the position was to lead the tech support team for daily issues with software and content that would arise during the engineering process.

June 1986

HS Diploma, Thornapple Kellogg

Focused on a university bound curriculum, I was an early enthusiast in the use of computers in many other areas of my school work including: math, writing, physics, biology and robotics.  As one of the youngest members of the Future Problem Solvers chapter I led our team to several victories at regional competitions.  I was also active playing trombone in our school marching band.

March 1991

Computer Science, Michigan Technological University

Initially starting at MTU on an electrical engineering path, I found my real calling in computers.  Specifically in the area of support and design.  My work study assignment, working the computer services help desk, launched a life long passion for helping people understand and use technology.  Also participation in several campus organizations such as GLITCH Video, 4×4 Club and an active broomball team, gave me a great perspective on team building and leadership.

September 2015

Brewery Engineering, Master Brewers Association of the Americas

An extensive two week course focusing on selection, maintenance and operation of modern craft breweries and the equipment utilized in them.

·         Organization

·         Data manipulation

·         Heavy equipment operation

·         Light manufacturing equipment operation

·         Computer Networking

·         Public speaking and presentation

·         Audio Video equipment operation

·         Hand and power tool operation