Our Team
PSD leverages staff members extensive experience to create cohesive solutions.
Jeff King
Co-Founder and CEO
As Co-founder and CEO of PSD Solutions, Jeff directs all of PSD’s day-to-day business operations. He guides PSD to maintain sound business development and strive for success. He applies his extensive experience, expertise and skills in managing PSD’s business and financial dealings. In addition, he also oversees all client relations, in which he supervises the departments of sales, marketing and network team management. Jeff’s financial, business management and marketing capacity at PSD has involved him with every aspect of the company and every one of PSD’s clients, which, in turn, marks him as a notable leader of PSD Solutions.
Jeff has acted as head of many major outside projects, such as: Interim CIO for a publicly held mortgage company and director in a national rollout of business management software for a renowned national company.
Prior to PSD, Jeff founded a consulting firm focused on delivering financial services to middle-market businesses. Jeff is a Certified Public Accountant and has an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Illinois State University.
Howard Simon
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Howard and Jeff founded PSD Solutions in 1992. As a Managing Partner of PSD Solutions, Howard is in charge of application development team projects. The team focuses primarily on Microsoft SQL Server and .NET application development technology, along with supporting other legacy applications. Howard’s background in accounting, finance and technology has enabled PSD to create applications to provide cost effective solutions which incorporate long-term visions while resolving immediate problems. While the technology that PSD implements has changed significantly over time, the core solutions and philosophies have remained constant. PSD has many clients running applications that were implemented in 1992.
Howard is a Certified Public Accountant and has an undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1983.
Prior to PSD, Howard was a consultant for a Big Eight Accounting firm, worked as an analyst for an investment / financial planning firm and was in charge of finance and technology for two real estate development companies. With the introduction of Lotus 123 in 1984, Howard immediately realized that there was a tremendous opportunity to combine business with technology and started acting on it.
Ken Redfern
Partner – Network Integration Team
As Partner of PSD Solutions, Ken oversees all of PSD’s client network integration projects and has direct responsibility for maintaining and managing our existing client relationships. He is the primary contact for our network team, supervising our network engineers and assigned projects. He is also actively involved with PSD’s marketing, which includes generating referrals, producing new clients and maintaining strong business relationships. In addition, Ken markets PSD’s network team services, creating partnerships with large IT corporations such as Microsoft, SonicWALL and Citrix.
Ken has additional experience in assisting clients with network design and implementation of sophisticated network infrastructure, including out of state and overseas offices.
Ken has an undergraduate degree in Political Economics from Michigan State University.
Certifications
Microsoft Certified Professional
Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator
Citrix Certified Administrator
Don Schroeder
Partner - Application Development Team
With his extensive and diverse background in software development, Don plays a number of roles within PSD. As part of the application development team, he is heavily involved with the project management and development of several client systems that are built on technologies including .NET, Visual Basic and SQL Server. Don provides support for custom applications that interact across all business functions. He manages long-term client relationships, makes recommendations to improve their systems and user interaction experience. Additionally, he performs database administration functions for SQL Server databases at PSD and client locations.
Don has been working with consulting firms since finishing his degree. His background includes many leadership, recruiting, business analytical and international assignments. He has accomplished multiple Microsoft certifications. Don is best defined as a project manager that still enjoys being involved with coding and technical design. Don holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business with a concentration in Computer Information Systems and International Business from the Indiana University School of Business.
Greg Hoffman
Partner - Application Development Team
Since 2005, Greg has been an integral part of PSD’s Application Development Team. Greg is responsible for supporting the majority of PSD client applications. Since being with PSD, he has taken the lead in developing and maintaining applications for a variety of clients. Greg plays a primary role in designing the architecture behind each application. Greg uses his skill set to help move their business in the right direction, creating positive and strong solutions using Microsoft technologies. Greg’s core skill set include C#, VB.Net, SQL, SQL Reporting Services, XML, JQuery, and Javascript.
Prior to joining PSD, Greg began his career at a consulting firm called Software Architects, working with clients including Sears and The Great Indoors. While there, he was the Lead Developer in creating a Sign Printing System which displays the prices within each store. Greg also worked as a Lead Developer on Exel’s (now DHL) eSolutions Team creating management software for moving and managing freight. Since 2001, Greg has been a Microsoft Certified Professional and Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer. Greg holds a Bachelors Degree in Information Systems from Purdue University.
Harry Higbie
Application Developer
As Application Developer for PSD Solutions, Harry supports and creates applications for numerous clients. He works as a development team member for some, while being responsible for maintaining client relationships on a business and technical level for others. Harry’s technical focus extends from legacy mainframe and PC to current Microsoft technology, including C# .NET 2.0 and SQL Server 2005. He also supports existing applications whose components include VB .NET, SQL Server 2000, XHTML, MS Access, AJAX, SQL Reporting Services, Crystal Reports, and classic ASP.
Harry’s experience involves assisting large and small clients with design and support of applications in a variety of industries and functional areas. Applications range from a transportation logistics Web site to a credit analysis tool for the banking industry.
Harry has also held the position of contract programmer/analyst for FMC Technologies, Inc. in Chicago, as well as a number of other local area firms including Osco Drug, Inc., Tracy Cross and Associates, Inc., Martin Marietta Data Systems, and AON Insurance. He also was a financial analyst for Stroh Brewery in Detroit, Michigan.
Harry has an undergraduate degree in Economics from Cornell University and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.
Derek Shapiro
Network Engineer
With seven years at PSD as Network Engineer, Derek holds a large range of responsibilities. Derek performs onsite IT consulting for a variety of clients in multiple industries. His day to day tasks also involve working with network infrastructures, maintenance of servers, PC, enterprise level backup solutions, virus protection and OS software. In addition, Derek provides application support, including email and remote access and he has extensive experience working with peripheral network devices including firewalls and routers. Derek continues to seek out and develop new IT strategies and he stays focused on maintaining strong client relationships.
Prior to joining PSD Solutions, Derek was an instructor at Computer Systems Institute. As an instructor, he led MCSA classes, teaching skills to manage and troubleshoot network environments running on the Microsoft Windows operating system. In an effort to be proactive, he created lab environments for students and conducted hands-on lessons to ensure understanding of the subject matter.
Derek’s technology proficiencies include: Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange, Cisco IOS and SonicWALL. Derek has expertise with applications including Citrix, GFI Suite, Symantec Suite and Misys Suite. Derek holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business with a concentration in Computer Information Systems from Indiana University – Kelley School of Business.
Certifications
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Microsoft Certified Exchange Administrator
Cisco Certified Network Administrator
Citrix Certified Administrator
Kurt Nishi
Network Engineer
As Network Engineer at PSD, Kurt has a variety of responsibilities, including maintenance of PC hardware, server hardware and OS software. Kurt also provides application support, including email, remote access, backup and restoration of client data. Kurt works with peripheral network devices such as firewalls and routers. He continually develops future IT strategies maintaining and nurturing strong client relationships.
Kurt has worked in the IT industry since 1999. Prior to PSD, Kurt performed roles such as Technical Specialist, System Administrator and Webmaster. His primary responsibilities included supporting 200+ clients for a suburban based consulting firm. He has acted as Network Administrator, supporting and managing 100 users in a Windows NT and Citrix Farm environment. He spent significant time developing IT procedures and training support personnel. Kurt’s experience in the implementation and setup of new websites, as well as the maintenance of existing websites, was gained while managing a data center of Apache Web Servers for a Web Developing company.
Kurt’s technology proficiencies include the following operating systems: MS Windows, Cisco IOS, SonicWALL, and Linux/UNIX. He is familiar with applications such as Symantec BackUp Exec and AntiVirus. Kurt holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and a Masters Degree in Information Technology and Management from Illinois Institute of Technology.
Certifications
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Microsoft Certified Exchange Administrator
Citrix Certified Administrator
Kathy Horning
Office Manager and Network Team Coordinator
In Kathy's duties as Network Team Coordinator, she is responsible for all of the behind the scenes work for the network team; including scheduling and resource management, investigating client purchase options for hardware and software, and maintaining client relationships. Kathy’s role as Office Manager includes not only being the 'voice of PSD', but also handling ordering of products for the office, shipping and receiving, the review of time for accurate invoicing, and special projects, as necessary. Kathy's background in all aspects of computer sales including software licensing, system configuration, technical service and systems repair, combined with her extensive experience in office administration, provides PSD with administrative support from an experienced industry professional.
Kathy has worked with the IT industry in technical and administrative roles for over 20 years. Before joining PSD Solutions, her most recent position was a Preferred Account Representative for Dartek Computer Supply (later purchased by Tiger Direct). In this role she was responsible for all aspects of technical sales and account management for a select list of clients, including corporate, education and government, and charitable organizations.