Matthew Sgherzi

• Co-founded and built the company from the ground up, culminating in a successful acquisition by an international investor after 18 months of operation.
• Spearheaded the raise of $3M in initial seed funding and successfully managed and grew company assets to a peak of $18M before the successful exit.
• Directed product strategy and innovation, conducting market research to identify consumer needs and leading a cross-functional team to develop and launch novel blockchain and DeFi solutions.
• Architected and implemented a comprehensive cyber-security protocol for a 100% remote global workforce, including IT policies, hardware security measures, and secure network (LAN/WAN) configurations, safeguarding $18M in digital assets with zero security breaches.
• Led all marketing and communications functions, acting as the company's primary influencer and public face. Produced press releases, AMAs, and video content that built a strong community presence and established brand authority.
• Built, managed, and mentored a fully remote, global team of 7+ community leads and cross-functional contributors across the US, UK, EU, and UAE, fostering a cohesive culture and ensuring clear dissemination of company goals.
• Oversaw quality assurance for smart contract and product development, collaborating directly with programmers in blockchain testing environments to ensure robust and secure product launches.

Core IT & Infrastructure Responsibilities:
Deployed and configured hardware, software, and secure network (LAN/WAN) solutions for a 100% remote, global workforce, ensuring seamless onboarding and operational readiness.
Architected and implemented all cyber-security protocols, including hardware security measures and IT policies, which successfully safeguarded company data and assets with zero breaches.
Provided Tier-2 technical support and troubleshooting for employees, resolving issues related to hardware, software, and network connectivity to minimize downtime.
Managed the full lifecycle of IT assets, from procurement and deployment to maintenance and continuous improvement of all technological systems.
Authored clear IT documentation and instructional guides for employees, empowering user self-service and reducing repeat support tickets.

• Co-founded and scaled a top-ranked e-commerce pet supplies brand on Amazon, overseeing operations, manufacturing, and logistics during a period of unprecedented demand and growth.

Key Operational & IT Responsibilities:

• Implemented and managed all IT infrastructure for a 100% remote team, ensuring 99.9% uptime and robust data security, preventing any breaches or data loss.
• Spearheaded the adoption of new business and analytic software to streamline inventory management, customer service, and financial tracking, improving operational efficiency.
• Analyzed system performance and led troubleshooting initiatives to resolve technical issues promptly, minimizing disruption to remote staff and online sales platforms.
• Developed and enforced data security protocols and best practices for all employees, safeguarding sensitive customer and financial information.
• Managed the end-to-end technical onboarding process for new hires, including account setup, hardware/software deployment, and initial IT training.

• Provided specialized advisory services to startups and small businesses, focusing on solving complex operational, financial, and technological challenges to drive efficiency and growth.

Key IT & Implementation Services:

• Advised clients on IT infrastructure implementation, selecting and deploying appropriate hardware and software solutions to meet specific business needs and enhance operational security.
• Troubleshot critical business system failures, performing root cause analysis and implementing reliable solutions to restore functionality and prevent future downtime.
• Consulted on data security best practices and cyber efficiency, developing protocols for clients to safeguard sensitive information against potential breaches.
• Analyzed and optimized technology stacks for clients, identifying opportunities to integrate new tools that improved workflow automation and data management.
• Guided clients through technical onboarding processes and provided training to ensure smooth adoption of new systems and technologies.

• Served as the sole in-house IT expert for a government transit agency, managing the entire IT infrastructure for 120+ users across 4 locations. Supported all departments by aligning technology initiatives with core operational and safety goals.

Infrastructure & Network Management:

• Engineered, implemented, and maintained the complete LAN/WAN/MAN network infrastructure, including Juniper and Aruba switches, SonicWall firewalls, and a metro fiber network with 3 dozen VLANs for security and traffic segmentation.
• Led a multi-million dollar infrastructure refresh project from RFP to completion, deploying a new 10GB SFP+ backbone, modernized server cluster (Hyper-V), and upgraded workstations, fresh new MS Servers, and policies to significantly enhance performance and reliability.
• Implemented robust failover systems for core demarcation points, firewalls, and switches, creating a highly available network environment that minimized downtime and allowed for seamless future growth.

Systems Administration & Security:

• Managed and maintained 75+ workstations, 30+ servers (virtual and physical), Microsoft Exchange, Active Directory, Backup systems, UPS infrastructure, and SQL databases.
• Spearheaded the installation and maintenance of critical operational systems, including a brand new CAD/AVL project, security cameras/NVRs, and access control systems.
• Developed and enforced strict IT security policies, including Layer 7 application controls, which uncovered employee fraud and saved significant public funds.
• Developed the implementation of CMS Changeable Message Signs to provide the public with real-time bus arrivals based on CAD/AVL transportation data.
• Maintained and implemented a variety of networking and firewall-based solutions pertinent to the end-user needs, which adhered to IT policies and required a sound understanding of the OSI model.

Support & Collaboration:

• Provided comprehensive daily technical support to a diverse user base, troubleshooting a wide array of hardware and software issues for end-users and C-suite executives alike.
• Collaborated directly with cross-functional department heads (HR, Maintenance, Operations, Finance) to ensure IT projects and policies supported broader business objectives without disrupting critical services.
• Hired, trained, and onboarded a new Software Administrator, creating the job description and conducting technical interviews, establishing a scalable IT team structure.
• Scheduled and presented training sessions to employees and provided project presentations to the Board of Directors.

• Authored a weekly technology column, entitled "TechWire", demystifying complex IT concepts, news, and best practices for a general, non-technical audience.
• Cultivated a dedicated readership by translating advanced technical information into accessible, engaging, and actionable advice.
• Received consistent positive feedback from editors and readers for clarity, usefulness, and engaging writing style.

• Founded and operated a successful on-site IT support and computer repair business, providing timely troubleshooting and repair services for residential and business clients throughout the Tehachapi area.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting:

• Diagnosed and resolved a wide range of hardware and software issues on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, restoring client functionality and minimizing downtime.
• Performed network setup, configuration, and troubleshooting for home and small business clients, including router configuration, wireless security, and connectivity issues.
• Maintained a personal technology lab to test new software, hardware, and network configurations, staying current with industry best practices and security trends.

Client Relations & Business Management:

• Managed all scheduling, client communication, and service delivery, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Translated complex technical concepts into clear, actionable advice for non-technical clients, empowering them to use their technology effectively.

Note: I operated this business while completing IT degrees online, demonstrating exceptional time management and self-discipline.