Michael Paycer — SQL Server DBA Consultant, St. Cloud MN

Michael Paycer

SQL Server DBA Consultant · 20 Years · Performance, HA/DR & Cloud
Saint Cloud, MN · Available Remotely · (320) 761-9719 · michael.paycer@gmail.com

I fix slow queries, failing clusters, and broken migrations. Twenty years of SQL Server experience across enterprise environments — available for project work, retainer engagements, and fractional DBA support.

Discuss a Project → Schedule a Meeting 360+ verified reviews on Upwork · SQL Server 2000–2022
About

Professional Profile

I help organizations solve complex database challenges, improve performance, and build reliable, scalable systems. My approach is direct: understand the business goal first, then design the right SQL Server, cloud, ETL, or automation solution — not the most complicated one.

With 20 years of hands-on experience across healthcare, retail, education, logistics, and enterprise environments, I've worked through most SQL Server problems more than once. That depth means faster diagnosis and more durable fixes.

I work independently through SMARTSense Consulting, LLC and am available on Upwork for verified engagements with 360+ reviews you can read before reaching out.

SQL Server Sites
SQLServerDBA.com SQLServerServices.com SQLServerExpert.com
Client Feedback

What Clients Say

"Michael is an exceptional SQL Server DBA. His expertise in performance tuning and Always On AG has transformed our database infrastructure. Highly recommended."

Zaliis Group Inc.
Upwork • 5.0 ★

"Professional, knowledgeable, and results-driven. Michael solved our SQL Server migration challenges efficiently and communicated every step of the process."

Bchex
Upwork • 5.0 ★

"Michael's expertise in database administration and optimization is outstanding. He delivered exactly what we needed on time and within budget."

John Parker
Upwork • 5.0 ★
Services

What I Do

Performance Tuning

Query optimization, index strategy, execution plan analysis, parameter sniffing fixes, tempdb tuning, wait stats, blocking and deadlock resolution, and Query Store implementation.

HA/DR & Always On

Always On AG design, deployment, and troubleshooting. Windows Failover Clustering, quorum and witness configuration, listener setup, failover testing, and documented DR runbooks.

Migrations & Upgrades

SQL Server version upgrades, on-premises to Azure SQL or AWS RDS migrations, Oracle-to-SQL Server conversions, and full migration of SSIS packages, SSRS reports, and linked servers.

Cloud DBA

Azure SQL, Azure SQL Managed Instance, AWS RDS for SQL Server, EC2-hosted instances, S3 integration, IIS application connectivity, SSL/HTTPS, and hybrid cloud architecture support.

ETL, APIs & Automation

SSIS development and optimization, custom C# ETL utilities, REST API data ingestion, SQL Agent job automation, PowerShell scripting, and scheduled data pipeline builds.

Security & Compliance

Database hardening aligned with PCI DSS, DoD STIGs, and SOC2. Least-privilege configuration, SQL Server auditing, TDE encryption, and Windows Server security controls.

Work History

Work Experience

April 2014 – Present
SQL DBA / Developer — Owner
SMARTSense Consulting, LLC — St. Cloud, Minnesota

Tailored solutions in data, web applications, and server management

  • Provide tailored solutions in data, web applications, and server management for established clients while helping short-term and new clients resolve complex database challenges — often growing those engagements into lasting partnerships.
  • Client references and contact details available on request.
  • Upwork profile with 360+ verified SQL Administrator and Developer references: https://www.upwork.com/fl/michaelpaycer
January 2019 – Present
Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator
Blumenthal Performing Arts — Charlotte, North Carolina

Database administration, reporting, and operations

  • Led database migration upgrading SQL Server 2008 to SQL Server 2017, including all databases, SSRS reports and subscriptions, SSIS packages, linked servers, and custom jobs.
  • Tuned SSRS reports for measurable improvements in responsiveness and execution time.
  • Owned backup, restore, monitoring, and recovery testing to ensure data integrity and availability.
  • Resolved corrupted GFI mail database issues, restoring functionality without data loss.
  • Partnered with network administrators on database-side support, keeping systems and teams aligned.
August 2024 – April 2025
Database Analyst III
Kwik Trip — La Crosse, Wisconsin

High availability, disaster recovery, and SQL Server operations

  • Deployed three-node, multi-subnet Always On Availability Group clusters with Change Data Capture (CDC) and full DR configuration for QA and Production — seamless failover with minimal downtime.
  • Mentored DBAs in Always On, performance tuning, SSRS, and troubleshooting, lifting the team's capability in HA, reporting, and incident response.
  • Optimized queries, stored procedures, and indexing alongside senior-level DBAs.
  • Collaborated with the Availability and Recovery team to design Rubrik backup policies based on data importance, retention, and capacity.
June 2021 – July 2023
Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator
Cloudacio — New York, New York

Database migration, monitoring, and performance improvement

  • Delivered database migrations including SQL Server 2012 to SQL Server 2019, covering databases, SSRS, SSIS packages, and linked servers.
  • Resolved performance and deadlock issues using Redgate Monitor, improving overall system efficiency.
  • Configured and supported database mirroring for high availability.
  • Monitored and tested routine backup and restore operations; built PowerShell scripts for disaster recovery.
  • Provided guidance to developers to keep delivery cohesive and on schedule.
December 2019 – September 2022
AWS / SQL Administrator
TeamingPro / Bynexa Inc. — Norfolk, Virginia

AWS infrastructure and SQL Server optimization

  • Built and managed Production and Development AWS infrastructure and developed C# federal data-collection services with tailored normalization and cleanup logic.
  • Improved SQL Server performance through indexing, statistics maintenance, and defragmentation.
September 2018 – September 2022
Data Architect
Cenetric, Inc. — Olathe, Kansas

Azure ETL architecture and supplier data integration

  • Designed and implemented an Azure ETL system that consolidated 15 feeds from 20+ U.S. suppliers and distribution centers, enabling in-house aggregation with deduplication and cleansing for high-quality analytics on pricing, inventory, invoices, and POS data across 4,000+ restaurants.
  • Replaced an external data broker for substantial cost savings, and mentored data analysts and system administrators in Azure SQL and T-SQL.
  • Built supporting serverless functions in C#.
January 2015 – August 2019
SQL Server DBA / Developer
InvigorIT Healthcare Solutions — Apple Valley, Minnesota

Database development and optimization

  • Developed and customized NextGen database objects for clinical templates and tuned existing templates, stored procedures, and indexes to improve application response times.
May 2016 – October 2016
Data Administrator
ACA Track, Inc. — Walled Lake, Michigan

Azure infrastructure and data management

  • Managed SQL Azure infrastructure and the VIP Concierge data service, conducted internal security audits, integrated client data into the ACATrack system, and oversaw 1094/1095 state reporting.
August 2015 – May 2016
ETL / SQL Developer
ACA Track, Inc. — Walled Lake, Michigan

Custom ETL framework development

  • Built 75+ client-specific databases using a custom ETL framework for CSV, Excel, and XML sources.
June 2014 – November 2014
IT Administrator / Supervisor
Country Manor Campus — Sartell, Minnesota

IT services and database-focused projects

  • Oversaw all IT services — Active Directory, File, Email, DB, and Mitel systems — and led database-focused projects to streamline import/export workflows using SQL Server, PowerShell, and batch scripts.
  • Managed disaster recovery for critical databases and community emergency call systems while supervising three IT assistants.
April 2014 – January 2018
SQL Programmer / Consultant
Wyoming Network, Inc. — Cheyenne, Wyoming

T-SQL development for web applications

  • Built T-SQL components — tables, views, triggers, and stored procedures — supporting 50+ ASP.NET applications written in C#.
  • Enhanced applications by integrating new web features that expanded client functionality.
May 2006 – June 2013
Programmer / Analyst
Central Minnesota R&D Council (SSD) — St. Cloud, Minnesota

SQL Server infrastructure and application development

  • Managed SQL Server 2000–2025 installations, configuration, networking, patching, and task automation using SQL Server Agent, Profiler, Tuning Advisor, and DMVs to optimize query and database performance.
  • Developed SSIS packages, SSRS reports, and business logic via triggers, stored procedures, and functions.
  • Built ASP.NET web applications in C# to support analysts and network technicians.
  • Maintained Windows Server 2000–2025 environments, applied patches, automated disk and SAN backups, and extended server functions with Task Scheduler, batch files, and VBScript.
Education

Education & Training

St. Cloud Technical & Community College

  • AAS — Database Administration & Development
  • AAS — Microcomputer Programming
  • AAS — Computer Programming (AS/400)

Intertech — Eagan, Minnesota

  • Complete C# using Visual Studio 2010
  • Complete ASP.NET 4.0 Training
Technical Skills

Skills & Tools

Databases

SQL Server 2000–2022Azure SQL MySQLMariaDB DB2MS Access

Development

T-SQLPowerShell C#ASP.NET VB.NETADO.NET REST APIsConsole Apps

Cloud & ETL

AWS RDSEC2 Azure SQL MIS3 CloudFrontSSISSSRS

Monitoring & Tools

RedgateRubrik DynatraceSentryOne Quest SpotlightGitHub
Certifications

Certifications & Training

  • MCTS: Microsoft SQL Server Development
  • MCP: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2014
  • CompTIA A+
  • CWNP CWNA
Get in Touch

Contact

Have a SQL Server performance problem, migration, HA/DR project, cloud database initiative, or need ongoing fractional DBA support? Describe what you're working with and I'll follow up within one business day.

Schedule a meeting: calendly.com/michael-paycer
Email: michael.paycer@gmail.com
Phone: 320.761.9719
Location: Saint Cloud, MN · Available Remotely

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