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.
- Name: Michael Paycer
- Location: Saint Cloud, Minnesota
- Phone: 320.761.9719
- Email: michael.paycer@gmail.com
- Upwork: 360+ verified reviews
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelpaycer
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."
"Professional, knowledgeable, and results-driven. Michael solved our SQL Server migration challenges efficiently and communicated every step of the process."
"Michael's expertise in database administration and optimization is outstanding. He delivered exactly what we needed on time and within budget."
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.
Wondering how an engagement actually works? See the four engagement models — health check, tuning sprint, migration, and fractional DBA — on the Services page.
Professional Experience
Twenty years across independent consulting and full-time DBA roles — a seven-year SQL Server migration-and-support engagement for Blumenthal Performing Arts, three-node multi-subnet Always On clusters at Kwik Trip, and an Azure ETL platform consolidating data across 4,000+ restaurant locations for Cenetric.
Kwik Trip — Database Analyst III
Deployed three-node, multi-subnet Always On Availability Group clusters with Change Data Capture and full disaster recovery for QA and Production, and mentored the DBA team in HA, tuning, and incident response.
Blumenthal Performing Arts — DBA Contract
Seven-year engagement: led the SQL Server 2008 → 2017 migration and owned backup, recovery testing, and SSRS performance across all databases.
Cenetric — Data Architect Contract
Designed an Azure ETL system consolidating 15 feeds from 20+ suppliers with dedup and cleansing, powering analytics across 4,000+ restaurants and replacing an external data broker.
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
Skills & Tools
Core specialties
Performance Tuning
High Availability / Disaster Recovery
SQL Server Administration
Security & Compliance
Platform & tools
Databases
T-SQL Development
Amazon Web Services
Microsoft Azure
ETL & Reporting
Monitoring & Tools
Development & automation
App Development & Automation
Certifications & Training
- MCTS: Microsoft SQL Server Development
- MCP: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2014
- CompTIA A+
- CWNP CWNA
Frequently Asked Questions
Michael works on performance tuning, Always On AG design and troubleshooting, HA/DR architecture, SQL Server migrations and upgrades, SSIS ETL development, SSRS reporting, Azure SQL and AWS RDS implementations, IIS and application connectivity, and custom automation using PowerShell and C#. Engagements are available hourly, project-based, or on a monthly retainer.
Yes. Michael is based in St. Cloud, Minnesota and works with clients remotely across the United States. Most SQL Server consulting work — performance tuning, HA/DR, migrations, ETL, and cloud database support — can be done entirely remotely.
A fractional DBA provides ongoing database administration on a retainer basis — proactive monitoring, maintenance, performance tuning, and on-call support — without the cost of a full-time hire. Michael offers fractional DBA engagements suited for teams that need senior DBA expertise without the headcount.
Michael operates SQLServerDBA.com as a technical authority resource, SQLServerServices.com for SQL Server consulting services, and SQLServerExpert.com for expert-level DBA topics, and SQLServerOptimization.com for performance tuning and query optimization — all connected to his personal brand at MichaelPaycer.com.
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
The same habits, off the clock
Diagnosis before prescription doesn't clock out at five. Three places the same attention goes — and why they're on a DBA's site. Read the full story →
Chess
Where I study why a position quietly wins or loses — the same pattern-reading I bring to a slow query.
More from Michael Paycer
Pages on this site with deeper coverage of specific topics:
- About Michael Paycer
- Resume & Professional Background
- Certifications & Training Detail
- Client Results & Consulting Focus
- Cloud, ETL, API & Automation
Personal interests:
- Interests & Personal Notes
- Astronomy Notes — including Cassiopeia (favorite constellation), the Whirlpool Galaxy, Draco, the Summer Triangle & Earthrise
- Chess Openings
- Books
SQL Server authority sites operated by Michael Paycer:
- SQLServerDBA.com — technical reference and DBA resources
- SQLServerServices.com — SQL Server consulting services
- SQLServerExpert.com — expert-level DBA topics
- SQLServerOptimization.com — performance tuning and query optimization