Michael Paycer | SQL Server DBA & Developer

Who am I?

Professional Profile

I help organizations solve complex database challenges, improve performance, and build reliable systems that scale. My work is rooted in practical problem-solving, clear communication, and long-term client relationships.

I work with clients and internal teams to understand the business goal first, then design database, reporting, ETL, security, and infrastructure solutions that support that vision.

Name: Michael Paycer
Location: Saint Cloud, Minnesota
Phone: 320.761.9719
Email: michael.paycer@gmail.com
Website: michaelpaycer.com
Upwork: 360+ client reviews

What I’m best at

What I Do

SQL Server

Administration, development, migrations, indexing, stored procedures, query tuning, SSIS, SSRS, monitoring, and operational support.

HA/DR

Always-On Availability Groups, disaster recovery planning, backup/restore strategy, failover testing, and recovery procedures.

Security

Database and server hardening aligned with PCI, DoD STIGs, SOC2 expectations, least privilege, audits, and operational controls.

Core Expertise

Database Consulting Focus

SQL Server Performance Tuning & Query Optimization
Always-On Availability Groups & HA/DR Architecture
Database Migrations from SQL Server 2008 R2 through modern SQL Server versions
ETL Development using SSIS, T-SQL, C#, and cloud services

Azure SQL, AWS RDS, EC2, Lambda, S3, and cloud data workflows
SSRS reporting, dashboards, KPIs, and business intelligence support
SQL Server/IIS/Windows security hardening and compliance
Monitoring with Redgate, SentryOne, Quest Spotlight, Rubrik, and Dynatrace

My Professional Background

Work Experience

2014 – Present

SQL DBA / Developer — Owner

SMARTSense Consulting, LLC

SQL Server Development and Administration for diverse client environments

Delivered SQL Server development and administration solutions to 25+ active clients with complex and diverse data environments.
Built and optimized 50+ web applications and custom data systems.
Designed ETL pipelines, SSRS reporting, KPI dashboards, and data transformation workflows across healthcare, education, and enterprise systems.
Secured SQL Server, IIS, and Windows environments for PCI and related compliance expectations.

2024 – 2025

Database Analyst 3

KwikTrip

High availability, disaster recovery, and SQL Server operations

Deployed three-node multi-subnet Always-On AG clusters with CDC and full DR configuration in QA and Production.
Mentored DBAs in Always-On, performance optimization, SSRS, and troubleshooting.
Collaborated on Rubrik-based backup strategies and recovery planning.

2021 – 2023

Microsoft SQL Server DBA

Cloudadio

SQL Server migration, monitoring, and performance improvement

Led SQL Server 2012 to 2019 migrations covering databases, SSRS, SSIS packages, and linked servers.
Resolved performance and deadlock issues using Redgate Monitor and diagnostic analysis.
Supported backup, restore, mirroring, PowerShell automation, and disaster recovery processes.

2019 – Present

Microsoft SQL Server DBA

Blumenthal Performing Arts

SQL Server upgrades, reporting, and operations

Led database migrations from SQL Server 2008 to 2017, including SSRS, SSIS packages, linked servers, and SQL Agent jobs.
Optimized SSRS report performance and managed backup, restore, monitoring, and testing activities.

2018 – 2022

Data Architect

Cenetric, Inc.

Azure ETL architecture and supplier data integration

Designed and implemented an Azure ETL system to aggregate data from 15 feeds across 20+ suppliers and distribution centers.
Built serverless C# function architecture and mentored team members in Azure SQL and T-SQL.

2006 – 2013

Programmer / Analyst

Central Minnesota R&D Council

Software development and SQL Server infrastructure support

Supported financial, human resources, and web application software used by 300+ Minnesota school districts.
Managed SQL Server installations, configurations, networking, automation, SSIS packages, SSRS reports, and ASP.NET applications.

My 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

Skills & Knowledge

Technical Skills

Databases

SQL Server 20xxAzure SQLMySQLMariaDBDB2MS Access

Development

T-SQLPowerShellC#ASP.NETVB.NETADO.NET

Cloud & ETL

AWS RDSEC2LambdaS3SSISSSRS

Tools

RedgateRubrikDynatraceSentryOneQuest SpotlightGitHub

Recognitions

Certifications

MCTS: Microsoft SQL Server Development
MCP: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2014

CompTIA A+
CWNP CWNA

Professional Profiles

Connect with Michael Paycer

For additional professional background, client reviews, and current SQL Server content, connect with Michael Paycer through LinkedIn, Upwork, and X/Twitter.

LinkedIn Upwork X / Twitter

This personal site is connected with SQLServerDBA.com and SQLServerServices.com to help search engines associate Michael Paycer with SQL Server DBA consulting, performance tuning, HA/DR, and database services.

Get in touch

Contact

Have a SQL Server project, migration, performance issue, compliance effort, or HA/DR initiative?

Email: michael.paycer@gmail.com
Phone: 320.761.9719
Location: Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Featured SQL Server Resources

More from Michael Paycer

These pages expand the site with specific SQL Server topics, professional profile links, and unique content designed to help search engines understand Michael Paycer's SQL Server DBA, development, consulting, and database services background.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there multiple Michael Paycer websites?

Each site has a different purpose: michaelpaycer.com is the personal brand, sqlserverdba.com is the technical authority site, and sqlserverservices.com focuses on SQL Server consulting services.

What SQL Server work does Michael Paycer do?

Michael Paycer works on SQL Server DBA support, development, database design, SSRS, SSIS, SSAS, performance tuning, HA/DR, migrations, cloud databases, and security/compliance support.

Where else can I verify Michael Paycer's professional background?

You can review Michael Paycer's LinkedIn, Upwork, and X/Twitter profiles, all linked from this website.