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 → 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
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.

Email: michael.paycer@gmail.com
Phone: 320.761.9719
Location: Saint Cloud, MN · Available Remotely

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