Dan Hopkins

About Dan Hopkins

I didn’t mean to do this. My plans for college and career didn\'t include it. I started out in my father’s footsteps. He was recognized in the automotive industry as one of the best mechanical engineers in the country and it was a given that I would be an engineer like my Dad. I learned much at his knee, and his influence still resonates in my life and my work. Starting in the family company, I worked in almost every functional area of the business. In high-school I created design drawings and did injection mold design. After college I rewrote the process instructions for the assembly line, then wrote departmental procedures, and ultimately wrote instructions for computers. It wasn\'t intentional - my gifts as a software developer and as a writer found me. Now it’s happening again. In all my years of software development, I’ve been in positions of leadership. I accomplished a lot in that role, but as much as I enjoyed leading, I enjoyed more the growth of those around me. I avoided teaching as a career; it was simply not my inclination. Even so, I find that mentoring is one of the more rewarding aspects of my life. Strengths: Insight: I’ve served in all types of business and industry, and can quickly see how businesses do business. I apply this to ensure that my solutions are the best fit for each organization. Innovation: “Because we’ve always done it that way.” is destructive to creativity! Let’s not be bound to old habits just because they’re comfortable or familiar. Integrity: “Just let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes\' and your ‘no’ be ‘no’.” – Matt. 5:37 It’s said that character is who you are when no one is watching. I believe that someone always is. Persistence: I am that irresistible force that refuses to believe in immovable objects. Technical Expertise: I’ve been privileged to learn from some of the finest minds in IT and still consider myself to be teachable. I’m never content to leave well enough alone when a better idea presents itself.

Experience

1. Sr Consultant

   Adventuretech

   Jun 2011 — Present · Overland Park, KS, US

   Mostly I write software for my clients. This almost always includes recommendations on how to improve business processes and architecture (I just can\'t be silent when I see opportunities to improve). I also help clients document how their present systems work when they\'ve experienced knowledge loss as employees leave. I make technical documentation readable so that non-technical people can easily understand what\'s going on.

Education

• Emporia State University

  Mechanical Engineering, Business Admin., Vocal Music