Resume

Chris Weis

chris at tekweis dot com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervweis/

SUMMARY

Accomplished professional in Information Technology, data security, electronics technology, software deployments, and point of Sale systems. Strong management and product ownership.

SKILLS

  • Certifications for ITIL v3 Foundation, Cisco CCNA, Healthcare IT (HIT).
  • Certificates in Unix administration and programming, Apache web server, Perl programming, TCP/IP, and C++..
  • Vendor and installation oversight.
  • Creating and managing IT help desk and hardware service centers and installation teams.
  • Maintaining and exceeding PCI Level 1 compliance requirements.
  • Multi-system deployment (POS, network, A/V, security, back office)
  • Electronics and hardware troubleshooting and repair.
  • SCCM / MECM, Action1, Tanium, O365, Zabbix, and Wazuh management.
  • Automation scripting with PowerShell, Python, and PHP.

AWARDS

US Patent February 1999

Patent #6522946 – Automatic token dispensing apparatus and method

While at CEC, I designed the token dispensing system that integrates to point-of-sale system for improved speed of service and accountability.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Mgr. IT / Infrastructure / NSO | Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe (September 2021 – Current)

  • Installed and managed infrastructure (servers, storage, networking, virtualization hosts) while ensuring CMDB accuracy and strict security and configuration baselines.
  • Led end-to-end implementation and lifecycle management of technology solutions for new store openings and remodels.
  • Primary administrator of Office 365 services including SharePoint, Azure AD Sync, and enterprise collaboration tools.
  • Managed IT installations and configurations for new and existing locations, coordinating onsite work, validating readiness, and partnering with third-party vendors.
  • Engineered and hardened Windows and Linux servers for both CoLo and IaaS environments to strengthen security posture.
  • Oversaw technology selection, procurement, and refresh cycles for audio, video, POS, networking, and servers.
  • Direct the deployment, expansion, and training of video security systems for new locations, ensuring proper configuration, coverage, and compliance with company standards.
  • Create documentation for support processes, escalations, and technology hand-off.
  • Monitoring and optimizing hardware, processes, and system logs daily to ensure integrity, uptime, and early detection of vulnerabilities.
  • Administer and support Proxmox, Hyper-V, and KVM virtualization platforms across data centers, remote locations, and cloud environments.
  • Serve as SME for patching, software deployments, automation services, and backups improving efficiency and reducing security risks.
  • Maintain and enhanced network infrastructure to ensure resilient connectivity via SDWAN, VPN, and Internet services.
  • Provide tier-3 escalation support for complex technical issues including A/V and enterprise applications.
  • Develop automation scripts (PowerShell, Python, PHP) to streamline alerts, support workflows, and proactive monitoring.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of all production/test systems, ensuring availability, performance, and security across hybrid environments.


Senior IT Systems Engineer | CEC Entertainment (August 2018 – September 2021)

  • Ensured high availability and performance of all production systems and enterprise network infrastructure.
  • Maintained enterprise backup and disaster recovery strategies to safeguard critical business data utilizing Veeam and custom automations.
  • Build custom deployment packages and automated system rollouts, reducing provisioning time across hundreds of endpoints.
  • Directed enterprise patch management, ensuring compliance and minimizing vulnerabilities utilizing SCCM/MECM and Tanium solutions.
  • Developed automation tools that empowered support teams, cutting resolution times and improving customer satisfaction.
  • Evaluated and piloted emerging hardware and software solutions to drive innovation and operational efficiency.
  • Maintain NetApp and HPE Nimble storage solutions.
  • Acted as escalation point for complex infrastructure challenges, mentoring support teams and resolving systemic issues.
  • Assist in resolving technical issues and in developing and implementing solutions.
  • Administered Azure, VMware, and Hyper-V virtualization environments.
  • Primary administrator for Office 365 environment.
  • Partnered with third-party vendors to deliver reliable and cost-effective IT operations.


Manager, IT Engineering, Support Services | Fiesta Restaurant Group (August 2016 – 2018)

  • Consulted on the design, testing, and deployment of new-store technology packages, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and consistency across all openings.
  • Coordinated with infrastructure and security teams to execute PCI-compliant implementations and support audits.
  • Managed security surveillance installation projects, including scheduling, site placement planning, vendor oversight, and final installation approval.
  • Directed in-house service desk operations, defining roles, resources, and escalation structures to ensure rapid response and quality support, and reducing repeating issues.
  • Partnered with leadership teams through recurring site reviews and technology assessments to ensure new locations were fully operational and compliant.
  • Facilitated quarterly leadership seminars to align IT capabilities with operational needs, including site technology assessments.
  • Oversaw end-to-end new store technology deployments, ensuring on-time installation of all systems including networking, cameras, audio/video, POS, and digital signage, with final sign-off against defined standards.
  • Standardized and automated hardware imaging and deployment processes, reducing errors and improving rollout consistency.
  • Negotiated vendor relationships and transitioned to a new hardware provider, improving service quality while lowering costs.
  • Implemented automated staging workflows for new restaurants and refresh projects, ensuring scalable and repeatable deployments.
  • Created support tools for proactive alerting, improving system stability and response times.
  • Authored detailed installation documentation, improving hand-off efficiency between installation teams, support teams, and operations.
  • Coordinated testing and release cycles with vendors, leading QA, pilot rollouts, and enterprise deployment of IT systems including point-of-sale.
  • Continuously review IT processes, constantly improving quality, efficiency, and reliability.


Restaurant Systems Architect | Noodles and Company (August 2014 – 2016)

  • Managed full lifecycle of retail technology solutions, including development, testing, deployment, and support, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
  • Prioritized and allocated resources to deliver balanced IT services across development, escalations, and production support.
  • Directed vendor partnerships, holding providers accountable for quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of solutions.
  • Establish frameworks for processes and procedures in accordance with department guidelines and best practices across IT support operations.
  • Collaborated with business units to analyze requirements and deliver technology solutions that provided measurable business value.
  • Led process reviews and improvement initiatives, driving greater efficiency and adoption of best practices.
  • Recommended emerging technologies to increase operational effectiveness and profitability.
  • Provide technical and product knowledge to other members of the IT department.
  • Designed automation and deployment strategies that improved successful deployments and less downtime.
  • Mentored service desk staff, improving product knowledge and becoming an escalation-enabled support team.


Engineering Manager | NCR Corporation (2013 – August 2014)

  • Directed product innovation teams in the U.S. and Prague, providing roadmap strategy for hospitality-focused BI and Big Data products relating to the Aloha point-of-sale system.
  • Defined release strategy and product roadmap for Big Data and mobile module, aligning with customer expectations.
  • Revitalized Insight product support desk by implementing a metrics-based workflow, reduced costs, and cut unresolved issues by 80%.
  • Consulted on customer environments, leading custom deployments and optimizing IT infrastructure performance.


Senior Director, Information Technology | Zoe’s Kitchen (2012 – 2013)

  • Oversaw IT infrastructure and security, ensuring compliance, cost reduction, and operational resilience.
  • Enhanced Aloha POS systems, improving uptime, credit card processing reliability, and sales polling processes.
  • Ensured NSO POS installations were completed within timeframes.


Director, IT / Enterprise Support / POS Systems | CEC Entertainment (2006 – 2012)

  • Director of point-of-sale system support department. Expanded the department to include office systems support and created in-house repair center to reduce operational costs.
  • Reduced hardware maintenance costs by $389,000 annually with creation of POS hardware service department where equipment was staged and repaired in-house. Created workflow and performed initial staff training on repairs and depot service operations.
  • Managed large-scale hardware upgrade programs, developing deployment timelines, planning outages, and overseeing vendor execution for annual contracts exceeding $10M.
  • Oversaw rollout and installation of a company-wide security camera platform, including custom POS integrations, onsite configuration, and installation quality verification.
  • Built mobile reporting solutions for POS transactional data, enabling real-time insights for leadership.
  • Aligned installation timelines with construction and operations teams to ensure readiness, minimize delays, and maintain standardized installation practices across all new and remodeled locations.
  • Developed security procedures that achieved SOX and PCI compliance on the first attempt.
  • Engineered automated deployment strategies for 500+ stores, significantly reducing IT staffing needs during upgrades.
  • Standardized hardware lifecycle management, negotiating hardware vendor contracts and overseeing maintenance programs.


Manager, POS / Help desk | CEC Entertainment (1998 – 2006)

  • Established and grew the Point-of-sale service desk into the company’s primary IT support hub.
  • Led the hardware conversion and refurbishment from a legacy DOS-based POS system to NCR Aloha POS, including removal of legacy system, data transfer, and logistics.
  • Developed documentation for troubleshooting procedures, including annual on-site training classes for field technicians and managers. Program reduced downtime, and provided better understanding of critical systems.
  • Implementation of helpdesk tracking application. Began with Tele-support helpdesk, then later expanded to implementing Tack-It!
  • Created and implemented online bulletin board system to facilitate secure file transfer both internally and between company and vendors, and was the first knowledge base site for IT information.


Manager, Tech Support | CEC Entertainment (1996 – 1998)

  • Provided technical support and board level repairs for gaming, robotics, custom electronics systems, audio and video equipment across all store locations.
  • Performed evaluations of installation of electronics systems for remodels and new unit openings.
  • Trained technicians on advanced troubleshooting and repair methods for proprietary systems.
  • Provided after-hours escalation support and for district and regional technicians.
  • Invented the point-of-sale interfaced token dispensing system.


Manager, Installations | CEC Entertainment (1995 – 1996)

  • Supervised and led technology installations — including games, rides, audio/visual systems, electronics, and robotic show elements — for new store openings and remodel projects.
  • Coordination of ensuring timely delivery of all equipment and staging and setup.
  • Manage installation teams and vendors, providing oversight, scheduling, and on-site direction to timelines, and technical specifications.
  • Led installation of custom electronic systems, including gaming hardware, AV components, robotics, networking equipment, and related infrastructure for both new builds and remodels.
  • Conduct site inspections of vendor work, validating installation quality, compliance with technical standards, and readiness for store opening.
  • Resolve installation and operational issues, collaborating with construction, third part vendors, and internal IT teams to ensure successful deployment.

EDUCATION

Tarrant County College 2014 – Coursework in Computer Programming

Ivy tech community college – Coursework in Electronics engineering technology