Who is the #eager0?

I'm Michael Stump, a virtualization engineer turned cloud architect turned infrastructure... something.
I've been in engineering and administration roles for about 14 years now. The bulk of those years has been spent supporting federal and state government agencies. I first used VMware software in 2001, but didn't really get into the technology until 2008. Once I deployed my first cluster with HA and DRS, there was no turning back.

But to limit myself just to VMware, or even to virtualization as a broader category, is not an accurate representation of my abilities. What I'm best at is working with people, listening to them, and helping them solve problems. Sometimes, VMware software is a part of that process. Oftentimes, it is not.

More recently, I'm realizing that while I'm natively proficient at lots of technology, it doesn't bring me any joy. It's a job. But I'm not my job anymore. No, I haven't been on a Fight Club bender. Yes, I have been listening to lots of Ryuichi Sakamoto. Leave me alone.

I look like this, only more awesome.

That said, you can find me on VMTN as michaelstump. Clever username, right? So clever that I also use it for Cisco: michaelstump. I'm new to a regular on Thwack, where you can find me as _stump.

Follow me on Twitter: @pmuts_.

And look: I've been cajoled into putting an email address here ([email protected]). All spam will be forwarded to you, Tom. /smileyface

You'll also find the occasional post from some of my colleagues (that sounds more professional than friends, right? Good.). Fair warning: some of my friends are wicked smart. Topics may stray from VMware; such posts will be tagged accordingly. Actually, you won't. I wanted this site to be a collaborative effort, but it didn't work out that way. So it goes.

You may also notice the frequent posts regarding a certain 2005 Volvo S40 that I've been driving... forever. I'm no mechanic, but I've taken quite a bit of that car apart over the years. I'd like to keep it on the road as long as possible, so I'll share tips and tricks I learn along the way. As of December 2016, the car that I so lovingly refer to as "The Legend" has over 242,000 miles. Let this be a lesson to you all on the benefits of routine maintenance. Donated the legend in 2016. Got less than $500 for resale. I poured out a bottle of STP Gas Treatment. #rip

Also, as of 2015, I'm losing interest in vendor-led communities. What was once a noble, practitioner-centric collective has been robbed of its esprit de corps by the carrion-feeders we call marketers. UNSUBSCRIBE.

Credentials:
VMware Certified Professional (VCP5-DV)
VMware Certified Associate - Data Center Virtualization
VMware Certified Associate - Cloud
VMware Certified Associate - Workforce Mobility
vExpert 2014
PernixPro
Cisco Champion for Data Center
Cisco Data Center Support for UC Specialist (CSCO12201160)
Cisco Unified Computing Technology Support Specialist (CSCO12201160)
SolarWinds Certified Professional (SCP2404)

And here's my LinkedIn Profile, if you're into that sort of thing. Not quite a LION, but I'll accept your invitation provided you aren't a spambot. But be warned: I'm close to hating LinkedIn, too. So don't bother sending me an invite unless you're keen to see me troll tf out of idiots and their LEADERSHIP quotes.