Transforming Insights into Impact Across Industries
Intro
Hi, I am Sam.
Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, I've built a career at the intersection of data, business, and problem-solving. With a background in Finance and Operations Management from UMass, I’ve gained experience across analytics, consulting, product management, and operations. Now based in Reno with my dog Maverick, I bring a unique lens to data challenges.
I'm driven by curiosity of how businesses are run and how data can make them better. My toolkit includes SQL, Power BI, and advanced Excel, and I’m currently learning Python to take on more complex projects.
What sets me apart is the ability to turn technical insights into strategic impact. I connect the dots, find patterns others miss, and deliver data stories that drive decisions. My cross-functional experience helps me understand stakeholder needs and deliver results that matter.
Whether it's optimizing workflows, building dashboards, or making data accessible, I bring both rigor and creativity to every project.
Let’s connect and see how I can help solve your toughest business challenges.
Professional Experience
MyMealMatch App, Reno, NV
A mobile application designed to simplify meal decision-making through machine learning and user collaboration.
Founder and Product ManagerJuly 2024 – Present
Spearheading the development of a mobile app designed to simplify meal decision-making using machine learning and personalization. Overseeing all aspects of the project, including market research, product design, and strategic planning. Managing the creation of the MVP, partnership negotiations, and user acquisition strategies, while aligning the app's vision with a focus on enhancing user experiences and supporting local businesses.
Conceptualized a mobile application that simplifies meal decision-making through machine learning and user collaboration.
Conducted market research to identify user pain points and opportunities in the food service and mobile application industries.
Designed a roadmap for developing the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with features like personalized recommendations, group decision-making tools, and dish-specific reviews.
Drafted a detailed business plan outlining short- and long-term goals, including user acquisition strategies and monetization models.
Engaged in strategic planning for partnerships with API providers and local restaurants to enhance app functionality and community impact.
Akyrian Systems specializes in clinical trial technology, focusing on source document extraction and compliance for pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.
ConsultantSeptember 2022 – June 2024
Responsible for testing software applications and ensuring compliance with design specifications and regulatory standards throughout the clinical trial eCRF development lifecycle. Leveraged expertise in interpreting protocols, synopses, and customer requirements to guide study configuration and design decisions.
Spearheaded end-to-end testing efforts, conducting comprehensive software evaluations to identify bugs/issues before release and delivering detailed reports and actionable insights.
Developed and executed robust validation plans and strategies to uphold regulatory compliance and quality assurance benchmarks across products and processes.
Coordinated validation activities in collaboration with cross-functional teams, maintaining seamless compliance through effective communication and knowledge sharing.
Facilitated formal requirements gathering, development, and testing sessions, ensuring alignment with project scope and complexity.
Created detailed specifications addressing customer requirements, accounting for intricate project nuances and scope.
Ensured regulatory adherence by applying FDA, ICH, CDISC, CDASH, and SDTM data management standards throughout the project lifecycle.
Managed customer UAT activities, leveraging interactive sessions to promptly address issues and implement real-time fixes, fostering a transparent and collaborative environment.
Healthcare IndustryTechnical SupportHealthcare ConsultingHealthcare Information TechnologyInformation Technology
Affirma Consulting, Reno, NV (Remote)
Affirma Consulting provides technology and data-driven solutions, including business intelligence and customer engagement strategies.
Data AnalystJanuary 2022 – June 2022
Generated an optimized plan to operationalize new deals and updated agreements by summarizing legal contracts. Supported accurate evaluation of ongoing processes and facilitated sound decision-making regarding future initiatives by developing Excel reports and a Power BI dashboard of quarterly financial incentives data for MSFT executive oversight.
Conducted SQL-based data analysis on datasets exceeding 1 billion records, ensuring compliance for $100M+ in quarterly incentives.
Designed automated Power BI dashboards to enhance business intelligence and executive decision-making, reducing reporting time by 90%.
Recommended Azure query optimization strategies, improving data architecture and reducing server costs.
Collaborated with the Licensing & Revenue Management team to align incentive workflows with business operations.
Developed data visualizations to communicate insights effectively to Microsoft stakeholders.
Data AnalysisSQLMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerBIPower QueryData ModelingConsultingAnalytical SkillsInformation Technology
SK Baseball - Reno Aces, Reno, NV
The Reno Aces are a professional minor league baseball team focused on delivering a top-tier fan experience and data-driven operational strategies.
Analytics CoordinatorMay 2021 – November 2021
Provided support for ticketing operations during game days, ensuring smooth transactions and resolving customer inquiries to enhance the fan experience. Assisted with data collection and reporting to improve visibility for management, contributing to the alignment of data strategies with organizational objectives.
Conducted data mining on 250,000+ customer records, identifying qualified leads to increase sales.
Delivered exceptional customer service during game days, ensuring smooth ticketing operations and promptly resolving customer issues to enhance fan experiences.
Developed predictive models for ticket sales using statistical analysis for operational efficiency.
Created Power Pivot dashboards for data visualization, improving decision-making for sales and marketing teams.
Collaborated with cross-departmental teams to align data strategies with organizational goals, supporting targeted marketing campaigns and improving ROI.
Data AnalysisData MiningTechnical SupportData ManagementBusiness IntelligenceData Analytics
Pitney Bowes, Sparks, NV
Pitney Bowes is a leader in logistics, mailing, and data management solutions, serving businesses worldwide.
Operations Lead, Quality AssuranceMay 2020 – April 2021
Maintained quality control by serving as part of a team to complete periodic quality audits for five departments in the facility. Assisted senior management and area leads in evaluating the ongoing processes by completing daily documentation of all recognized issues and deficiencies. Reviewed the performance of associates and proposed necessary recommendations regarding improvements by generating more than five daily, weekly, and monthly reports. Inspected and reported quality issues on time by devising and applying effective procedures.
Conducted quality audits across five departments, implementing process improvements that reduced errors.
Designed and delivered performance tracking reports using Power BI and Excel, improving data accuracy.
Trained associates in compliance protocols, standard operating procedures, and operational best practices.
Devised risk mitigation strategies and developed inspection procedures to ensure adherence to quality standards.
Analyzed and resolved over 20 daily Jira tickets, implementing root cause analysis to prevent future risks.
Data AnalysisTechnical SupportQuality ManagementTeam LeadershipTroubleshootingInformation Technology
CFI Holdings, LLC – Saffron Café & Bakery, Clackamas, OR
Saffron Café & Bakery was a locally owned business specializing in handcrafted baked goods and creating a welcoming community atmosphere.
OwnerOctober 2013 – December 2017
As the sole owner, I managed all aspects of the business, combining hands-on operational work with strategic management to create a successful customer-focused operation.
Managed all facets of café operations, including baking, customer service, inventory management, and vendor negotiations, to ensure a seamless customer experience.
Improved operational efficiency by implementing workflow enhancements, reducing waste by 20%, and optimizing inventory controls.
Built a loyal customer base by providing high-quality baked goods and exceptional service, increasing repeat business and profitability.
Designed and executed marketing campaigns to drive foot traffic and build community relationships, sustaining long-term growth.
Data AnalysisData ManagementBusiness StrategyProblem SolvingTeam LeadershipCustomer Service
Medidata Solutions, New York, NY
Medidata Solutions provides industry-leading SaaS platforms for clinical trial data management and analytics.
Implementation ConsultantJanuary 2012 – October 2013
Performed root cause analysis of documented issues and found creative solutions in coordination with customer care and IT departments. Communicated with sponsors and clinical study sites for training on the Rave suite of products.
Healthcare IndustryHelp Desk SupportHealthcare Information TechnologyHealthcare Consulting
Project AnalystJanuary 2006 – May 2006
Acted as a liaison between project teams and clients to deliver on key timelines and requirements.
Translated client needs into actionable system functionality specifications for seamless implementation.
Collaborated with project managers to ensure alignment between clinical services and project timelines.
Conducted regular client updates and maintained progress reports to track deliverables.
Data ManagementHealthcare Information TechnologyProblem Solving
eCDM Specialist, Team Lead Data OutputsOctober 2002 – December 2005
Led a team to configure data systems, ensuring compliance and optimizing study outputs.
Supervised a team of 11 specialists, ensuring timely completion of electronic data capture and output deliverables.
Configured 100+ clinical studies using Medidata Rave, improving data accuracy and compliance.
Authored dataset specifications for data management, ensuring consistency in structure, transfer methodology, and format.
Developed and validated output tables using SQL Server, SAS, and Medidata Rave, ensuring high-quality results.
Established best practices for data extraction workflows, reducing errors by 25% and improving team productivity.
Importer of luxury silk products and accessories from India.
OwnerDecember 2007 – October 2011
Managed operations, vendor relations, and sales strategies to expand market share and optimize logistics.
Negotiated vendor contracts, reducing costs and lead times by 10% while maintaining product quality.
Streamlined inventory management systems, minimizing returns and improving order accuracy.
Increased customer base by 15% through strategic marketing initiatives and sales campaigns.
Collaborated with manufacturers to improve production processes, ensuring timely deliveries and customer satisfaction.
Developed data-driven performance dashboards using Excel macros and pivot tables to improve decision-making.
Data AnalysisBusiness StrategyCustomer Relationship ManagementTeam LeadershipAnalytical SkillsInformation Technology
Madrona Solutions, Seattle, WA
A consulting firm specializing in CRM-integrated solutions for business process optimization.
Senior ConsultantNovember 2006 – September 2007
Designed and implemented CRM solutions tailored to client requirements.
Customized Microsoft CRM solutions, enhancing process efficiency and user adoption.
Authored training materials and conducted workshops for end-user onboarding.
Performed system testing and wrote validation scripts to ensure reliability and scalability.
Help DeskTechnical SupportProblem SolvingConsultingCustomer Relationship ManagementTeam Leadership
Work
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About
My journey into data analytics began during my Finance and Operations Management studies at UMass, where I discovered my passion for using data to solve real business problems. That initial spark has guided my career across multiple industries and roles.
After graduating, I learned firsthand how businesses function from the ground up. This experience proved invaluable as I transitioned into analytics roles, where I could see the direct impact of data-informed decisions on operational efficiency.
My career path has taken me through consulting, where I helped clients transform their data practices, and product management, where I learned to translate user needs into technical requirements. Each role has strengthened my ability to bridge the gap between technical analysis and business strategy.
My Approach to Data
I believe that the most valuable data analysis goes beyond just numbers and visualizations. My approach centers on three principles:
1. Business context first: Understanding the underlying business question is essential before diving into the data.
2. Clarity over complexity: The most sophisticated analysis is worthless if stakeholders can't understand it.
3. Action-oriented insights: Data should lead to decisions and measurable outcomes.
Technical Toolkit
My technical skills include:
- Advanced SQL for data extraction and manipulation
- Power BI for creating interactive dashboards and reports
- Excel mastery including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data modeling
- Python (in progress) for more advanced data analysis and automation
Beyond Work
When I'm not analyzing data, you can find me hiking the trails around Reno with my dog Maverick, experimenting with new cooking recipes, or exploring local coffee shops while working on personal coding projects.
I'm also an avid reader of data science blogs and books, constantly looking to expand my technical toolkit and stay current with industry trends.
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