Good Morning, my name is Carlton Matthews and this is the Minute. 60 seconds, something interesting... Just enough to get you started.

As we slide into day 4 of Who Am I week I’m going to shift gears a bit. The last 2 days were about important roles that I fill in life. Being a father and husband are 2 of the most rewarding aspects of who I am. Today tho, let’s talk about how I am a big NERD.

Computers, comic books, video games, sci-fi, and fantasy. I can still remember the first time I ever used a computer, the boxes of comic books I horded and my still growing collection of video games.

I was able to parlay my nerdiness into my professional life. I’ve worked across industries, from the federal government to video games, desiging/building technical solutions.

What about you? Are you a nerd like me? How would you classify yourself?

No matter what, this is The Minute, now go out there and get started.

Good Morning, my name is Carlton Matthews and this is the Minute. 60 seconds, something interesting... Just enough to get you started.

Building on yesterday’s who am I about being a husband today let’s talk fatherhood. I am a proud, yet tired father of 4. 3 girls and one boy.

Their ages range from 15 years old down to 7 weeks. Yes, that is quite the range in ages. Yes you can find it humorous.

I love being a Dad like my Father and his father before him. #Dadlife is real. I tell anyone worries about being a Dad not to worry. Just know that being a Dad is great, and act accordingly.

Any Fathers in the house? How many and what ages?

This has been The Minute. Now go out there and get started.

Email: matthews.carlton@gmail.com
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbmatthews
Github: https://github.com/cbmatthews

Carlton Matthews is a full-stack software and systems engineer with 20 years of software development experience. He is an experienced developer, team lead, and facilitator who has guided clients through problem identification and requirements gathering and has designed and developed solutions as a hands-on developer and technical lead. Mr. Matthews holds a Masters in Data Analytics, and is also an effective analyst who can study business processes to identify bottlenecks and develop solutions;
and an experienced communicator with proven experience helping clients to make software and technology decisions.

Work Experience

Principal Software Engineer - Masterpeace Solutions Ltd - Annapolis Junction, MD

June 2016 to Present
Perform mostly middleware, but additional backend and front-end development in an Agile environment using Java, JavaScript, Python, and other technologies in Linux CENTOS via an Eclipse IDE. Use a confidence interval model to develop a web application that performs anomaly detection within data streams. App consists of EXTJS/JS front end, REST middle tier with Java, Apache Tomcat, and Spring that communicate with ElasticSearch and MySQL databases.Review code for cloud analytics jobs based on HDFS and MapReduce. Utilize JSON for data transfer.

Senior Systems Engineer/Consultant - CACI NSS - Annapolis Junction, MD

May 2015 to Present
Serves as the liaison between the business customer and the technical staff.

Technologies: Develops documentation, using IBM System Architect, while assessing new services to integrate with our main application. Trains junior staff on our implementation of the agile software development methodology. Maintaining our requirements repository within VersionOne and JIRA.

Systems Engineer - Lyteworx Automation Systems - Washington, DC

April 2013 to May 2015
Engaged in the Design and Development of geospatial applications and interfaces in support of Remotely Piloted Vehicle operations.

Technologies: Initially tasked to develop an API using the PHP language and the Codeigniter framework. Migrated the API from Codeigniter to Laravel 4. The system utilized MySQL as its primary database. All development work was built through sprints as part of the agile development methodology. Created reproducible development environments using Vagrant and Puppet for Configuration Management.

Project Lead - Department of Defense - Fort Meade, MD

January 2012 to April 2013
Agile Project Manager leading a team of developers and system administrators.

Technologies: Mentored junior development staff providing training in Java using Google Web Toolkit.

Maintaining and documenting the data structures for our MS SQL Server and MySQL databases. Providing Windows Server administration and disaster recovery for our users. Building multiple agile sprint teams within our organization.

Senior IT Lead - Citigroup - Baltimore, MD

February 2008 to December 2011
Lead teams developing a enterprise level application ($125M budget) that will be utilized across all 2000+ Citifinancial branches in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Changing the current architecture from a decentralized to centralized approach. Certified Agile Scrum-master/Team Lead tasked with ensuring on time deliveries of production ready code within 4 week cycles. Lead two 15 member teams that are located in Baltimore MD, USA, Delhi and Hyderabad in India. Communicate team status to management as well as business stakeholders. Presents technical information to groups of varying different technical background. Assist team members in growing their professional skill sets as well as identifying areas of improvement. Motivate team to remain focused on our program goals in an ever changing environment. Facilitated requirements gathering with business subject matter experts as well as cross functional retrospectives.

Technical Lead - GP Strategies formerly General Physics Corporation - Elkridge, MD

October 2007 to February 2008
Replaced a client’s, internally developed, LMS with a custom configured Plateau instance. Analyzed the client’s existing data to ensure data integrity would not be lost. Completed data migration from their existing system into Plateau using custom SQL scripts. Facilitated meetings with the client to clarify requirements, share progress, and resolve issues. Configured and deployed the Plateau LMS for a client in the government contracting industry. This included the setup and configuration of ORACLE, WebSphere, and the Plateau LMS. Analyzed the client’s existing LMS system to determine integration points. Worked with third-party vendors to connect our system with their tools.

Systems Administrator - Stevenson University formerly Villa Julie College - Stevenson, MD

August 2006 to October 2007
Upgraded Blackboard LMS and integrated it with Datatel information system. Implemented online student satisfaction survey. Completed the Media Shout online streaming media server setup for the Graduate School pilot. Maintained entire client-facing online infrastructure for the University’s 2600 students with 95% uptime. Installed, integrated, and secured disparate systems needed to provide our students with toptier educational tools. Provided support for faculty and staff initiatives to integrate technology into their courses.

Technologies – Developed a website using PHP/MySQL to assist transfer students in determining course equivalency. Maintaining a JavaScript web application utilized by the IT helpdesk with a SQL Server database. Creating a web forum using Ruby. Maintaining and updating the Blackboard LMS. Supporting users using windows, MacOS and Solaris systems.

Program Chair/Academic Instructor - ITT Technical Institute - Houston, TX

June 2001 to June 2006
Program Chair for the IT program, responsible for 5 full time and 3 adjunct professors. Academic Instructor teaching students across all 4 IT programs, Network Design, Software Development, Multimedia, and Web Development. Created a framework for student success both in and outside of the classroom. Provided instructors with clear expectations and measures for success. Developed Curriculum for the Multimedia Program.

Software Engineer - SEGA of America - San Francisco, CA

June 2000 to March 2001
Managed client relationships with 3rd party development teams while maintaining the software development kit. Developed primarily in C and C++ Configured the Phantasy Star Online servers. Supported the network code optimization for Quake III Arena. This included recommending development strategies, improving programming code and creating applications for 3rd party developers.

Software Consultant - Xpedior, Inc - Landover, MD

June 1999 to June 2000
Trained new developers and facilitated requirements gathering sessions with clients. Responsible for on time deliveries of web based applications using the Silverstream application server. Developed code primarily in JAVA programming language. Maintained and administered the network infrastructure for the satellite office that I worked out of as well as the client systems deployed at their facilities.

Database Developer - NetCert Education Centers LLC - Lorton, VA

May 1997 to May 1999
Developed the Student Registration System used by the company to track students from initial contact to graduation. Helped to grow the student population through sales presentations and excellent customer service. Taught portions of the A+ desktop technician courses.

Crypto logic Material Aide - Department of Defense - Fort Meade, MD

October 1994 to August 1995

Education

MS in Data Analytics

University of Maryland-University College - Adelphi, MD

September 2015 to December 2017

BS in Computer Information Systems

Stevenson University - Stevenson, MD

August 1995 to May 1999

Recognition / Awards

National Novel Writing Month - Speed Novelist

November 2017

Awarded by the Offices of Letter and Light for the successful completion of National Novel Writers Month (NaNoWriMo)

Also awarded in 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

Citigroup Process Improvement Specialist

September 2010
Awarded by Citigroup North American Operations and Technology

Citigroup Corporate Culture Champion

October 2011

Certifications

Certified Agile Scrum Master

June 2008 to Present
Awarded by the Scrum Alliance

Remember it is not about being a great Dad. It is about knowing that being a Dad is great!

I was having a discussion with an online friend about a business that he had gotten involved with over the summer.  I was once involved in a network marketing and since his new business was affiliate marketing he was asking our group for marketing advice.  Here is what I sent to him:

Things to Avoid

Self-limiting Beliefs

This is the thing that kills folks early on in their business.  We doubt that we can be successful in our new endeavor.  I know that there is the new business excitement.  Especially in network marketing situations because of opportunity meetings and conference calls.  While they are good for motivation they don't often encourage the internal work that we have lived under as 9to5'ers.  

Things that keep us in jobs for a long time is comfort, inertia, and fear.  We are used to what we have been doing and are most likely good at it. Changing means being vulnerable and we have been trained to not make mistakes.  You have to be ready to do something new and possibly stink at first.  When we are afraid of having to climb a new ladder we avoid taking the necessary steps.  We have to stop avoiding the difficult work, learn the fundamentals of the business and practice.

Next we need to track the right things.  Know what the effective measures are in your business.  I remember our 8-5-3-1 approach.  The specifics of that don't matter but knowing your numbers are important.  

Selfishness

The last thing to avoid is selfishly interrupting peoples lives with your business.  That doesn't mean you don't share your opportunity but you need to consider your approach.  Consider the person more important than you pitch.  If you lead with your pitch you will seem callous, uncaring and ultimately push someone away.

Community, Tribes and Mastering the Long Cut

If you want to build you business you need to have a tribe.  People who are with you in your business.  They might be directly affiliated with you or are people who know you that will bring opportunities.  When you are new you wonder *how do you build a tribe from scratch?  *

Is it really from Scratch?

I don't think that you will need to build a tribe from scratch.  There are tribes that you are already in that you need work within.  They can lead you to new tribes.  

Finding a new tribe

1. What does your opportunity provide people?
2. What is the smallest group you can support

Identify a Need

1. What does this tribe need?
2. How does my opportunity help?
3. How can I serve?

Serve Them

1. Take small steps everyday.
2. Give people something they can take action on.

I hope this helps you.  As always I am available to answer questions in the comments or on my socials.

Carlton

• 1 Dell pp18-l laptop (Work Laptop)
• 1 Apple Powerbook g4 (Play Laptop)
• 2 notepads Work and Play
• 2 Pull-ups for Princess Mini
• Assorted CDs and DVDs
• First Family by David Balducci
• FPU Coordinators Guide
• 1 Water Bottle
• 1 2GB Thumb Drive
• The Ever Loving Truth by Voddie Bachman   So there you have it.  What is in my bag.

The sole basis for my belief is the Bible, which is uniquely God-inspired, without error, and the final authority on all matters on which it speaks.  As the Bible teaches, there is one God, eternally existing in three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - each possessing all the attributes of deity.

God created humans to have fellowship with Him, but they defied God by sinfully going their own way.  As a result, we need God’s saving grace to end our alienation from Him.  Salvation comes only through God’s grace - not human effort - and must be received personally by repentance and faith.

Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, lived a sinless life on earth and voluntarily paid for our sin by dying on the cross as our substitute.  This accomplished salvation for all who receive grace by trusting in Him alone.  He rose from the dead and is the only mediator between God and us.  He baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit. He will return to earth to consummate history.

The Holy Spirit draws sinners to Christ and equips believers for personal growth and service to the church.  The church’s role is to glorify God and serve those in need.  At the end, everyone will experience bodily resurrection and the judgment.  Only believers will enjoy eternal fellowship with God.

So there you have it.  My Statement of Belief...

This took place in 2001 in Tallahassee, FL.  It was very early in the morning and my Queen, Still a Princess, and were having a seemingly normal conversation.  Honestly I could not tell you what we were talking about.  All I can remember is the battle that was happening inside of me.  The queen and I had been dating for about 2 years at that point.  Our relationship was long distance one at that point.  I was living in Oakland, CA and she was in FL finishing her degree.

This was going to be our last night for a while as cross country travel was not cheap.  I was a bundle of nerves and emotions.  As we had this conversation I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.  I was trying to keep my hands from sweating since we were holding hands at the time.  The conversation was starting to wane as it was late and we were both tired at that point.  I kept trying to tell her but I just couldn't  Something was holding me back.

I was worried!  Me worry?  I never worry, but the more I started to say the words the more the consequences flash in front of my mind.  I wanted to tell her but what if?  What if I lose my job?  What if I never make it?  What if my 10 year plan falls apart?  As I tried to figure out where all of this was coming from I started to hear a voice telling me to wait.  This isn't the righ moment.  It isn't perfect enough.  The mood isn't right, the lighting is all wrong, you guys are too tired.  Wait until next time.

A question pulled me back into the moment, "What is wrong?"  I looked at her and really saw her.  I saw all the worries melt away.  I felt all the hesitation disappear.  I slipped down off the bed and onto one knee.

I said to my Queen, "I can't promise you riches but I can promise to always make you happy.  Will you marry me?"

So there you have it.  A moment

-God's Man

There are many people that I have called best friend.  There is my 1st cousin Aaron M, my friends Joyce F., Steve H., Jeff C., Daryl T., or Steven Mal.  For all of them the common thread is that they have been in my life for a long time and I know that I could call on them at the drop of a hat.  Another component that makes a good best friend is that while they always listen to what you have to say, they will shoot straight and tell you the truth.

Aaron M - Big Chicken Being that we are only about a month apart in age we have literally been together forever.  Our fathers were good, if not best friends growing up.  Now as retired men they talk every day.  We have shared in each other's victories as well as failures and we have been there for each other in so many different ways.

Joyce F. - Sally's Daughter Our relationship started in Middle school and has lasted through today.  The two of us have always been there for each other.  High school and college had us counseling each other on relationships.  We never judged each other's mistakes but we were always truthful.  No one was ever good enough for me and vice versa.  Even though we lost touch for a while she was there for my wedding and I was able to see her get married as well.

Steve H. - My Twin Brother We met in 4 days before college and spent much of the next 4 years together.  I call him my twin because when we were in college professors used to get us mixed.  One of our most interesting professors, Mr Cheemoke, would say, "Its the Brothers!" whenever he saw us on campus together.  Steve got married about a year ago and my Queen and I got to be there to see it.  College would have been very different without him

Jeff C, - Not so Chibi-Vegita Like Steve I met Jeff in college.  We were in the same program so most of our classes were together.  We worked as Lab Aides on campus together, partied together and would stay at his grandparents house in Ocean City.  One thing I will never forget is when the queen was down in Ocean City at a ladies retreat and Jeff drove down, picked her up and brought her home.  I had gotten really sick and was unable to watch the princesses.  He drove 4 hours total to bring her home for us.  I got to be the white hat cowboy at his wedding and look forward to when his boys take over the world.  ;)

Daryl T and Steven M  These guys are the fathers of my god-children and we were members together at HCF in Houston, TX.  After church we would always be at someone's house eating dinner and letting the kids play.  They are amazing guys and I miss them terribly now that we are living in MD.

So there you have it.  Some of my Best Friends.

God's Man

My days are weird.  The project that I am working on is going Sideways right now.  That means that we are not longer progressing towards completion.  We are just moving in a straight line sideways.  This is what my day looked like on Wednesday Sept 1, 2010.

5:30 - Alarm goes off
6:15 - Wife and I get out of bed
6:45 - My Bride begins getting children out of bed
7:15 - Family leaves the house
7:25 - Drop off Princess Mini (2yr old) at her school
7:45 - Drop off Princess Mighty (7 yr old) at My Parents house for school bus
7:55 - Got Coffee!
8:25 - Drop off the Queen at the train so she can finish her commute
8:35 - Park my car and begin walk to office
9:00 - Status call with my teams in Baltimore, New Delhi, and Hydrabad
9:30 - Send status of teams to Management via email.
10:00 - Give status update to same management during a 30 minute conference call
11:00 - Finish 30 minute conference call
11:15 - Eat Breakfast
12:00 - Lunch Break (Not eating)
1:00 - Begin meeting to review requirements for project that should have finished 2 months ago
4:00 - Ended requirements review.  Scheduled follow-up meeting for Thursday
4:45 - Left office to pick up the Queen from her office
5:45 - Picked up the Princesses from My Parents house
6:00 - Got a call that a meeting that got dropped from my calender is still on.
6:30 - Started that meeting
7:00 - Taught Bible Study at Church
8:08 - Ended Bible Study
9:00 - Left church
9:15 - Ate Dinner while driving home
9:45 - Got Home
10:00 - Made lunches for the Princesses, Hung out with my Queen
11:00 - Got in bed
11:02 - Got up with Princess Mini who was having a nightmare
11:15 - Decided to fix our dryer which was broken
12:00 2 Sept 2010 - Complete dryer repair.  (Water had pooled in the exhaust tube for some reason)  o_O
12:15 - washed up again/prayed and got back in bed
1:00 - sleep

So there you have it, My day.

God's Man