Brad Weier's Resume
Technical writer specializing in software and business process documentation for over 21 years. I translate tech-speak into everyday English.
Contact Information
webmaster at-sign bradweier.com
http://www.bradweier.com/
Work Experience:
12/2018 - Present
Indeed Technologies Japan K. K. - Tokyo, Japan
Technical Writer. I write instructions for custom software solutions targeted at internal and external software engineers. I project manage the translation of technical and legal documents residing on an external documentation repository. I write and edit internal blog posts aimed at educating internal engineers on new software solutions.
11/2015 - 11/2018
TravelCenters of America - Westlake, OH
Technical Writer - IT Security. I wrote IT policies and procedures for compliance with PCI-DSS and SOX. I also wrote software instructions, IT security warnings and bulletins, and narratives. I created the requirements and end-user instructions for a SharePoint documentation library and accompanying workflows. I created numerous Visio process diagrams and small network diagrams.
05/2013 - 12/2014
Daiichi Sankyo - Tokyo, Japan
Proofreader.(Contracted through F.I.A.) I edited the grammar, punctuation, spelling, word choice, and phrasing of scientific reports, patent applications, dissertations, and journal publications in the pharmaceutical industry.
01/2008 - 12/2014
Aeon East Corporation - Headquarters and Koenji Brach School, Tokyo
English Teacher. I taught grammar and conversations classes at a branch school in Koenji, Tokyo and at various corporations around Tokyo. My students were mostly Japanese business people seeking to improve their professional conversation level and to achieve high scores on the TOEIC test.
10/2007 - 12/2007
Abbott Labs - Database Services Group, Linconshire, IL
Technical Writer. (2-month Contract through Manpower, Inc.) I wrote a work estimate for a project involving importing flat-files of medical information into a database. I began a set of end-user documents for a database front-end that allowed users from various business groups to access a central data repository.
03/2003 - 10/2007
Information Resources, Incorporated - In-store Solutions Group, Chicago, IL
Technical Writer. I designed, wrote, and edited project plans, technical and end-user documentation, information process flows, business process flows, and software requirements documents. Often this was documentation for Six Sigma projects. I also designed client-facing documents and presentations. I provided graphics support for help files, the Internet site, and for client-facing documents. Finally, I managed an on-line documentation library.
Some examples of my documentation are:
- Data Flow Diagram for RemoteWare - A data flow diagram that describes the transfer of information from 2000 field computers to databases and repositories on the network.
- Client Engagement Process - A wall-sized process flow chart describing the business processes involved in a custom client project from sales to delivery.
- Requirements for Grid Collection - A document detailing the specifications for a new method of data collection for field users. This document was used by programmers to complete the new application for the collection as well as by field managers to prepare new training for end-users.
- Custom Work Order Document Automation - A document that contains a number of check-boxes and drop-down menus along with macros that automatically update parts of the document based on the controls users choose. For example, after selecting a set of checkboxes, a click of a button will enter those choices into a table cell earlier in the document.
01/2000 - 03/2003
Freelance Writer and Editor
Game Reviewer. I review board and card games for magazines such as Pyramid Magazine Online published by Steve Jackson Games, RPG.net, and Games Quarterly. I have published over 20 reviews in the past five years.
Editor. I perform freelance editing for various independent writers including a book-length work written by the music group Beatnik Turtle.
05/1995 - 03/2003
Productivity Point International, Hinsdale, IL
Senior Instructional Designer. I designed and wrote instructor-led training manuals for commercial and proprietary software and business processes used by Fortune 500 companies. I coached new Instructional Designers through the Product Development process. I managed large projects with as many as 10 writers. I created time estimates, project plans, and statements of work. Finally, I edited, proofread, tech edited software manuals in Microsoft Word and HTML.
I wrote the following books for Productivity Point International:
| Client | Book Title |
|---|---|
| Microsoft | MSN Internal Sales Guide |
| Microsoft and Hewlett Packard | Introduction to the Pocket PC |
| ExxonMobil | Publishing Password Protected Content in Documentum |
| General Electric Capital Technology Services | Rental Sales Specialist System for Windows (along with supplemental training documents) |
| GE Capital Railcar Services | Contract Shops On-Line Data Entry Manual |
| GE Capital Technology Services | Customer Information Management System for Windows 95 |
| S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Outlook 98 Introduction to Outlook Web Access |
| S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Outlook 98 Introduction (Moving From PROFS) |
| Arthur Andersen | Breakthrough Training Exercises for Programmers |
| Lucent Technologies | TradeStream Orientation (hard-copy and on-line manual) |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Associations Mailing List System |
| Motorola Inc. and PPI | Techniques of Instruction for Technology Delivered Learning |
| Arthur Andersen | Introduction to Arthur Search |
| Ameritech | New Media Hardware/Software Introduction |
| Kraft Foods Intnl. | Upgrading to Excel 97 (Delivered via Symposium) |
| State Farm | Introduction to Modulaw Insurance |
| Helene Curtis International | ScheduleBase |
| Baxter Health Care | Sales CD Installation |
| Hewitt International | Compensation Analysis In Excel 97 |
| Everen Corp. | Broker's Ally |
| Crate & Barrel | New Warehousing System Store Manual |
| First Chicago NBD | Novell NetWare 4.X Introduction |
| Alliant Foodservice | Using Office 97 for Windows 95/NT 4.0 with the Internet/Intranet |
| Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal | Extranet Lotus Notes Documentation |
| Rockwell EC | CQMS What's New (Delivered via BrainShark) |
| Hewlett Packard | University Tour 2001 (co-author) |
| Rotary International | Introduction to the Translation Database |
| Sears | Outlook Web Access On-line Reference Guide (HTML) |
| GSK | Introduction to Groove (Docent Outliner on-line manual) |
| PPI | Designing Custom Courseware for Proprietary Software and Business Process |
| PPI | Windows NT 4.0 for Workstations Introduction |
| PPI | Web Page Design Using FrontPage 1.1 for Windows 95 Introduction |
| PPI | FrontPage 97 for Windows 95 Introduction |
My training experience includes PPI's standard trainer orientation. Also, I was the trainer for an on-line HTML course for Motorola University for six months. Using that experience, I wrote a "Train the Trainer" manual for technology delivered learning.
My project management experience includes managing a team of 10 writers on a project for Aon Corp. and mentoring new designers at PPI. I took two project management courses through PPI, the second of which explored the Project Management Institute Standards Committee standards.
Other responsibilities included hardware and software support for the Product Development Department, advising on corporate Internet strategy, and presenting projects and proposals to clients.
11/94 - 4/95
Productivity Point International, Hinsdale, IL
Phone Support Administrator. I handled requests for software assistance from PPI students. I closed 33% of the calls and assigned the rest to trainers. I performed Database maintenance and network file management.
Education:
April 2008 - January 2011
Iidabashi Japanese Language School, Iidabashi, Tokyo
Japanese Private Lessons. I currently attend three hours of private lessons per week. I passed the JLPT Level 3 examination in 2008. I am preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, Level 2.
May 2006
College of DuPage Community College, Wheaton, Illinois
Japanese 101, 102, 103, 201, 202. I have completed Japanese 101 through 202.
August 1994
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH.
Master's Degree in English. My experience includes literature classes, teaching, editing academic papers, and preparing presentations.
May 1992
Oberlin College; Oberlin, OH.
Bachelor's Degree in English. I have a liberal arts education with a concentration in literature and creative writing as well as philosophy, psychology, and art. I wrote sports articles for the school newspaper.
May 1988
Eastlake North High School; Eastlake, OH.
High School Diploma. I was the National Honor Society Vice President, a member of the Academic Team and Drama Club, and an editorialist on the school newspaper. I finished in the top ten percent of my class.
Hobbies and Interests:
I have maintained a personal website for more than 20 years using HTML, CSS, Javascript, Photoshop, and Linux.
Gaming * Japanese Language and Culture * Creative Writing * Reading * Computers * Music
References
References and samples are available on request.