Ben Cranmore

Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605)977-7934 Ben@BenCranmore.com

Major accomplishments:
Currently responsible for 7 million per year budget to support a 125 million per year sales volume. Awarded Visionary of the Year by the 200+ Storis users conference in 2004 Created and placed project management controls for over 20 concurrent IT projects. Implemented a Storage Array Network (SAN) to improve user response time 22%. Established a computer generated voice processing system to make 2300+ phone calls per week to customers expecting delivery greatly improving customer satisfaction. Implemented and supported business-to-business (B2B) direct interfacing with Citi Finance to reduce approval response time by 93% compared to the existing processes. Initiated and strategized the VOIP initiative company wide in 34 locations in 4 states. Created Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) processing with several vendors improving accuracy 300% over conventional methods and eliminating lost faxes.

I function as a visionary leader in the Information Technology arena, capable of matching and implementing software applications with hardware platforms to solve business problems in an extremely efficient manner. I possess a unique perspective regarding the combination of technical professionals with these solutions to address specified needs and properly size and organize the IT department. My life-long career in Information Technology has given me many opportunities to create, build, and reengineer the IT functions within several organizations. I have acquired many years experience applying IT solutions to business problems, not only solving the problem but re-aligning the IT function to best service the business and its opportunities. I have experience not only as an employee within an organization but also from the outside perspective as a consultant to an organization. I also have experience in the international arena in several countries.

Arenas of expertise:
Exemplary communications skills both written and verbal. Ability to get things done even when faced with conflicting points of view. Negotiation abilities needed to resolve difficulties between vendors and the client. Very hands on and involvement in every function. Well versed in software development and user support. Management of highly technical personnel. Experienced in the following vertical markets: Manufacturing, Oil and Gas Accounting, Property Management Systems, Furniture Retail support, Non-Profit organizations, and Project Management.

Career Summary:
Since 2003 I am currently the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Furniture Outlets USA. Responsible for resizing and realigning the IT function in support of massive double digit growth. Responsible for IT strategy and future plans for all IT/Telecom functions. Hire, fire, train and motivate highly technical personnel. Interface with top management (CEO and ownership). Work with users in a 4 state region with 3 distribution centers and 22 retail locations. Responsible for vendor relations on multi million dollar software systems. Responsible for project management of many approved projects Responsible for 24/7/365 IT operations and its support to all business functions.

Ben Cranmore
Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605)977-7934 Ben@BenCranmore.com

Sept July 1998 2003 Consultant to the Furniture Retailing world installing, training, converting, and modifying the (5 years) Storis software application package to various companies specific needs. Configure software and hardware to properly match the business needs. Hire (and sometimes fire) personnel needed to properly size the existing IT function. Train companies to properly utilize the Storis software. Modify, customize and supplement software needed for their operations. Properly manage the implementation of or conversion to the vendor supplied software. Interface between the vendor and the company owners, to assure both were satisfied. Nov August 1993 1998 MIS Director for Mathis Brothers a Top 100 Furniture Retailer. I was responsible for the creation (5 years) and growth of the IT department in order support all company operations for a 100 million per year retail operation. I was responsible for the selection and conversion from a home-grown software system to a major software vendors application. I was further responsible for the implementation of that selection. Previously Twenty years experience in management of Information Technology solutions in manufacturing systems with General Dynamics, in Property Management software development with MASCO Systems and in the Oil and Gas Industry systems solutions and Furniture Retail / distribution IT consulting positions.

Education:
Graduated Valedictorian of my high school at age 17 with honors in Mathematics and Science. Graduated with a Vocational degree in Business Data Processing from the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in 1972. Graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Business Management from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1977. Graduated with a Master of Science degree in Information Technology with a Project Management specialization from Colorado Technical University in November 2006. I achieved a GPA of 4.0 during this degree program. Currently enrolled in and completing my MBA degree at this time. After the MBA I will continue towards my doctorial degree.

Certifications and organizations:

CCP (Certified Computing Professional) certification with the Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals. A member in good standing with the Association of Information Technology Professionals. I have been involved with the Data Processing Management Association (DPMA) for about 20 years. I have a tested IQ qualifying for membership in the International High IQ Society in the top 2 percentile worldwide. Member in good standing of the Society for Information Management.