Quentin Matthew Blasingame
3432 Stuart Avenue • Richmond VA, 23221
804-382-8476 • quentin@the-contact-network.com
Citizenship: USA and Canada (dual)
Career Focus: Writing & Research
Accomplished, self-motivated professional with extensive experience and strong background in research and written communications. Possess outstanding knowledge of web development and analysis. Collaborate effectively with engineers, management / marketing teams, and other writers to produce high-quality, accurate materials. Adeptly develop and implement QA materials and technical documentation. Organize and oversee projects from design and approval through publishing. Manage multiple concurrent tasks in fast-paced work environments. Skilled at balancing communication with experts and end-users to create client-focused programs. Recognized for professionalism, superior work ethic, and commitment to creating top-quality products.
Professional Experience
BROCK UNIVERSITY, St. Catharines ON, Canada 2005–present
Teaching Assistant / IT Consultant, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, 2006–present
As teaching assistant, I prepared materials for lab seminars and supported teaching staff. I also continue to host and remote administer a secure document server for a CCOVI lab. I trained lab staff on server use and provide on-call troubleshooting.
Web Developer, Department of Political Science, 2007–2008
Web Developer, Office of Research Services, 2005–2006
Revised and redesigned department websites. Managed coding and graphics as well as updated and reorganized content to better reflect organizational realities. Worked closely with departmental staff and IT professionals to develop effective strategies. Trained users on web editing and content management systems.
SERAPHIC MASSAGE THERAPY, Toronto ON, Canada, 2004-present
Web Designer / IT Consultant
I designed and continue to remote administer the website and online services for a small massage therapy business. I provide web hosting, administer company email addresses, and update site content as needed.
SITEL, St. Catharines ON, Canada, 2009
Technical Support Agent
Provided technical support for Hewlett-Packard MediaSmart home server products. Diagnosed customer network configuration issues and managed long-term cases. Created content for internal support wiki.
CPUSED, Toronto ON, Canada, 2003–2004
Sales Associate
Acted as top salesperson for city’s largest Apple Authorized Reseller. Updated company website and researched new sources of used computer hardware for re-sale. Sold $1.4M+ in ten months, breaking companies single-month sales record in October 2003.
GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO, Toronto ON, Canada, 1999–2000; 2002–2003
ODA Web Systems Officer, 2002–2003
Developed website content in accordance with government regulations and W3C WAI guidelines. Ensured websites were accessible to individuals with disabilities. Collaborated with Public Service Office, Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, and Ministry of Finance to provide training and troubleshooting support.
Assistant Webmaster, 1999–2000
Administered multiple provincial government intranet and internet websites. Researched web standards and helped develop web development guidelines. Trained and mentored student interns. Created storyboards, information architecture designs, and department procedures manual. Generated site usage reports.
HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, Chicago IL 2001–2002
Web Developer
Managed intranet and extranet sites and served as lead designer and project manager for public internet site. Communicated with corporate staff and public users to provide recommendations for web strategy and usability. Created storyboards and information architecture designs. Developed and maintained web content.
SELF-EMPLOYED, Toronto ON, Canada, 1997–2001
Contractor / Consultant
Provided web and interface design, as well as technical consultation, for various organizations. Designed client websites and provided end-user training. Created web graphics. Analyzed and updated legacy systems and product documentation. Troubleshot and resolved technical issues. Provided advice to companies on technical upgrades and software costs.
AZTECH NEW MEDIA CORPORATION, Toronto ON, Canada, 1995–1997
Project Lead / Staff Writer
Created print role-playing game product line. Coordinated with writing team, editors, and production staff to produce game text. Oversaw beta testing efforts. Researched distribution lines and advertising media as well as facilitated promotions and convention appearances. Priced book printing services and designed product website. Developed product knowledge-base intranet, shareware compilations, and OEM CD-ROMs. Advised senior management on web strategies.
Additional experience as freelance writer.
Technical Skills
| Software | Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint; OpenOffice; Apple iWork; SPSS |
| Web Design/Development | HTML, CSS, Adobe Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Photoshop, Acrobat Professional; WebTrends, Apache Web Server, Content Management, Version Control |
| Operating Systems | Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS X, Ubuntu, Debian Linux |
Education
Master of Arts in Political Science, University of Toronto, Canada.
Awarded Social Science and Humanities Research Council Canada Graduate Scholarship and Ontario Graduate Scholarship for Academic Achievement.
Bachelor of Arts in Great Books/Liberal Studies and Political Science, Brock University, St. Catharines ON, Canada.
Awarded Great Books/Liberal Studies Graduating Book Prize, Harrison-Thompson Bursary Trust, Great Books/Liberal Studies Book Prize Bursary, Brock University Scholars Award, Brock University Dean’s Honours List