Carl is available for hire
Hire CarlCarl Kopplin
Verified Expert in Engineering
DevOps and Cloud Computing Developer
Middleton, WI, United States
Toptal member since June 29, 2023
Bio
Carl is a strategic technology leader with extensive experience in the insurance and financial services industry. He has worked across various areas, including DevOps, cloud computing, and AI. Adept at strategic analysis, Carl has established a proven track record of developing and implementing innovative solutions while fostering inclusive environments that leverage diversity and collaboration to maximize stakeholder engagement, drive acceptance, and achieve results.
Portfolio
Toptal
Cloud Computing, Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI)...
AHEAD
AWS Cloud Computing Services, Cloud Computing, Training, Consulting...
American Family Insurance
AWS Cloud Computing Services, Cloud Computing, Agile DevOps...
Experience
- IT Infrastructure - 20 years
- Strategic Initiatives - 20 years
- Consulting - 16 years
- Digital Transformation - 7 years
- Cloud Computing - 7 years
- AWS Cloud Computing Services - 7 years
- Agile DevOps - 5 years
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) - 1 year
Work Experience
Director – Cloud Services
2022 - 2023
Toptal
- Acted as a P&L leader for Toptal's global cloud computing technology consulting and implementation services business.
- Created multiple new cloud service offerings in the transformation space, including cloud migrations and cloud governance.
- Worked with enterprise and startup clients across various industries to analyze their needs and identify appropriate talent-driven solutions.
Technologies: Cloud Computing, Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), AWS Cloud Computing Services, Agile DevOps, Data Analytics
Director – Cloud Transformation Services
2021 - 2021
AHEAD
- Developed the cloud consulting practice emphasizing enterprise customers across various industries.
- Worked with clients to analyze their cloud computing needs and develop appropriate solutions.
- Oversaw the development and implementation of a cloud training and certification program.
Technologies: AWS Cloud Computing Services, Cloud Computing, Training, Consulting, Digital Transformation, Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
Product Owner – Infrastructure Engineering
2016 - 2021
American Family Insurance
- Managed engineering teams that delivered new and transformational public cloud-based infrastructure technologies supporting business innovation, agility, and efficiency.
- Developed Agile-based enterprise public cloud-computing discipline, including recruiting and talent development, operational and financial controls, and the effective adoption and implementation of cloud-based technologies that drive business value.
- Evangelized about the effective adoption and implementation of cloud-based technologies that drive business value.
Technologies: AWS Cloud Computing Services, Cloud Computing, Agile DevOps, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Data Analytics, Cloud Architecture, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Business & Digital Transformation
Enterprise Architect
2015 - 2016
American Family Insurance
- Collaborated with the business leadership, other architects, and technologists to identify and analyze business and technology trends and lead the planning and definition of the appropriate enterprise-wide infrastructure technology strategies.
- Co-developed an enterprise cloud-first strategy that established the direction and objectives necessary to meet future business needs by leveraging cloud computing.
- Led efforts to evaluate and access technology and business trends, including self-driving cars and blockchain. I also established technology strategies to position the organization for success.
- Developed the enterprise's call center strategy and approach.
Technologies: Enterprise Architecture, Platforms, Strategic Initiatives, Call Centers, Budgeting
Base Technology Advisor, Architect, and Consultant
2012 - 2015
American Family Insurance
- Provided essential leadership in maintaining, designing, and supporting the most complex technical solutions involving multiple technologies and cross-platform issues.
- Partnered with business leaders to understand business challenges and find appropriate alternative technical solutions to various issues, including disaster recovery and continuity planning.
- Led the IS data management department's strategic planning efforts.
Technologies: Business Systems Analysis, IT Infrastructure, Data Analytics, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR), Strategic Planning, Problem Management, Complex Problem Solving
President and Principal
1997 - 2012
QCK Consulting, Inc.
- Founded a technology and business-consulting firm, serving clients that included multiple Fortune 1000 P&C, life, and other insurance companies.
- Provided contract-based strategic business analysis, planning, budgeting, technology evaluation, project management, and system implementation services to clients in the real estate, insurance, and financial sectors.
- Specialized in large-scale, complex projects with interdisciplinary areas, including legal, regulatory, tax, and corporate governance.
- Developed an SCM practice for a Fortune 250 client's mainframe and 3-tier development units.
Technologies: Business Systems Analysis, IT Program Management, IT Project Management, Development, System Implementation, Strategic Planning, Complex Problem Solving, Software Configuration Management (SCM)
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
1994 - 1996
CUNA Mortgage
- Negotiated the divestment of a top 100 national mortgage banking operation.
- Managed the successful transition from mortgage banking operations to joint ventures, including joint venture negotiation, asset liquidation, transitional operations, and structuring of a new corporate entity.
- Handled the operational workforce transition, including a staff reduction of over 400 employees.
Technologies: IT, Strategic Planning, Strategic Initiatives, Strategic Sourcing, Cash Management, Corporate Legal, Human Resources (HR), Quality Control (QC), Administration, Contract Negotiation, Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Vice President of Administration
1990 - 1994
CUNA Mortgage
- Directed strategic corporate technology development, managed the corporate planning and budget development process, and acted as a chief negotiator for all corporate contracts.
- Managed all administrative functions, including information systems, cash management, quality assurance, corporate services, facilities management, and record retention.
- Designed and implemented the successful conversion of the entire mortgage processing system to the Unix client-server system in only one year, during which the company experienced a record sales volume.
- Handled the design and relocation of corporate headquarters resulting in an NPV gain of $2 million. I also designed and managed a 34,000 square feet corporate headquarters expansion project.
- Implemented and designed a corporate-wide total quality improvement program, reducing operating costs by 10% and improving customer service.
Technologies: IT, Strategic Planning, Strategic Sourcing, Corporate Legal, Human Resources (HR), Cash Management, Annual Budgets, Administration, Quality Control (QC), Contract Negotiation, Telecom Equipment & Solutions
Project History
Cloud Computing Program for a Fortune 250 Insurer
This project involved establishing the cloud computing program for a Fortune 250 P&C insurance company. I developed an Agile-based enterprise public cloud computing discipline, including recruiting and talent development, operational and financial controls, and the effective adoption and implementation of cloud-based technologies that drive business value.
Mortgage Banker Technology Plan Enabling Hypergrowth
I developed strategic technology and operational implementation plans to support origination growth from $350 million to $2.4 billion in five years. These plans included the implementation of new headquarters, new Unix-based origination systems, and a complete IT department separate from the parent Fortune 1000 financial entity.
SCM Practice for a Fortune 250 Insurer
This project involved establishing an SCM practice, including a staffing model, strategic implementation planning, budgeting, and operational management. The new system vastly reduced development rework, improved production reliability, and enabled effective metrics to drive development decisions.
New Program Development for a Fortune 100 Entity
I led the development of a revolutionary new client server-based application that incorporated complex legal and accounting rules. This was one of the 1st projects to leverage offshore resources to manage costs and a tight delivery schedule, providing 24/7 support.
Education
1987 - 1989
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Corporate Finance and Banking
University of Wisconsin-Madison - Madison, WI, USA
1985 - 1989
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Real Estate
University of Wisconsin-Madison - Madison, WI, USA
1984 - 1987
Juris Doctor Degree in Contract Law
University of Wisconsin-Madison - Madison, WI, USA
1979 - 1983
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Management Information Systems
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Milwaukee, WI, USA
Certifications
MAY 2021 - MAY 2024
AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Skills
Platforms
Amazon Web Services (AWS), AWS Cloud Computing Services
Paradigms
UI Design
Languages
Visual Basic, Python
Industry Expertise
Banking & Finance
Other
Business Systems Analysis, Cloud Computing, Digital Transformation, Consulting, Agile DevOps, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Strategic Initiatives, Strategic Planning, IT Project Management, System Implementation, IT, Contract Negotiation, Annual Budgets, Budgeting, Complex Problem Solving, Software Configuration Management (SCM), Business & Digital Transformation, IT Projects, Staff Management & Development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Platforms, IT Infrastructure, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR), IT Program Management, Development, Strategic Sourcing, Cash Management, Human Resources (HR), Quality Control (QC), Administration, Telecom Equipment & Solutions, Cloud Architecture, Problem Management, Chief Operations Officer (COO), AWS Certified Solution Architect, AWS Cloud Architecture, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Architecture, Real Estate Development, Corporate Legal, Analytics, Big Data, Training, Data Analytics, Enterprise Architecture, Call Centers
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