Founded Always Cool AI to transform how organizations understand and trust their AI systems. My focus is building the observability layer that explains what AI agents are doing, how to optimize them through evaluations, and how to maintain compliance across regulated industries.

AI Observability & Optimization:

• Agent Explainability: Creating comprehensive observability stacks that demystify AI decision-making, showing exactly what agents are doing and why
• Continuous Evaluation: Implementing both human-in-the-loop and LLM-as-judge evaluation frameworks to optimize agent performance and ensure alignment
• Production Monitoring: Building OpenTelemetry-based systems that provide real-time visibility into AI behavior, performance metrics, and drift detection

Cross-Industry Compliance Expertise:

• Leveraging years of experience from Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) to build enterprise-grade AI systems
• Expanding proven methodologies from FDA-regulated food supply chains to nuclear safety systems and financial services
• Partnering with teams to uplevel their compliance capabilities while maintaining innovation velocity

What Makes Us Different:

• We don’t just build AI - we build AI you can explain, optimize, and trust
• Every system includes comprehensive observability from day one
• We bring battle-tested compliance frameworks from the world’s most regulated industries

Always Cool AI exists because I believe the future of AI isn’t about black boxes - it’s about transparent, observable systems that teams can understand, optimize, and confidently deploy in production.

As Co-Founder and Managing Partner for Engineering & Finance at Always Cool Brands, I’ve made it my mission to revolutionize the way businesses operate—one clean supply chain at a time. With over two and a half years driving innovation in the private label and branded products space, I harness advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging technologies to create sustainable, transparent, and optimized operations.

I’m passionate about making the world a better place by eliminating harmful dyes and additives, streamlining distribution, and setting the benchmark for next-generation business practices. I fuse technical ingenuity with operational excellence by managing everything from backend systems, legal contracts, and financial operations to collaborating with industry trailblazers right here in the Austin tech community through initiatives like Austin LangChain AIMUG.

Key Innovations Include:

• AI-Driven Supply Chain Optimization: Integrating Generative AI, intelligent workflow management, and predictive analytics to revolutionize supplier sourcing and product quality controls
• Innovative Operational Tools: From creating project management AI agents to developing NutriCalc for lab optimization and the “Kosher Catcher” for quality assurance, my work is all about ensuring excellence at every step
• Lean & Six Sigma Partnerships: Constantly refining our processes and formulations to meet the highest standards while keeping sustainability at the forefront

I lead by example—merging technology, community involvement, and a relentless commitment to sustainable progress to redefine what it means to run a forward-thinking business. Let’s drive change, create impact, and build a cleaner, smarter future together.

During my 3 years and 10 months at Oracle, I held two critical leadership positions driving the infrastructure that powers Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI).

Senior Network Development Manager & Service Owner: OCI Optical Networking

March 2021 - August 2022

In my role as the leader of Optical Engineering, I was at the forefront of delivering secure and scalable Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) services to all generations of Oracle’s hyper-scale cloud. I was responsible for the complete lifecycle of this service, with a clear focus on maximizing customer uptime and ensuring top-notch security while scaling a fast-growing global cloud platform.

Key Achievements:

• Fiscal Responsibility: Entrusted with an annual capital budget exceeding $70 million
• Operational Excellence: Orchestrated optical automation platform development that offset 844 engineering hours per year
• Revenue Generation: Accelerated data center delivery dates, directly resulting in $27 million in added revenue
• Team Synergy: Built and retained a high-performing team through targeted recruitment and effective retention strategies
• Process Improvement: Spearheaded Agile process improvements, enhancing collaboration across various teams

Senior Network Development Manager & Service Owner: Network Reliability Engineering

November 2018 - March 2021

Leading the SRE organization for Oracle Public Cloud, I was responsible for 42 out of 62 public-facing cloud platforms. My team had complete ownership of network reliability for Oracle’s Gen1 cloud platforms, servicing 78% of Oracle’s SaaS and 100% of its Gen1 IaaS customers.

Key Achievements:

• Delivering Results: Achieved a 58% reduction in overall customer outage minutes within 12 months
• Global Connectivity: Managed Oracle’s Metro and Long-haul optical networks connecting all customers worldwide
• Navigating Challenges: Re-engineered processes during supply chain disruptions to ensure continuous scaling
• Transformative Leadership: Implemented philosophy of People, Process, Technology to transform global infrastructure

At Farkley, I led as Principal Consultant and Owner, focusing on experimentation, learning, and impact. Our mission was simple: change the world one project at a time.

Embracing Innovation

Innovation guided every project. From deploying Manufacturing Automation for efficiency gains to crafting IoT solutions for complex issues, we aimed to push technological boundaries.

Nurturing Talent

Each assignment was a learning platform. I mentored upcoming DevOps leaders and guided firms through DevOps transitions, creating a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Projects:

• Cisco Talent Bridge for Veterans: Connected military experience to corporate needs, opening new avenues for veterans
• Open Source Review: Established responsible guidelines for integrating open-source components
• Manufacturing Automation: Implemented automation solutions to improve throughput and reduce costs
• IoT Solutions: Crafted IoT solutions for real-world applications like smart cities
• DevOps Guidance: Provided strategic oversight for DevOps adoption
• Mentorship Program: Created a mentorship program focused on the next generation of DevOps leaders

Results Matter

Each project had tangible results, from efficiencies and cost savings to talent development. Farkley’s legacy endures through the transformative changes we instigated in tech and human capital.

As Practice Director of DevOps at Dimension Data (following the acquisition of Nexus IS), I continued to scale the $180M business line I had built, expanding it across Dimension Data’s global footprint. I spearheaded a leading DevOps, Agile SDN, and Cloud organization that redefined the future of system and network integrations, garnering multiple industry and customer accolades.

Innovation and Strategy

• Invented and launched a groundbreaking solution under NDA, setting industry-first standards
• Led DevOps strategy for North and South America, shaping Dimension Data’s go-to-market approach

Visibility and Transformation

• Amplified brand recognition through public speaking and community engagement
• Co-chaired the DevOps Transformation Committee for Dimension Data’s 29,000 global employees

Product Development and Team Building

• Released on-prem OpenStack solutions and multiple DevOps toolchains, offering client-critical solutions
• Spearheaded R&D efforts in enterprise container solutions, particularly Docker

Governance and Talent Development

• Established Open Source contribution policies, nurturing a culture of giving back to the community
• Built a learning organization where professional development and growth thrived

This role taught me the intrinsic value of harmonizing innovation, governance, and talent development to achieve long-lasting industry impact.

During my tenure at Nexus IS (later acquired by Dimension Data), I built a business line from zero to $180 million in annual revenue, establishing the company as an industry leader in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Cloud development. My work developing network software for Cisco Systems and building critical intellectual property directly enabled the company’s acquisition by NTT/Dimension Data.

Director, Cloud Practice & Chief Cloud Architect

January 2013 - April 2014

I led a trailblazing team that spearheaded the shift from system integration to software integration, forming the backbone of cloud-based services and facilitating staggering business growth.

Key Achievements:

• Innovation & Team Building: Assembled and led DevOps teams, establishing processes, tooling, and hiring frameworks
• Technical Leadership: Established capabilities in CI/CD, leveraging Puppet, AWS, OpenStack, and OpenDaylight
• Product Management: Oversaw Cloud Practice business unit and platform development
• Open Source Leadership: Led contributions to OpenStack, OpenDaylight, and Puppet communities
• Business Transformation: Orchestrated transition from traditional system integration to software-focused approaches

Director, Data Center Practice

June 2011 - January 2013

I orchestrated a national go-to-market strategy that redefined our positioning in the industry, leading diverse teams across the U.S. focused on converged Data Center Sales.

Key Achievements:

• Financial Impact: Increased Data Center revenues by 296% within first 18 months
• Margin Leadership: Transformed Data Center line into company’s top margin contributor within a year
• Team Development: Implemented peer training program increasing pre-sales architect capacity by 500%
• Strategic Expansion: Launched on-premises cloud offerings (IaaS) adapting to market trends
• Cross-functional Success: Introduced “cross-over engineer” concept, increasing end-to-end sales across customer bases

During my 4.5 years as a Consulting Systems Engineer at ePlus, I led the Data Center practice for the Western United States, working directly with Silicon Valley giants at the forefront of building the cloud infrastructure that redefined modern computing. My unique expertise combining systems, storage, and networking resulted in being brought in as the Network Architect for Apple iCloud, as well as designing NetApp’s storage clusters, Oracle’s production networks, and many more landmark projects. I had the privilege of working with researchers at all the major technology companies, helping transform their visions into production reality.

Network Architect for Apple iCloud

• Brought in as the Network Architect to design iCloud’s network infrastructure
• Designed network systems handling billions of users’ photos, documents, and backups
• Built the networking foundation that enabled iCloud’s massive global scale
• Pioneered network scalability patterns still in use today

Silicon Valley Giants Portfolio

• Apple: Network Architect for iCloud infrastructure
• NetApp: Designed massive storage clusters for their production environments
• Oracle: Built critical production networks supporting enterprise applications
• Collaborated with researchers across major tech companies to transform concepts into production systems

Strategic Reorientation

• Initiated a shift from technology silos to solutions-based selling, incorporating network, systems, storage, and applications into a single, cohesive strategy

Go-to-Market Innovation

• Developed and launched a go-to-market strategy for Cisco’s Unified Computing System, amplifying our competitive footprint in the western United States

Architectural Leadership

• Deployed the industry’s first Nexus 7000/5000/2000 architecture into production, securing a broad competitive advantage

Financial Resilience

• Increased Data Center revenues year-over-year, defying economic downturns and sustaining organizational resilience

Talent Management

• Attracted and retained elite industry talent, enhancing our technical capabilities and solidifying our market leadership

Customer and Partner Engagement

• Leveraged unique technological strengths to win contracts with multiple key global clients and form beneficial partnerships within Cisco

Certifications and Partnerships

• Earned multiple certifications, enabling ePlus to sell and install EMC Vblock and other pivotal Data Center solutions

My role at ePlus was a blend of leadership, technical expertise, and strategic vision. This multi-dimensional approach not only transformed our regional standings but also cemented our reputation as global leaders in cloud network solutions.

As the Lead Network Engineer at ID Analytics, I took on a pivotal role leading a team of startup engineers during a transformative period in the company. My work was at the intersection of network architecture, application integration, and technology-driven innovation, aimed at optimizing security, availability, and efficiency.

Strategic Network Architecture

• Defined the overarching network and application integration architectures, serving as the blueprint for future scalability and adaptability

Technology Leverage for Business Goals

• Effectively harnessed networking technology to enhance security and availability while streamlining development and deployment cycles

Storage Networking Innovations

• Pioneered the integration of iSCSI and Fiber Channel storage networking solutions, contributing to optimal data management and accessibility

Web Solutions for Enhanced Performance

• Designed and implemented SSL offloading and Content Switching solutions, substantially improving web application performance and security

Cross-Border Network Integrations

• Executed seamless network integrations with both partners and customers, ensuring data integrity and ease of collaboration

High-Performance Computing Environments

• Designed and implemented High Performance Computing storage environments, critical for computational and data-intensive tasks

Real-Time and Historical Monitoring

• Developed robust monitoring solutions, both real-time and historical, to ensure uninterrupted service and data-driven decision-making

My tenure at ID Analytics was characterized by a constant drive to push the boundaries of what was technologically feasible, in order to solve complex problems and generate tangible business results.

As a Senior Network Engineer at Openwave Systems, I was a catalyst for innovation, leading the way in streaming media, telecommunication, and cybersecurity. My role encompassed technical leadership, defining network architecture, and setting technical standards.

Pioneering Achievements:

• Streaming TV: Engineered the backend for the world’s first streaming TV service, defining an industry standard
• Global Phone Systems: Oversaw the 6th largest global VOIP phone system, ensuring seamless global communication
• Cybersecurity Leadership: Led global cybersecurity responses, fortifying Openwave against high-risk threats
• Network Design: Designed Openwave’s Pacific Datacenter, with 900 production and 2000 development servers
• Budget Management: Managed a $1.7M hardware budget and saved over $1.5M through vendor negotiations
• SOX Compliance: Established controls that enabled Openwave to meet Sarbanes-Oxley requirements
• Project Management: Led international rollouts and executed multiple RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs
• Wireless Systems: Managed the pilot and installation of new wireless systems for the Customer Briefing Center

My time at Openwave combined managerial leadership, technical expertise, and innovation, focusing on both immediate deliverables and long-term goals. Each project was an opportunity to solve complex issues through technological excellence.

During my 6 years and 9 months of service, nearly half on active duty, I honored the ethos of “Semper Fidelis”—always faithful to both my country and the drive for innovation. I successfully balanced a burgeoning Silicon Valley engineering career while maintaining peak Marine Corps readiness.

Activated Service - Operation Enduring Freedom

February 2003 - February 2004

Activated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving dual roles in emergency response and communications. My experience encompassed firefighting, incident management, and tactical network administration.

Emergency Response:

• Responded to variety of emergency situations, ensuring rapid and effective resolution
• Assumed leadership roles in emergency settings as Incident Commander
• Served as P19 (Fire Engine) operator, maintaining high readiness levels
• Specialized in HazMat handling during incidents

Communication and IT:

• Managed implementation and maintenance of Tactical Data Networks
• Maintained Microsoft Exchange servers in tactical and garrison settings
• Conducted security audits and remediations to ensure data integrity

Key Achievements:

• Restored routed ATM LANE environment at MCAS Yuma, enabling 3,000+ users to resume work—honored with Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
• Conducted comprehensive security audit at MCAS Yuma and implemented corrective measures
• Facilitated technical training sessions for various Marine units

Reserve Service While in Silicon Valley

June 1997 - February 2003

Balancing Dual Careers:

• Maintained engineering roles at multiple tech companies while serving as Marine firefighter
• Volunteered for deployment in Afghanistan; served in high Sierras operations
• Answered 72-hour call for active duty, demonstrating commitment to service

Silicon Valley & Military Synergy:

• Discipline and precision from military life translated into streamlined engineering processes
• Tech problem-solving skills proved invaluable during military operations
• Leadership in both contexts refined adaptability and people management skills

My dual commitment laid a firm foundation for leadership roles, teaching me that discipline, adaptability, and continuous learning are the bedrocks of success.