Brandon Duran: A Journey of Excellence in IT Support at Amazon
Brandon Duran is a seasoned IT professional with over 12 years of customer service experience and more than 4 years in high-paced enterprise IT support. Currently working as an IT Support Associate II at Amazon in Jacksonville, Florida, Brandon has demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise, especially in network infrastructure management. His story is one of dedication, continuous learning, and the drive to excel in the ever-evolving field of information technology.
Early Career and Foundation
Brandon Duran’s journey into the IT world started well before his tenure at Amazon. Initially, he worked as a waiter at Don Juan’s Mexican Restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, where he honed essential customer service skills. Over his eight-year stint in the hospitality industry, he not only excelled in customer interactions but also developed a keen ability to multitask and manage high-pressure situations. His role involved training new employees, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing customer satisfaction—all skills that would prove invaluable in his future tech career.
However, Brandon’s passion for technology and problem-solving led him to pursue a more technical path, ultimately transitioning to IT support.
Transition to IT Support and Education
In 2018, Brandon enrolled in the Computer Information Technology program at Florida State College at Jacksonville. His focus on IT was evident, and he quickly grasped the technical concepts required to thrive in the field. During his education, he earned certifications like the CompTIA A+, which prepared him to troubleshoot and solve a wide range of IT issues, from operating systems to mobile devices.
Brandon’s commitment to his education did not stop there. He enrolled in Year Up, a program that blends college-level courses with professional training and internships. Through this program, he not only gained hands-on experience but also learned the skills necessary to succeed in a corporate environment.
By 2020, Brandon had earned his Associate in Science degree and began working as an IT Support Associate Intern at Amazon. He further solidified his technical knowledge and proficiency in the IT sector by earning additional certifications, including CompTIA Network+ and AWS Cloud Practitioner.
IT Support Associate II at Amazon
Brandon’s transition into Amazon came in 2020 when he took on the role of IT Support Associate Intern at Amazon’s Jacksonville facility. His internship marked the beginning of a dynamic career at the tech giant. He quickly advanced to the position of IT Support Associate II, where he became a key player in executing crucial infrastructure upgrades and providing technical support to thousands of Amazon employees.
One of his most significant achievements at Amazon was being part of a small team tasked with rebuilding the warehouse’s entire IT infrastructure. This involved replacing and configuring over 500 switches, transitioning from commodity to Cisco hardware, and upgrading essential network components, including MDF switches, IDF switches, fiber cables, and SFPs. His team also managed the replacement of approximately 1000 Thin Clients and 800 laptops, ensuring that the infrastructure was up to Amazon’s high standards of performance and reliability.
Brandon’s ability to handle large-scale technical projects, while maintaining customer satisfaction and adhering to stringent timelines, has earned him recognition as a “top-tier” employee at Amazon. His role is focused on diagnosing and troubleshooting computing problems, ensuring that employees’ technical issues are resolved promptly to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.
Technical Expertise and Leadership
Brandon’s expertise extends beyond just technical troubleshooting. He excels in leading teams and projects, overseeing the execution of critical infrastructure changes, and collaborating with other departments to meet operational goals. His leadership style is driven by the principles of customer obsession, ownership, and insisting on the highest standards, all of which are core values at Amazon.
In addition to his work in network infrastructure, Brandon is highly skilled in various aspects of IT, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital forensics. His educational background in cybersecurity and information assurance, coupled with his certifications from AWS and CompTIA, has equipped him with the knowledge needed to tackle even the most complex IT issues. His ability to adapt to new technologies and procedures, all while focusing on team success, has made him an indispensable part of Amazon’s IT support team.
Education and Certifications
Brandon’s academic journey continued when he enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at Western Governors University in 2022. This online degree program, designed with input from leading cybersecurity experts, ensures that students learn best practices in networking, security, scripting, data management, and the business side of IT.
As Brandon progresses through his degree, he has continued to earn certifications that further bolster his expertise. Some of these certifications include:
- CompTIA A+ ce Certification: A widely recognized credential that validates skills in troubleshooting, security, and system maintenance.
- AWS Cloud Quest: Cloud Practitioner: A certification from Amazon Web Services that showcases his expertise in cloud computing and the AWS platform.
- OSHA 10-Hour Construction: This certification demonstrates Brandon’s commitment to workplace safety and adherence to health standards in technical environments.
Achievements and Recognition
Brandon Duran’s contributions to Amazon have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded a Certificate of Achievement and a SE Region Metal Coin by Amazon’s regional director and general manager for going above and beyond in embodying Amazon’s “Nail the Plan” pillar. This recognition is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his role in ensuring that Amazon’s IT infrastructure operates seamlessly.
Additionally, he received the “Perfect Attendance” award from Year Up in 2019, underscoring his dedication and reliability. These honors reflect his work ethic and ability to deliver exceptional results in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
The Future of Brandon Duran
As Brandon Duran continues his education and career, he is focused on gaining more hands-on experience in IT while pursuing further certifications. His passion for learning and growing in the tech field is evident, and he aims to stay at the forefront of IT developments, particularly in cybersecurity and cloud technologies. Brandon’s journey serves as an inspiration to others looking to transition into IT, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and a customer-focused mindset.
Brandon’s career trajectory highlights his ability to thrive in challenging environments, adapt to new technologies, and lead teams to success. As he progresses further in his IT career, there is no doubt that Brandon Duran will continue to make significant contributions to the tech industry and beyond.
Conclusion
Brandon Duran’s career exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated IT professional: a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction. From his early career in hospitality to his current role at Amazon, Brandon’s path reflects a constant drive to learn and evolve. His achievements, both at Amazon and in his educational endeavors, demonstrate his exceptional value in the IT world. As he continues to pursue his degree and certifications, there is no doubt that Brandon Duran’s journey is just beginning, with even greater achievements ahead.
