Jesse Kranz – CIO, engineer, and veteran.
Chief Information Officer and operations leader with 30+ years across IT leadership, cloud, cybersecurity, Oracle databases, web, and AI. Former USAF Captain. The full resume of the person behind SmarterNerd.
Professional summary
Technology executive, entrepreneur, and military veteran with a track record leading technology initiatives, managing large-scale deployments, driving revenue, and delivering innovative solutions across government, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and technology sectors.
From engineering combat communications under fire to serving 13 years as a Chief Information Officer to building modern AI-driven web solutions today, the through-line is the same: rigorous engineering applied to real business results.
Key strengths
- ✓ IT strategy & execution
- ✓ Cloud & cybersecurity
- ✓ Oracle database administration
- ✓ Web design & SEO
- ✓ AI strategy & automation
- ✓ Operations & leadership
Professional experience
Three decades of technology leadership.
Owner / Web Designer / Technology Advisor – SmarterNerd
Web development, hosting, SEO, cybersecurity, cloud, and technology consulting. Design and maintain WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, and custom websites. Implement cloud infrastructure, DNS, security, and performance optimization. Advise businesses on AI adoption and digital transformation. Build custom automation and software solutions. Oracle DBA and performance tuning.
Office Manager – NF Home Improvements
Manage day-to-day business operations; oversee technology systems, processes, and reporting; support sales, marketing, customer service, and operations. Contributed to company growth reaching approximately $10M annual revenue.
Field Expert, Digital Twins & Virtual Tours – G-Force Site Intelligence
Matterport digital twin capture and quality verification, site documentation, and virtual tour creation. Supported data collection and validation workflows, improving client presentation and engagement while enhancing operational efficiency.
Chief Information Officer – Ferrate Treatment Technologies, LLC (Orlando, FL)
Directed all IT operations and technology strategy. Named inventor on a company patent for a core product storage process. Performed a successful shipboard system demonstration for NOAA (destruction of aquatic nuisance species in ballast water). Led process-control programs spanning Allen-Bradley RSLogix5000 ladder logic, FactoryTalk HMI, and eWON remote global monitoring. Conducted marketing seminars resulting in millions in revenue. Built the company website to top-ten worldwide search results. Managed the full information infrastructure: email, storage/backup, CRM, and VoIP. Authored the Private Placement Memorandum and business plan.
Tactical Data Links Program Officer – USAF, Electronic Systems Center (Hanscom AFB, MA)
Deployed to Homeland Security for Operation Noble Eagle. As sole engineering officer, completed 62 technology installs supporting 32 Air Operations Center systems valued at $32M. Created a custom solution giving a battle commander 24-hour situational awareness outside the Combined Air Operations Center. Led a Unit Compliance Inspection to a 98.9% rating.
Combat Communications Systems Engineer – USAF, 5th Combat Communications Support Squadron (Robins AFB, GA)
Deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Built a portable secure-satellite solution for first-response communications. Helped activate 350 circuits across 5 forward operating bases supplying warfighters with secure intel links. Increased defense network bandwidth by 25% and saved the unit $500,000 through a Land Mobile Radio migration plan. Separated honorably as a Captain with a Top Secret (TS/SCI) clearance.
Credentials that back the work.
MBA, Finance
Touro University, New York – Magna Cum Laude (2003-2005).
B.S. Computer & Electrical Engineering
University of Colorado Boulder (1996-2001). AFROTC scholarship; commissioned 2nd Lieutenant.
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
OCI Architect Associate & OCI Foundations Associate (2023).
Harvard CS50P
Introduction to Programming with Python.
USAF Officer Training
Basic Communications Officer Training, Keesler AFB – graduated 99% average, AFCEA Award.
FAA Pilot
Instrument (IFR) and Visual (VFR) flight rules rated.
Technical skills
Deep, hands-on, and current.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, cloud architecture, virtualization, DNS, VPN, server administration.
Databases
Oracle Database administration, SQL, performance tuning, backup & recovery, database security.
Programming & Web
Python, SQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP. WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, SEO, hosting.
AI & Automation
Generative AI strategy, prompt engineering, ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini/Grok/Copilot, AI workflow automation.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity management, security awareness training, OPSEC, risk management, network security.
Business & Leadership
Executive leadership, strategic planning, project management, business development, public speaking.
Awards & distinctions
Recognition earned across military service and a career in technology leadership – reflecting both mission performance and innovation.
Honors
- ✓ Named inventor on a company patent
- ✓ Operation Noble Eagle Service Medal
- ✓ Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- ✓ Air Force Achievement Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster)
- ✓ National Defense Service Medal
- ✓ MBA, Magna Cum Laude
Put 30 years of engineering
behind your business.
From CIO strategy to AI, web, and SEO – that experience goes into every SmarterNerd project. Contact us today → or explore our services.