About Bob
I'm an active speaker, blogger, author, user group leader, and event organizer in the Data Platform community. I'm one of the lead organizers for SQL Saturday Chicago and past leader of the Chicago SQL Server User Group. I am also the founder and president of the Chicago SQL Association, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to providing free training opportunities on the Microsoft Data Platform in the Chicagoland area.
My first experience with a database dates back to around 1993, when I remember trying to figure out the difference between "spreadsheet" and "database" in Microsoft Works. I later graduated to Microsoft Access and started selling software written with it while in high school. In college, I began working with Visual FoxPro, and then the Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE), which led me to SQL Server and where I am today.
Community Involvement
I'm proud to be a Redgate Community Ambassador. I'm also a past co-chapter leader of the Chicago SQL Server User Group. I'm the founder and president of the Chicago SQL Association, and a lead organizer of SQL Saturday Chicago 2012, SQL Saturday Chicago 2013, SQL Saturday Chicago 2014, SQL Saturday Chicago 2016, SQL Saturday Chicago 2017, SQL Saturday Chicago 2018, and SQL Saturday Chicago 2019. With the depths of the pandemic behind us we hope to plan another event soon!
For a complete list of my community activities, check out my community page.
What I'm certified in
I currently hold the following certifications:
- Microsoft Certified Master (MCM): SQL Server
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Management and Analytics
What I studied
I have a MS in Computer Science with a concentration in database systems from DePaul University. Before that, I earned my BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where I spent the best five years of my life. (I-L-L!)
What to do to contact me
- Send me a message on the contact page
- I tweet at @SQLBob
What about disclaimers and copyrights?
They're a necessity, but I do my best to keep them short and sweet. Here goes!
Contrary to popular belief, this does give you the right to copy, but only under certain circumstances. My blog is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. This means:
- You're free to copy, distribute, and transmit my work.
- You must attribute my work in the manner specified by me (but not in any way that suggests that I endorse you or your use of my work).
- You may not use my work for commercial purposes without my express written permission.
- You may not alter, transform, or build upon my work without my express written permission.