Hi, I'm Mike.
I'm a database administrator and programmer with over 15 years of experience helping small and mid-sized businesses fix their data problems.
I specialize in manufacturing, job shops, and job-cost environments. I understand ERP systems, production workflows, and the reality of messy legacy data that grew organically over years.
I'm the person you call when your reports are slow, your spreadsheets are fragile, or your databases are a mystery. I make things work, document what I do, and leave you in a better place than I found you.
What I'm Good At
Problem Solving
I don't just fix symptoms. I dig into root causes, understand the bigger picture, and solve problems in a way that prevents them from coming back.
Making Messy Data Usable
Real-world data is rarely clean. I'm comfortable working with legacy systems, inconsistent data, and situations where 'it just grew that way over the years.'
Bridging Business and Tech
I speak both languages. I can translate business requirements into technical solutions and explain technical concepts in plain English.
Documentation
I document what I build and how it works. You won't be left guessing or dependent on me to make future changes.
What It's Like to Work With Me
Communication
- ▸I listen first. I want to understand your situation before proposing solutions.
- ▸I ask questions. Lots of them. I need to understand your workflow, your data, and your constraints.
- ▸I keep you updated. You'll know what I'm working on, what I've found, and what's next.
- ▸I explain things in plain English. No unnecessary jargon or tech-speak.
Expectations & Scope
- ▸I provide a clear proposal before starting. You'll know the scope, timeline, and cost.
- ▸If I find something unexpected, I tell you immediately and discuss options.
- ▸I don't pad hours or do unnecessary work. I do what needs to be done.
- ▸If something is outside my expertise, I'll tell you upfront.
How I Handle Projects
- ▸I start with a discovery phase to understand your systems and constraints.
- ▸I test thoroughly with real data. I don't deploy untested solutions.
- ▸I document as I go. You'll get clear documentation at handoff.
- ▸I provide training on anything I build so your team can maintain it.
Outside of Work
I stay busy with a mix of creative and technical projects. I’m writing a book series and built my own software to manage its characters, timelines, and world. I also enjoy designing merch, experimenting with homebrewing, and learning to cook more from scratch. I’m based in North Carolina and work remotely with clients across the United States.
Why 'Bearn Deals'?
The name comes from my middle name, "Bearn" (pronounced like "bear-n"). Growing up, my dad and I would explain to people how to pronounce it by saying "it's a bear with an N on it."
So when it came time to create a business name and logo, the choice was obvious: a friendly bear holding a big N. It's personal, memorable, and a little bit fun—which is how I approach my work.
Let's Talk
If you're dealing with data problems, reporting headaches, or database challenges, I'd be happy to discuss your situation and see if I can help.