Over the years if one continues to upgrade their skill sets their knowledge becomes one of the most valuable assets they have. Equally as important is how they progress as individuals. Perfecting their outlook on life itself. Becoming more tolerant with the situations that life provides to evolve. Compassion, caring, passion for life and to be in service to others, not in service to themselves.
I have had the pleasure of becoming proficient in many types of businesses. Sales, management, programing, entertainment, music, athletics, home improvement, teaching/training/mentoring, entrepreneurship, and even detailing cars, trucks, recreational trailers, and motor homes. Everything one does takes them closer to understanding business, success, and fulfillment.
This is what I feel makes me an asset to any company I work or consult with. I understand business, life, and I have the passion to succeed.
Major Skillset
I really love the work I've done. With painting and home improvement to see the transformation is amazing. Programming on the computer and creating CRM applications that keep me on top of my sales game are so gratifying. Also the ability to create logos, business cards, promotional materials and so many other things like databases and websites add to the presentation of myself and the products I'm introducting to clients. Using technology to better represent one's self should be the what we each strive for. Always challenging ourselves to improve, make the task at hand more streamlined, and efficient, while expending less effort. This is innovation!
Below are some of the software application that I've been using more reciently. There are others like "Lotus Notes" that was my favorite years ago, I don't have that much call for developing with it as I did in the past.
LOTUS NOTES
Years ago I taught myself Lotus Notes, because it was such a great application. It had a DATABASE, DISCUSSION FORUM DB, and a KNOWLEDGE DB option that one could chose. I loved all of them and got proficient creating each. Even started learning "Lotus Script" programing language. It paid off too, as I landed a contract with IBM in Boulder Colorado. That led to a Director of Sales position with an affiliate company in Tucson AZ, (which I love by the way) and then a junior partner opportunity with a tech company here in Western MA using my salesand Lotus Notes skills to create a CRM application.
KAJABI
Kajabi is where I house my painting contracting website and the training courseware that I'll be offering soon. It is an all in one platform that is really used for courseware development.
I've reviewed other platforms but found that there were plugin for everything included with Kajabi. Other applications were less expensive, but you'd end up buying other services that are included with Kajabi. Still feel it is the best out there for developing training courseware.
DAVINCI RESOLVE
This is where I do my video editing. The software is as good a most higher priced applications and best of all, it's free.
You can accomplish everything that you can with high-end application such as multiple time lines, transitions, great editing, and so many other high-end features. Really no need to use Adobe Premier and Final Cut Pro which are great applications as well.
CORELDRAW 2021
I use this software for my graphic design work. Logos, business cards, and promotional materials.
Adobe also makes a great product but I started out using Corel when it first came out and still use it.
ZOHO SITES
I have used other software for building websites but the Zoho Suit number in at over 50 applications that are all very good and easy to use. The subscription fee per year is about $450 but well worth it as there is an application for just about everything you can think of.
ZOHO CREATOR
This is a software I used to create custom database applications. It uses a simple script language to give the application a robust platform to create just about any hi-end application. I have since migrated to the Zoho CRM application as it has all the bells and whistles that I need to track my sales activities.
ZOHO CRM
I use this application to track all the activities and history of my painting clients. Every sales organization should use some type of contact manager even if you're a solo operation.
ZOHO PROJECTS
I used this softare to initially track all the painting projects that I had. You can track the time rquired to do a job and compare it to the tiime you've budgeted for. There is a lot of things you can track with this application. So for larger companies this would be an excellent application to tract all activities for projects.
ZOHO BOOKS
For smaller companies like my painting company I am able to sues Books for estimates, invoices, and tracking payments. It also has a condensed version of Projects that is perfect for smaller companies and one man operations. I found it perfect for my needs. Zoho also has a full accounting system for larger companies.
WORDPRESS
For many years this has been the standard for website development. It is a great application to use and I have built websites using it. So if necessary I could revisit it to refresh my development skills.
MICROSOFT OFFICE
This is still a great suite. I have used all of the applications in the suite and consideer myself an intermediate level with them. I used Access for a period to build databases and did pretty well but didn't find it easy to create a standalone applicayions that I could sell as I could wth MS Visual Basic for example.
QB POINT OF SALE
i developed a novelty salt and pepper shaker while at IBM and ended up creating the "Shaakers" line. Custom salt and pepper shakers with over 50 themes and close to 1,000 images. I did all the imaging in Coreldraw, and inventory management in QB POS.
SHOPIFY
I used this sales website to house my inventory and track my sales. It has got even better sinced I used it for my Shaaker sales. It intergrates nicely with the QB POS system as well and many more retailers are using it to manage their inventories.
PCDJ SOFTWARE
I have enjoyed many years of my younger life touring and playing music with my 11-piece show band. When midi technology appeared I was one of the first in Massachusetts to convert to using computers to replace musicians. I ended up transitioning from pre-recorded taps to CDs to midi files and that is where I'm at today. Still playing but backing tracks are all done on the computer. I play a midi guitar over the tracks and sings the songs live. Still enjoying it as well.
SOCIAL MEDIA
I am now learning migrating to social media marketing and development. With so many new platforms arriving it is going to be even more important to learn how to capitalize using these platforms.s.
BARCODEING
As I mentioned I use a barcoding software application that comes with Quick Books POS system. If you're selling a lot of items you should look into this QB-POS system and the barcoding module or another separate barcoding application that works with your POS software.
AUTO DETAILING
When I went to Florida back in 2018 to sell my Shaakers in a booming mall, it was a dead mall. I went down there at Christmas time expecting to make a bundle and instead lost my shirt.
So, I started detailing cars and RV's at the RV ranch I was staying at and managed to pay my expenses and then some.
I discovered that I love detailing. My friend I went with is still there detailing.
My Latest Work
You can visit each of my websites to see what I have built with my skills and talents.
You can also click on any of the FIVE website headers to see more pictures and info about each of the businesses.
Try it, click one of the FIVE headings below this paragraph.
Toyota Signature Series
I was asked to get involved with the creation of a standardized training program called the "Signature Series" where all Toyota dealerships would follow the same protocols for training.
I came up with the DVD training for each of the departments, however the program was tabled due to a lack of interest from the dealerships.
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With today's technology the same training could be created using a software like the one I use for my painting courseware, which is Kajabi. Then everything can be shared using standard networking and scial media platforms. You could even post the training to a company's intranet for use of company employee's only,
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Click on the next tap above to see the outline of the Kajabi courseware for painters that I created using Kajabi software.
Kajabi Courseware for Stratos Painting
This is a snapshot view of the courseware I created in Kajabi for my painting training and certification. When one clicks on the Icon the training section will open and become interactive. There are videos to watch showing the process for each task along with a form for one to open dialog and leave comments on questions. One can also leave suggestions on how to improve the training modules if desired.
Big E State Fair
This was the very first show I did at the Eastern State Expo in West Springfield, MA back in 2002. From there I went on the road and showcase this novel concept all over the United States.
Agawam Flea Market
Magnetic Domino Shaakers
These are domino sized magnetic shaakers that are tappers. You tape them to dispense the salt from the opening at the top. They stick together so you won't lose them when you put them in a purse or small container. perfect for on the go. Keep them in your car or RV.
Bengal Tiger
And many wild animals in this collection.
Game Day Shakers
I sold the Shaakrs concept to another company who licensed and came out with these NFL Game Day Shakers. Perfedt for tailgate parties.
NFL Commemorative Shaker Set
Cocktail Time
With many other kittens and cat breeds in cute captures.
Dog Themes
I did have over 60 breeds of dogs. In addition I could make custom Shaakrs with personal pictures of owners dogs, or anythng they wish to put on the set of Shaakrer. I even made them as wedding gifts that were placed on each table, One Shaaker or the bride and groom. Very uniquue taple top gift.
Muscle Cars
Many of the favorite muscle cars of the 60's.
Jack Daniel's
And many other beverages of all tyes.
Painting Website Home Page
At the top of the home page there are eight modules thtat are in different stages of development. The first two are complete and are being offered. The others will be introduced when they are completed. I will eventually offer a certification program and placement for painting contractors with those company's that need additional painters full or part time.
Large Project in Windsor, CT
This was another large project complete in Windsor Ct.
100+ Videos in my Library
There are 100 plus instructional video in the library that will walk one through all of the skills needed for do-it-yourself painters, or painting contractors alike.
All the video were created with DiVinci Resolve and featire logo intro, instructional video, and an exit module. All with a sound track behind the video.
Wilbraham Garrison Colonial
One of the first homes I painted. I needed a taller ladder so the home owner bought it for me as a tip. How cool!
Brookline, MA - before & after
This was a project I was given in Brookline, MA. The architect showed me a picture of a the colors theme he wished me to use. Four colors in total and asked if I could do it.
Not only did I agree but I finish the project with some additional accents. He told me after I was finished that I wasn't a painter. But that I was an artist. He offered to move me to the Boston area and work on his home. Not a good time for a move, but I was thankful.
The house sold for $3,000,000 and I was written up in the Boston Architectural Digest
Victorian in Windsor, CT
Much of ths house needed to be resided as the shingles were cupping. This is especially tricky around the turret After siding the owner contacted a historical society outside of Mass to get color for this period home.
After receiving the color and reviewing it with the owner I started to work on the house
Below if the finished project and as always I offered to do some accent work around the windows. He didn't want to get to carried away at first but after doing a test on one of the windows, he love the accents.
This house was written up in the Windsor Historic Digest as well. I painted the garage to match the house theme.
Windsor, CT - Before/After
Another Windsor CT, Georgian Colonial where we shaved half the house and resided the other half to the sunny side. A lovely rose color and new fense transformed this home into an eye catcher.
4-piece hybrid band
Half & Half is a 4-piece hybrid band that utilizes playing and singing live over digital tracks. Has the sound of a 7-piece band that has the 4 piece rhythm section and a 3-piece horn section.
The picture above was a promotional plaque that was displayed at our gig and raffled off as a promotional gift.
Solo station with truss
This station is constructed for my solo show. It accomidates a full size keyboard, a midi guitar and two additional keyboard processors for the guitar, and two notbook computers for the digital tracks. I have over 12,000 songs in the database.
Yamaha DTX-treme III
Godin Midi Guitar above
This is the electronic drum kit that I used when playing with the full band. I built a computer station right into the kit,
Ibanez Midi Guitar
A younger me at my home studio in East Longmeadow. I've been in the music production and entertainment for most of my life. I started playing guitar at the age of 5 and have so far played sax, piano, guitar, drums, flute and I'm a lead vocalist.
I toured back n the 1980's with the Hilton circuit opening for major acts with my 11-piece show band. What a thrill! the band then was 95-South.
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The picture above was a promotional plaque for the 4-piece band that was displayed at our gig and raffled off as a promotional gift.
Get in Touch with Me
I hope you've enjoyed looking through my history. Perhaps you have found some of my skills and talents to be of interest to you or your company. If so please reach out to me and share your thoughts. You can contact me via one of the following options.
Jason Stratos
Ludlow, MA 01056
Phone: (413) 204-8501 Cell/Text
Phone : (413) 204-8501
EMAIL ...
Jason@Stratos.Enterprises
JasonPaulStratos@gmail.com
Jason@StratosEntertainments.com
Jason@StratosPainting.com
Office Command Center
Abiltiy to work on three applications indepdenently all at the same time. Three times the productivity with much less effort.