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Strategic
Technology Leader

Hi, I’m Tony Schmidt.  Please look around to learn about my history and 15+ years of experience in the data and financial tech sectors.

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I jump at opportunities to connect and brainstorm with others. If you are a curious technologist or just want to learn more about me, let’s talk.

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Goal

I seek opportunities to leverage my 15+ years of experience as a resourceful, high-EQ senior technology leader driving strategic innovation, transformation, and growth with emerging technologies, building high-performing teams, and fostering cross-functional collaboration with tactical agility.

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My Story

I’ve always been resourceful and practical. This approach served me well as I matured from developer to project manager to leader, directing increasingly larger teams in strategic initiatives. My results-oriented mindset established me as a go-to leader in building complex technical solutions that drive business growth.

As I immersed myself in digital technology, I recognized how crucial my soft skills were to my professional success. I found myself equally comfortable connecting with business and non-technical audiences—a capability I refined through self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence.

I’ve thrived working cross-functionally as technology’s spokesperson to achieve remarkable outcomes.

1995-1999

Before "Big Data"

My early calling was to analyze and present data to support better decision-making long before “Big Data” was a thing. Using mainframes, I dug deep into analytics that made an impact.

1999-2003

The Hook

My discovery of coding was a pivotal moment in my career. I devoured all of Microsoft’s early programming tools and pushed the limits of each new release in web development. Soon after, my engineering mentor recruited me to a startup, and I couldn’t refuse. I was all in hook, line, and sinker.

2003-2007

Refining the Framework

I mastered the basics to maximize my impact as an analyst and developer. I did hands-on software engineering up and down the stack and learned how to build good software. This foundation in software architecture prepared me for future project leadership.

2007-2011

Delivering Solutions that Work

My love of tech to drive business helped me advance, leading me to roles leading larger teams in development and integration projects. In these roles, I communicated with techies and executives alike to bridge gaps in understanding. I collaborated with them to make innovative, efficient, customer-focused projects a reality.

2011-2015

Breaking New Ground in Fintech Innovation

My passion for technology grew as I developed innovative API solutions to serve the growing Fintech sector. This industry-leading approach fed the demand for tailored consumer interactions, enabling unprecedented growth and lasting partnerships.

2015-2019

Empathic Leadership in Action

I’ve built on my successes in collaborating with customers and internal stakeholders to find common ground.  I led by example and cultivated authentic connections, gaining the commitment and loyalty of my teams, peers, and customers. My development of mindful self-awareness and empathic approach has served me well in making big things happen.

2019-Present

Innovation for Tomorrow's Challenges

The continued growth of digital technology and the recent explosion of AI and cloud computing opens the door to a new age of opportunity. I love riding this wave of innovation and inventing novel ways to solve business challenges. 

Senior Leadership Experience

Throughout my career, I’ve directed technology innovation with a lean startup approach. This includes successfully implementing 9 deep integrations with the top 15 US big banks and 130+ Fintechs. I’ve spearheaded strategic growth and transformation initiatives including major platform migrations, Agile adoption, and automation. My experience leading 35+ member teams, building strategic B2B partnerships, and collaborating effectively with stakeholders has positioned me to make a significant impact in the next phase of my strategic leadership journey.

2024-Present

Chief Technology Officer

I define digital transformation strategy, technology roadmap, and tech requirements for re-platforming initiatives. This work includes identifying process gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for automation and KPI capture while reducing manual processes. I actively engage stakeholders to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and profitability, ensuring alignment between business needs and technical solutions.

2024-Present

Chief Technology Officer

I drive MenLiving’s tech vision, strategy, and execution using emerging technology to promote growth and interoperability while cutting costs by 40%. I ensure platform uptime, performance, security, metrics, and escalations. I manage seamless platform integration across HubSpot, Eventbrite, and payment processors Stripe and PayPal/Braintree.

2019-2024

Senior Director, Technology & Customer Engagement

As a senior technology spokesman, I worked cross-functionally to implement custom API SaaS integrations for real-time consumer credit data. I managed multiple technical teams responsible for pre-sales, integration, and operational delivery, supporting $165M in annual revenue. Through Lean-Agile methodologies, my delivery team achieved a 69 NPS score. TransUnion featured me in its 2023 diversity report for championing workplace mindfulness, well-being, and DEIB initiatives.

2017-2019

Senior Director, Technology Solutions​

I defined and executed Agile transformative strategies, improving transparency and predictability to 95%  in the Consumer Interactive business unit.  I hired and led a specialized team to deliver high-profile co-developed customer solutions to Fortune 100 companies on tight deadlines, leading to $16M in additional immediate revenue.

2011-2017

Director Of Technology

I directed the development and launch of a first-of-its-kind .NET API for Fintech and big banks to leverage real-time credit data. This solution capitalized on the growth in the Fintech space and secured industry-leading product revenue growth with top-tier customers.

2007-2011

Director, Applications Engineering

I led teams that spanned multiple functions. They delivered custom tech integrations and ensured PCI compliance, improving customer success and tech integration across a broad internal and customer ecosystem.

2003-2007

Technical Architect & Team Lead

I led a small but mighty startup team with engineers and experts from other functions. We used TransUnion’s brand and resources to expand its B2B Interactive Business Unit, which experienced decades of double-digit growth.

Contact me

  • Location
  • Chicago, IL
  • E-mail
  • Phone
  • 773.858.9551
  • Calendar
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