Karl Van Essen

Versatile technical professional combining nearly six years of gas chromatograph tuning, calibration and troubleshooting with eleven years in technology sales and staff training. Recognized for quickly understanding a system, isolating the cause of a problem, verifying results and clearly documenting each step. Comfortable in production and support environments where precision, safety, service continuity and reliability are essential.

• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Customer service
• English
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Word
• Organization
• Problem solving
• Quality assurance
• Teamwork
• Time management

1. GC TUNING AND CALIBRATION TECHNICIAN / TECHNICAL SUPPORT

   LDETEK INC. / DWYEROMEGA

   Feb 2021 to Jun 2026

   Thetford Mines, Quebec

   • Tune, calibrate, test, adjust and prepare gas chromatographs before delivery or production release. • Analyze chromatograms, methods, sequences, flows, pressures, configurations, reports and stability indicators. • Diagnose instability related to gas supply, regulators, leaks, restrictions, components, methods and work handoffs. • Work with carrier and calibration gases, gas mixtures, columns, loops, valves, fittings, tubing, and pressure and flow control. • Collaborate with production, assembly, R&D, quality and customer service; create and improve checklists, notes, reports, labels, and safety and onboarding tools.

2. TECHNOLOGY SALES AND STAFF TRAINING

   STAPLES CANADA

   Jan 2010 to Jan 2021

   London, Ontario

   • Advise customers on computer hardware, software, accessories, warranties, printing, scanning and troubleshooting. • Support staff onboarding and training on products, workflows, service standards and practical troubleshooting steps. • Resolve service issues calmly through product knowledge and customer education while maintaining a professional customer experience.

3. Merchant technical support

   First Data Corporation

   Jan 2004 to Jan 2007

   Merchant technical support, POS terminals, payments, fraud, chargebacks, documentation and escalation.

4. Customer service

   CitiFinancial / Home Depot Credit

   Jan 2003 to Jan 2004

   Customer service, accounts, disputes, payments, retention, fraud and loss prevention.

5. Internet and computer support

   Online Support

   Jan 2001 to Jan 2002

   Internet and computer support for multiple providers across Canada and the United States; diagnosis, procedures and escalation.

1. Fanshawe College

   Hotel and Restaurant Management

   London

   1997 to 1998