Years of Experience
I’m Joe Fleming and I founded SQL Tailor Consulting with more than 20 years of Microsoft SQL Server experience including 7 years as a consultant for other firms. I learned a lot from each place I worked and decided to try to combine the best parts of each into a balanced consultancy. I’ve had a lot of success in implementing DR strategies, setting up Availability Groups and Failover Clusters, working with replication, performance tuning, and evaluating overall SQL Server health.
With decades of experience as a SQL Server DBA, I’ve worked across industries including financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, software, retail, logistics, and education. From single, multi-terabyte databases to environments with thousands of smaller databases, I’ve optimized and secured systems to meet—and often exceed—performance and uptime requirements. Every engagement brings a new challenge, and I thrive on delivering tailored solutions that align with each client’s specific operational goals.
My journey with Microsoft SQL Server began in 1998 with version 6.5, and I’ve been hands-on through every major release since—including the infamous 2008R2 release in 2010. I’ve led and supported upgrades through changing technologies and environments, giving me a nuanced understanding of both legacy systems and the latest innovations.
SQL Tailor was founded on a deep technical foundation, built over years of solving high-impact SQL Server problems. My specialties include performance tuning, root-cause troubleshooting, HA/DR architecture, backup and recovery, cloud migrations, version upgrades, and routine patching. I’ve seen firsthand how overlooked issues can cost companies thousands in lost productivity and stress. My mission is to prevent that—and bring clarity, confidence, and calm to your SQL Server operations. Got questionable advice from ChatGPT? I’m happy to be the voice of sanity.
Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to mentoring others. Whether informally on the job or formally as the leader of a local SQL Server User Group, I believe knowledge grows best when shared. I’m a frequent speaker at SQL Server events across North America, including conferences in Canada, Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and North Carolina—with more always on the horizon.
I know a lot about SQL Server. I want to share that with clients and community members so that data everywhere is in good hands. On the other hand, I don’t know everything, so I am always looking for new opportunities to learn.
Everything I do, I do as if my grandma was watching me (she is; I am sure of it), and I want to make her proud.
It’s amazing what a little care and kindness toward others can accomplish. This goes for education, client service, and quality of service. Sometimes the best way to go faster is to slow down and analyze the path you want to take first.
I believe that our purpose in this life is to support others in theirs and help remove stumbling blocks. Personally and professionally, I want to make life easier for people and help them solve problems.
Life without laughter would be hard for me to imagine. I grew up on such tidbits of wisdom as “Pain hurts and fire burns” and “You cantaloupe with my daughter, or I’ll squash you!” What’s funny to me might only be confusing to you, but I’ll probably share it anyway, because it makes me laugh.
These success stories not only showcase our commitment to excellence, but also the real-world benefits of partnering with SQL Tailor.
