Network Engineer: Kristoffer Homrich

Wednesday, June 12, 2013
People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource.

Official Title: Network Engineer II

But this title sounds much snazzier: Protector of the Interwebs

What do you do at IT Resource?  Do you have any special certifications? I am a Network Engineer with an emphasis in building secure data & voice networks.  I currently hold CCNA & CCNA-Security certifications.

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? Start a company that restores classic cars.

Do you have any hidden talents? I can imitate voices. I’ve been known to prank a co-worker or two with some interesting voices.

What is the best part about working at IT Resource? The people and the new challenges that arise every day.

How long have you worked at ITR? Since March 25, 2013

If you knew then, what you know now, what piece of advice would you give yourself? Live every moment to its fullest. Don’t wait until tomorrow to achieve what can be done today!

What do you want to be when you grow up? A highly certified & experienced Cisco engineer.

What is the most interesting, non-IT related, job you’ve ever had? I worked in a warehouse during my college years. The people were much older than me but my personality opened up friendships where I got an education about the successes and pitfalls of life. Some lessons can’t be learned from a textbook!

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you. I’m a bit of a handyman when it comes to cars, home improvement projects or computers/technology. I like to figure out how things work and have a knack for fixing things.

Rising Star: Kim Helmers

Saturday, September 22, 2012
People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource.

Official Title: Sales & Marketing Assistant

But this title sounds much snazzier: Administrative Maven and Event / Campaign Planner

What do you do at IT Resource, and do you have any special certifications: I support the sales and marketing operations in any way I can. I am gaining practical experience and knowledge of the business functions at IT Resource while learning valuable sales and marketing skills.

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? I would open my own coffee shop & roastery, but then I would probably drink most of my inventory

Do you have any hidden talents? Yes, but if I told you they wouldn’t be hidden

What is the best part about working at IT Resource? The people. Everyone is very friendly, funny, and easy to get along with.

How long have you worked at IT Resource? Since September, 2012

If you knew then, what you know now, what piece of advice would you give yourself? The more you procrastinate, the more stressed you become

What do you want to be when you grow up? I am still trying to figure that one out.

What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had that was not IT related? I worked at a lodge near the lakeshore and once had to take care of 18 children with 1 other woman while all the parents had a night on the town.

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you. My favorite band is Led Zeppelin

Gary Lutz: Our Fearless Leader

Monday, September 10, 2012
People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource.

Official Title: Sr. Partner/President

But this title sounds much snazzier: Chief Cat Shepherd
What do you do at IT Resource, and what certifications do you have: As co-owner and President, I have three primary responsibilities:
- Provide strategic planning for the overall growth and stability of the company
- Build and maintain our vendor partnerships and relationships
- Oversee and manage our technical engineering team and provide customer and project leadership
I maintain several sales and technical certifications with many of our partners including VMware, Microsoft, HP, EMC, Cisco, Symantec and others.

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? I would discover a clean and endless energy source.

Do you have any hidden talents? I can play the drums

What is the best part about working at ITR? Our customers and staff. Oh, and the fact that no two days are ever alike.
Here's Gary & Griff at a customer appreciation event that IT Resource sponsored eariler this year.

How long have you worked at ITR? Since the idea for the company was hatched in November, 2000.

If you knew then, what you know now, what piece of advice would you give yourself? Take bigger chances, take more time off.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Taller

What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had that was not IT related? I worked at a pickle growing and storage facility where I held several positions from mowing and fieldwork to brining the tanks and managing the pickle sorting process. It included hard physical labor, long hours, managing a diverse workforce and a bit of chemistry. It had it all.

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you. During my summers between 4th and 6th grades, I played drums in a college-aged jazz band that played summer concerts at parks and events throughout the local area. I still have recordings of the concerts made on an old portable cassette recorder.

IT Consultant: Todd Hekkema

Friday, April 27, 2012

People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource.

Official Title: IT Consultant

What do you do at IT Resource, and what certifications do you have: I provide day-to-day and project support to our customers who range from small to enterprise level companies.


What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? Play Quarterback for the University of Michigan.

Do you have any hidden talents? No

What is the best part about working at ITR? My co-workers

How long have you worked at ITR? 7 years

If you knew then, what you know now, what piece of advice would you give yourself? Summers off baby, be a teacher…!

What do you want to be when you grow up? A well-to-do retiree

What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had that was not IT related? Landscaper

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you: I'm loud...they know everything about me.

Designing Technology Solutions: Tim Felstead

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource. 

Official Title: IT Consultant

But this title sounds much snazzier: The Oracle

What do you do at IT Resource, and what certifications do you have: I design, implement and maintain technology solutions. I hold multiple Microsoft Windows Server certifications.

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? I would attempt anything and everything. Except maybe changing the lights on the Mackinac Bridge… you gotta be el loco to do that. Or washing windows on a skyscraper. That doesn’t sound appealing either. Or jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. Actually, I might do that.

Do you have any hidden talents? No, I have been unable to find them. They are apparently really good at hiding.

What is the best part about working at ITR? The customers

How long have you worked at ITR? 10+ years

If you knew then, what you know now, what piece of advice would you give yourself? If I knew then the things that I know now, what I know now would be something entirely different. If I went back in time to change the future, how could I possibly know the ramifications of my actions? I have no idea how to speculate on advice that I would give to myself regarding knowledge that I have yet to obtain.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Me

What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had that was not IT related? Surveying land for new developments

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you: I play guitar

Sales Savvy: Carrie Borchers

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource. 

Official Title: Director of Sales

But this title sounds much snazzier: Queen Bee

What do you do at IT Resource, and what certifications do you have: I lead the sales and marketing efforts for ITR. In this role I work to develop new customer relationships for ITR and work with existing customers to develop new solutions that enhance their business. I have four Cisco certifications: Advanced Unified Communications Account Manager, Unified Communications Express Account Manager, Express Foundation Account Manager and Sales Expert.

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? Write. I love to read and have all sorts of novels and blog posts “in my head”. Someday. I will be a published writer.  

Do you have any hidden talents? Hmmmm. I minored in Spanish and Dance in undergrad, but that doesn’t make me skilled at the Flamenco! I am an avowed sports nuts and stats aficionado. I won my all-male fantasy football league in my inaugural year and also beat all the boys in my March Madness bracket.

What is the best part about working at ITR? We are a growing company in a dynamic industry. It’s impossible to get bored! And we have great leaders who are striving for continual improvement and excellent customer service and satisfaction. The sky is the limit here and I am pleased to be a part of the team mapping its course!

How long have you worked at ITR? SInce December, 2008

If you knew then, what you know now, what piece of advice would you give yourself? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Take more risks. And my parents were right. About pretty much everything.

Carrie with her father Dave at the Grand Rapids Athena Awards Ceremony

What do you want to be when you grow up? I’m not 40 yet. Ask me later.

What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had that was not IT related? Aerobics instructor

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you. I lived in Spain for a summer

Molly Reid

Monday, March 19, 2012

People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource. 

Official Title: Senior Account Executive

But this title sounds much snazzier: Strategic Solution Collaborator

What do you do at IT Resource, and what certifications do you have: I am responsible for the identification and qualification of opportunities in the education, government and small to medium business sector, where computer system environments will need design and upgrades to improve performance, profitability, & investment. Gaining an understanding of customer goals and current network challenges in the areas including infrastructure, software, and communications will allow assistance in customer transformation & business results. Additional responsibilities include account management of new and ongoing relationships to accomplish the organization’s mission for exceptional service and customer satisfaction.

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? Everything and anything~ but skydiving for sure…I do not like heights!

Do you have any hidden talents? Cooking, art, photography and I know enough to get me into trouble with many other things~

What is the best part about working at ITR? The people and feeling of community within our office

How long have you worked at ITR? Since February 6, 2012

If you knew then, what you know now, what piece of advice would you give yourself? ”It’s never too late to be what you might have been” (George Elliot)

What do you want to be when you grow up? Not sure…still growing

What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had that was not IT related? Being a mother…you never know what’s next

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you: My real name is Mary Margaret

Making a Difference: Hans Van Baal

Thursday, March 15, 2012

People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource. 

Official Title: Technical Service Manager

But this title sounds much snazzierVP, Professional Services

What do you do at IT Resource, and what certifications do you have: I herd cats…
Develop and manage a world class service delivery organization that consistently exceeds customer expectations, creates’ a work culture that is self-fulfilling and rewarding and contributes to the overall profitable growth and health of the company.

Do you have any hidden talents? Probably. That’s why they’re hidden.

What is the best part about working at ITR? The expectation and freedom to “make a difference”.

How long have you worked at ITR? 1+ year

What do you want to be when you grow up? Retired, wealthy, good looking, smarter, content…

What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had that was not IT related? An orderly in a hospital

Cisco Superstar: Andrew Petersen

Friday, March 09, 2012

People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource. 

Official Title: IT Consultant

But this title sounds much snazzierOverseer of the Interwebs

What do you do at IT Resource, and what certifications do you have: I am a Cisco engineer and I set up Internet and VoIP telephony for companies. I hold my CCNA and CCNP-Voice.


What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? I have always been interested in free jumping with wing suits. I would like to jump off some of the highest points in the world and land on my feet.

Do you have any hidden talents? It isn’t exactly a secret but I am a dancer in the latin, ballroom, and swing styles.

What is the best part about working at ITR? I get to work on some big projects that challenge me. I also get to sink my teeth into solid IT projects. The people are cool too.

How long have you worked at ITR? Since summer, 2011

If you knew then, what you know now, what piece of advice would you give yourself? Focus on how to communicate and understand people better.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Exactly what I am now (just traveling to cool places more).

What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had that was not IT related? I helped with sales in Chicago and got to meet some really neat people and hang out at some really swanky places.

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you: I have ridden in an Abrams tank.

Always Here to Help You: Lori Brandt

Monday, February 27, 2012

People profiles give you a chance to meet our staff - the folks you may deal with on a regular basis here at IT Resource.

Official Title: Help Desk Manager

What do you do at IT Resource, and what certifications do you have? My extensive experience in providing exceptional Help Desk services to clients will enhance ITR’s ability to triage service activities on behalf of our customers, driving quality through the customer experience from call initiation through completion. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors, and my certifications include MCITP (Microsoft Certified IT Professional), MCTS (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist), MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician), and MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional).



What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? I would love to be able to turn invisible, whenever I wanted.

What is the best part about working at ITR? Hans, our technical services manager – he is the voice of reason!

How long have you worked at IT Resource? Since February, 2011

If you knew then, what you know now, what piece of advice would you give yourself? It’s always about the politics!

What do you want to be when you grow up? A billionaire :)

What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had that was not IT related? I worked 3rd shift in a factory (in the summer) where they kept the doors open all night. Every night, when I got to work, I had to coat myself with bug spray in order to keep the mosquitos away.

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you. That I used to be a cowgirl… seriously, I owned a horse, and still have the saddle and tack equipment in my garage.