Our Teams
Shawn Amison
Infrastructure Specialist
Shawn joined Applied Tech in March 2013 as an Infrastructure Specialist. Shawn, an IT Generalist by nature, is proficient with Citrix and Microsoft environments and currently holds the Citrix XenDesktop and Citrix XenServer certifications. Other skills include IT Project and Strategic Planning and Consulting.
A former student at Herzing, earning his associates degree in computer networking and security technology, is also on the road to earning his Bachelor’s degree. Shawn enjoys working on cars and is as self-proclaimed Car Nerd. Other hobbies include camping, hiking and cooking.
He has his wife, Ashley, live in Brooklyn, WI with their dogs, Daisy , a Basset Hound, and Simba, a Pomeranian.
Bo Bracey
Senior Systems Specialist
Meet Bo Bracey, Systems Specialist for Applied Tech since April 2006. Bo has more than ten years in the computer industry, is a Microsoft Certified Professional, and CompTia A+ Hardware Certified. His experience and training gives Bo the ability to diagnose technical matters, large or small, perform maintenance and monitoring, installations and configurations, and provide hardware sales and support.
Bo and his wife, Tracy, live in McFarland with their daughter, Octavia, born in January of 2009. Bo's primary hobby is audio engineering and voice-over. He has always enjoyed making interesting sounds, whether it is with his voice or his collection of keyboard synthesizers and other audio equipment.
Tracy Buttel
Accounting Manager
In July of 2001 Tracy Buttel joined Applied Tech, bringing with her 14 years of accounting experience. In addition to managing finance for Applied Tech, she is responsible for Human Resources, and coordinates strategic planning as a member of the leadership team. Tracy lives in Madison with her husband and two boys.
Chloe Carroll
Help Desk Technician
Chloe graduated from UW-Whitewater where she mixed academics with art club and rugby. Before working for Applied Tech, she worked as an IT specialist at UW-Whitewater and in computer repair – skills she brings to her job here. Off the clock, Chloe is an avid reader, costume maker, and frequents local conventions and get-togethers of the fan community.
Keith Carter
Systems Specialist
Applied Tech welcomed Keith Carter in March 2013 as a Systems Specialist. Keith comes to us with over 11 years of experience in help desk and Network Admin roles. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology that he earned from Herzing College. Keith the proud dad of twin boys and works out of our Madison office.
Kris Cears
Service Manager
Kristopher (Kris) Cears joined Applied Tech in October 2002. Kris manages our NOC (Network Operations Center) which includes managing our technicians and consulting with clients. Additionally, Kris assists with project management and administers Applied Tech's technology infrastructure.
Kris has a broad background in technology and holds many certifications. He most recently achieved his MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008 certification. He also has certifications in Microsoft Exchange 2010, Hyper-V, WatchGuard firewalls, and HP ProCurve networking products.
Kris lives in Beaver Dam with his fiancée, their four children, and German Shepherd.
Andrew Davis
Systems Specialist
Applied Tech welcomed Andrew Davis, Systems Specialist, in January 2013. Prior to Applied Tech, Andrew worked for Weather Central building and supporting the computers used in weather forecasting and presentation, and spent nearly two years with IBM. Andrew is a Herzing University graduate with a BS in Technology Management.
Originally from Rewey, WI where he grew up on a farm, Andrew and wife, Rita, currently live in Sauk City. When not working on computers Andrew is active in the Masonic Lodge.
Noah Donaldson
Senior Infrastructure Specialist
Noah joined Applied Tech in 2008 as a Systems Specialist where is provided help desk support and server installations. In 2011, Noah moved into project work as a Senior Infrastructure Specialist. As a previous Network Engineer with Sundial Software and CDW (formally Berbee), Noah comes to Applied Tech with an extensive record of certifications including the Microsoft Certified systems Administrator (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Desk Top Support Technician (MCDST), the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification, HDS/CSS (Help Desk Analyst /Customer Support Specialist), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and is A+ and Net+ Certified. Noah also holds numerous ShoreTel and Citrix certifications and is HIPPA Compliance Certified.
Noah, his wife, Ashley, and their children, Alia, Rae, and Milo live in Sauk City. Noah is a US Vet and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004.
Scott Drost
Senior Infrastructure Specialist
Scott Drost is a graduate of University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh with a Bachelors of Science Degree, specifically Computer Science with an emphasis on Computer Information Systems. Scott possesses professional experience in all Windows desktop operating systems, Small Business Server 2003 and 2008, training, is a Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA), and a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).
Scott, along with his wife, Jennifer, have three children, and live in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Mark Earleywine
Help Desk Technician
Mark began at Applied Tech in December 2012 as a Help Desk Technician after an internship at the UW Health Innovation Program as an IT assistant. Mark attended UW La Crosse and earned a degree in Vocal Music. He is now attending Herzing University for a degree in Computer Networks. Mark focuses on everything from help desk tasks to network administration.
Mark currently resides in Madison and can be found playing volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee golf or games (board, tabletop, card, or video).
Whitney Erickson
Systems Specialist
Whitney started with Applied Tech in February 2012 as a Systems Specialist in our Waukesha office. She comes to Applied Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences from Carroll University with minors in administration and communication.
Whitney is a Microsoft Certified Desk Top Support Technician (MCDST) and a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). This busy-body enjoys playing sports including basketball, softball, skiing, and running but she can also be found in the kitchen whipping up something new, playing video games and fixing computers. Whitney currently lives in Muskego, WI.
Adam Gremminger
Senior Systems Specialist
Adam, prior to joining Applied Tech in 2009, served nine years in the Air Force, stationed at Scott AFB, IL and Minot AFB, ND. Adam also served three deployments in the middle east for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Adam received an Associates of Science Information Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force and is a CompTIA Security+ and Network+ Certified Professional.
Since coming to Wisconsin, Adam bought a farmette in Blaine, WI with his wife, Tera. The two have added goats, chickens, guinea fowl and look forward to growing their herd. Adam enjoys the outdoors, hunting, amateur radio, and is a firearms enthusiast. Adam works out of our Stevens Point office as a Senior Systems Specialist.
Ahren Groshek
Senior Systems Specialist
Ahren works with our clients out of our Stevens Point office and is also part of our Network Operation Center assisting with help desk calls. Before joining Applied Tech, Ahren worked for RMM Solutions in Wausau, WI and the Central Wisconsin Wireless Internet Service in Amherst, WI.
Ahren attended Fox Valley Technical Collage, focusing on Computing & Information Services (CIS Networking) and hardware/software. Ahren has earned his SBS Certification (Small Business Server), Windows Server 2003 certification, XP Certification , and is also A+ Certified, and HP Workstation and Laptop certified. Ahren lives in Steven point with wife, Mary, their children, Carter and Olivia, and the family dog, Shady.
Jackie Hahn
Office Manager - AP/AR
Jackie began at Applied Tech in September 2007 as our Office Manager and Accounting Assistant. She brings over 15 years experience in accounts receivables and office management skills
Jackie and her husband, Andy, have two children, Ashley and Travis. Jackie appreciates time spent with her family and friends. She and Andy bowl together on a bi-weekly team in Deforest and Jackie participates in volleyball in the summer. The entire family enjoys getting away on weekends, going for family bike rides, and watching the Packers and Badgers games together.
Shane Hilt
Systems Specialist
Applied Tech welcomed Shane in December 2010 as a Systems Specialist. Shane attended Herzing College for Computer Networking and Security and is CompTia A+ Certified. Prior to joining Applied Tech, Shane was a Remote PC Service Advisor at TDS Telecom.
Shane currently lives in Madison and enjoys rollerblading and playing piano.
Chris Hoppe
Senior Systems Specialist
o Bio Coming
Gabe Kolesari
Technical/Outside Sales
Gabe began with Applied Tech in September 2011 as a Senior Systems Specialist. Gabe comes with over 17 years of IT experience; working as both a consultant and IT manager. He also holds the Microsoft Certified Professional accreditation, the Certified SonicWall Security Administrator certification, and is a Citrix Certified Administrator. Gabe is now staffing our Waukesha office that opened in October 2011.
This outdoorsman enjoys camping, hiking, rocketry, cooking, and his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America. Gabe currently lives in Sussex, WI with his wife, daughter, son and two dogs.
Jesse Malak
Systems Specialist
Jesse began at Applied Tech in July 2009 as a Systems Specialist after graduating from PC Pro School. Jesse's certification include: Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Desktop Support Technician, Service Desk Professional, and PC ProSchools Hands-on Technician.
As the oldest of three active brothers, Jesse enjoys motorcycling with his youngest brother, who is a professional motorcycle racer, and keeping fit with this other brother who is a personal trainer. Jesse currently lives in Beaver Dam, WI.
Heather Marker
Help Desk Technician
Heather began at Applied Tech in October 2008 as a Help Desk Technician. Heather provides help desk support and troubleshooting alongside our Network Operations Center staff.
Heather is a graduate of PC Pro School of Madison. She has certifications as a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification, Support Center Analyst (SCA) and is currently pursuing her Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA) certification.
Heather moved to Madison in 2007 from Pennsylvania and now lives in Fitchburg.
Bill Martin
Director of Outside Sales
Bill started with Applied Tech in October of 2010 as Director of Outside Sales. Prior to that, he had 15 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, including the last 13 years at TDS.
Bill received a degree in Marketing from Michigan State University and currently serves on the board of directors for Jazz at Five.
Dustin Martin
Help Tech Technician
Dustin, a Level One Technician, began his journey with Applied Tech in November 2011. Leaving Sheboygan for Madison to attend Herzing University, and later working in their IT department, Dustin is currently working on his Bachelors of Science in Technology Management with a Minor in Computer Networking Security Technology. Also on Dustin's agenda: to earn an assortment of Microsoft Certifications.
In his spare time, Dustin enjoys spending time with family and friends back home, visiting his girlfriend at the UW-Green Bay, playing Xbox and watching movies.
Jason Mathews
Systems Specialist
Jason joined Applied Tech is August 2012 as a Systems Specialist. Jason is a proficient IT professional with over 14 years of experience in the IT field, spending 8 years as the IT Manager for ACD Distribution and with the Montello Public Schools. Other than computers, Jason's hobbies include building and fixing guitars and amplifiers. No stranger to music, he can often be found practicing his craft and occasionally is spotted at the Potbelly restaurant inside West Towne Mall providing live performances with his friends. Jason's girlfriend is a drummer in a local rock band (Stem Cell Researcher by day) and he helps with set up/tear down of her kit as well. Jason is the proud father of two teenage children and currently lives in Madison with their two cats.
Candi Mehlberger
Accounting Analyst
Applied tech welcomed Candi Mehlberger in July 2011 as an Accounting Analyst. Candi is a graduate of Iowa State University where she earned a BBA in Accounting and passed the CPA exam. Having worked as an Accountant for Peapod and RMT (Environmental Engineering firm), Applied Tech is excited to have Candi on our team!
Candi lives in Sun Prairie with her three children, Nicholas, Jasper and Isabelle, and the family dog, Emily, a bichon shih tzu mix "teddy bear". With kids in tow, Candi can often be found outside enjoying rollerblading, walking or biking.
Michael Meyer
Senior Systems Specialist
Michael Joined Applied Tech in March 2011 as a Systems Specialist. Coming in with over eight years' experience in IT, most notably networking and programming, Michael skills quickly proved valuable to our NOC (Network Operations Center).
Michael attended UW Marshfield/Wood Country and Herzing University where he graduated with a Bachelor degree in Computer Science and Networking Technology in 2010. His interest and knowledge of computer expands outside the usual 9-to-5, as Michael can often be found tinkering with computers in his free time along with playing video games.
Michael currently resides in Madison.
Brian Miller
Systems Specialist
Brian joined Applied Tech in February 2012 as a Systems Specialist and is located in our Waukesha office. As a previous automotive and technology service manager, Brian has extensive experience in leading work teams in technical and retail environments. He as earned his A+ Certification and is looking forward to completing the CCNA exam this summer following graduation from the Waukesha County Technical College for his degree in Information Technology-Network Specialist.
Brian, his wife, Brenda, and their 2 sons live in Pewaukee, WI. Together they enjoy camping and fishing. Brian is also active in the boy's sporting events including football, baseball, basketball and hockey.
Brian Paulson
Systems Specialist
Brian joined Applied Tech in June 2012 as a Systems Specialist in our Steven Point, WI office. Prior to Applied Tech, Brian was with the United States Marine Corps from 1993-1995 as a combat veteran in Somalia, followed by internships as a PC technician for Mid-State Technical college and with Stevens Point Area School District. Additionally, Brian was awarded with the Discovery 1 & 2 certifications as a Cisco Certified Network Associate and is a 2012 graduate of Mid-State Technical College.
This Stevens Point native enjoys motorcycling and DJing and is “single but looking”. Brian works at Applied Tech’s Stevens Point location and is part of the Orion Team.
Zach Peters
NOC Manager
Applied Tech welcomed Zach Peters to our Network Operations Center as a Systems Specialist in April 2010. Zach relocated from Iowa, where he worked in an IT Consulting position and graduated from Hamilton College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. In his free time, Zach enjoys photography, playing guitar, and maintaining his blog, The Helpful Hacker.
In late 2010, Zach took on the role of Senior Systems Specialist and quickly progressed to NOC Manager
Daniel Petersen
Business Management Solution Specialist
Daniel Petersen received his Bachelor of Science degree from the UW Madison with a double major in Computer Sciences and Philosophy. He has ten years of professional experience in the IT industry, and has primarily focused on database and CRM solutions. He has spent the last eight years as a business intelligence analyst and project manager at Applied Tech. He has achieved his MBSCP certifications in Dynamics CRM in the Applications, Customization, and Installation and Configuration categories as well as the certification for Dynamics GP (Great Plains) Financials.
Daniel and his wife, Casey, live in Madison with their 2 sons, James and William.
Cory Rammer
Account Manager
Cory studied Computer Science and Statistics at UW-Madison where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He continued his education with PC Pro Schools to earn an MCSA certification, and later, an MCSE certification (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator/Engineer).
After 2 years of help desk experience at Applied Tech, Cory moved into the Account Manager role. He enjoys partnering with organizations to find legitimately helpful IT solutions that address business needs.
Outside of work, Cory enjoys playing volleyball and participating in fitness events. He has a daughter, Abby, who was born in May 2008. They currently reside in Madison.
Zach Saunders
Business Information Systems Specialist
Zach Saunders began at Applied Tech in August 2012 as an entry level Business Information Systems Developer. Within two months of hire, Zach passed the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Applications exam, making him a Microsoft Dynamics Certified Technology Specialist. While having previous experience with doing machine builds and help desk support, Zach’s primary interest is coding, development and programming. Zach is also currently attending Madison College for Business Management.
Zach and his wife, Kristen, live in Verona.
Justin Schroeder
Customer Service Rep
Applied Tech welcomed Justin in July 2012 as a CSR (Customer Service Representative). Justin will assist with quoting, purchasing, deal registrations, vendor and customer relations. He is finishing up his Bachelor of Science in Technology Management at Herzing and has been working in hardware sales and service for the past three years. In his free time, Justin enjoys golf, hiking and video games and currently lives in Sun Prairie, WI.
Julie Sheldon
Marketing & Events Manager
Julie joined Applied Tech in 2003 as the Communication Coordinator for two years and then returned to Applied Tech in an expanded role of the Marketing & Events Manager in 2007.
Julie, a 2012 Woman of the Year candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a 2011 "40 under 40", as recognized by In Business magazine, and a 2010 ATHENA Young Professional Award nominee, is currently the Adopt-a-Family Coordinator for the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin (more info) where she also serves as a Board Director.
Additionally, Julie has served on the Board of Directors for the High Tech Happy Hour and the Madison Area Builders Association where she also held Chair positions for the Programs and Public Relations Committees. In her free time, she enjoys time with family & friends, baking, and painting. She resides in Cottage Grove with her son, Corey.
Kurt Sippel
President
Kurt Sippel is president and CEO of Applied Tech Solutions Inc., a firm he started in Madison in 1999 to focus on the technology needs of small and medium -sized businesses. Kurt started his technology career at age 18 by consulting with various small businesses in Fond du Lac County.
He then worked eight years for the University of Wisconsin -Madison where he managed the teaching and research technology needs for the La Follette School of Public Affairs while pursuing a master's in urban and regional planning. Among his accomplishments in this job was the establishment of the first production Windows NT network and the first production Microsoft Exchange server on UW Madison Campus.
He left the university to start his own firm, Applied Tech, in 1999. In 2005, Applied Tech moved into its current location, a 5000 square foot building in the heart of Madison's redeveloped Central Park region. In 2005, Applied Tech again expanded acquiring a firm in Stevens Point, WI.
Eric Stebbins
Systems Specialist
Eric joined Applied Tech in September 2011 as a Systems Specialist. Eric attended PC Pro Schools where he received various Microsoft Certifications, which include Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician, and he is currently going for the MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator). Eric also received the HDI's Support Center Analyst certification. As a previous independent IT consultant, Eric has experience ranging from Windows Server 2008, SBS 2008, Exchange 2007 and 2010, as well as other various server operating systems.
In his spare time, Eric enjoys hiking and gaming, and just about everything in between. He also volunteers as HAM radio operation for various events in the area. As Eric reports, his biggest pleasure in life is furthering his knowledge and capabilities. Eric, originally from Sauk Prairie, currently lives in Madison.
Gary Steuck
Vice President/Member of the Board
Gary joined the board of Applied Tech in 2004 and assisted Kurt with strategy and financial oversight. He became a part time employee (which makes him difficult to contact) in 2007 and oversees finance and marketing as well as continuing to work on strategy and general management issues.
Gary began his career in IT in manufacturing with US Shoe, Beloit Tool and Rockwell Corporation before moving to Madison and working for the State of Wisconsin as a network designer and for IBM in sales. For seven years he ran computer operations and built data centers for Lands' End. In 1989, Gary became VP of Quality Assurance with responsibility for apparel sourcing and then VP of Inventory with responsibility for forecasting and buying all Lands' End inventory as well as running the liquidations businesses.
He spent several years in Japan as president of Lands' End Japan, interim president of Office Depot Japan and shutdown president of REI's Tokyo flagship store. He was the first CEO of RedEnvelope.com in San Francisco and president of Bigtoesports.com as well as VP, COO of Zoroufy Stair Rods. He has provided consulting services for REI, Blair Corporation, Incredibleart.com, Starbelly, The Guild and American Girl among others.
Gary lives outside Verona with his wife Laura and golden retrievers True and Kuma.
John Storke
Account Manager
John attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls with a focus on Management of Information Systems and graduated from Madison Area technical College as a Help Desk Specialist. John, proven customer service elite, is the liaison between clients, vendors and internal staff to ensure satisfaction from beginning to end.
John currently serves on the MATC I.T. Advisory Committee and has received sales certifications from Citrix, WatchGuard, Microsoft Volume Licensing, and HP SMB Solutions.
This true Wisconsin-ite, enjoys Badger and Packer football, spending time with family, golfing, hunting and playing cards. John currently lives in Cross Plains with his son, Ethan.
Grant Stroobants
Senior Systems Specialist
Applied Tech welcomed Grant Stroobants in November 2012 as a Senior Systems Specialist. Grant stems from Direct Networks with experience in architecting, building, and maintaining hosted Exchange, SharePoint, BES, and VPS environments. In addition, Grant has earned the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification, along with the Microsoft SQL cert.
Originally from Chilton, WI, Grant moved to Madison where he graduated from Herzing University with a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management/ Computer Networking and Security. Grant currently lives in Fitchburg and enjoys the quick access to the Capital City Bike Trail. Other hobbies include Skiing, snowboarding and boating. Grant is a member of the Phoenix Team.
Melissa True
Systems Specialist
Melissa joined Applied Tech in August 2012 as a Systems Specialist. Prior to joining our team, she was the Crew Chief in the Air Force on the B52 Bomber aircraft for two enlistments and subsequently went on to provide IT support in a casino in Louisiana. Fast forward 20 years to today when Melissa moved back to Beloit to be with her family and began her journey with Applied Tech. Melissa keeps busy with her 3 dogs, 14year-old old Beagle mix Tyler, and two Chihuahuas - Shelby and Zeus, and enjoys photography, gaming, movies and motorcycle riding. For the future, Melissa is looking forward to earning Microsoft and Mac certifications and returning to her beloved destination spot, Scotland, for a vacation.
Joe Van Maldegiam
Systems Specialist
Joe joined Applied Tech in December 2010 as a Systems Specialist. Joe was previously the Systems Administrator/Platform Deployment Specialist at the UW-Oshkosh, where he also earned a Bachelor of Letter and Science degree. Joe also graduated as a Digital Recording Engineer in 2010.
In his spare time, Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends, boating, and music, and hopes to continue his passion for music by joining a band as the tenor sax player. Joe and his wife, Lindsey, currently reside in Madison.
James Walstad
Sales Manager
James Walstad received his Bachelors of Business degree from the UW Whitewater with a major in Information Technology. James began his career working for Kimberly-Clark on the Enterprise Exchange Server team and from there, he moved to Minneapolis to start his path into IT Consulting.
In Minneapolis, James was a Senior IT Consultant working on projects ranging from supporting multi-server environments to implementing a Cisco Router Wide Area Network. James decided, after several years in Minneapolis, to move back to Madison where he accepted a position with Applied Tech. He has been at Applied Tech since 2004 and has taken on the roles of Operations Director, Solutions Sales Architect and Sales Manager.
James and his wife, Christin, live in Lodi with their daughter, Mia.
Kevin White
Business Solutions Specialist
Kevin joined Applied Tech in June of 2008. Originally from Iowa, Kevin's systems experience began as an AutoCAD drafter and CNC programmer. His interest in managing his employer's Novell network in the '90s resulted in his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification and Associate of Science in Information Technology. Since then, Kevin has added IT management, database administration, and programming to his career achievements.
Kevin's current roles include: implementing Microsoft infrastructure and ShoreTel VoIP projects, designing and implementing Microsoft SQL Business Intelligence solutions, assisting with SharePoint and Dynamics CRM deployments, and advising Applied Tech clients as an account manager. Kevin is a MCITP Enterprise Administrator, MCITP Database Administrator, MCITP Business Intelligence Developer, MCTS Dynamics CRM Specialist, and a Certified ShoreTel Installer.
Kevin is based in our Stevens Point office. He shares his optimism and 12+ years of business technology experience with many entities across Wisconsin. Kevin, his wife Jaime, and their three boys reside in Plover, Wisconsin.
Dallas Widing
Senior Systems Specialist
bio coming soon
John Woodburn
Systems Specialist
John, Systems Specialist and MSCE certified, joined Applied Tech in February 2011 with over 20 years of technical support experience. John, originally from the Midwest, transplanted from California in 2006. While in California, John earned an Associate of Science Degree in Drafting and Computer Aided Design at El Camino College and graduated from PIT at the Musician's Institute in Hollywood. John has had the pleasure of performing professionally as a drummer and percussionist in the L.A. area, still plays regularly here in Madison.
John currently lives in Madison with his son and enjoys sailing, motorcycling, skiing and organic gardening.
