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 provides project management and high-level project installations.

Kris has a broad background in technology hardware and is Comptia A+ certified. Kris also achieved his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE 2003) certification and is certified with WatchGuard Technologies and on HP Procurve networking equipment.

Noah provides help desk support and server installations alongside our Network Operations Center staff. 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, his wife, Ashley, and their daughters Alia and Rae, live in Sauk City. Noah is a US Vet and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004.

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.

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 with Kevin and Ahren as a Systems Specialist.

Ahren, along with Kevin White and Adam Gremminger, 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 son, Carter, and the family dog, Shady.

Applied Tech welcomed Silas Groskreutz in December 2010 as a Systems Specialist. Silas comes to Applied Tech with a Bachelors of Arts in Economics from the UW-Madison and as a graduate from PC Pro Schools. Certifications include: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator), MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician) and SCA (Support Center Analyst).

Silas, a strategic game player, also enjoys cooking and spending time with his wife, Kelly, and their border collie. The Groskreutz family currently resides in DeForest.

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.

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.

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.

Chad Laibly joined Applied Tech as CSR specialist in August 2011. Chad joins us with over 4 years of technical experience working at The Chronicle of Higher Ed & The National Wildlife Federation, and 7 years in account management while running his own IT company. Supporting mainly law firms in the White House area of Washington, D.C., Chad understands the sense of urgency needed for businesses to succeed. Chad has a B.S. in Geology from the University of Iowa, with training that includes programs in The President's Club, Kaseya Managed Services, Help Desk, and SQL.

A WI native from Minocqua, Chad and his wife Nicci stay busy with their two little boys, Tristan and Adrian. A disabled veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Chad served in Operation: Desert Storm in 1991 while stationed at Rhein Main AB, Germany for 3 years. Chad enjoys martial arts and over the past 20 years has earned black belt rankings in both Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

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.

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, 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 enjoying spending time with family and friends back home, visiting his girlfriend at the UW-Green Bay, playing Xbox and watching movies.

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 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.

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.

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 studied at the UW-Madison where he earned a degree in Statistics and later at PC Pro Schools where he become a MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator). Cory is also has an HDA/CSS Certification (Help Desk Analyst and Customer Support Specialist), and has since earned his MCSE.

Before coming to Applied Tech, Cory managed the network and the point-of-sale system for all of the Pizza Hut of Southern Wisconsin restaurants. Cory’s time is split 70/30 working from our offices assisting with help desk calls and internal support and then providing onsite support for our customers, respectively.

Cory has a daughter, Abby, who was born in May 2008 . They currently reside in Madison.

Applied Tech welcomed Paul in August 2011 as a Systems Specialist. He brings over 10 years of prior IT support experience, which includes many years of desktop support and previous NOC support.

Paul is an avid movie buff, and enjoys motorcycling, traveling, seeing live music, helping friends brew beer, cooking, writing original music using computer software, and playing cards and board games weekly with friends. He is also an avid sports fan, primarily Formula 1 and Wisconsin sports, including the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers.

Paul currently lives in Monona with his girlfriend.

Julie joined Applied Tech is 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 attended Madison Area Technical College for Supervisory Management, Paralegal studies, Small Business Management and is now seeking to earn the Social Media Certificate.

Julie, a 2010 ATHENA Young Professional Award nominee, and a 2011 "40 under 40", as recognized by In Business magazine, currently serves as the Chairperson for the Public Relations Committee of the Madison Area Builders Association and is the Adopt-a-Family Coordinator for the Autism Society of Grater Madison during the holiday season. She can also be found ringing bells for Salvation Army and helping with food drives for Second Harvest Food Bank. Other times she can be found baking, painting, and spending time with family. Julie resides in Cottage Grove with her son, Corey, and their attention-demanding cat, Daisy.

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 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 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 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, a 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.

New to Applied Tech in October 2011, is Tom Stowell who joins us as a Systems Specialist. Tom has over 10 years of experience designing and running computer networks for schools and 15 years' experience with Linux, including a strong emphasis on security and risk management. This mastermind has also practiced in computer forensics, software vulnerability discovery and security incident prevention and response.

This "knowledge junkie" has earned multiple IT certifications including CompTia Security+, CompTia Project+, and the CompTia Advanced Security Practitioner certification and continues to seek out new accreditations. Tom also attended for Herzing University and Western Governors University, earning him a B.S. in Business Administration, and will be completing a B.S. in Information Technology and a MBA in Technology Management in the near future.

Tom enjoys consulting IT departments in improving their operations and currently lives in Windsor, WI.

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 fiancé, Lindsey, are planning a 2012 wedding and currently reside in Madison.

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 role of Operations Director and more recently Solutions Sales Architect.

James and his wife, Christin, live in Lodi with their daughter, Mia.

Kevin comes from Jones Publishing in Iola, Wisconsin where he ended his seven-year tenure as the IS Manager (Network and Database Administrator). Kevin is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), MCITP Enterprise Administrator, MCITP Database Administrator, and Certified ShoreTel Installer with 12+ years of experience in providing solutions for businesses. Kevin is staffed in our Stevens Point office.

"Applied Tech is one of the area's top I.T. firms for a reason. I am very impressed with the Applied Tech team and their approach to business consulting".

Kevin and his wife, Jaime, and their three boys reside in Plover, Wisconsin.

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.