Gaston Kennedy

‘I gain real satisfaction from learning the interesting and creative processes of our clients’ businesses, and then using that knowledge to help them further their business goals.’

What’s your biggest challenge at SisAdmin?
Keeping multiple networks running at once. I’ve become quite the expert in the intricacies of how today’s networks work – or don’t!

What’s this about you wanting to be a doctor?
I thought for sure I’d go on to Med School after college, until a job in software development changed that plan. In 1994, I had the opportunity to write an automated credit card transaction program for a large regional chain of athletic clubs. At its peak, this software processed over 30,000 transactions per month. I got hooked on tech at that point, and decided to diagnose and treat computers instead of humans.

What did you do next?
A national chain bought out my employer, which gave me the opportunity to pursue an MCSE and serve as the regional IT contact for the Northwest division of 24 Hour Fitness. I then helped start a company called Cerebix. I worked as a Network Engineering Consultant to small to mid size companies, determining network requirements and providing setup and support for a wide range of Microsoft and non-Microsoft products.

Your favorite part of your job?
I love the never-ending technical puzzles that I get to solve every day and – I know this is strange for a “techie” – but I really like the face time with clients. I think I’m pretty good at explaining highly technical solutions in a way that resonates clearly with non-techies.

What are your hobbies?
I like to mountain bike and ski the backcountry, partially because they’re pretty technical pursuits, but they use a different part of the brain.