About Emerald Technology Group

James

I’ve been immersed in the world of Corporate IT since 1995 and achieved my MCSE in 1999. In 2003, My wife and I initiated Emerald Technology Group, which I’m proud to have played a pivotal role in growing into one of Lane County’s top IT partners. My expertise lies in network engineering and cybersecurity consulting, honed through years of hands-on experience.

What drives me in my work is the opportunity to assist businesses and organizations in achieving their objectives and safeguarding their interests. By engaging in human-centric conversations and gaining a deep understanding of their needs and concerns, I can meet them on their terms, delivering services faster and crafting tailor-made solutions.

At Emerald, my greatest source of satisfaction is when a customer realizes that we’re not just a vendor but a true partner. It’s about making that unique connection with our clients, a connection that extends beyond conventional business boundaries. We’re committed to doing what’s right for the customer, not just what benefits us, embodying the spirit of “Miracle on 34th Street.”

One of my must-read recommendations is Patrick Lencioni’s book, “Getting Naked,” emphasizing the significance of authenticity in client relationships. I encourage all our team members and customers to delve into its transformative concepts.

Beyond the professional realm, I lead an active lifestyle, enjoying woodworking, truck restoration, camping, fishing, hiking, and actively participating in youth robotics coaching and 4H. activities on our small farm. A unique aspect is I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, particularly in the realms of cybersecurity and business. My favorite podcast, “Dark Net Diaries,” is a compelling exploration of why cybersecurity is of utmost importance. I find inspiration in the works of thought leaders like Simon Sinek, Dave Ramsey, Patrick Lencioni, Dan Sullivan, and many others.

Nathan

Embarking on my professional journey, I cultivated ingenuity and hard work during my early years working at a grass seed farm during high school. Transitioning into the dynamic world of Graphic Arts and printing, I witnessed and actively participated in the digital transformation of these industries. This propelled me into a 9-year tenure managing the IT department of a nonprofit, where I learned to leverage technology as a tool and amplify my ability to assist others. Shifting towards my interest in business, management, and technology, I transitioned into an IT consulting role. This eventually led me to establish my own successful IT consulting business, which seamlessly integrated into the esteemed Emerald Technology Group after over five years of operation.

What truly inspires me in my work is the collaborative team environment, where I have the privilege to empower our staff with effective tools and processes, enabling them to exceed expectations and build trust with our customers.

At Emerald, I revel in the opportunity to work with exceptional individuals who share a commitment to excellence, both within our team and among our valued customers. I have a deep passion for business and, as a consultant, I immerse myself in understanding our customers’ operations, seeking to contribute insights that drive their success while constantly striving for continuous improvement.

Outside of work, I enjoy a diverse range of hobbies, from card and board games to hiking and exploring the beauty of our state. I am deeply involved in coaching youth robotics teams and leading financial basics classes in the community. An avid learner, I indulge in audio books and podcasts covering business, biographies, and US history. A unique fact about me is that come Saturday evenings in the summer, you’ll likely find me at one of the local dirt racetracks, passionately cheering on my favorite local race car drivers as they speed through left-handed turns.

Justin

I graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s in IT and Business Systems and an Associate degree in Computer Software Engineering Systems. My journey in the tech realm commenced with 1-2 years of helpdesk experience while pursuing my education. Post-graduation, I have dedicated my career to honing my skills as a technician and engineer at Emerald Technology Group.

What truly inspires me in the realm of IT isn’t just the technology, but the people. Building relationships with businesses and helping them navigate and solve problems in this digital landscape is what captivates me. My success lies in supporting teams through knowledge and nurturing ongoing relationships with our valued customers. At Emerald, I revel in the opportunity to engage extensively with our diverse customer base. Servicing clients across various industries challenges and enriches my professional journey, continually fostering growth and learning in everything I do.

Beyond the professional sphere, my heart lies in spending time with family. Be it playing board games or video games, the joy of family bonds takes precedence. With three siblings, parents, a loving wife, and my children, my days outside of work are primarily spent in the joyful realm of family interactions. A unique aspect about me is my steadfast connection to Oregon; a native through and through, having spent my entire life in this beautiful state.

Alisha

I co-founded Emerald Technology with my husband in 2003, supporting him in various roles and acting as a cheerleader and sounding board behind the scenes. My passion lies in the intricacies of business, driving me to think creatively and devise innovative strategies for business success. At Emerald, I find joy in working with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to helping others and embody similar core values.

Beyond the professional realm, I thrive in the great outdoors and the excitement of exploration, indulging in culinary delights, and capturing life with photography. A unique aspect is serving as a FIRST FTC Robotics coach and a 4H leader, channeling my enthusiasm for guiding and mentoring the next generation.

Rick

With over 25 years of experience in various IT roles, my journey began with a fascination for Music-Electronics and a programming class that sparked my passion for technology. Pursuing this interest, I immersed myself in diverse programming languages. In 2001, I earned my degree in Computer Information Systems – Network Programming and a Certificate in ‘C’ Programming from De Anza College, CA. My career took off as a System Administrator in the healthcare field in Oregon, where I tackled challenges and streamlined operations. Over the past 15 years, I’ve thrived in enterprise environments, managing and building robust systems with cutting-edge technologies. My expertise extends to architecture management, disaster recovery, and migrations.

Prior to joining Emerald, I played a crucial role as a Senior System Administrator and Infrastructure Lead in a healthcare company, collaborating with James and Nathan. The experience cemented my decision to join the remarkable team at Emerald.

In the tech world, I find inspiration in emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and automation, envisioning their potential to optimize processes and bolster security. Beyond work, my love for the outdoors drives me towards activities like hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and snow skiing. I’m equally passionate about culinary adventures, particularly barbecuing and experimenting with my smoker. Currently, I’m also engrossed in the challenges of building a house in Central Oregon, a rewarding journey of problem-solving.

Richard

I began my tech career with training in supporting Best Software’s/Sage Software ACT, even though I initially had limited knowledge of computers, hardware, and software. Surprisingly, I discovered my aptitude for the tech industry during this training and embarked on a career path that spanned almost a decade at Symantec. I honed my skills in supporting various software and became an integral part of the team. With the Symantec and Veritas split, I chose to stay close to family and transitioned into the Managed Service Provider (MSP) realm, showcasing my adaptability and expanding my expertise. This journey eventually led me to Emerald Technology Group, where I currently thrive.

I find inspiration in the dynamic challenges of my work, ranging from customer service to in-depth troubleshooting and system development. The ever-evolving nature of technology keeps me engaged and constantly learning. At Emerald, I cherish the work environment, the fantastic team, and the clientele, all of which align with my values.

Outside of work, my interests span technology, snowboarding, ice hockey, camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and gardening. A unique aspect of my personality is my knack for troubleshooting. My mind works to fix even the unknown and finding ways to relate with what I do know to find a solution.

Daniel

With a background as an Army veteran and a profound passion for cybersecurity, my journey has seen me donning many hats, from fixing helicopters and managing databases to configuring networks and troubleshooting personal computers. My fascination with technology began early in life, and after completing my associates in cybersecurity from LCC, I took the leap into the tech industry.

What inspires me most is the joy of fixing things and simplifying tasks for others. Having experienced the frustration of dealing with malfunctioning computers, I find great satisfaction in enhancing and streamlining technology to make people’s lives easier.

At Emerald, I enjoy meeting new people and delving into their professional worlds is a true delight for me. The complexity and diversity of different professions never cease to amaze me, fueling my perpetual desire to learn and understand.

During my leisure time, you’ll find me immersed in painting, video games, enjoying the company of my pets, and devouring a multitude of books. On a unique note, my wife and I are proud caretakers of an impressive total of twenty-two pets, predominantly reptiles, making our household a lively and extraordinary abode.

Sandra

I graduated from high school in 2022 and currently hold the position of bookkeeper at Emerald. Concurrently, I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business management at Lane Community College, applying my academic learnings directly to my work.

What truly drives me in my role is my passion for continuous learning. The aspect I value most at Emerald is the opportunity to work closely with my parents and the flexibility that allows me to balance work with my educational commitments.

Outside of my professional life, I indulge in a diverse range of interests, from reading to camping, fishing, hiking, and robotics. A unique aspect of my life is my involvement in mentoring robotics and being a proud 4H alumni.