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.

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.

Larissa

My professional career began when I graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in English. Since then, I have occupied a myriad of administrative roles but have found Emerald to be the perfect fit for my skills and personality.

At Emerald, I am responsible for the administrative side of the business and enjoy keeping track of the small details to help our team provide the best service they can to our clients.

I enjoy being a part of a such a collaborative team and developing processes to improve efficiency within the business. I am inspired to do my best by our wonderful team and the values we abide by. It is a pleasure to work with so many organizations in the community I grew up in and get to know our clientele personally.

Outside of work, you will often find me cozied up with a book, drinking earl grey tea with a loaf of sourdough in the oven. My husband and I lead an active lifestyle and our favorite hobbies include playing pickleball, line dancing, and hosting game nights with our friends and community group. Whenever we get sunny day, we take advantage of it by paddleboarding, going for walks, picnics, bike rides, or evening runs. Among my greatest achievements is completing my first half marathon in April of 2024. My next goal is to complete a hood to coast relay.

Jan

With a solid foundation in both education and technology, I have spent the past seven years teaching computer science, where I have honed my skills in delivering complex technical concepts to diverse audiences. Prior to my teaching career, I managed web, game, and voice servers for a gaming community, gaining extensive hands-on experience in server administration and technical support. Additionally, I have supported small businesses with their computer and networking needs, demonstrating a broad expertise in IT solutions. Currently, I am a FortiGate Certified Operator and a 3CX Basic Engineer, reflecting my commitment to staying current with industry standards and technologies.

What inspires me most in my work is the opportunity to empower others through technology and education. The ability to transform complex technical concepts into actionable knowledge and see the tangible impact it has on students and clients alike drives my passion. I am motivated by the challenge of staying at the forefront of technological advancements and applying that knowledge to solve real-world problems. In my current role, I contribute to the team’s success by fostering a collaborative environment, continuously seeking innovative solutions, and leveraging my expertise as a FortiGate Certified Operator and a 3CX Basic Engineer to enhance our technical capabilities and support. My goal is to inspire growth and drive excellence, ensuring that both individuals and the team achieve their full potential.

What I enjoy most about my role at Emerald is the vibrant and supportive culture. The laid-back, friendly, and welcoming environment fosters a sense of community and collaboration. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a team that prioritizes customer success and is dedicated to making a positive impact. This culture not only makes the workday enjoyable but also drives me to contribute my best efforts to help our customers thrive.

 Outside of work, I have a diverse range of interests that keep me engaged and fulfilled. I enjoy hunting and fishing, which offer a great way to unwind and connect with nature. Gaming is another passion of mine, providing both relaxation and a chance to stay sharp with strategic thinking and teamwork. Additionally, I find woodworking to be a rewarding and creative outlet, allowing me to craft functional pieces and explore new skills. These activities not only bring me joy but also help me maintain a balanced and well-rounded lifestyle.  Despite holding a degree in mechanical engineering, my career has exclusively been in computer science. It’s a unique twist that highlights how versatile skills can be and how passions can sometimes lead you down unexpected and exciting paths.

Aaron

While originally pursuing a Computer/Audio Engineering degree at Sierra College in Roseville, California, I was fortunate enough to land a part-time IT position at the local Food Co-op. My time there allowed me to expand my knowledge and experience in the IT field, moving from Helpdesk, to Technician, all the way up to overseeing and managing the opening of a second store. That initial opportunity has now led me to almost a decade of working in this industry. From Point-of-Sales systems to Access Control, Digital Audio Workstations to API Integrations, I have been able to learn and implement so many amazing technologies since I began working in IT.

As a Technician and member of Emerald, I am always inspired by my Team and how much each one of them knows something about a software, system, or process I never thought about. Everyone brings their own, unique knowledge and energy to the table every day and I am fortunate enough, to learn from every moment of it. I am also driven by the sheer love of discovering that “hard fix”, the issue that no one can solve, the problem you want to give up on. There is no greater feeling in the world than winning the war of attrition against a headache no one else wants to deal with.

Emerald has been quite a change of pace from my previous jobs, and that is probably what I enjoy most about it. Thanks to our clients’ different needs and requirements, every site is different story, a different combination of technology and processes. There is always something new to learn, to engage with, and to expand upon. I love that no one day is the same, and there is always a chance I get to do something entirely unique.

If I hadn’t of fallen in love with computers, music would have been my second choice. I have been playing, writing, and enjoying music for close to 25 years. I also love golfing, gaming, and going on adventures with my Wife. A unique fact about me is that my childhood best friend and I are trying to finish our high school band’s first and only album that we started writing over a decade ago. Better late than never!

Grace

My journey into computers and technology began while I was working as a traveling ballroom dancer. When our technical director moved on, I stepped in due to my strong interest in light and sound design. Before leaving, he trained me, and I ended up working off and on as the company’s technical director for nearly a decade. Later, while pursuing a Chemical Engineering degree at Oregon State University, I started working in IT to explore the helpdesk side of things. What I didn’t expect was how much I would grow to love IT!

My main motivation in my work is to remove obstacles so others can do their jobs with less stress. Since I discovered my passion for technology later in life, I understand how frustrating it can be when a computer malfunctions or a printer stops working at the worst possible time. I find fulfillment in troubleshooting and solving problems that bring someone’s day to a halt. I’ve always loved problem-solving and helping people, and IT allows me to do both while also helping users feel more confident with the tools they rely on daily.

One of my favorite things about working at Emerald is the team dynamic. We pool our knowledge and experiences to learn from each other, which allows us to provide the best possible support to our clients. That collaborative mindset extends to how we work with clients as well—focusing not just on quick fixes but on improving their workflow and overall experience.

Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting, making costumes, and LARPing with friends. I also love performing and teaching ballroom dance with my husband, as well as social dancing whenever we get the chance.

Ben

Technology should make life easier, and I enjoy finding ways to make that happen. As the IT
Services Manager at Emerald Technology Group, I keep service operations running smoothly by coordinating workflows, managing priorities, and ensuring our team delivers top-tier support.

With a background in IT operations and project management, I enjoy solving technical
challenges and helping businesses build reliable, scalable systems. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Western Governors University and am currently pursuing a Master of Science in IT Management to further expand my expertise in IT leadership and strategy.

There’s nothing better than seeing someone’s stress disappear when an issue is fixed, a system is improved, or a process runs more smoothly. Whether it’s troubleshooting a problem or implementing a long-term solution, I take pride in helping people focus on their work instead of struggling with IT headaches. Knowing I can make a difference in someone’s day is what makes this work so rewarding.

At Emerald, I appreciate the balance of strategic planning and hands-on problem-solving. Every project brings new challenges, from optimizing IT infrastructure to guiding businesses through technology upgrades. I also value working with a skilled team that shares a commitment to delivering the best solutions for our clients.

Outside of work, I have my wife and son, who keeps me busy. But I also enjoy airsoft and target sports, challenging myself both in strategy and precision. I also have a passion for RC vehicles, where I fine-tune
performance and push the limits of control. When I’m not working with technology, I spend time in the kitchen as my wife’s personal chef, always experimenting with new recipes and perfecting classic favorites. I also enjoy building custom computers, combining creativity with technical expertise to design high-performance machines. When I have time to unwind, I’ll pick up a game or two to relax and recharge.

One of the most impactful experiences in my life was spending two years in Hidalgo, Mexico,
helping people regain stability and find purpose. This experience taught me adaptability, leadership, and the value of connecting across cultures. Learning a new language and way of life challenged me in unexpected ways, shaping how I problem-solve and build relationships today

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.