Yankowski
Rhett
CEO / President
What do you do at Advanced IT Concepts?
I work with our team leads in evaluating the best approaches to provide excellent service to our clients. This includes researching software, hardware and services so I am able to give recommendations based on the best possible solution to fit their budget and strategic goals. I oversee all new client migration and implementation plans. As CEO, business development and growth are also my responsibilities.
What do you like most about working at Advanced IT Concepts?
Working with my team to complete various projects. I also enjoy tackling the challenges that our clients face and providing the solutions to resolve such issues.
What are your credentials/past work experience?
I have over 25 years of experience in the title insurance industry that started with pulling apart files and scanning into microfiche! Other roles included working as an examiner/abstractor, escrow officer, post-closer, marketer and, of course, an IT professional. I served as CIO for Executive Title Insurance in Cape Coral, Florida, where I migrated their infrastructure from a Novell server client to a Microsoft Windows based domain solution, including implementing email and many other technologies for the company. I then moved to Houston and spent 12 years with Stewart Title/PropertyInfo and its subsidiaries as IT Director for 4 southern states. During my time at Stewart, I was involved in designing and implementation of several corporate data centers, management of an integration team, serving the needs of their internal affiliates and external agency operations. Compliancy with Sarbanes-Oxley Act, overseeing the regional data centers risk assessment and audit resolution concerning application control were also part of my job duties.
I have taught college level courses on Windows Server while also teaching technical classes at Stewart regarding industry standards, propriety software, hardware and compliance. My certifications include: MCSE, MCSA, MCDBA, MCDST, MCNPS MCPSI, MCP, CCEA, CCA, Network +, A+, MFA and ITILv3. I have also taken basic and advanced courses with the American Land Title Association.
What are the values that drive you?
Adaptability and Responsibility are the values that drive me the most. In the IT field, you have to be very adaptable considering challenges arise in a moment’s notice. Success is often determined by how adaptable you can be given the situation. I believe I have a responsibility to both my clients and my staff to work for them as I would expect service for myself. I am responsible for providing my clients with an IT infrastructure that allows them to be efficient and productive. I have a responsibility to my staff to provide them with the tools, education and resources that they need to be able to do their duties at the level our clients have come to expect.
What was your first computer?
Commador 64, but also used a TSR-80 at the library. My first gaming console was an Atari, and I liked to play Tanks and Pong.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Off-roading in my Jeep and water sports (jet-skis, boating and tubing). I am also involved in numerous community and church oriented organization: mission trips, foster ministry, bible study, service work and usher team.
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I used to be a competitive break dancer when I was a teenager.
Clappart
Michelle
Director of Customer Support
What do you do at Advanced IT Concepts?
My primary duties are overseeing all day-to-day operations and timely delivery of quality technical support service to our clients, determining staffing needs, setting schedules and insuring that those under my direction have adequate resources to complete their jobs. I am also the top level email encryption support person, performing deployments and supporting any issues or questions that may arise.
What are your credentials/past work experience?
I started my career as a helpdesk coordinator for a nationwide network of call centers. I moved on to desktop support in the oil and gas industry for 5 years until accepting a position with a national non-profit. At the non-profit, I quickly became a systems administrator and used the experience and knowledge gained there to become the Director of Customer Support at Advanced IT.
What do you like most about working at Advanced IT Concepts?
The team is fun to work with, and the relationship we develop with our clients allows us to have friendly interactions with them.
What are the values that drive you?
Empathy, Dedication, Adaptability, and Teamwork.
What was your first computer?
Windows ME on an old Gateway when they still had boxes with cow spots on it.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with my 11 pets, crafting, and baking.
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I worked as a Blacksmith’s apprentice and sales woman at the Texas Renaissance Festival for 6 years !
Brents
Nicole
Office Manager
What do you do at Advanced IT Concepts?
If it’s not technical, then I have my hand in it! I handle accounts receivable, accounts payable, procurement, general office duties, and assist with creative tasks as well.
What are your credentials/past work experience?
I did bookkeeping and social media management for a bakery for four years. Before that I worked in a mental health facility.
What do you like most about working at Advanced IT Concepts?
I like the new challenges - there is always something new to learn.
What are the values that drive you?
Integrity, hard work, good ethics.
What was your first computer?
I think it was a Windows '98 desktop. I used to play Barbie and Carmen Sandiego CD-ROM games.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I spend a lot of time helping with events at my church. I play piano and sing for our church band. I also write and read in my spare time.
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
In college, I received an award for excellence in Hebrew. The summer before I graduated I completed a summer internship in Israel with an organization that provides humanitarian support to Israeli elderly – got to see some amazing things too!
Brandt
Scott
Vice President
What do you do at Advanced IT Concepts?
I help manage the computer servers at client offices and in our data center to make sure they are operating efficiently and securely. I also help with long term technical planning to ensure we are ready to meet future client needs.
What are your credentials/past work experience?
I'm a Cisco certified network and server administrator. I’ve implemented and managed computer networks for both broadcast television stations and traditional retail businesses.
What do you like most about working at Advanced IT Concepts?
I enjoy working with so many skilled coworkers who are dedicated to the success of our clients.
What are the values that drive you?
Family, curiosity, dependability, and growth.
What was your first computer?
A Gateway 2000 486DX, running at a whopping 33 MHz.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with my wife and young son.
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I’ve done network connection troubleshooting while attached to the top of an 1,800 ft. radio tower.
Gonzales
Ruby
Escrow Application Specialist
What do you do at Advanced IT Concepts?
Troubleshooting, installation and upgrades for various escrow applications and their additional features. Provide technical support to our customers with their desktops, printers and software applications.
What are your credentials/past work experience?
I worked in the title industry for 7 years as an assistant, closer, and coordinator prior to my 22 years in IT as a QA analyst, software/technical support technician, and account manager. Much of my work experience was within different departments and positions at Stewart Title Guaranty both with their owned offices and agencies.
What do you like most about working at Advanced IT Concepts?
There is a wonderful camaraderie among the staff. Being that ADVIT is a small business, and we are not limited to support specific area of IT, we each have the ability to continuously learn and gain knowledge in all areas of IT.
What are the values that drive you?
Family has always and will always be my strongest value. It’s why I exist and strive to improve my mental and physical self daily. Compassion, patience, honesty and integrity are also very important for me to maintain a healthy life.
What was your first computer?
Oh gosh, let me see if I can remember. I bought a clone desktop that ran DOS and a CRT monitor. I can’t even remember what OS it ran, but I could play solitaire and run Turbo Pascal for my college class.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time working in my vegetable and flower gardens. Going to the movies and hiking with my grandsons any chance I get.
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I was born and raised in Hawaii. Baking is a passion of mine and cakes are my specialty. I am a devoted and enthusiastic Houston Astros fan.
Johnson
Josh
Jr. System Administrator
What do you do at Advanced IT Concepts?
As part of the help desk and system administrator team, I remediate issues from calls and emails from our clients, while working with several of our vendors to find a quick resolution. I also work on various projects assigned to me such as backup monitoring, workstation setup and helping with our networking equipment at the office. Visiting client sites for field work assignments is also a part of my job responsibilities. While I am still learning a lot in my position, I have been able to pass on what knowledge I have gained so far with our new helpdesk employees.
What are your credentials/past work experience?
I begin ethical hacking in college and from there I moved into the IT industry. My tech skills included troubleshooting on network drives, printers, remote desktop sessions with a crane and rigging company as well as with a MSP.
What do you like most about working at Advanced IT Concepts?
Our open concept office allows for constant communication between the entire team and helps facilitate a positive team environment. I enjoy the banter with my team. I am very thankful that I don’t have to sell anything…just help solve problems.
What are the values that drive you?
uhhhh….*Looks out window* A 2013 Hyundai
What was your first computer?
A Windows 98 desktop PC that my parents brought home from work.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Going to Fighting Game tournaments and playing Rock,Paper,Scissors for money
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
As a high–level gaming competitor, I am the fourth-ranked Dragon Ball player in Texas.
Lydia
Quincy
Help Desk Manager
What do you do at Advanced IT Concepts?
I assist clients with technical software and hardware issues through our technical support system. I manage our company website in addition to providing website design services and other website products to clients. I also handle whatever else Rhett walks up to my desk and asks, "Hey can you do this?"
What are your credentials/past work experience?
I have worked in IT for the last 13+ years as a Level 1 Desktop Support and Level II Desktop Support Technician. I have also contracted myself as a PC Support tech for small businesses, as well as doing website design for companies and churches.
What do you like most about working at Advanced IT Concepts?
I like the opportunity for growth and the way the team works together. I really like how everyone from the top on down doesn't mind training, answering questions, and teaching to help everyone grow and become better. I also like that they give me some creative control over the website design tasks! 😊
What are the values that drive you?
Honesty, respect, and loyalty.
What was your first computer?
Wow, I can't remember the name but I know it was a big IBM desktop computer that took large floppy disks – I didn’t use it much.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Spending time with my family; my kids keep me busy! I also like to fish when I can, and travel if the opportunity arises. I love to cruise; I’ve been on five (and counting)!
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I don't do it often, but I SING and WRITE songs. I used to sing in an a cappella gospel group and have a couple songs that I recorded myself for various occasions.
Pendleton
Ian
Field Services Technician
What do you do at Advanced IT Concepts?
As part of the Helpdesk team, I assist in troubleshooting, configuring of equipment, and special projects. I am also developing specialized skills in IT and the title industry to better serve our clients.
What are your credentials/past work experience?
I have worked in a variety of customer service positions with my most recent position being in the hospitality industry. I have also been working on in-depth training to prepare me for this position.
What do you like most about working at Advanced IT Concepts?
I enjoy the process of learning and growing in knowledge and experiences. The social interaction with my fellow staff members and the clients also creates a fun and entertaining environment to work in.
What are the values that drive you?
Love, compassion, honesty, and service.
What was your first computer?
It was an IBM 3700 - something very old from the 1980's!
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Basketball, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my family.
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I am a history nerd specifically the American Revolution, Civil War and World War I and II.