Our Team

Background

Our founder and CEO, Chris McAree, B.Sc. & MCSE, started consulting with a single customer in January 2006. Chris’ professional experience in IT includes more than 18 years with more than 15 years in IT consulting and management.  Chris started in application development shortly after graduating from the University of Western Ontario in London Canada in 2001 and quickly realized his talents were more suited for IT consultancy. From business development and networking, to sales, project planning, vendor management, day to day operations and much more, Chris wears many hats each and every day at LeafTech – and absolutely loves it! Chris learned early on that in order to really succeed in business, (and sleep well at night) put people first – employees, customers and vendors alike – and LeafTech’s success is assured.

For Fun

The writer should recuse herself when writing about Chris McAree.  What can we say about our fearless leader?  He’s lived all over the world, would like to call London, England home (went to High School there) – he’s Canadian, he plays/coaches/lives/breathes/eats Hockey, he has a dog named Edmonton (after the Edmonton Oilers hockey team), family, goes on super-cool vacays and basically has the American Dream.  But although we’re partial, Chris has literally pulled a few all-nighters, worked on Halloween in a basement of a creepy 19th-century house in Pittsburgh, PA and usually has a positive attitude about life and how it’s not just about IT – it’s about making people happy, and he’s very serious about that.  Strangely, he’s a dog dude, but cats literally follow him around from Reykjavik, Iceland to the beaches of Mexico (Mexican Beach Cats – it’s a thing.) If he weren’t so allergic to cats, we’d think he’s a cat person.  And little does he know it, but we respect him and he makes amazing Roast Beast on Christmas. He would also love to speak to Winston Churchill who Chris has quoted: “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

Nate Becker

Title – Chief Operating Officer – 2020

Business and Financial Operations Experience – 15 Years

Certifications – Lean Six Sigma (LBBP), Project Management Essentials, Morris Certificate of Accounting

Education – MA – Sports Administration, BA – Sport Management

Background

Nate Becker joins LeafTech with 15 years of experience in Operations and Management. Nate’s focus on our clients’ experience as LeafTech’s Chief Operating Officer drives him to search for ways to improve customer service and client satisfaction every day. He takes this challenge to obtain perfection head-on each day, knowing that perfection is impossible but hoping to catch excellence along the way. When Nate is not passionately innovating on behalf of LeafTech or motivating our team, he keeps calm and carries on in nature. Our resident Huntsman, Nate joins video calls with trophies on the wall behind him and hasn’t bought ground meat at the grocery store in over ten years! Providing for his family and caring for his community are Nate’s driving forces. His commitment as a wrestling coach to 200 youths ages 4 to 18 more than prepared him to motivate our team and lead the way to a brighter LeafTech!

For Fun

Nate Becker is a dog person and wants you to know about your hidden superpower! Check out this blog he put together to spread the word about helping your community effortlessly.

John Coppola

Title – Senior Strategic Advisor

IT Experience – 28 Years

Education – Bachelor of Business Administration and Information Technology

Background

Born in Kentucky, John has lived all across the United States, from New York City to Hawaii. John came to LeafTech with experience as a business owner
and 28 years as an IT professional. His passion is learning about businesses and applying technology to solve business problems to create efficiency, improve people’s daily work lives, and add to the bottom line. John has worked as a technical engineer, project
manager, operations director, and business owner. While working in Hawaii, John once had to dismantle a company’s entire server room infrastructure and take the equipment to higher ground just hours ahead of a Tsunami.

For Fun

John has a passion for the outdoors with a special love for fly fishing. His favorite places are the oceans of Hawaii and the rivers of Alaska.

Jacob Baughn

Title – Director of Technical Services – 2015

IT Experience – 6 years

Certifications – Certified Wireless Networking Professional (CWNP)

Background

Born on a mountaintop in Tennessee, Jacob Baughn, loves high places and feels most at home overlooking a nice pastoral scene.  But he also loves technology, always and forever.  All joking aside, Jacob has been in IT for over five years, and he loves getting into the meat of a problem and solving it from the inside-out – he’s also spent over 72 hours on the same problem and won’t give up on LeafTech’s clients.  We love how Jacob feels that the problems and issues he confronts at LeafTech are never boring to him.  He knows that Winter is Coming, as it’s his favorite season, grew his first gray hair at 17, centers himself with Martial Arts and in true Jacob fashion loves dogs and explains it as “it’s exciting to be around a creature who so obviously finds you exciting” – true Baughn style.

For Fun

Jacob loves Martial Arts, dogs, and nature landscapes!

Jay Eklund

Title – Senior Network Engineer – 2009

IT Experience – 25 Years

Certifications – Certified Network Associate

Background

Jay Eklund, don’t let his mild-manner appearance fool you, the man is a 5th-generation building mover!  When he’s not moving buildings, he’s fixing a fully redundant server cluster, making your email flow, gaming, traveling the world (he’s been to Bora Bora and 49 out of 50 states, but calls his birthplace of Colorado home), and has 23 years of experience in the IT Industry.  Got a seemingly insurmountable computer issue, Jay’s your guy to find that 15-minute, or 3 week fix – and he’ll tell you about it calmly and dryly.  Jay’s a dog guy with strong opinions on weather questions (don’t ask) and thinks technology is fun and challenging.  He’s a LeafTech mainstay, been here since 2010, and our server rack loves him. And if he could speak with anyone (living or dead) it would be Sam Kinison, hmmm….

For Fun

Jay loves dogs, traveling & gaming.

Shannon Milair

Title – Systems Analyst 2019

IT Experience – 25 Years

Certifications – Microsoft Specialist, Microsoft Certified Professional, IT Systems Certification

Education – Information Systems Vocational Training

Background

Thank goodness Shannon joined LeafTech, bringing with her 23 years of experience in the IT industry. Shannon joins the team remotely from Florida, and describes the Florida winter as her favorite season, but she actually loves fall everywhere that is not tropical! Described as having actual superhuman powers by multiple sources, Shannon has already saved the day multiple times in her first month at LeafTech. Shannon once even drove a 6 hour round trip to assist a client for 10 minutes swapping a hard drive to make sure her client was comfortable. Shannon’s drive stems for pure love of learning – and when she first got her hands on a TRS-80 in school (age test!) her curiosity piqued, and Shannon’s path toward IT was set. When Shannon is not acting as our own LeafTech superhero – she is listening to her eclectic jams, or spending time with family, and enjoys taking her 4 children and 1 grandchild to Disney World on the regular (we are all jealous), or vacationing in Blue Ridge, GA.

For Fun

Shannon is a Dog person, but currently has 2 cats because her youngest daughter is a cat person. Sometimes the apple rolls away
from the tree just a bit…

Scott Keller

Title – Level II Technical Analyst – Team Lead – 2019

IT Experience – 10 Years

Certifications – Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT)

Military Service – 8 Years Petty Officer, United States Navy, 2nd Class Boatswain’s Mate

Background

Scott started his IT career with Apple and has 8 years of experience as an Apple Genius. LeafTech is excited to have an Apple Certified Macintosh Technician joining the team, and share some of the secret Apple Voodoo. Born in Manhattan, but raised in New Jersey, Scott never quite fit in and was always told he seemed like he was from California or out west. Something finally called Scott’s fun-loving spirit out to Colorado to see what it was all about 4 years ago – and he never left! Scott is familiar with hard work too, as he spent time in Afghanistan with the Navy before switching careers into IT. Our former Petty Officer 2nd Class and Boatswain’s mate loves to talk about the time he got to take the Helm of the USS Eisenhower, ask about it and you’ll get to see how big Scott’s smile can get! At the end of the day, Scott went into the Navy and is now in the IT industry because he wants to help others and despite his vast knowledge of Apple products – THAT is what will make him a valuable part of the LeafTeam!

For Fun

Scott loves hiking and video games and thinks both are improved with the presence of dogs. If Scott could have a conversation with anyone from history he would like to talk with Sigmund Freud about sleep and dreams, but Scott seems like the kind of guy to know when a Cigar is Just a Cigar.

Michael Cardenas

Title – Level II Technical Support Analyst

IT Experience – 8 Years

Certifications – Bachelor of Computer Science, Westwood College

Background

Michael, a Colorado Native, brings his passion for technology and serious expertise to LeafTech with his eight years of IT Help Desk experience and over 20 years of customer service experience. His outstanding education and experience don’t stop him from continuing to learn and grow. Michael says he looks forward to discovering more technology to be excited about supporting LeafTech’s diverse client base. When serving clients, Michael’s motto is to “Shoot for above and beyond,” and we can testify that he will JUMP to get in a car and drive to assist with an emergency laptop battery replacement at the word HELP! That might be because Michael finds his zen with cars, but we love that it helps him help people! In his spare time, Michael loves building cars and cruising around town. This Gear Head Dad says besides his family, automobiles and technology are his life – and we are happy to share in his passion as a team.

For Fun

Michael is definitely a dog person and has the canine equivalent of the Odd Couple at home – a 120 lb Rottweiler and a 20 lb Rescue Mutt!

Russell Mitchell

Title – IT Project Manager

Education – DeVry Institute of Technology

Customer Service Experience – 40 Years

Background

LeafTech is excited to welcome Russ back to an industry that he spent many years in. You can take the technician out of the server room, but they always have an extra key to get back in! Though Russell took a break from working in IT, we’re glad that he couldn’t stay away for long, and are happy to add his knowledge and experience to our team! Over the 40+ years of his career, Russ has worked with just about every type of technology product and service you could imagine, and even taught certification courses at another point in life. During that educator position, Russ experienced one of the shakiest situations in IT we’ve ever heard of – an actual earthquake
in week two of a three-week course! Instead of stopping the course, he helped the hotel repair the damage to the room they were meeting in, and stuck around to teach. We trust that Russ will be able to stay steady and calm in anything that we throw his way!

For Fun

Russ is a Hockey dad extraordinaire, just like our CEO Chris McAree!  In fact, their kids play against each other in the local youth league occasionally, which makes for great jokes on and off the ice. 

Jason Pierson

Title – IT Project Manager

IT Experience – 15 Years

Certifications – Sophos Certified Architect/Engineer/Sales Representative

Background

Jason joins LeafTech as the prodigal son of Colorado! Born and raised in our beautiful state, somehow, Jason spent most of his life outside of Colorado and has recently returned to where he’s always considered his home. We hope it’s been a warm welcome back from the LeafTeam, and we’re very excited to bring someone with such extensive knowledge and experience onboard. Jason has seen it all and always has a relevant opinion to share, especially when making our clients’ lives better! He enjoys helping clients with a smile and says he’s lucky if they can both laugh along the way too. Jason shares all this joy with us, collected from his peaceful moments in meditation or riding rugged terrain on a mountain bike. No matter what IT mountain Jason is tackling today, we can bet he approaches it with the same joy and saved endorphins as his last bike ride!

For Fun

Jason said he’d love to have a conversation with Alan Watts if he could eat dinner with anyone through the annals of time. I think we all have a better understanding of Jason’s zen zone with this insight!

Lee Neely

Title – Senior Technical Support Consultant – 2015

IT Experience – 5 Years

Education – Associates in General Studies

Background

Lee comes to us with over 3 and a half years of IT experience and ALSO has a passion for flying and aviation (maybe there’s a theme here?) Born and raised in Denver, he loves Banff, British Columbia, Canada and standing on the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego (that’s a pretty cool place, but we digress.)  He too, has pulled a 24-hour day to get a client’s data back and we love Lee as he is the first to admit that when he’s knee-deep in a “complex” problem it’s usually the simple answer that he overlooked 23 hours before (and that Jay probably pointed out!) We’ll forgive him for liking cats because “they’re so darn cute” because he loves the Autumn in Colorado and hopes that IT continues to flourish in Colorado, and maybe he’ll spread the IT word around the state as he’s racing up Mt. Evans in his Honda CRX – mild manner IT-Guy Lee is not!

For Fun

Lee has a passion for flying.  Oh…something you might not know but Lee Neely and Jacob Baughn are very good friends – have known each other for more than 20 years, they’ve worked together at Garbanzos in a previous life, and we’re VERY happy that Jacob recommended Lee to us!

Nick Faber

Title – Network Engineer

IT Experience – 2 Years

Certifications – CompTIA Network+

Education – Data Center Technician Program (Blue Mountain Community College)

Background

Nick Faber joined the LeafTeam is a buzz of activity and the hum of airplane engines. Our second employee residing outside of Colorado, Nick, came aboard at first as a contractor for LeafTech – traveling to execute office acquisition and IT network transitions – during a global pandemic! This Hero of an essential worker helped our company, country, and economy by traveling for work during hard times, and all of LeafTech thanks him for it! From the start, Nick’s dedication to his work, clients, and the support of his co-workers made him a natural part of the team, even at a distance, and we are lucky to have Nick full-time today! Originally from Oregon, Nick currently resides in Arizona and expands regular LeafTech operations to three states. His big passion outside of technology is enjoying his life with his significant other and family – cooking, reading, and playing games compose the wholesome sustenance that fuels Nick.

For Fun

If you want to know Nick’s secret to joy and success – take a sip of water – because he says that’s his best way to combat stress, with hydration.

Artur Akhmetov

Title – Implementation & Automation Specialist

IT Experience – 14 Years

Education – AS-CS from the University of Colorado Denver

Certification – MS-900, AZ-900, NSE 1, and NSE 2

Background

Originally from Russia, Artur moved to Colorado and has been here ever since. After all, we have the best state! Artur has over a decade of IT, programming, and cleaning dust out of computers experience. He has been coding since middle school, and if something can be streamlined or automated, Artur will find a way to do it! When not turning computers on and off again, you can find him spending entirely too much time at the gym or hunting for porcinis in the mountains (a strange dichotomy). His passion for IT is only second to his love of food. Artur enjoys searching for new and exciting places to eat and revisiting his favorite spots. He once went on a 2000-mile road trip just to eat at a restaurant he really REALLY liked.

For Fun

Artur likes working out, technology, sushi, and working out some more. We think his fondness of food and his intense exercise regimen are related.

Tony Turner

Title – Level II Technical Support Analyst

Education – Blue Mountain Community College – Data Center Technician Apprenticeship and Training Program Certificate

Certification – CompTIA A+

IT Experience – 2 Years

Background

Tony joins LeafTech remotely, working from the lush green state of Oregon. Though he won’t be driving to our Colorado client’s offices any time soon – we’re lucky to have Tony’s support from afar. He’s quick to respond and hop into a remote session to help LeafTech Clients faster than anyone could get onsite anyways! Tony’s motivation to delve into the world of IT is to satiate a deep curiosity and love of problem-solving. Bring Tony a new problem that he can learn from, and you’ll be his new best friend! Tony is a card-carrying member of the gaming crew here at LeafTech, and we bet that puzzle games are an old favorite of his. Besides Tony’s enthusiasm for new ideas, and motivation to help our clients, he’s also worked diligently to assist our team and make his fellow consultant’s lives better. Recently, Tony took on all the repetitive and simple tasks of a project to free up time for another consultant with more experience. We may see it as a noble sacrifice, but Tony probably just saw it as a chance for exposure to more information! We look forward to working with Tony and seeing his knowledge and skills grow as he faces and fixes all the novel IT issues that LeafTech’s diverse client base provides.

For Fun

If Tony could have a conversation with anyone through history, he would choose Stephen Hawking! An answer revealing his inquisitive mind, and I imagine Tony would ask for the “Extended History of Time” from Stephen hawking if he got the chance!