There are many paths to success and while not everyone takes the same path, we often manage to arrive at the same destination. In our KAI Partners Staff Profile series, we share interviews and insight from some of our own employees here at KAI Partners. Our staff brings a diversity in education, professional, and life experience, all of which demonstrate that the traditional route is not necessarily the one that must be traveled in order to achieve success.
Today, we bring you the journey of David Baker, a Systems Engineer providing Managed IT Services. Our IT services provide organizations the benefits of an internal IT department at a fraction of the cost of staffing one themselves.
The role of the Systems Engineer within IT services is critical. On any given day, Mr. Baker’s responsibilities include troubleshooting advanced security technologies such as Single sign-on and Multi-factor Authentication, managing IT initiatives, collaborating with clients, providing strategic advice on using technology to achieve goals and objectives, supporting new technology implementation, training users, and more.
Today we’re excited to share more about Mr. Baker’s Managed IT background and his current role.
KAI Partners, Inc.: How did you get into your line of work?
David Baker: My troubleshooting skills caught the attention of an instructor of mine who had just started a software training/consulting firm. He was impressed at my ability troubleshoot and reconstruct the computer. He was also looking for someone who loved computers and tech. I was able to work summer days and nights while going to school and increasing my technical knowledge. IT was fun, and I love playing video games, so it led down this road.
KAI: Are there any certifications or trainings you’ve gone through that have helped in your career?
DB: I have a certification through Microsoft—the Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)—as well as CompTIA’s Network+ and A+. I am also currently working on a certification with Amazon Web Services.
KAI: What is your favorite part about your line of work and why?
DB: My favorite part about my line of work is creating new networks for clients. Completing a project gives me a sense of satisfaction. I take pride in knowing that I have created something that will help a client meet their goals.
KAI: What is one of the most common question you receive from clients and what counsel or advice do you give them?
DB: The most common question I get from clients is how we can save money on IT. I tell them let’s look at your environment and streamline it. For example, I once moved a client from physical servers to a virtual environment, which saved them money on cooling and electricity use.
Now that we’ve learned more about David’s Systems Engineer work, here’s a little more about him!
Quick Q&A with David:
Daily, must-visit website: www.techcrunch.com
Preferred genre of music: Blues
Best professional advice received: Never give a firm time to resolve an issue in IT. You do not want to set an expectation that you cannot meet due to Murphy’s Law or other outside factors.
Book you can read repeatedly: “Who Moved My Cheese?”
Most-recent binge-watched show: Dear White People
About David: Mr. Baker has 11 years of experience in IT ranging from help desk to network/systems engineer and working with different technologies such as Cisco, SonicWALL, Dell, VMware, and Microsoft. Mr. Baker currently works for KAI Partners as a Systems Engineer, helping clients meet their IT needs. For fun, Mr. Baker enjoys enjoy BBQing, photography, and fitness.
Interested in learning more about how David and the Managed IT Services team can help your organization? Call 916-465-8065!