Partner - Business Development

Senior Security and WAN Engineer

Rich Eckstein is a Partner and Systems Engineer with Networking Solutions in the Waterloo office. He specializes in Network Security Testing, IS Auditing, Risk Assessment, Disaster Planning and Security Architecture. Other areas of technology include support and troubleshooting of Virtual Private Networks (VPN’s), Wide Area Networks (WAN’s), WAN & LAN Wireless Communications Equipment, AS400 and Microsoft Solutions.

Rich works with and is familiar with the operations Heath Care, Local Government, Education and Small & Midsized privately owned business. He and his Team currently support over 1000 WAN connections throughout the United States.

Prior to joining the Networking Solutions team, Rich had worked at a local technology consulting company and Nestle USA in similar technology roles. He is a 1992 graduate of the University of Minnesota, Mankato.

Professional Degrees /Certifications:

CCSP - Cisco Certified Security Professional

MCSE – Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

MCP+I - Microsoft Certified Professional plus Internet

MSM – Microsoft Sales Master

CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate

INFOSEC - Government Security Designation

CQS-VPN - Cisco Certified VPN specialist

CQS-IPS Cisco Certified Intrusion Prevention Specialist

CQS-AFS - Cisco Certified Advanced Firewall Specialist

CEH - EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker and Countermeasures

Security+ -CompTA Certified Security Professional

CSE - Cisco Certified Sales Expert

Bachelor of Science Degree from Mankato State University

Partner - Service & Technical Support

Senior Network Engineer

Dan is a Supervisor in the Networking Solutions. He specializes in Microsoft Exchange/email issues, workstation/server support, terminal server implementations, accounting software implementations, and general network troubleshooting and design. Dan is also Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) with years of experience in consulting to small/medium sized businesses.

Dan graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a B.A. in Accounting in 1995. After sitting for and passing the CPA Exam in May of 1995, he started for Bergan, Paulsen, and Company, P.C. as a staff accountant. While performing accounting duties at the firm (tax work, auditing, and bookkeeping) he took an interest in maintaining Bergan, Paulsen and Company, P.C.’s network. Dan started working with accounting software implementations using small business accounting packages such as Peachtree and Quickbooks. With his network and accounting software experience, Dan began to maintain more complex systems for customers of the firm.

Professional Certifications / Affiliations:

MCSE – Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

MCP+I – Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting

Partner -Administrative Manager

Senior Programmer

Rod Ryen is a Supervisor with Networking Solutions in the Waterloo office. He specializes in database design and development in Microsoft Access and SQL Server environments with an emphasis on database application programming in Microsoft Access using Visual Basic and Visual Basic for Applications. In addition, he utilizes technologies such as ASP, ASP.NET, Perl, and MySQL to web enable databases for remote Internet access. Rod also has wide-ranging knowledge and experience in the design, implementation, and administration of Microsoft based networks including all flavors of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Extending his abilities into the Internet realm, Rod has experience in establishing, maintaining, and securing web sites, Internet mail servers, and WAN technologies. He is also an experienced troubleshooter.

Prior to joining the Networking Solutions team, Rod had worked for many years in the tool and die industry where he supported the internal network and application development for Saturn Tool and Die Company. His greatest accomplishment with this organization was the creation of a proprietary CAD/CAM system used exclusively throughout the company to provide CNC programming capabilities to the various computer controlled machines in the shop including CNC Mills, Lathes, and Wire EDM machinery. Rod developed this particular application specifically to suit the needs of Saturn Tool and Die using the C++ programming language and object-oriented technologies. It’s compatibility with industry standard software such as Cadkey and Autocad enabled it to easily be integrated with outside vendors and design firms and provided the automation and plotting capabilities to extend the productivity of the organization many fold.

Rod has been exposed to computers, technology, and specifically programming technologies since a young age when he wrote debugging utilities and simple word editors using assembly language on their home Tandy TRS-80 machine.

Professional Certifications / Affiliations:

MCSE – Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

MCAD - Microsoft Certified Application Developer

MCDBA – Microsoft Certified Database Administrator

MCSA – Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

MCP+I – Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet

ACP – Altiris Certified Professional

Technology Consultant

David Wyant is a Technology Consultant with Networking Solutions. He specializes in information technology consulting, including hardware and software selection, LAN design and network administration.

Prior to joining Networking Solutions, Dave was the Information Systems Officer of a financial institution for 8 years providing support for 6 branch offices and 11 servers. Dave has supported various technologies, including MS Windows 95, MS Windows NT 4.0 Workstation and Server, MS Windows 2000 Professional and Server, MS Windows XP Professional, Citrix MetaFrame XP, MS Exchange 5.5 and 2000, Checkpoint Firewall 1 and Cisco PIX. He was responsible for maintaining and testing various procedures and disaster recovery plans, supervising data processing functions, coordinating new IT projects and purchasing and installation of computer hardware and software.

Professional Degrees/Certifications / Affiliations:

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing, University of Northern Iowa.

MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional

CSE - Cisco Sales Expert

Waterloo Exchange Club

Network Support Technician

Kevin Mienders is a Technician with Networking Solutions in the Waterloo office. He has over 14 years experience with computer related systems and over 10 years of experience in network operations. He specializes in LAN/WAN design and implementation, Cisco routers and switches, Microsoft based operating systems and servers, security of networks, Exchange, Internet integration.

Prior to joining Networking Solutions in 2001, he worked for the City of Waterloo, providing support and maintenance for over 380 computers and 14 servers. Before working at the City of Waterloo, he worked for the Department of Correctional Services, providing support for NT 4.0 and Novell server and over 150 workstation located in six locations throughout Northeast Iowa.

Professional Degrees / Certifications:

MCP – Microsoft Certified Professional

Monterey Peninsula College

Network Support Technician

Justin is a Technician with Networking Solutions. Justin’s numerous abilities include LAN implementation and Microsoft network troubleshooting.

His daily schedule consists of multiple jobs. Thin client implementation along with complete Microsoft network design and roll-out are a few different aspects of professionalism that he brings to the table. Along with specialty items, Justin is also involved in daily administrative functions required by many of our clients on a regular basis.

He comes from a diverse background and knowledge of Informational Systems. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from the University of Northern Iowa and has had training in numerous different specialties. Prior to joining the Networking Solutions team in 2002, Justin held a position as a Systems Engineer for a local IT company as well as working for a leading commercial real estate corporation handling all of their IT needs.

Professional Degrees / Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Science, University of Northern Iowa.

MCP – Microsoft Certified Professional

Network Support Technician

Ryan Rieck is a Technician with Networking Solutions in the Cedar Rapids office. He specializes in the implementation and troubleshooting of Microsoft networks. His other areas of expertise include the design, installation, and troubleshooting of Peachtree and QuickBooks accounting software.

Prior to joining the Networking Solutions division of Bergan, Paulsen & Company, P.C. in 2003, Ryan had worked in the Audit and Tax divisions of Bergan, Paulsen & Company, P.C. for four years. He is a 1998 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa.

Professional Degrees / Certifications / Affiliations:

CPA - Certified Public Accountant

MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting

Member of the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants)

Member of the ISCPA (Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants)

Network Support Technician

Tyler Coan is a technician with Networking Solutions. His numerous abilities include hardware, software, printers, Microsoft networking and troubleshooting.

Tyler took CCNA courses while in high school at Waterloo East High School before going to college at Hawkeye Community College. He graduated in 2006 with an A.A.S. in network administration and engineering.

Prior to joining the Networking Solutions team, Tyler worked as an IT administrator in Cedar Falls. While there, he was responsible for the maintenance of 30 workstations, 8 servers, Sharepoint and 20 terabytes of storage space.

Professional Degrees / Certifications:

MCP – Microsoft Certified Professional/li>

A+ - CompTIA A+ Certified Service Professional

Network + - CompTIA Network+ Certified Service Professional

Network Administration and Engineering, Hawkeye Community College

Network Support Technician

Jordan is a technician with Networking Solutions in the Waterloo office. While working towards his certifications, Jordan was an intern in the MIS department of Omega Cabinetry where he gained valuable experience with all things networking, including setting up Cisco routers and switches.

Prior to joining Networking Solutions Jordan was a Customer Service/Software Analyst for SMART Public Safety Software. While at SMART he would troubleshoot various hardware/software issues over the phone as well onsite installations of SMART's software. He also provided training to users and administrators throughout the United States.

Professional Degrees / Certifications:

MCSA – Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

A+ - CompTIA A+ Certified Service Professional

Network + - CompTIA Network+ Certified Service Professional

Network Support Technician

Rob is a Technician with Networking Solutions. Rob’s abilities include LAN /WAN implementation with Cisco, Microsoft and Linux.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in MIS from the University of Northern Iowa and has had training in numerous different specialties. Prior to joining the Networking Solutions team in 2005, Rob held a positions as a Technician and Help Desk for two local IT companies as well as working for a Non-Profit internet company in the Cedar Valley.

Professional Degrees / Certifications:

MCSA – Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator

MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional

A+ - CompTIA A+ Certified Service Professional

Network + - CompTIA Network+ Certified Service Professional

CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate

CAC - Computer Applications Certification

Linux + Certification

Bachelor of Arts Degrees in MIS and Business University of Northern Iowa.

Network Support Technician

Justin Smock is a Technician with Networking Solutions. He specializes in Microsoft server systems design, implementation, and troubleshooting; Cisco LAN/WAN routing and switching along with Cisco security technologies. Justin is a 2004 graduate from Hawkeye Community College where he earned his Associates of Applied Sciences degree in Network Administration and Engineering. Prior to coming to Networking Solutions, Justin worked as a Network Consultant for a Des Moines based firm with several offices around the state, including Waterloo. There he gained experience in LAN/WAN design, Network Implementation and Troubleshooting, Disaster Recovery and High Availability solutions, Mobile Communication solutions, and various other network technologies.

Professional Degrees / Certifications / Affiliations:

Network Administration and Engineering, Hawkeye College

CCNA = Cisco Certified Network Associate

MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional

Waterloo Jaycees

Service Manager / Sales Engineer

Prior to joining Networking Solutions his daily duties included sales, computer troubleshooting, repair, software support, network support, eCommerce management, and website management.

Professional Degrees / Certifications / Affiliations:

Network Administration and Engineering, Hawkeye College

CCDA = Cisco Certified Design Associate

CSE - Cisco Sales Expert

Waterloo Jaycees

Applications Developer

Jordan is programmer for Networking Solutions specializing in Microsoft Access and Visual Basic creating user interfaces for database systems. Jordan obtained his education at the University of Northern Iowa working on a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a minor in Mathematics. Jordan previously worked for Cedar Falls Utilities. In CFU Data Services, where he troubleshot many network problems over the phone regarding routers, modems, fiber internet, internet software, and other various applications.

Network Support Technician

Alex is a Technician with Networking Solutions. Alex’s numerous experiences include Linux, Microsoft, Wireless and WAN technologies. He graduated from Northeast Iowa Community College in 2003 where he earned his Associates of Applied Sciences degree in Network Administration. Alex also gained valuable experience working as a Network Technician for a firm in Northeast Iowa before going to the University of Northern Iowa. He graduated UNI with a Computer Science Degree in 2007. While at UNI, Alex worked on many projects including Bioinformatics Research.

Professional Degrees:

AES degree Northeast Iowa Community College

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Science, University of Northern Iowa.

Technology Consultant

Mark Oliver is a Technology Consultant with Networking Solutions. He specializes in information technology consulting, including hardware and software selection, LAN design and network administration. Prior to joining Networking Solutions, Mark was an Account Executive for Courier Communications for 4-1/2 years. Mark most recently sold advertising in two business trade journals to business owners in the Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Waverly and surrounding areas. He also assisted in selling various publications that were designed to promote and celebrate the opening of newly constructed/renovated businesses within the community. This position allowed Mark to meet and network with many business owners allowing him to learn more about their industries and areas of business. Prior to Courier Communications, during college, Mark worked for a web hosting provider selling virtual hosting accounts to businesses throughout the United States and some abroad. Mark has also worked for a local dial-up Internet provider generating new accounts and providing both in-office and on-site troubleshooting efforts.

Professional Degrees/Certifications / Affiliations:

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing, University of Northern Iowa

Applied Science Degree in Marketing Management, Hawkeye Community College

Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration, Hawkeye Community College

Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce Member