Technical Staff
Dan Mueller
Technical Consultant
Dan joined 5NINES in 2004 and has been in the technology field for over 10 years. He's Microsoft certified as a MCITP Server Administrator, Enterprise Administrator, and Enterprise Messaging Administrator. He prides himself on his persistence to deal with issues day after day while maintaining patience for both client and computer. "Just once I’d like to see what it’d be like to throw a server out of a 3 story window. I bet this is why data centers are built at ground level." Dan's travels have taken him to Stoughton for Syttende Mai and Maui, Hawaii. "Maui on a winter day is like a muggy Wisconsin afternoon in the summer." When he's not at his computer, Dan enjoys biking Wisconsin trails, grilling out, and catching a nap if possible.
Jon Alvarez
Technical Consultant
Jon's career in IT grew from positions in both Operations and Sales, leading to a broad, business based perspective of technology’s role within a company. He has 6 years of experience supporting various databases including server operating systems, implementing Enterprise Reporting solutions, and working with end users on everything from general desktop support to process definition and revision. His broad knowledge of technical areas includes Oracle, SQL Server, Progress, Business Objects, Oracle Application Server (Forms, Reports, Discoverer, BI Publisher), Windows (All versions), Programming (PL/SQL), and various Internet & Multimedia technologies. When not working, you'll most likely find Jon cycling with the 5NINES racing team.
Justin Tlapa
Technical Specialist
Despite the fact that Justin spent entirely too much time playing video games and building servers in his parent's basement in the late 90s, he's become a UW-Platteville graduate and a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist. His excellent service skills and broad technical knowledge is fueled by his belief that "the customer is always right". Personal interests include auto repair/tuning, autocross, technology at large, and he's also an avid pet-lover.
Reid Wilson
Technical Specialist
Technology has been a lifelong passion for Reid and he's been tinkering since he was 10 years old and built his first computer when he was 14. Today he is a Certified Cisco Network Administrator (CCNA) and has degrees from MATC as both a Systems Administrator and a Network Specialist. When not working, he enjoys wrenching on his car (the only technology it has is the ignition system), traveling, or working on his house.
Brian Maund
Technical Specialist
Brian spent a good part of his career in the offset printing industry before making the jump to the information technology world. He will be graduating from the Network Security Program at MATC in the fall of 2010. Brian enjoys keeping up with the fast paced, ever changing technologies that keep businesses alive. When he's not solving issues at the office he enjoys bicycling, hunting, shooting sports, ice hockey, photography and playing around with computer technology—yeah, he obviously can't get enough.
Ryan Smith
Technical Specialist
Ryan comes to 5NINES with over 12 years of Cisco, networking, VoIP and telecommunication help desk experience. His outgoing personality comes across well with customers along with his excellent communication skills and his attention to details. His goals include gaining more hands-on experience with wireless network systems, VoIP roll-outs, and network consulting...goals which can definitely happen here. Staying busy when not working doesn't seem a problem for Ryan. Here's his list of things he likes to do: fishing in the northwoods, gaming, electronic music production, building computers, breaking things to fix and make better, spending time with my fiancée, maintaining my websites, golf, grilling, trying new craft beers, playing with my nieces and nephew (I have too many hobbies).
Jimmy Huff
Helpdesk Technician
Jimmy moved to Madison last fall and landed with 5NINES as an intern. He's shown his tech know-how and is now working full-time with 5NINES as a first level helpdesk technician. When Jimmy isn't answering finding answers to customer questions, he can most likely be found shooting some hoops or riding his bicycle.
Jared Punzel
Technical Specialist
Jared graduated in 2010 with a Computer Science degree from UW-Madison, where he also worked as a systems administrator for the UW Engineering department. Shortly after graduation, he joined 5NINES and currently serves as our Linux expert and hosting systems developer, handling the behind-the-scenes work on all Linux machines and keeping email and websites up and running. Jared is proactive in everything he does and tries to identify potential problems and solve them before they arise. He strongly believes in the power of automation. “Why bother with boring, repetitive tasks when computers can do all the work for you?” In his free time, Jared enjoys road tripping across the country, exploring new cities and meeting different people, as well as DIY projects, cooking, poker and stand-up comedy. He also loves animals and is constantly entertained by his friendly, big orange cat.
David McCloud
Technical Specialist
Dave has been helping people navigate technology since he was 15 and is committed to making sure the customer is always satisfied. He joined 5NINES in September 2010 with a BS in Computer Networks and Systems Administration from Michigan Technological University in Houghton. When Dave isn’t helping people with IT solutions, he’s helping the world solve its problems. During a trip to Kenya, Africa, he built concrete water storage systems so that locals can store water throughout the year as well as sell it as a form of income for the local school. Dave’s other interests include hiking Isle Royale, fishing, mountain biking and cross country skiing. “The outdoor world is my playground.”