LanXpert Team Bios

Rob Schenk

Rob Schenk is a founding Partner at LanXpert and is responsible for strategy, account management as well as technical and operational leadership. Rob has been an entrepreneur in IT Managed Services for fifteen years and was previously responsible for analyzing, evaluating and ranking various technologies and devices for computing magazines such as Computer Shopper, MacUser, PC Computing, and Windows Sources. During this time Rob became an expert in all things technology and reviewed networking products for several magazines including Computer Shopper, PC Magazine, Windows IT Pro Magazine, and eWeek. Rob is an expert in IT strategy, network architecture, design and implementation including all aspects of hardware infrastructure and network applications. Rob’s specialties include Microsoft Windows Server technologies, firewall security and implementation, automation and auditing solutions, and centralized PC/PDA device lifecycle management.

Rob is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with a B.A. in Clinical Psychology. He is technically certified in Microsoft, Altiris, and Qualys technologies.

Dan Gordon

Dan Gordon is a founding Partner at LanXpert and is responsible for strategy, account management as well as technical and operational leadership. Dan has been an entrepreneur in IT Managed Services for ten years and previously worked in various technology management roles within the University of California system for many years.  Dan is an expert in IT strategy, network architecture, design and implementation including all aspects of hardware infrastructure and network applications.  His specialties include Microsoft Windows Server, Exchange design and implementation, strategic network planning, network architecture and design, and network troubleshooting.

Dan is technically certified in Microsoft, Novell, and Qualys technologies.  Daniel currently resides with his family and 2 dogs in Berkeley, California.

Jared Pickering

Jared Pickering is Partner at LanXpert and fulfills leadership responsibilities for strategy, general management, account management, sales, marketing and administration. Previously Jared held various executive roles at Fortune 500 services firms in IT Services, Logistics, Internet Services, Telecommunications and Consulting. Jared is passionate about customer service, tennis, surfing, as well as conservation and disadvantaged children’s causes. Jared is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management where he earned an M.B.A.. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Accounting and Finance) from California State Polytechnic University ‘Cal Poly’ (San Luis Obispo).

Edward Griffin

Edward Griffin is Director, Technology Service & Delivery. Edward is leading our client application and project development efforts as well as managing day to day service delivery for our customers. Edward is a technology leader with both general and specialized knowledge of enterprise systems. He joins us from SS&C Technologies, Inc. where he was responsible for applications development for market-leading financial services products. Edward also spent a number of years at Oracle Corp. and ZD Labs where he focused on enterprise applications solutions and infrastructure development.

Edward is a graduate of Harvard University where he earned his A.B. in Biological Anthropology. Edward’s passionate about technology, but when he’s not working; grin-worthy distractions include motorcycling, skiing, and the occasional online game.

Francis Chu

Francis Chu is Senior Network Engineer at LanXpert and is responsible for supporting several large client networks, technology infrastructure and applications. Francis is also involved in server migration and various system deployment projects. Francis has technical expertise in Windows Server and client technologies, infrastructure, storage and backup management, virtualization, wireless, and Apple/Macintosh environments. Previously Francis worked as an Analyst at eWEEK magazine where he covered server technologies, network appliances, system management platforms, network security tools, and wireless standards. During his six year tenure at eWEEK, Francis wrote a number of product reviews, special features, commentary, and how-to articles.

Francis is a graduate of University of California at Berkeley with a B.S. in Chemistry. He is technically certified in Microsoft and Qualys technologies. Francis’ passions include cycling, skiing and tennis.

Skiff Sumner

Skiff Sumner is Senior Network Engineer at LanXpert and is responsible for supporting several large client networks, infrastructure and applications. Skiff has previously worked as Database and Systems Administrator at Eksigent where he also managed large application implementation projects and migrations such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP/MRP), Supply Chain management (SCM), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Skiff also served as System Administrator at TPE Inc. and as Network Engineer at Applied Theory, Inc.

Skiff completed his A.S. degree at ITT Technical Institute and is technically certified as a Microsoft 2003 Certified System Engineer (MCSE), Network+ Certified Engineer, and Qualys technologies. In his spare time Skiff enjoys Scuba diving in exotic locations around the world.

Ruben Casile

Ruben Casile is a Network Engineer at LanXpert. Previously, Ruben held a variety of positions, most recently with Island Air, as the all in one IT staff, working with Windows Server Administration, Network Support, Telecommunications, IT training, and numerous application and infrastructure projects as an all around IT generalist.

Ruben graduated from the University of Hawaii with a B.A. in Economics. Ruben enjoys mountain biking, electronics, working on cars, home improvement, but most of all, spending time with his family.

Jason Roper

Jason is a Network Engineer at LanXpert and has over 10 years experience in PC Desktop and Windows Network support. Prior to joining the LanXpert team in 2008, Jason gained expertise in Windows Systems management working for Exceedio in the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay area where he led the field services team and developed his strong interpersonal skills with both the technically and non-technically inclined. Jason also worked as a commercial salmon fisherman in Alaska before settling down in California. Jason has achieved multiple Microsoft certifications and continues to develop his skill set in emerging technologies.  Jason balances his professional life by spending time with his wife and son at home in Oakland and is currently studying for his undergraduate degree in Political Science at San Francisco State University. Jason enjoys year round outdoor activities including backpacking with his family in the summer and snowboarding in the winter months.