Meet
the Team of Seerx Technologies Inc.
Lucas
(Luke) Kandia – President & CEO
Luke
has over 27 years of computer experience, the majority with
Seerx Technologies and the Federal Government of Canada.
Luke was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on a cold October night, sometime back in the 60's. So it was only fitting, that it was on a cold October night in 1983, some 20 years later, at a close friend's house that a birth of a different sort occured. His friend had just received a Commodore VIC20 for his birthday. Luke was enamored. His friend and him spent many a sleepless night typing in program after program, just to witness something amazing unfold before their eyes. Usually a game. Something to do with a joystick. Simply amazing.
Then they both graduated to the Commodore 64. One day, the C64 didn't power up. Ouch. For someone who lived, breathed and slept computers, this was like losing a close friend. A trip to the computer repair shop (Micro Mart on Arlington and Portage) fixed it. Figuring he would love to be able to repair his own computer, the next itime it broke down, he wound up taking and graduating from Computer Engineering Technology (RRCC) in 1987.
In 1987, he wound up getting a job as a salesman at the very same computer store where he used to take his Commodore 64 - Micro Mart. While it was an awesome job, he kept looking for more challending and rewarding positions. So it was with much fanfare that he wound up getting a job with Olivetti Canada as a computer repair technician. That lasted 2 weeks. Then came the big break. His resume was out there, and the Federal Government came calling. He got a job as a computer technologist for the Federal Government
at the Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment in Pinawa,
Manitoba for 5 incredible years where he met some amazing people and made some lifetime friendships. Not to mention the awesome experience he gained working with IBM computers for the first time.
Luke followed that stint up with a 7 year term with
the Canadian Grain Commission in Winnipeg, Manitoba as a network
support technician. To say that he learned a lot would be a gross understatement. The people that were his mentors there, are still some of the finest people in the IT world today.
During this time, Luke ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, when he started up a moonlighting company called LogicBauds and Associates. Luke wound up doing data recovery on people's hard drives, when they would delete files by accident, format the wrong hard drive or simply not be able to find their files. It lasted for about 4 years, when he gave it up upon the arrival of Lydia's and his first child.
In 1999, Bev Fotiuk, Len Andrusiak and Luke founded Seerx Technologies. During
the advent of high speed Internet in Winnipeg, Luke took on
the lead technical role at Seerx. He led a team of bright
and talented individuals through a major project integrating
high speed Internet into thousands of homes and businesses.
Since then, he has concentrated on managing the Seerx technical
team that supports the IT installations of numerous small to
medium sized businesses.
Lydia
Kandia – Vice President & CFO
Lydia
has over 15 years of management and accounting experience,
the majority with Seerx Technologies.
Lydia
was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lydia graduated from
University of Winnipeg, with a BA in 1985. After graduating,
Lydia worked for over 10 years in many different capacities
for the Carpathia Credit Union in Winnipeg, culminating as the
executive secretary to the CEO.
Lydia joined Seerx in
2002 to take over the bookkeeping
responsibilities. Since then, she has transitioned into the role of Vice President.
Jovito
Paderes – 2nd Level Support Technician
Jovito
has over 15 years of technical experience, the majority with
Seerx Technologies and various shipping companies based in the
Philippines.
Jovito
was born and raised in Peñaranda, a small town in the province
of Nueva Ecija, Philippines. In 1994 Jovito received his Bachelor's
Degree in Computer Engineering from AMA Computer University
in Quezon City, Philippines. In 1995, Jovito was employed by
Computer Ventures Inc. and worked as a Computer Service Engineer.
From 1996 to 1998, Jovito worked as a Computer Instructor at
the AMA Computer Learning Center and Lafortuna Computer Learning
Center in Cabanatuan City, Philippines. From 1998 until 2000,
Jovito served as an IT Officer for Midocean Ship Management
Corp, their sister company Phil-Man Marine Agency Inc and the
Mediterranean Shipping Corp. Jovito then operated a small computer
business in the Philippines called "Paderes Computer Systems
Repair and Service" from 2001 until 2005. In 2005, he emmigrated
to Canada along with his family. Jovito's first working experience
in Canada was as a PC Technician for Kelly Services, in Winnipeg,
Manitoba. Jovito joined the Seerx family in late 2005 as an
entry level technician.
Jovito
is currently a 2nd Level Support Technician at Seerx Technologies
and specializes in computer and network installation, maintenance
and troubleshooting.
Jovito is an A+, Network+ and Server + certified technician.
Maricel
Villegas – Help Desk Coordinator and 1st Level Support Technician
Maricel
has 9 years of technical experience, the majority with Seerx
Technologies and a major call center in the Philippines.
Maricel
was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. In 2000,
Maricel achieved her Bachelor's of Computer Engineering at Central
College in the Philippines. Upon graduation Maricel received
further training in Computer Electronics at the Meralco Foundation.
In 2001, Maricel was employed at Pilipinas International Marketing
Services Inc. working in the Information Technology Division.
Maricel emmigrated to Canada in June 2005. Her first Canadian
work experience was with the Vansco Electronics Company. Maricel
joined Seerx Technologies family in early 2006.
Maricel
is currently a 1st Level Support Technician at Seerx Technologies.
She also coordinates the Seerx Helpdesk.
Maricel is an A+ and Network+ certified technician.
Matt
Gerbrandt – 2nd Level Support Technician
Matt
has 6 years of technical experience, the latest with Seerx Technologies.
Matt
was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Matt completed his
high school diploma at River East Collegiate in 2004 where he
also received a diploma in computer software. In 2006, Matt
received an Internet Specialist diploma through Winnipeg Technical
College. He joined Seerx shortly thereafter, as an entry level
technician. Matt is our "new technology" specialist. If its new and its to do with computers, Matt is all over it. Latest toy - the Blackberry Playbook.
Matt
is currently a 2nd Level Support Technician at Seerx Technologies
and specializes in server and network installations, maintenance
and troubleshooting.
Emil
Oquendo – 2nd Level Support Technician
Emil
has over 9 years of technical experience, the majority with
Seerx Technologies and a leading IT firm in the Philippines
.
Emil
was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. Emil attended College
at Centro Escolar University and in 2001 Emil received a Bachelor
of Science degree in Commerce with a major in Computer Science
& Information Systems. In 2002, Emil was hired by Hello
Corp Philippines, as a customer care consultant for AOL. In
2003 Client Logic Philippines hired Emil to work as a Level
2 tech support person on behalf of Dell support. Emil and his
wife immigrated to Canada in 2006, where Emil found work at
Best Buy as a member of their famed “Geek Squad”. A short while
later in 2007, Emil joined the Seerx family as a entry level
tech support technician.
Emil
is currently a 2nd Level Support Technician at Seerx Technologies
and specializes in server and network installation, maintenance
and troubleshooting.
Emil is an A+, Network+ and Server+ certified technician.
Patrick Momotiuk - 2nd Level Support technician
Patrick was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
He attended Winnipeg Technical College where he graduated
with honours in 2010 with a network support diploma. He also loves taking long walks along the beach.
After being in the trenches for over a year, Patrick has graduated to a 2nd
Level Support technician specializing in computer and network
support.
Charlie
Elliot - Sales Manager
Charlie comes to us with over 15 years of Sales experience in
the Information Technology field.
Originally from Winnipeg, Charlie was a long time resident
of Edmonton. He moved back to Winnipeg recently and joined
Seerx in 2008 after working for MicroAge Computers for a number of years
as a Senior Sales Representative. An avid musician, Charlie
plays both guitar and piano and loves to teach and talk about music.
Charlie leads Seerx's Sales team and specializes in creating custom DELL solutions for our clients.
Michael Koley - 2nd Level Support Technician
Michael was also born and raised in Winnipeg. Michael brings with him to Seerx over 8 years of hands on experience working with computers and networks. An A+ Certified Technician, Michael has already fit in nicely with the rest of the Seerx bunch. We look forward to great things from Mike.
Michael's wealth of experience elevated him straight to 2nd Level Support Technician after only a short while at Seerx.