Our Team

President & CEO

“I’m impressed daily by the hard work our team does on behalf of our clients. It’s not a vendor and customer relationship, we see it as a partnership where we integrate ourselves as closely as we can into their organization.”

In less than a decade, Luis Alvarez has grown the Alvarez Technology Group, Inc. (ATG) from a small two-person consultancy to the premier information technology (IT) solutions provider on the California Central Coast, delivering IT services to more than 200 companies throughout the state. A visionary who never shies away from exploring exciting new technologies that might give his clients a competitive advantage, Luis specializes in working with executives and managers of small- and mid-sized businesses, sharing his expertise by advising them on trends, analyzing their systems for improved performance and planning how IT can help achieve their business goals.

Luis is considered an expert in business process flow and the integration of IT for maximum profitability. He lead the industry towards a managed services model, an operational strategy that allows ATG to offer continuous monitoring and management of client IT infrastructure at an affordable price point. Luis designed the iTeam service delivery system based on this managed services model.

Luis has lived and worked in the Monterey Bay area since 1986, after 21 years of combined active and reserve duty with the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, he served in various command positions including the Air Force Information Warfare Center/Air Force Computer Emergency Response Team (AFIWC/AFCERT) and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Luis has been received numerous accolades and awards, most notably landing on the MSPMentor 250 list every year since its inception as well as leading the company to an appearance on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies list in 2011. He also recognized as a community leader, serving on the board of numerous non-profits, including the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Rotary Club of Salinas and the Monterey Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Degrees and Certifications:

• MBA, University of Phoenix
• UCLA Anderson School of Management, Management Development for Entrepreneurs
• Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional in Windows 7
• Microsoft Certified Network Product Specialist
• Microsoft Certified Product Specialists
• Master Certified Novell Engineer
• CompTIA A+
• CompTA Project+
• Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator

Director of Customer Care and Operations

“I love the challenges that come from sales management. Every day is something new!”

As Director of Customer Care and Operations, Cristel Andersen is responsible for procurement, scheduling, and billing. She ensures clients are taken care of efficiently and effectively and have a positive experience.

A Carmel native, she currently resides Vancouver, WA with her husband, Thomas, and two of their six children. She and Thomas are also involved with promoting musical and sporting events in the Pacific Northwest.

Controller

“I am accountable.”

As the Controller, Michelle Berridge leads the accounting and finance functions for our organization. She is committed to safeguarding company assets, maintaining relationships, leading successful teams and playing an integral role in the leadership of ATG. She brings over 15 years of financial experience from several industries including manufacturing, semi-conductors and agriculture.

Michelle is on the Supervisory Committee for Bay Federal Credit Union, which is an essential part of their Board of Directors. She was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, and currently lives in Watsonville with her husband. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentration in Accounting from University of Phoenix where she graduated with honors. One of her greatest pleasures is travelling and is inspired by the quote: “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Unknown.

Customer Service Coordinator

“I am all about customer service, and if I can help you I will.”

As Customer Service Coordinator, Toni Campbell ensures that requests for service are handled efficiently and engineer time is allocated effectively. She supports the engineers, coordinates service tickets with the OpsCenter, and dispatches ordered components to the engineers. She has nearly two decades of customer service experience and has been dispatching for over 2 years. Toni is new to the tech industry, but loves working with people.

Originally from Salinas, she currently lives here with her husband, Brandon, two teenage boys, and their cat, Bailey. In her spare time, she enjoys barbecuing, camping, and spending some much needed time with girlfriends.

Support Engineer

 “Working in the call center, every day is different and challenging. There’s never a moment when you’re not learning something new about technology.”

As a Support Engineer, George works to assist clients with computer and network related issues.

George has been in the IT industry for over 30 years, working in varied positions including Computer Operator, Systems Technician, and Network Administrator. He’s also worked with technology in the aviation weather data processing industry as well as the Healthcare industry.

George is originally from Maui, Hawaii but has spent most of his years on the Monterey Peninsula. His daughter Michelle lives in Marina, his son Michael lives in Las Vegas, and his youngest son George III, his two dogs, and several gold fish live with him. In his spare time, George enjoys golf, computer games, playing the ukulele, and eating Hawaiian food.

Senior System Engineer

“I use technology to make life easier so I can spend more time doing what I love”

As Senior System Engineer, Ben oversees the Helpdesk and Network Operations Center at Alvarez Technology Group. Ben also helps clients navigate their IT environment, business processes and requirements and recommends technology –based solutions to meet client needs. He can install and configure the most complex IT solutions for our clients.

Ben brings 16 years of experience in the technology field, working as a network or systems administrator and engineer.  He holds two degrees from ITT technical institute – an Associate Degree in Computer Network Systems Technology and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Security Systems. One of his favorite sayings is “There are two types of people in the world. Those who back up and those who wish they had.”

Originally from Knoxville, TN, Ben currently resides there and works remotely.  In his spare time he runs media servers and tests new technologies out of his home. He enjoys playing video games, and rides his sports bike to relax.

Certifications:

• Cisco Small Business Specialization Engineer
• LabTech Certified Professional
• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician

Vice President of Compliance & Security

Jeff Dicks partnered with Luis and Ronni Alvarez in 2001 to start a small technology consultant business called Alvarez Technology Group. With the vision of complete managed services and the mission to make downtime obsolete, they developed the small local consultancy into a successful managed services company, serving organizations throughout Central California, the Bay Area, and Ventura County.

After dedicating eight years to the Alvarez Technology Group contract at the Department of Defense Personal Security Research Center (PERSEREC), Jeff brought his extensive network and security knowledge back to the company as the Vice President of Compliance and Security. During this time as the Network and Security Administrator at PERSEREC, he managed and maintained the host based security system, cyber security, and the enterprise level Cisco firewall.

Born and raised Santa Cruz County, Jeff currently lives in the Monterey area with his wife, Milena, and their Doberman Pinscher, Xena. Their three children are currently in college. He is an active Rotary member, an adult leader through the White Stag Youth Leadership Program, and volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America Venturing Youth Development Program. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, backpacking, and wakeboarding.

Certifications:
HBSS Cert.
Security +
CISSP (in progress)

Account Manager

“I enjoy working with local businesses, providing new technologies, helping them overcome their challenges and seeing these organizations succeed with technology.”

Kirk has many years of experience in the Customer Relation/Customer Service areas.

As an Account Manager, Kirk gets to work with Business leaders and Business Owners on their technology needs. Kirk gives them the peace of mind that their network is secure and healthy and implementing new technologies for them to grow.

Kirk is from and currently lives in Salinas, CA. He has a wife, three sons, two daughters, five grandchildren, and a cat. Kirk has an Associate Degree in IT Support and enjoys spending time with family and playing music. He also volunteers with the CA Rodeo and Airshow.

Support Engineer

“New wrinkles are to be expected and only serve to reinforce our Knowledge Base.”

Sean has a Bachelor of Science-Biology degree from UC Santa Cruz, an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems from Cabrillo College, and five years’ experience working in IT and robotics. As a Support Engineer, Sean supports clients by troubleshooting and fixing problems on their workstations and servers.

Sean is a California native and currently lives in Pacific Grove, with his extended family scattered across the country and the world. In his spare time, Sean enjoys scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, chess, and cooking.

Support Engineer

“I have always been a problem solver and I like helping people. There is a satisfaction that comes from knowing I have fixed a problem, solved a puzzle or unraveled a mystery. Working in the I.T. industry allows me to do all three.”

Mark Fields is a Support Engineer and helps clients resolve a variety of network, computer and software related issues. With 14 years of experience in the technology industry, Mark holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from Silicon Valley College and has experience in I.T. consulting, desktop support, network administration, website administration.

Mark is a Hollister native and currently lives there with his wonderful wife, a 20 year old step daughter, an 8 year old son and a Beta Fish named Jack Sparrow. When off the clock he likes to spend time with family, practice martial arts, play guitar and video games.

Certifications:

CompTIA A+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Project+
CIW Database Design Specialist
CIW JavaScript specialist
CIW Web Design Specialist

Director of Business Development

“I enjoy interacting with the community and solving business challenges through the use of technology.”

Elliott Frutkin, Director of Business Development, leads sales, partnerships and Account Management for Alvarez Technology Group. Elliott works with his team to assess technical needs and develop dynamic solutions for business and organizations.

After a short stint in politics at The White House in Washington D.C., Elliott moved into the technology industry. He started a software company, Doceus, out of his college dorm room (with headquarters in his fraternity’s basement) and has since spent over 20 years in various roles in the tech world.

Doceus, Inc., the leading provider of software for associations and non-profits was recognized in the Fast 50 as the 18th fastest growing company in the Mid-Atlantic region, quite an accomplishment in the dot.com era. Elliott was named to Washingtonian Magazine’s “Top 100 to Watch” list, regularly featured in major publications like the Washington Post and The New York Times, a sought-after technology commentator on TV, named a “Young Lion” by Techway Magazine and nominated as a finalist for Ernst & Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year honors. Elliott negotiated debt and equity financings and after 10 years under his leadership completed the sale of the profitable company.

Elliott later co-founded and led Time Trax Technologies, a digital music pioneer and disruptive technology company that forever changed the entertainment industry and helped shape how digital media is delivered to you today. Time Trax partnered with the Electronic Frontier Foundation to submit an Amicus curiae brief during the MGM Studios v. Grokster case in 2005 and Elliott was invited to attend oral arguments before the Supreme Court of the United States. Time Trax’s technology time-shifted satellite radio broadcasts, developed portable music players and recorders and moved into capturing digital music from traditional FM radio broadcasts. Time Trax had operations in Washington, DC, Sweden and manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen, China. Time Trax merged with the PopCatcher brand based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Elliott did a stint as an Executive at Blackboard, the world’s largest education technology company with 100 million users in 90 countries. He reported to BlackBoard CEO, Michael Chasen, and was his Deputy handling Special Initiatives ranging from internal operations to mergers and acquisitions.

Outside of the technology arena, Elliott’s love of ice cream led him to become a Partner in a development company for a national franchise ice cream company, where he was responsible for raising capital, identifying locations and launching new storefronts. That company is now part of Cold Stone Creamery.

He attended American University where he completed MBA coursework.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Elliott spent the beginning of his career on the East Coast and migrated West, stopping in Scottsdale, AZ on his way to his eureka! moment on California’s Central Coast. He currently lives with his two dogs, Miley, a Shihpoo (a Shih Tzu Poodle mix) and Luna, a black Labrador retriever rescued from the SPCA. Elliott has 5 kids ranging in age from 11- 20.

In his spare time, Elliott enjoys walking his dogs, spending time with his kids, the beach and anything near the ocean, and taking road trips.

Help Desk Technician

“Success is steady progress toward one’s personal goals.”

Prior to joining the ATG team, Lou worked in the home health care field for 16 years. He currently works as a Computer System Operator on site at a client’s help desk assisting with tier one troubleshooting over the phone and via remote connection.

Lou was born and raised in Salinas, California. He enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter. In his spare time, he likes to have fun, make music and cook food with his family and friends.

Certifications:

OpsCenter Technician II

“I enjoy keeping my finger on the pulse of our managed client networks.  I am the first line of defense when it comes to detecting problems and taking steps to address them before the client has a larger issue.”

Corry Keller, OpsCenter Technician II, assists clients from the OpsCenter and quickly responds to requests for technical assistance. He resolves computer, network, and software related issues.

Corry is a graduate of Monterey Peninsula College and lives in Salinas with his wife, two daughters, two cats, and 10 fresh water tropical fish. He enjoys martial arts, music and cooking. In his spare time you can find him with his daughters in the dojo just kickin’ it or at home with family and friends making music, food and fun.

Certifications:

• Microsoft Certified Professional Windows 2000 Server
• Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1 SSE
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network +
• CompTIA Healthcare IT Technician
• CompTIA Security+ CE Certificate

Account Manager

“I enjoy working with clients to find them the best possible solution to their technology needs.”

As an Account Manager for Alvarez Technology group Matt’s first responsibility is to be a client advocate. He works to foster a partner relationship with his clients to ensure they are receiving the best technology decisions possible. Matt have been an Account Manager for over 10 years. Matt has also worked as a Risk Analyst and Project Manager for a major banking institution, the Director of Operations for a Non-Profit organization and has served on the Board of Directors for a Non-Profit organization.

Matt was born in Massachusetts but considers himself a native Californian as he has lived here since he was six years old. He currently resides in Prundale with his wife and two daughters and three grandchildren. During Matt’s spare time he enjoys travelling and spending time with his family. Matt also spends his time volunteering for local Non-Profit organizations.

Administrative Assistant

“It is great to be exposed to the technology industry with a company that focuses on putting their clients on the forefront.”

As the Administrative Assistant, Saul Loa assists the Alvarez team with clerical tasks in order to facilitate daily office duties and assists the leadership team in executing projects and events. Saul brings over 5 years of experience working with non-profit organizations, where he trained and recruited new staff and worked with community organizations.

Saul was born and raised in King City, California and resides there to this day. Saul has a diploma in Business Administration with an emphasis on computerized accounting and certifications in Quickbooks and Bookkeeping. In his spare time, Saul enjoys exploring new hobbies and experiences, food, and cars.

Systems Engineer

“I always like learning about technologies and new ways of doing things.”

Andrew is from Monterey County but currently resides in Seaside, CA. In high school, he started working as a camp counselor and did administrative work for the Boy Scouts of America for six years. Shortly after, Andrew got a job working as a system administrator for a medical clinic for seven years.

Andrew works with clients to figure out technical solutions to issues that arise in their organization. In his spare time, he likes to work on personal technical projects like building his own computers.

OpsCenter Technician I

“I love working with the clients and being a cog in their success.”

As an OpsCenter Technician I, Mike Parks works on the front line to assist clients with computer and network related issues. He has over 15 years of experience as a software programmer and IT technician, which he uses to resolve technology issues quickly and efficiently.

Mike has a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science from University of Phoenix. He currently lives in Salinas with his son and dog. In his spare time, he enjoys learning new technology, playing video games, and playing rock music.

Degrees and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science from University of Phoenix

Account Executive

“Some people want it to happen, some wish it could happen, others make it happen.”

Joseph has over 20 years of sales and customer service experience. He currently works as an Account Executive. His duties include recommending, installing and configuring technology-based solutions for clients.

Joseph was born in Freehold, NJ and currently lives in Salinas. He and his wife have a 17-year-old son, an 11 year-old-daughter and a Jack Russell Terrier dog named Jordan. In his spare time, Joseph enjoys playing several sports including, basketball, football and biking. He also likes spending time with his family, barbecuing, going to the beach, as well as attending concerts and sporting events.

Service Delivery Manager

“I find joy in providing IT solutions to everyday technical issues for our clients.”

Eddie has vast years of experience in the technology field, working in both technical and management roles to deliver IT Infrastructure, Desktop, Service Desk, and Service Management offerings. At Alvarez Technology Group, he operates as the lead point of contact for any and all matters specific to our clients to build and maintain strong, long lasting client relationships. Eddie is trained in IS Information Management & ITIL v3 Service Management.

Eddie lives in Salinas with his wife, Teresa, and son, Vincent. He likes to play drums and guitar, make music with friends and family, and spend time with family.

Support Engineer

“The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it. Make every day a challenge!”

Jay Smith brings more than 15 years of experience working in the IT industry to the Alvarez team. From installing and configuring operating systems to cloud computing, Jay has extensive knowledge of today’s technologies. As a Desktop Support Engineer, Jay helps to maintain and troubleshoot existing computers laptops, security and servers within our clients’ organizations.

Jay was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and has called Seaside his home for the past 10 years. He is married and has two children and a pet dog. In his spare time, Jay enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, mountain biking, and taking his family on camping trips.

Degrees and Certifications:

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Health Care Technician
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate Windows 10

Project Coordinator

“The Information Technology Industry is constantly changing. I like working with our clients to introduce to them these evolving technologies and seeing how they improve the quality of their business.”

Michael’s knowledge-base includes experience with: Cisco routers and switches, Windows 2003 Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange Server 2003, ATM, Frame Relay, ISDN, SONET, VoIP, Voice Over ATM, Optical/Photonic networking and various firewall platforms.

Michael earned his B.S. in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University in 1996. A native of the Monterey Bay area, he currently lives in Salinas. Michael is a competitive trap shooter, enjoys snowboarding and is a skydiving enthusiast.

Certifications:

CompTIA A+

Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional