Meet the team

• John Ross

  Hello, my name is John Ross. I am one of the four partners of The Mirazon Group. Before starting the company, I specialized in network architecture for large data-centers, Internet connectivity and security, and training. I received a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a specialization in the field of information science and data processing from the University of Louisville. I am a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet (MCSE+I) and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT).
  
  One of my specialties and goals is to bring the techniques of large data-centers, such as disaster recovery plans, production rollover and change control to small and medium-sized businesses to allow all companies to enjoy the benefits of a solidly designed and robust network. I have worked on many large and small networks designing systems that match the business goals of the organization.
  
  My technical experience includes but is not limited to thorough knowledge of firewalls, Windows 2003 and Active Directory.
  
  I am involved in training and presenting and have recently been involved in the development of the Microsoft courseware and the ISA 2004 Pocket Consultant. This includes courses on designing business solutions and designing data services and data models.

• Craig Stein

  Hello, I’m Craig Stein, one of the founding partners of The Mirazon Group. Thanks for visiting our site and checking out the team! You will not find a better group of people to partner with for your IT services.
  
  Our goal at Mirazon is to become trusted advisors to our customers. We do that by listening to their needs and offering solutions that fit their budget using the most innovative technology available while striving to provide the highest level of customer service.
  
  I have been providing systems consulting since 1992 and became a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) in 1994. I have worked with Windows since version 1.0. I try to keep up with all of the same certifications as my engineering team and was the first of our group to pass the Windows 7 Beta Exam. Our team never stops learning and that is what makes our jobs so exciting!
  
  My responsibilities at The Mirazon Group are focused on meeting with customers and architecting solutions to meet their needs. I also do quite a bit of evangelizing on the technologies that we offer in order to educate our customers on what is available.
  
  In my spare time I enjoy working on and restoring old cars and spending time with my wife Kelli and our four big dogs. Golf, scuba diving, snow and water skiing, paddling are among my non-technical passions. I am a graduate of Trinity High School and the University of Kentucky and attend Southeast Christian Church.

• Barry Martin

  Barry Martin is one of the four partners of The Mirazon Group. Barry serves as the chief technical architect for Mirazon. You can read all about Barry on his blog at -- Click here

• Karen Speaker Albers

  I’m one of the four partners in The Mirazon Group. I perform a variety of duties for The Mirazon Group including technical staff coordinator and very rarely technical duties. I’m particularly fond of sales. What other job can I get paid to talk to people? And everyone knows I love to talk. I’ve really enjoyed starting the company from the ground up. And the people I work with are just the greatest.
  
  My vision for The Mirazon Group is one of excellence in customer service. I believe we have the best of the best in technical expertise. I believe our technical skills are second to none in this area. But the technical services that we provide can also be provided by lots of other companies in town. Our skill allows us to perform the tasks quicker than most. But what really sets us apart is our total company’s commitment to making every customer happy. Many sales people can promise technical networking services, but the delivery on that promise every time to be on time and on budget is what sets our company apart from others.
  
  I like to have a good time at work. The office atmosphere is very relaxed. I spend the majority of my waking moments at work so I want to enjoy it. I like to keep stress ball(s) on my desk and they have been known to fly across the room on occasions especially after a stressful day.
  
  Even though I have fun I also take my work very seriously. I want my customers, employees and partners to all feel that I’m accessible to them when they need me. My door is always open, my e-mail and cell phone are always on, feel free to contact me at anytime.
  
  

• JoAnn Laudeman

  
  
  I started with The Mirazon Group in June of 2004 after spending several years as a stay-at-home mom with my two children. As Accounting Manager I am responsible for all internal accounting needs as well as some “Office Manager” type duties. While my computer technical expertise is limited, I have learned much and thoroughly enjoy working with The Mirazon Group family. The Mirazon office atmosphere is causal and fun but we are intensely focused on meeting all of our clients’ needs.
  
  Prior to being a stay-at-home mom, I was a tax manager for a local Fortune 500 company. As that company’s liaison with the IRS, I coordinated the company’s federal tax audits for approximately 76 related companies, helping to ensure the lowest possible federal tax. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Bellarmine University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville’s Brandeis School of Law. I am a CPA and a licensed attorney in the state of Kentucky.
  
  My spare time is spent with my husband, Bob, and our two sons, Alex and Wes. We enjoy “antiquing” and our extensive movie collection. I also enjoy spending time with my sons’ Boy Scout Troop as Advancement Chairperson.

• Mickey Smith

  Hello, my name is Mickey Smith and I have been with The Mirazon Group since July 2003. Mirazon has a great reputation for customer service and satisfaction and what I like most about Mirazon is that we always put customer service and satisfaction at the forefront. It takes years to find a customer and only seconds to lose one, I firmly believe that customer service should be one of the most important priorities of a successful business. Mirazon is a services company first, a Consulting Firm second; this along with the highly motivated and experienced employees is why The Mirazon Group is the best in the business.
  
  My background includes four (4) years active duty in the U.S. Air Force with an honorable discharge and multiple mid-level management positions working in various industries to include large amounts of customer service experience. With my customer service experience and the discipline instilled in me in the military I feel this allows me to provide Mirazon customers excellent service and value. I have a Network Administration Degree and I am a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Small Business Specialist (MCSBS) VMware Certified Professional (VCP) and Datacore Certified Implementation Engineer (DCIE). My expertise and interests fall into Virtualization and Storage Area Networks. Mirazon believes in giving great value on monies spent and that is what small businesses need to survive. I feel with the knowledge and expertise Mirazon has to offer we can assist any business by utilizing state of the art cutting edge technology that is available today.
  
  The Mirazon Group has provided me with the opportunity to provide quality service to clients that I can be proud of and actually enjoy going to work every day. My career goal is to continue providing quality service and cutting edge technical expertise as an Engineer with The Mirazon Group for many years to come.
  
  In my spare time you will find me at the lake with my family (Sallie, Kyle and Kaylee) or friends, working in the garage or sitting in front of a computer.

• Michael Patrick

  I joined Mirazon on June 1, 2004. I have computer and network experience dating back to the 1980’s. I’ve seen many changes in the computer industry. Before being offered a position with Mirazon, I was the Wide Area Network Administrator for the City of Louisville. I retired in September of 2000 and worked with another consulting group until offered the incredible opportunity to join The Mirazon Group.
  
  I’ve spent a number of years as a supervisor, network manager and administrator. Being an engineer with Mirazon is refreshing and energizing. New technology excites me and customer service is extremely rewarding.
  
  I’m married with two daughters. My wife Sandy and I have 9 cats (all rescues) and a bird. My hobbies are technology, reading and playing with our critters. I’m very active in our church as a deacon (Middletown Christian). I’m involved in the choir, and work with several church committees.
  
  My current certifications are MCITP- Enterprise, MCSE, MCT, MCSA, MCDST, NETWORK+, A+ and I’m looking to add a few more letters behind my name.

• Steve Hamlin

  Hello, my name is Steve Hamlin. I have been with The Mirazon Group since September 2005.
  
  I became involved in network support in the mid 90’s. I saw a need for technicians with strong customer service and communications skills.
  
  I started by teaching myself Novell to support my company’s network. After learning that position, I began doing PC and network support and website design and maintenance. I enrolled in Microsoft training and completed my MCSE in December of 2000. I have worked in the industry supporting Windows and Macintosh computers ever since.

• Doug Lee

  My name is Doug Lee, my experience in IT began with Citizens Fidelity Bank in 1990. I performed troubleshooting and maintenance on their ATM network, including software upgrades, and maintenance.
  
  I attended Sullivan University in 2005 to work towards my MCSE certification. In July I came on board with Mirazon working as a Helpdesk Technician, working at customer locations specializing in desktop and network support and helpdesk problems.
  
  Our team here at The Mirazon Group has an abundance of knowledge and experience, my association with them has been a great learning experience.
  
  

• Greg Turner

  Hello, my name is Greg Turner. I have been with The Mirazon Group since February 2006.
  
  I have 23 years IT experience and 12 years experience in management. I have been doing mostly consulting since 1997. Enjoying working with both people and technology, consulting allows me to do both at the same time.
  
  Since becoming an MCSE in 1997, I spent most of my time in consulting. I have achieved MCSE in NT 3.51, 4.0, 2000, 2003, MCSE+I, MCT, VCP on VI3, and DCIE. I have given most of my efforts in Active Directory, Exchange, migrations, firewalls, and security. I also have taught Microsoft classes from NT4, through Windows 2000, Exchange 5.5, Exchange 2000, and Network+ and conducted network security seminars to the military and the public. Recently I have been focused on virtualization technologies, mostly with VMware ESX and DataCore SANmelody.
  
  I enjoy both the large projects and the simple troubleshooting since each brings their own challenges. I’ve worked on projects affecting thousands of people and how they interact with their systems and single-user offices; each just as enjoyable.
  
  When I’m not on a computer, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son. My son has been on a computer since he was two and we share a common interest in radio control planes and cars.
  
  

• Kim Martin

  Hello, my name is Kim Martin. I have been with The Mirazon Group since May 2006.
  
  I work for Mirazon part-time as an administrative assistant. I help with internal operations procedures and a variety of other things. I attended the University of Louisville where I received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
  
  It is exciting to be a part of the Mirazon team. The Mirazon Group is known for their superior customer service and their knowledgeable engineers. Meeting our customer’s needs is very important to us.
  
  My husband and I enjoy camping and other outdoor activities together. We also spend a lot of time with our families and are involved in our church.

• DuRand Bryant

  My name is DuRand Bryant, and I have been with Mirazon since December, 2006. I have worked in Information Technology for over fifteen years.
  
  I became enamored with computers when I was given my first PC back in 1980. It was a Commodore Vic 20 that featured a whopping 5K of RAM and connected to my small 13" television. From that less than auspicious beginning, I continued learning as much as possible throughout high school and at the University of Louisville’s Speed Scientific School.
  
  I have done work as a support analyst, a network administrator, and a technical support manager for a company with 650 users. Since joining Mirazon, I have done extensive work with Exchange Server, Windows Server 2003 & 2008, automated OS deployment technologies, and several virtualization products.
  
  Mirazon’s culture of team work, solid ethics and a fun atmosphere truly make it one of the best companies I have ever worked for.
  When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful wife and our children.

• Seth Rodriquez

  My name is Seth Rodriquez. I joined The Mirazon Group in January 2007 in the position of Purchasing Coordinator. I serve the company by writing proposals and overseeing the ordering process and inventories. In addition to navigating and recommending hardware specifications on a regular basis, I am also Mirazon’s "resident expert" on the confusing world of software licensing. I currently hold certifications as a MCP for Licensing Solutions and VMware Sales Professional (vSphere 4).
  
  I also hold the illustrious position of being the only archaeologist on staff at The Mirazon Group. I am currently completing a PhD in Old Testament Archaeology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and have made numerous trips to the Middle East as a part of my studies. My dissertation will be a detailed study of weapons used in the ancient Near East from 1100 to 600 B.C. My educational background has provided me with extensive experience in research, which is put to good use when questions arise from our clients or engineers.
  
  Originally from California, I have lived in Louisville since 2003. My wife and I have had three children since moving here, a son and two daughters, who bring much joy into our lives.

• Brent Earls

  Hello, my name is Brent Earls and I’ve been with The Mirazon Group since February 2007. I have always enjoyed technology, and have been working with computers since 1993 when I got my first computer running DOS. I have since worked with nearly every Microsoft Operating system, as well as many of Microsoft’s other applications. Prior to working at the Mirazon Group I worked for the Technology Department at the Barren County School District.
  
  I enjoy and concentrate primarily on virtualization and storage, and am certified with all three of the major virtualization vendors. I have also been involved with the development of Microsoft Certification exams.
  
  I have obtained several certifications over the last several years, including: MCITP: Enterprise Administrator, MCTS: Hyper-V, MCTS: SCVMM, MCSE 2003 Security, VMware Certified Professional, Citrix Certified Administrator on Xenserver as well as over a dozen other certifications. I also have a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Security from the University of Louisville.
  
  While working at the Mirazon Group I have worked with companies ranging in size from one person to several thousand, and have a broad range of experience with various technologies and business requirements. I enjoy learning new things and try to always be on the cutting edge of the newest products and technologies.
  
  

• Greg Kamer

  Hello, my name is Greg Kamer and I’ve been with The Mirazon Group since May 2007.
  
  My interest in technology started with my first programming class in high school. Since then I have been very involved with technology. Whether its high end servers or mp3 players, I love most any of it. I enjoy the challenges the field of IT brings, and I enjoy even more finding the solutions.
  
  It is truly an honor to work at Mirazon with some of the sharpest technical minds in Louisville. The best part of my job is being able to help a customer from a problem to a solution and the ability to learn the newest technologies with my peers.
  
  I have been married since 2002 to my beautiful wife Kim. We have one little guy named Avi who is now two years old. I enjoy paintball, golf, theology, philosophy, gaming, and eating great food.
  
  

• Tim Lewis

  Hello, my name is Tim Lewis. I have been an information technology consultant since 2003. I became interested in joining the team at The Mirazon Group based on recommendations from other professionals and The Mirazon Group’s reputation. I joined the team in October 2007.
  
  I am MCSE and MCSA certified and have experience working with various desktop, server, networking and security products. I graduated from Ivy Tech State College in 2002 with a degree in Computer Information Systems. My professional goal is to provide the best service possible while increasing my experience and continuing my education.
  
  I spend my spare time with my wife and two sons. I also enjoy reading, movies and road trips.

• Beejay Elefante

  Hello! My name is Beejay. I have been with the Mirazon Group since January 2008.
  
  I’m originally from the Tidewater area of Virginia, where I was born and raised. I attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA where I attained a Bachelors Degree in Computational Sciences with a minor in Japanese.
  
  My computer interests began in high school when my parents purchased a family computer. My passion became inevitable it had me hooked playing games and connecting to various BBS sites. Since then I’ve dedicated my life into learning more about computers, and helping others understand them.
  
  Other than my love for computers, I am very passionate about music and spending hours of my day listening to mostly Jazz and many forms of electronic music. I also have heavy interest in fashion, photography, cuisine and art. I have been married since September 2007. Together with my wife, we try to satisfy wanderlust by traveling as much as possible, meeting new people, and trying everything that our destination has to offer.
  
  It’s a pleasure knowing that I’m part of the team at Mirazon. I can really see how they put customer service at the forefront of the business. Not only do they understand the concept of customer service, but they extend the experience to fellow employees. So no matter if a customer or a fellow employee, we’re here to help. I really believe that Mirazon is an extension of myself; sharing a common love for computers, having fun, meeting new people, and helping customers by providing the best service possible.

• Kevin Oppihle

  Welcome, my name is Kevin Oppihle. I joined The Mirazon Group the first quarter of 2008. I joined The Mirazon Group because of their mission of delivering world-class technical expertise combined with the highest level of customer service. My IT background includes beginning as a hardware technician and growing to a senior network administrator in a multi location, multi Operating system environment. I have a deep understanding of business needs from the desktop to the server farms and the interaction with staff, state agencies, and customers at all levels.
  
  On a personal note I currently live in southern Indiana as a transplant from northern Ohio. I love the city of Louisville and all its diversity and city groups. I am an active member of my church and community in general, including the Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol and internationally as a Member of Sister Cities of Louisville. I enjoy traveling with my wife, when time permits. I also enjoy trying to improve my basic Spanish, continuing my IT education, and completing more certifications. I am currently working to add to my collection of geek codes at the end of my name. I currently have obtained: MCSA, MCSBS, MCTS, MCP, CompTIA A+, CCA: XenServer. The most recent certification being the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system certification, set to be released shortly. I am a casual twitterer and can be found as Koppihle3.

• Jenny Douglas

  Hello! My name is Jenny Douglas, and I have been with The Mirazon Group since March 2008.
  
  I am an administrative/accounting assistant here at The Mirazon Group. I help with the internal workings of the company. My responsibilities are pretty varied. I have an administrative background, and I enjoy keeping things organized. I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Art, so I like finding creative solutions to problems. I like to joke that I am an artist with a type A personality.
  
  The Mirazon Group is an excellent company that I am proud to call myself a part of. They are dedicated to excellent customer service and staying updated with all the latest technology. Their engineers are knowledgeable and service oriented.
  
  My husband and I are originally from Minneapolis, MN. We moved to Louisville so he could go to school at Southern Seminary. We enjoy getting together with friends, adding to our movie collection, going to interesting restaurants/galleries/museums. I also do a lot of painting in my spare time.

• Andrea Walker

  Hello! My name is Andrea Walker and I started with Mirazon in March 2008.
  
  The atmosphere at Mirazon is one where growth and employee involvement in the company is of high significance, which makes for an incredible work environment. The partners are down to earth and create an atmosphere of openness and true excellence.
  
  My background is in the executive administrative field. I have worked with various companies from software for plastics to architecture. I truly enjoy working with people and numbers. As a marketing assistant/administrative assistant at Mirazon I will be working to help implement seminars and other various marketing tasks as well as providing the best customer service possible.
  
  My wonderful husband and I have been married for 18 years and have two wonderful children! Micah, my teenage daughter is venturing into the Manual High School scene next year and my son Coury is in Middle School. Both are excellent students and really make us proud as parents with their Christian behavior and their ability to be a great friend to so many. As a family we love vacationing, enjoy movies together and enjoy our involvement in our church family. We are always ready for some other great adventures!

• Aaron Lowe

  Hello! My name is Aaron Lowe and I started working for the Mirazon Group in March 2008.
  
  I was born and raised right here in the Louisville metro area. My attention was drawn towards computers when my parents started their own computer company in 1989. I now live in the Highlands in Louisville with my wife, Courtney and son, Blake. I have had an interest in new technology since I was little and had to have every new piece of gaming equipment coming out. Other than my love for technology I love to draw, listen and learn about music, work on cars and I love to fish. I am proud to be a member of such an esteemed team of co-workers.
  
  The upbeat atmosphere and overall good nature of the entire team here at Mirazon makes coming to work a joy each and every day. I look forward to further working with each and every person affiliated with The Mirazon Group. My goal is to put everyone’s minds at ease when dealing with some type of computer issue, whether it be a fellow employee or a client I am do work for.

• Joshua Elwell

  Hello, my name is Joshua Elwell. I have been with the Mirazon Group since second quarter 2008.
  
  I have been working on computers for the better part of twelve years now, the bulk of which as a consultant or in a consulting firm.
  
  I started on an old Apple IIe and haven’t stopped since. I obtained my first MCSE in NT4.0 and have continued the certifications through Windows 2000 while adding A+, Network +, MSFT SQL, CCNA, & CCDA.
  
  My formal education includes an Associates Degree in Logistics, a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a major in Computer Information Systems, and a Masters of Business Administration completing in the summer of 2008.
  
  I originally enlisted in the Army in 1993 and have continued serving until present day as a member of the Kentucky Air National Guard.

• Colby Poore

  My name is Colby Poore, and I have been with The Mirazon Group since June of 2008. I am attending the University of Louisville, obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems including the Information Security option.
  
  I was born and raised in the Austin, TX area and moved to the Louisville area in 2001. My love for computers and technology started in 1995 when my father brought home two ancient desktops that I couldn’t wait to tear apart and attempt to put back together. I quickly learned, through trial and error, how to correctly put the computers back together in order for them to actually work. Since then I haven’t slowed down. Throughout high school I ventured into networking computers and I also helped out the staff at my small town school maintain and support their network. Now, I am a Microsoft Certified Professional with an MCTS in Vista and Windows XP.
  
  Mirazon has already proven to be exactly the work environment that suits my personality. Customer service is of ultimate importance, but at the same time the employees are laid back and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I look forward to a long professional relationship with The Mirazon Group.

• Daniel Crawley

  Hi, my name is Daniel Crawley and I’ve been with The Mirazon Group since December 2009. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Information Security at the University of Louisville.
  
  My first great interest in computers came during high school when I enrolled in a basic PC repair class. Since then my thirst for knowledge has lead me to challenging courses at U of L and even to workshops at Carnegie Mellon.
  
  The Mirazon Group offers a relaxed atmosphere while still maintaining the professional attitude needed to provide helpful and friendly customer service. In this environment I look forward to expanding my skill set and facing the unique challenges that are put in front of me every day.