The team that makes ViaWiki work.
Mike Sowada, CEO
Michael Sowada has been a leader
in technology management for almost 20 years. Before
VISI, Michael was CEO/Founder of Digital North, a leading
provider of business-class hosting solutions. Prior
to Digital North,
Michael was CEO/Founder of DKS Systems, one of the top
technical Web development companies in the Twin Cities.
Other roles Michael has held in his career include Director
of Internet Systems for WWWRRR, Inc.; Director of Applications
Development for Net Perceptions, Inc.; and a variety
of managing director roles at The Musicland Group. Michael
started his career as a consultant with Andersen Consulting.
Michael was recently named "2005 Emerging Entrepreneur"
for his contributions and leadership in the area of
Internet technologies. Michael holds a BS in Computer
Science from Mankato State University and an MBA in
Venture Management from the University of St. Thomas.
 Jason
Baker, CTO
Jason has over ten years of experience
working with Internet and telecommunications organizations
in Minnesota. Prior to VISI, he co-founded Digital North
and was the technology leader within the organization.
In his capacity as Director of Operations, Jason helped
Digital North expand into multiple datacenters serving
thousands of customers. Prior to Digital North, Jason
was a key technology driver at iPares, a multinational
dot-com consultancy. Jason managed the profitable Application
Hosting division within the organization. Early in his
career he joined incNET, a startup Internet Service
Provider located in Eden Prairie. As Chief Engineer
he guided the organization during a time when the Internet
was first becoming a useful business tool. incNET was
eventually acquired by MEANS Telcom (now Onvoy). Jason
joined MEANS as a Senior Engineer within their newly
formed Professional Services group.
Jason holds a bachelors degree in Computer Science from
the University of Minnesota.
Pam Caneva, CFO
Pam brings 18 years of financial
management experience to VISI. She joined VISI.com as
Controller in 2004. Prior to VISI, Pam had been a Controller
for Industrial Container Services since 1996. From 1989-96
she was the Regional Controller with EESCO, Inc. Pam
began her career as a Senior Accountant with Jassoy,
Graff & Douglas, CPAs. Pam is a CPA with a BS in
Business Administration from San Diego State University.
Gary Elfert, Director of
Sales and Marketing
Gary Elfert has been managing
sales and marketing for VISI.com since 2003. Gary brings
over ten years of industry experience to VISI. Prior
to joining VISI.com, Gary served from 2000 through 2002
as the Sales Manager for infinetivity, a local Internet
Service Provider. From 1995 to 2000, Gary worked in
the capacity of owner and Director of Operations of
Citilink Internet, a local Internet Service Provider.
Bradley Urberg-Carlson,
Manager of Network Operations
Bradley started with VISI.com
in 2004. Prior to VISI.com Bradley worked at MRNet/Onvoy
as and Senior Network Engineer. From 2000-2004 he worked
as a Technical Consultant for Caspian Networks. Before
that he was a Network Administrator for The Science
Museum of MN. Bradley's an expert in network design
and security, knowing what businesses need to do to
keep up with changing technology. He holds a B.A. in
Mathematics from St. Olaf College.
Ralph Awad, Manager of Hosting
Services
Ralph Awad came to VISI in 2004,
bringing with him seven years of technology experience,
seven years of experience as a business owner/manager
and valuable business and operations management leadership
skills. Ralph’s degrees include a bachelor of
science in mathematics, a bachelor of science in chemistry,
and a bachelor of science in religious education.
Jeff Kozel, Manager of Customer
Services
Jeff Kozel has been implementing
impeccable customer service for VISI.com since 2000
when he began as a Customer Care Representative. Jeff's
service-centered influence spread as he moved into his
roles as the Manager of Support at VISI.com in 2002,
and the Manager of Customer Services for VISI.com in
2004. Jeff's role today continues to focus on maintaining
VISI's superior customer service reputation throughout
the greater Twin Cities region. |
