LRS Small Business Tech Services

Scott Brown

Scott Brown has been troubleshooting problems with desktops, servers, and networks for over 15 years. Starting as a student at Blackburn College, he worked on-campus as the crew head for the technology division. After graduation, he was hired by a Springfield office supply company as a Systems Engineer and was soon promoted to the Director of Technology Services. In 2012 Brown furthered his career by joining the LRS Network Support team, in 2019 Brown was promoted to Senior Network Consultant then later, in 2022, was promoted to Manager of the Small Business Tech Services division.

Certifications and Degrees

• Microsoft Certified Professional
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist
• Microsoft Certified Server Administrator
• X360 Recover Direct to Cloud Certification
• X360 Cloud Certification
• X360 Recover Replibit Certification
• Member of Axcient Partner Advisory Committee
• B.A. Management Information Systems and Computer Science, Blackburn College

Fun Fact about Scott

“I love playing all kinds of sports and, with five children (all boys), I have my own starting lineup for a basketball team.”

Arron Gass

Arron Gass has acquired nearly fifteen years of IT experience, starting as a network administrator for a college department while attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale. While still a student, he advanced his skill set further by working as a network consultant for several IT firms. After graduation he returned to SIUC as a network administrator until joining LRS in 2008. Arron took on a leadership role within the newly formed but growing LRS Network Support team in 2009. He was promoted to Senior Network Consultant in 2016 and today, serves as Network Support Coordinator.

Certifications and Degrees

• B.S. Information System Technologies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate: Windows Server 2012
• Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2010

Fun Fact about Arron

“With my extensive knowledge of Microsoft products, most people are surprised to hear I didn’t get my first Windows PC until I turned 18, until then I only owned Apple computers.”

Jeff Greer

Jeff Greer has been providing tech support to businesses for more than twenty years. After earning a degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he worked as a network administrator for an office supply company offering technology support to central Illinois businesses. In 2011, Jeff made the move to LRS to join the growing team of network support consultants. He was promoted to Senior Network Consultant in 2019.

Certifications and Degrees

• MCITP Microsoft Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008 (R2)
• Fortinet Certified Network Security Administrator
• InfoSec Certified Ethical Hacker
• B.A. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Fun Fact about Jeff

“I didn’t go to school for IT. I went to school first to be an engineer, then an attorney. It wasn’t until my last year of school that I found an interest in networking in a MAC computer lab.”

Joe O'Brien

Joe O’Brien has gained over fifteen years of IT experience in various capacities working for Internet service providers, as a small-to-medium business consultant, and in the education industry. Most recently he acted as the IT Manager for a multi-campus college providing network, server, and end-user support. In 2016, O’Brien brought his tech support expertise to LRS joining the team as a Network Consultant.

Certifications and Degrees

• Microsoft Certified System Administrator in Windows Server
• CompTIA A+ Certified PC Technician
• CompTIA Network+ Certified IT professional

Fun Fact about Joe

“I take a break from technology by attending live music events and Major League Baseball games.”

Jason Keck

Jason began his career as a data analyst and programmer at Aon Consulting in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  He eventually struck out on his own as a PC repair store owner and IT consultant.  He was a subcontractor for DBS Services and provided remote and onsite IT support, web programming, and web server support for over 8 years until the LRS acquisition of DBS.  Afterward, he continued to provide support for clients until February of 2022, when he took on the role of Managed Services Coordinator.

Fun Fact about Jason

Outside of the office, Jason can usually be seen playing with lower technology toys.  He is an avid fencer and historical swordfighter, making and using sport fencing equipment as well as historical clothing, arms and armor.

Connor Beckerman

Newest to the team, Connor was an intern for the Small Business Tech Services in the summer of 2021. Connor has a love of technology that stems back to his childhood, repairing VCR’s, radios, and building electromagnets.

Certifications and Degrees

• Currently finishing his Information Technology Degree for Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Studying for several CompTIA certification exams

Fun Fact About Connor:
“Any time you find me outside of work, I’ll usually have a book in my hands. History and Science non-fiction are my favorites!”

Brian Blythe

Brian Blythe has been working in the professional IT field since 2018. He started his career by providing network consulting and management to a local construction company. In 2020 he proposed, built and maintained multiple networks in remote construction locations as IT Manager. He now joins LRS to bringing his expertise to the team.

Certifications and Degrees

• A.A.S Graphic Design Technologies
• Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals | In Progress
• X360 Cloud Certification | In Progress
• X360 Recover Replibit Certification | In Progress

Fun Fact about Brian

“When not behind a computer keyboard, I can be found behind a piano keyboard or trumpet playing for local shows.”