About Us

We’re Opkalla.

Technology Advisors bringing you unbiased insights, strategic outcomes, and faster results.

Leadership.

About

Aaron Bock

CEO, Managing Partner

With over 15 years in the IT Consulting industry, Aaron has helped companies of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 50, make the best IT decisions to make their life easier. Aaron started his career at PwC and is an avid runner, Virginia Tech alumni, proud husband and lucky father of two children and two pups.

About

Jim Campbell

Managing Partner

Jim has been selling technology solutions in North and South Carolina for 10 years and came to Opkalla to lead our sales team. After graduating from Kentucky, Jim moved to Charlotte and met his wife. In his free time, you can find him on the golf course or hanging with their dog, Bails.

About

Brice Ulrey

Managing Partner

Brice has been assisting clients with data center solutions for the past 8 years and comes to Opkalla after helping lead the sales team at his previous organization. If he is not cheering on the Panthers or Virginia Cavaliers, you will find him walking his two dogs with his wife and two daughters.

About

Steve Ermish

Chief Operating Officer

Two-time CIO of the year award winner and one of Charlotte's top "40 under 40," Steve has spent the last 20 years leading IT change at companies ranging in size from startup to Fortune 500. Steve gained significant M&A experience as a key leader in 6 mergers at Chiquita Brands. When not working, he's gaming or making a video for his YouTube channel.

About

Jeff Garrett

VP of Solutions Architecture

With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry as both a consumer and consultant of technology, Jeff brings a breadth of technical and tactical knowledge to help companies drive strategic business evolution with innovative IT solutions. Outside of work Jeff enjoys watching, playing and coaching soccer as well as the hustle and bustle of life with his wife and three children.

About

Elizabeth Davis

Director of Marketing

Elizabeth has been in IT marketing for six years, at organizations ranging from nonprofit to vendor, and now advisor. Outside of work, she serves on the Apparo Sponsorship Committee and as an advisor for Social Venture Partners. In her free time, you’ll find her outdoors.

Technology Advisors.

About

Alan King

Technology Advisor

Alan joins Opkalla after 8 years of supporting Carolinas based organizations of all sizes with their technology needs. He graduated from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the Gamecocks’ golf team. In his free time, Alan enjoys playing golf, working out, and spending time with his wife and son.

About

Becca Black

Technology Advisor

Becca has a track record of success in supporting her customer’s technology transformations and building strong relationships along the way. In 2019 she earned her MBA from Wake Forest University. On the weekends you will find her riding her horse, Seamus, or traveling to new places.

About

Colin Schaffer

Technology Advisor

Colin comes to Opkalla after years of supporting his customers’ initiatives and putting their needs first. He earned his bachelor’s degree from University of South Carolina. On the weekends you will find him playing soccer or golf, or being outdoors

About

Jess Levin

Technology Advisor

Jess comes to Opkalla after 6 years of supporting IT professionals in customizing and meeting their hiring goals and objectives in the staffing industry. She earned her degree from West Virginia University. In her free time, she enjoys kickboxing or trying new workout classes, traveling, or exploring new places to eat in the surrounding Charlotte area!

About

Jesse Erickson

Technology Advisor

Jesse brings a unique perspective to the IT industry with 25+ years of service in the U.S. Army Special Operations. In that capacity, he developed a sharp eye for detail and a passion for finding solutions to complex challenges for those in need. When he's not working, Jesse enjoys spending time outdoors with his three children, perfecting his golf game, and, most importantly, being the "World’s Okayest Husband" to his wife.

About

John Jakubik

Technology Advisor

John is entering his third year with the Opkalla team, continuing to focus on cultivating strong relationships with his clients through industry knowledge and a value-driven approach. John is a native of Michigan, having graduated from Michigan State University and playing football for the Spartans. Outside of work, he enjoys competition in all realms and spending time with his wife and daughter.

About

Keith Hawkey

Technology Advisor

Keith has earned the trust of IT leaders by understanding their business and helping the technology team accomplish their near and long term objectives. He is a Winthrop University graduate with an Economics background. When he is not in the office he spends time leading a backpacking group and reading about global geopolitics and history.

About

Samantha Brooks

Technology Advisor

Samantha has over 20 years’ experience serving clients of all sizes in successful IT Solution implementations. Her dedication and expertise has won her the Summit of Leaders Presidents Club Award three consecutive years along with other honors applauding her successes. Samantha enjoys traveling, making memories with her husband and three children, creating art in their home studio, and attending concerts!

About

Steve Lasser

Technology Advisor

With more than 15 years of experience in technology sales across Pittsburgh and the Tri-State area, Steve is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and helping clients strategically address their technological needs. Steve attended The Pennsylvania State University and enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.

About

Tommy Doctor

Microsoft Technology Advisor

Tommy joins Opkalla after years of supporting his clients in the insurance industry. Originally from Buffalo, New York, he moved to North Carolina to play football at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and has since made it his home. On weekends, you'll find Tommy and his wife spending time with family and friends, hitting the golf course, or watching sports.

About

Tyler Speer

Technology Advisor

Tyler has been helping clients achieve their technology goals for the past 15 years. After moving from California to play Baseball at the University of South Carolina, Tyler decided to call S.C. his home. In his free time, he and his wife enjoy watching their two boys excel in sports as well as try to manage their two pups, Dodger and Mookie.

Operations, Marketing, Sales, and Support.

About

Steven Johnson

Director of Partnerships

Steven has over a decade of experience working in technology with partners from Healthcare, Insurance, and Technology. As a native North Carolinian, he has many relationships across the Carolinas. When he's not working, Steven is spending time with his family, watching football and soccer, or listening to music.

About

Jack Bryant

Data & Analytics Lead

Jack comes to Opkalla after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree from the Kenan Flagler Business School. He oversees business and financial data analysis to streamline the decision-making process for Opkalla and their clients. Jack enjoys skiing, climbing, and finding new places in and around Charlotte to eat.

About

Jennifer Brooks

Operations Manager

Jennifer comes to Opkalla from a nonprofit organization where she was an Executive Support Professional for nine years. She added value to the end-to-end accounting process for all IT related expenses. Jennifer and her husband are always involved in an outdoor activity with their two sons, including rodeos and competitive sports. You will also catch her antiquing!

About

Rachelle Berry

Microsoft Solutions Specialiist

Rachelle has been working with Microsoft partners since 2018 and continues to increase her knowledge on Microsoft products and the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. During her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies and relaxing on the beautiful beaches in Jamaica!

About

Michael Coloma

Account Manager

Michael supports his clients in their IT endeavors, joining Opkalla after 6 years in Med Device sales. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, watching college football, spending time with family, attending sporting events, and real estate sales. Michael graduated from University of Alabama and currently resides in Atlanta.

About

Jack Crocker

Account Manager

As Account Manager, Jack ensures Opkalla clients receive the support they need in a timely and effective manner. Jack graduated from Clemson with a degree in Corporate Finance. In his free time, he enjoys long distance running, camping, hiking, and all things automotive.

About

Amber Ermish

Back Office Administrator

With a background in QA & project management, Amber supports key aspects of Opkalla’s back-office accounting, HR, and IT functions. Amber is active in her community by heading the Parent Volunteer group at Concord Academy and serving at her local church. In her down time, she enjoys reading, as well as games and movies with her family.

About

Aaron Hartzler

Senior Microsoft 365 Engineer

Aaron has over 12 years of enterprise IT experience and brings well developed skillsets in Microsoft and IT infrastructure engineering to the team. He graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife and three boys and doing anything outdoors.

About

Amy Windham

Operations Coordinator

Amy has years of experience working at nonprofits, start-ups, and small businesses. She loves improving processes and increasing efficiency. Amy has called Charlotte home since 2017, but she is a proud Massachusetts native and UMass grad. She enjoys biking around the city, relaxing with her 3 cats, and going for long walks around the neighborhood with her husband.

About

Matthew Caponi

Cybersecurity Architect

Matt comes to Opkalla with over 10 years of cybersecurity and IT experience. Over the years, Matt has worked in different environments and industries to help lead technological change at an enterprise level. He brings vision and expertise to help companies make decisions to meet their cybersecurity needs and requirements. When not working, Matt spends time with his wife trying new restaurants, watching baseball, or playing disc golf.

About

Austin Ermish

IT Operations Intern

As a resident intern since 2021, Austin supports Opkalla’s internal IT, security, and Microsoft customers. Currently, he studies Information Technology at Liberty University with a 4.0 GPA. In his spare time, Austin serves his community through media and technology at church and can be found spending time with family & friends or playing video games.

About

Cameron Keziah

Marketing Coordinator

Cameron joins the Opkalla team as a Creative Advertising and Digital Marketing graduate from Appalachian State University. She is passionate about solving marketing problems using creative solutions and continues to expand her knowledge about marketing tools. Outside of work, you can find her in the kitchen, creating and testing new recipes.

About

Cory Aurandt

Microsoft Practice Director

Cory Aurandt is the Microsoft Practice Director at Opkalla. Beginning his IT career at IBM, Cory’s experience covers over a decade of being entrusted with the critical operations of Fortune 500 companies and global logistics all the way down to the small/medium business and nonprofit sector. Cory relocated from Portland, Oregon, in 2016 with his wife Katrina, settled in Charlotte with their dog Samson, and dreams of one day retiring in the Smoky Mountain Range.

About

Alex Clemente

Sales Operations Lead

Alex has 9 years of experience in customer service, supporting businesses and delivering exceptional service. Currently, Alex is the Sales Operations Lead at Opkalla, where he ensures the sales team receives the necessary assistance and support. In his free time, Alex enjoys exploring the city and playing video games.

About

Jaz Oliva

Sales Operations Specialist

With 9 years of experience in customer service, admin virtual support, and as an associate product manager, Jaz is skilled in troubleshooting issues, handling pricing quotes, and managing administrative tasks. She provides effective support and enhancing efficiency. When not working, Jaz enjoys hiking, baking, and spending time with her cats.

About

Aimee Baltazar

Sales Operations Specialist

Aimee joins Opkalla's Operations Team with 6 years of experience handling contract renewals, quoting, and PO processing. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and anime series, playing with her beagle, and exploring new travel destinations with her husband.

About

Anastasia Belova

Staff Accountant

Anastasia joins Opkalla as an experienced accountant with over 19 years of experience in the field. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, travelling, and spending time outdoors with her husband and three children.