Lou is a seasoned, detail-oriented technician who brings 15+ years of experience in customer service and technical troubleshooting to the team at Future Link. Lou monitors the performance of client systems and hardware; he installs equipment for our clients, including cabling and hardware, as well as any modifications or repairs. He also installs and configures software.
A whiz at resolving technical issues, clients appreciate Lou’s clear, courteous and straightforward manner. Additionally, he trains end users on the software and hardware he installs, manages back-ups, restoring client data, operating systems, files, documents and drivers as necessary.
I caught him for a quick interview as he multi-tasked, updating a customer’s computer.
What’s your role on the Future Link team?
Computer Technician. I do whatever they need me to do. A little of everything, hardware mostly—computer repair and cabling. Desktops, laptops, multifunction printers. I pitch in on the Internet side only from time to time. (Marty’s brother Matt handles Internet installations.)
How did you come to be at Future Link?
Carl, one of Future Link’s co-founders, is my brother; Marty, the other co-founder is my best friend. I met Marty at their previous company. Before Future Link, I worked for Electronic Tech, testing and repairing circuit boards, until they went out of business in 2004. That’s where I got comfortable handling hardware, working with it on a component level.
How did you get into your field?
I had an accident when I was younger; I fell from a 40-foot drop. I broke both legs. I was working for Pennzoil at the time. That’s when I shifted career paths and decided to go into tech. I got my Associate’s degree in Electronics at ITT Technical Institute in Hoffman Estates.
Where did you grow up?
All over the place. I was born in France; my dad was in the Air Force. Every kid was born in a different state. We lived all over: Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, and Chicago.
What do you feel you bring to the Future Link team?
More of the technical stuff. I can take laptops apart, replace screens, fix phones. I did it all in the last job, down to the component level. So I’m very comfortable working with hardware in a way where some people aren’t.
Who has influenced you – in life, career, or both?
My dad. He was in the Air Force, back in the ‘60s, on the tech side. (We never knew exactly what he did.) My dad did this kind of work when he was younger, too, electronics stuff; then he moved on to other stuff.
What does a typical day at Future Link look like for you?
It all depends. I just answer the phone and help the customers out. Could be email, VPN, connection issues. Sometimes cabling jobs, or installing cameras or a new desktop. I’m repairing a desktop, right now. It was all corrupt; I’m wiping and reloading the customer’s software and data.
What’s been one of your biggest challenges, and how did you overcome it?
When I first started, I didn’t know anything. I didn’t go to school for computers or anything like that, originally. I learned on the job; I’m self-taught. I’m still learning, always.
What are your interests outside work?
I like to fish with my brother Carl a lot; we used to compete in a lot of tournaments before he had kids. Golfing. Hanging out with friends. In fact, I’m leaving for Vegas tomorrow, to hang out there for a few days with Marty.
(At Future Link, we have a team that works—and plays!—hard together.)
Connect your business to the technology resources and team you need.
Future Link of Illinois has been doing IT support for businesses like yours since 2002. Our owners have 50 years combined experience with software and hardware installation and customization. Future Link specializes in fully customized hardware and software solutions to meet your demanding needs. Talk to one of our experts, like Lou, today.