Mike's computer experience started in earnest when he joined the Air Force in 1990. He started out working on Unisys mainframes doing the operation, administration, and database management for the 6000+ people working on Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. He then moved on to working in the intelligence field while serving at Mildenhall Royal Air Force Base in England. During that timeframe, he held a Top Secret SCI security clearance so that he could work in conjunction with the AFOSI, DIA, CIA, FBI, & NSA.

Mike joined the DCS Netlink team after separating from the Air Force in 1999. Since joining DCS Netlink, he has gotten his A+ certification, his Microsoft MCSE, and his WatchGuard certifications. He has worked extensively as a lead technician for DCS Netlink's largest contracted companies and has spent many hours consulting with the various other technicians and departments on projects & upgrades. Mike is currently the lead engineer in DCS Netlink’s Security group, which helps install, manage and monitor customers Internet security defenses all over the U.S. and is a secured member of the FBI's InfraGard organization. As a WatchGuard instructor, Mike teaches from real world knowledge, helping students understand real world issues and challenges. During his classes Mike concentrates on as many hands on labs as possible, and brings a refreshingly simple approach to Internet Security.