Why this is here

Michael's journey in technology began with a simple belief: technology should empower people, not intimidate them.

He started his career as a contractor for a small IT company, helping businesses deploy and manage Microsoft Small Business Server environments. From Active Directory and Exchange administration to networking and VPN configuration, he quickly discovered that successful technology isn't just about systems and software. It's about helping people solve problems and accomplish their goals.

Over the years, Michael's career took him through web hosting, virtualization, infrastructure engineering, software release management, cloud computing, and DevOps. Along the way he worked with technologies ranging from Microsoft SQL Server and Hyper-V to Linux, Infrastructure as Code, AWS, and large-scale cloud platforms. Each role expanded not only his technical expertise but also his understanding of how technology can create opportunities when knowledge is shared freely.

As his experience grew, so did his passion for education. What began as a career building and managing technology evolved into a mission to help others understand it. This led him to become a full-time instructor for a leading online technology education platform, where he created courses covering cloud computing, open source software, Infrastructure as Code, and modern DevOps practices. He later served as both a leader and mentor to other instructors, helping shape the quality and effectiveness of technical education delivered to learners around the world.

Throughout every stage of his career, Michael has remained committed to a simple idea: technology should not have gatekeepers. The ability to learn, build, create, and participate should be available to anyone willing to invest the time and curiosity. Whether teaching Linux, cloud technologies, automation, or software development, his goal has always been to make complex topics approachable and to help people gain the confidence to take ownership of their own technology journey.

Today, through Ring3 Linux, Michael continues that mission by helping people discover that technology is not reserved for experts, corporations, or insiders. It belongs to everyone.