Blog

Brian Furry

Systems Administrator / Cloud Engineer
With M5 Since: 2010

Then: Before joining M5 I had 11 years of experience in customer service and front-line critical infrastructure monitoring with various Internet Service Providers and Data Centers in San Diego.
Now: Building, testing, and above all, doing whatever I can to help our customers!
Favorite thing about M5: We’re a collection of geeks dedicated to doing things right, for our customers and ourselves.
Fun fact about me: I’ve been active on the EFnet IRC network for over 20 years.
Outside of work you’ll find me: In front of my computer! Gaming, on IRC, on reddit, or practicing some form of random geekery.

Chris Moody

Sr. Linux/Systems/Cloud Engineer
With M5 Since: November 2015

Then:  Prior to M5, I served as a Sr. Network, Systems, and Automation Engineer for several Fortune 500 companies (Intuit, Booz Allen Hamilton, & Qualcomm).
Now:  Architecting new processes at M5 for infrastructure integrity and integrating applications and systems to grow M5 into a fully dynamic, reflexive, agile, and interlinked enterprise.
Favorite thing about M5: The collaboration and teamwork is a huge bonus with everybody willing to lend a hand. My other favorite thing is the lack of unnecessary artificial political barriers.
Fun fact about me:  My first car was a 1950 Chevy that I used to run at Bandimere National Speedway back in high school.
Outside of work you’ll find me:  Guitar-slingin’ in local bands around SoCal.  I’ve been addicted to the sound of 6 electrified strings since I first heard ZZ Top when I was 7 years old.

Jimmy Richardson

Director of Operations
With M5 Since: 2016

Then: Graduated Rollings College, Winter Park FL. An information systems professional with 26 years in-depth experience in all aspects of enterprise IT operations. Jimmy comes to M5 after 20 years at SAIC and with a wide range of experience including: technical support, software development, 7/24 IT operations management and business development.
Now: I am high energy with serious attention to detail and a vision of how M5 will service our current and future clients.
Favorite thing about M5: What I really appreciate about M5 is the team’s dedication to providing the best customer support in the industry.
Fun fact about me: I am a mechanically minded person who enjoys getting dirty and trying my hand at new things.
Outside of work you’ll find me: Racing sailboats of all sizes, gardening or restoring cars.

Roxy

Corporate Greeter
With M5 Since: 2006

Then: An orphan puppy in Mexico.
Now: I greet the staff and visitors, control the mood and pursue crunchy things.
Favorite thing about M5: I am the queen of the castle.
Fun fact about me: Because I was a rescued dog from Mexico, I can also bark in Spanish.
Outside of work you’ll find me:  Chasing rabbits, squirrels and birds and napping.

Kevin Norman

 Jr. Support Specialist
With M5 Since: 2016

Then: With 15 years of IT Related Experience Specializing in VOIP and Telecommunications requiring me to travel to 10 countries in recent years.
Now: Dedicated Server, Colo and Cloud support for the graveyard shift.
Favorite thing about M5: I just started at M5, but I am looking forward to learning all kinds of new stuff.
Fun fact about me: I’m a Motorhead, and Motorbike Enthusiast. I could Disassemble a Diesel Engine and put it back together and make it work (on a weekend). But usually you’ll find me in the kitchen baking up a storm.

Andrew Gottlieb

Systems Admin / Cloud Support Engineer
With M5 Since: 2015

Then: Graduated from UC Santa Cruz.  Volunteer for a gaming event for all things: sound system, mix live music, artist relations, customer service, set-up and check-in.  I also was a student tutor. My first exposure to computers was in 1985 when Nintendo hit US stores. My first family computer was a 286 IBM PC Compatible.
Now: Hosted Server and Cloud Instance Support.
Favorite thing about M5: I was a client of M5 before being an employee.  Coming to the inside was better than I imagined.  It is the right place to be for a technology enthusiast.
Fun fact about me: I enjoy free software as in freedom and as in beer.
Outside of work you’ll find me:  Gaming, building PCs from parts, enjoying all that San Diego has to offer, and playing or watching music.

Tim Soete

Operations Lead
With M5 Since: 2012

Then: Previous work includes Associate Editor at GameSpot.com and later an Associate Web & TV Producer for TechTV (CNET). Prior to my arrival at M5, I was living a rock and roll dream, touring and recording as a drummer/guitarist, and working for Revolver USA, a large indie record distributor.
Now: At M5, my daily tasks require a working knowledge of operating systems (Linux, BSD, Windows), data center operations, cloud orchestration, hypervisors, network appliances (routers, switches, firewalls), network protocols (IPv6, IPv4, SNMP, etc.), servers and related hardware, and shell scripting.
Favorite thing about M5: My co-workers!
Fun fact about me: I can juggle.
Outside of work you’ll find me: Slapping on a Cajon (a six-sided, box-shaped percussion instrument originally from Peru).

Marcus D’Camp

Operations Lead
With M5 Since: 2013

Then: Studied Computer Music at UC San Diego
Now: Providing stellar support to our customers for their unique technical needs.
Favorite thing about M5: Mountains of hardware and bandwidth to utilize for projects of curiosity or education.
Fun fact about me: I have a hilarious dog named Bash.
Outside of work you’ll find me: Patching synthesizers instead of computers.

Jason Bechtel

Sr. Linux/Systems/Cloud Engineer
With M5 Since: August 2008 (with a 3-year hiatus, back since May 2016)

Then: Prior to M5 I worked as a Systems Analyst and before that as a Unix Systems Administrator. I also earned a Masters in bioinformatics.
Now:Applying my expertise to help make M5 even more awesome at delivering the best hosting service on the planet.
Favorite thing about M5: My co-workers! And the commitment to quality and doing things right. Sorry that’s more than one thing.
Fun fact about me:I love languages! I recently spent three years in China learning Mandarin and teaching English and German. I have also studied Japanese, Arabic, and Esperanto, but I can’t really speak any of those (yet).
Outside of work you’ll find me: Speaking different languages and seeking adventures, mostly of the food and travel sort.

Joe Renwick

Sr. Network Engineer, CCIE #16465
With M5 Since:  Consulting since 2008 and full time since 2015.

Then: Graduated from San Diego State University with Distinction. Prior to joining M5 full time, I served as an IP Network Consultant for various firms specializing in large scale network implementations and migrations.
Now: I manage the engineering team while continually expanding my technical skill set.
Favorite thing about M5:  Learning from co-workers.
Fun fact about me:  Probably one of the last U.S. citizens to be born in Iran.
Outside of work you’ll find me:  Attempting to maintain sanity while raising five children.

Andrew Siminoff

V.P. Sales and Marketing
With M5 Since: 2015

Then: Graduated San Diego State University, extensive background in branding, sales, and marketing. Work experience includes roles at Apple Computers, VQ ActionCare, Fox Racing Shox, AirDrives, and Specialized Bicycles.
Now: I am high energy with serious attention to detail and a vision of how M5 will service our current and future clients.
Favorite thing about M5:  What I really appreciate about M5 is the amazing transparency from owner to staff and company to client.
Fun fact about me:  I can’t sit still.  My free time is full of motion, whether on motorcycles or skateboards or hiking a mountain.  At night I can be found working on mechanical things and I require minimal sleep.
Outside of work you’ll find me:  I am all about doing things with my wife and two boys. We love riding dirt bikes and camping in the desert.

Mike McCafferty

CEO
With M5 Since:  2001

Then: Telecom and Internet Systems Integration, Data Center facility deployment and operations, Unix and Linux systems admin, network engineering.
Now: I make sure we have the best people and resources to make our customers happy.
Favorite thing about M5: Listening to our customers, adding our experience, and helping build useful infrastructure for them.
Fun fact about me: I can quote an embarrassing amount of Monty Python movies and The Princess Bride.
Outside of work you’ll find me:  Enjoying the product of San Diego’s microbrewery scene; getting involved in San Diego’s Startup scene.

WooMe.com, ShufflePeople.com, and Monsterchat.com were online dating and video chat apps that connected people who have common ground. The properties were acquired by Zoosk in 2011.

The Tribune Company, also known as Tribune, is an American multimedia corporation with official headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1847, it operates many large media companies and web properties.

ViaSat (NASDAQ:VSAT) produces innovative satellite and other digital communication products that enable fast, secure, and efficient communications to any location.

Telefónica, S.A. is a Spanish broadband and telecommunications provider with operations in Europe, Asia, North America and South America. Operating globally, it is the sixth-largest mobile network provider in the world.

Psyonix has been working with industry-leading game publishers and developers for over ten years. As experts in Unreal Engine technology and multiplayer gaming, Psyonix has been a driving force behind some of the biggest titles in the marketplace. The studio’s first game was the highly successful Onslaught for Unreal Tournament 2004, a game mode Psyonix concepted and designed. Afterwards Psyonix took its experience in multiplayer and rapid gameplay development to work on such titles as Gears of War, Unreal Tournament 3, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Homefront, Bulletstorm, and Mass Effect 3. Psyonix continues to specialize in game development for next-gen consoles, PC, and mobile platforms.

Priority Payment Systems enables merchants to accept credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, loyalty cards, electronic checks and check conversion. Priority is leading the next generation of commerce with exciting new technologies, competitive pricing and world-class service and support.

Primary Provider Management Company (PPMC) performs medical billing and claims submission for Independent Physicians Associations.

Phidgets are a set of user friendly building blocks for low cost USB sensing and control from your PC. Simply plug in the device and write a program with the help of their robust API. Applications can be developed quickly by programmers using their favorite language.

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is an American non-profit organization based in Washington, DC whose aim is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the legalization of non-medical marijuana in the United States so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.

Nokia Networks, and formerly Nokia Solutions and Networks and Nokia Siemens Networks, is a multinational data networking and telecommunications equipment company headquartered in Espoo, Finland, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nokia Corporation.

MMG has extensive experience building sustainable enterprise SEO infrastructures for fortune 1000 companies worldwide. MMG understands how to thoroughly identify the current SEO weaknesses and strengths of a large web presence, and then implement the technology and tools required to perform highly effective enterprise SEO tactics.

Magic Touch Software was founded in October 2002 by the three key developers. Since shifting focus to the dental industry, MTS software products have emerged as the leading software solutions for dental laboratories worldwide. In many cases the unique feature set and powerful designs have set the bar for all dental lab software. Riding the wave of success generated by the flagship product, Dental Lab CPM Enterprise, Magic Touch Software has experienced continued growth expanding operations overseas, tripling the employee work force, and continued releases of new and revolutionary products each and every year.

King eShop hosts thousands of eCommerce sites on M5 Hosting infrastructure.

CircuitLab provides online, in-browser tools for schematic capture and circuit simulation. These tools allow students, hobbyists, and professional engineers to design and analyze analog and digital systems before ever building a prototype. Online schematic capture lets hobbyists easily share and discuss their designs, while online circuit simulation allows for quick design iteration and accelerated learning about electronics. CircuitLab is funded by the Y Combinator start-up accelerator (YC W13).

BRM (Brand Relationship Management) se dedica a Administrar Relaciones de Marca. Creemos en construir Grandes Interacciones para las marcas con las que hacemos equipo. Construimos con ellas el “Consumo de Propósito” ayudando a crear relaciones con sus clientes y diseñando la relación que tienen con ellos para

ArtistWorks is dedicated to providing anyone, anywhere in the world with affordable, interactive access to some of the greatest music and art teachers in the world. Our Video Exchange™ Learning Platform connects master teachers with enthusiastic amateurs in a unique social online learning environment where each interaction becomes a learning experience for all.

NOTW is a successful Christian eCommerce site and ministry. NOTW is one of the most recognizable brands in Christian-based apparel that caters to younger generation Christians.

Bluepex is a Brazilian maker of Unified Threat Management (UTM) devices including firewalls and anti-spam systems.

Baisden and Company, a marketing and branding company with 29 years of professional excellence.

Axis Communications AB is a Swedish manufacturer of network cameras for the physical security and video surveillance industries. It operates in the transport, infrastructure, retail, banking, education, government and industrial market segments.

Advanced Medical Pricing Solutions (AMPS) has become the preeminent supplier of healthcare claim review and verification services over the past eight years.

Attorney Credits provides on-line continuing education for attorneys

Sonics Inc. is the global leader in trusted on-chip network (NoC) technologies used by the industry’s top semiconductor and electronics product companies. Sonics was the first company to develop and commercialize NoCs, accelerating volume production of complex systems-on-chip (SoC) that contain multiple processor cores. Sonics’ NoCs are integral to the success of SoC design platforms that innovators such as Broadcom®, Intel®, Marvell®, MediaTek, and Microchip® rely on to meet their most demanding SoC integration and time-to-market requirements.

The ShareThis button is an all-in-one widget that lets people share any content on the Web with friends via e-mail, AIM, or text message. Shar.es is the URL shortener for ShareThis.com

Nginx is an open source reverse proxy server for HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, POP3, and IMAP protocols, as well as a load balancer, HTTP cache, and a web server (origin server). The nginx project started with a strong focus on high concurrency, high performance and low memory usage. It is licensed under the 2-clause BSD-like license and it runs on Linux, BSD variants, Mac OS X, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, as well as on other *nix flavors. It also has a proof of concept port for Microsoft Windows.

MyLikes is a social media advertising platform that empowers publishers to promote what they like and engage their audiences while making money.

Expensify: Expense Reports that Don’t Suck!
Simplified expense reporting your employees will love. Streamline the way your employees report expenses, the way expenses are approved, and the way you export that information to your accounting package.

Intel sponsors a non-profit consortium, with a charter to develop and distribute a set of objective performance benchmarks based on popular computer applications and industry standard operating systems. This consortium, known as BAPCo, produces the SYSmark (sysmark.com) application benchmark.

Meraki provides cloud-managed products for large-scale, distributed wired and wireless networks. Meraki was acquired by Cisco Systems in 2012, but continues to operate independently from several data center locations around the world, including with M5 Hosting, Inc.