2022 Trusted Advisers Technology Professional: James Gilpin

James Gilpin does not mind being busy. He thrives off it.

That’s one reason he enjoys his job as project manager and senior engineer at PCnet LLC, an IT management company that’s been in business for more than 30 years. Because he’s at a smaller firm, Gilpin deals with all aspects of customers’ needs, from creating and implementing systems to following projects through from beginning to end.

“I like the variety of things … that actually entices me – not the same thing every day,” Gilpin says.

He grew up around Morrisville and discovered his interest in computers and video production in high school, where he was involved with the technology department. Also in high school, and through college, Gilpin ran a home-based computer repair and video production business. In his senior year of high school, Gilpin also started a part-time job as an editor, videographer and production assistant at Ozarks Public Television, where he continued to work while attending Missouri State University.

“I really enjoyed the live production and going out and shooting and editing,” Gilpin says.

As much as he liked his TV production work, Gilpin decided to pursue IT work for his career and earned his bachelor’s degree in information technology from MSU. As part of his degree requirements, Gilpin completed an internship at PCnet. Afterward, Gilpin was offered a part-time job at the managed IT services firm, which he took while also working at OPT and finishing his last semester at MSU. When he graduated in December 2009, Gilpin started full time at PCnet.

Thirteen years later, he still enjoys the variety of the work.

“Every customer is different. Every customer needs different things,” Gilpin says. “Seeing so many customers, you can see the good and the bad of what can go wrong.”

And sometimes, things can go very wrong. Gilpin recalled the 16-hour workday with a customer who had fallen prey to a ransomware attack.

“I put myself in the shoes of my customers. When they have issues I will work to get everything back up and going,” he says. “You want to prepare for that worst-case scenario.”

Nathan Jones has worked with Gilpin for more than a decade and says a technology professional must be not only computer savvy but also kind, patient and understanding.

“James displays all these traits and never falters,” says Jones, PCnet’s director of operations. “James has truly impacted my life in such a positive way, as he has done with so many others.”

“It has been such a joy to watch James grow both personally and professionally,” Jones adds. “Throughout his extensive career with PCnet, he has played a vital role in helping advise and educate our clients on technology, day in and day out. He has helped thousands of businesses accomplish their goals and tackle new IT challenges. James always provides unparalleled compassion when dealing with clients, regardless of their size. Small companies receive the same treatment as large companies, and always with the same friendly smile.”