Our Team

Colin Knox, President

MCNPS, MCTS, MCPS: SharePoint

Following graduation from the Computer Technology program at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), Colin pursued his career in technology as a technical support analyst for a multinational Oil & Gas Company.  During his term with the organization, Colin was instrumental in the international redesign and amalgamation of the network spanning multiple continents.

Moving on as a consultant at a Calgary based technology firm for nearly three years Colin moved from Senior Technical Analyst, to Project Manager, to Service/Operations Manager with a staff of 20 IT Professionals reporting directly to him.  At this firm, Colin engineered and implemented a technology solution which was awarded a national Microsoft Impact Award as the Small Business Specialist of the Year

His years of technical experience combined with an innate business savvy, and true passion to help businesses succeed through the use of technology has led to the creation and ongoing success of XCEL Professional Services.

Colin also sits on the Board of Directors for the following businesses and groups in a technology and business advisory role: Pluggin.it, Generations of Hope, Passportal

Ryan Barker, Manager of Professional Services

MCSA, A+, Network+, Server+, MCTS, CCA

Focused on client relationships and solving business problems with innovative IT solutions – Ryan strives to be a coach and mentor to his staff, and a trusted advisor to XCEL’s clients.

His expertise is derived from over 16 years of study and real world experience. Ryan has been a manager and coach of IT consultants for the past 6 years, while working with all levels of management helping his teams at other prominent consulting firms succeed before joining XCEL in early 2010.

Ryan graduated from Thompson Rivers University from the Computer Systems Operations and Management, giving him a solid foundation in technical skills as well as business acumen. Since then he has strived to educate himself in a combination of technical and business tracks, always preparing to take on the next challenge. Attaining Microsoft, SonicWALL, Kaspersky Lab and Citrix certifications, his technical and project management background has enabled him to work with many businesses to deliver successful IT initiatives, both large and small.

Ray Archer, Manager of Client Services

MCP, MCTS

After Graduating from SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) with a Computer Engineering Technology Diploma, Ray began to work at IBM as a Team Lead on various projects while still pursuing and completing an Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems.

Ray joined XCEL after 5 years with an Alberta based technology firm. At the previous firm Ray’s focus on quality, attention to detail and ability to align companies with the right technology allowed him to move into Sr. Technical, Account Manager and Team Lead roles.

A former successful business owner, genuine care for his clients, 8 years of IT consulting experience, and the ability to mentor and work in a team environment makes Ray a terrific addition to our team.

John Azevedo, IT Analyst

MCITP, MCTS, MCSA, MCDST XP, CSSA

John Azevedo joined the XCEL team in October 2009, just after moving from Brazil where he graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Science from the Catholic University of Pernambuco.

Having worked in IT for several years, John has acquired significant experience supporting IT environments for different business areas such as Retail, Technology, Financial, and Oil & Gas.

Since joining XCEL, John has enhanced his technical skills through his dedication to the company and clients and willingness to learn and help.  John has led several key projects such as Microsoft Exchange migrations and SAN/Cluster implementations.

If you ever require support in a different language John is fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish and has a good knowledge of French.

John is a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) in Server Administration on Windows Server 2008.  He is also a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) in Active Directory and Network infrastructure on Windows Server 2008, a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) on Windows Server 2003, a Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician on Windows XP, a Certified Sonicwall Security Administrator (CSSA) and a Dell Equallogic SAN Certified Professional.

Luis Palacios, IT Analyst

MCP, Kaspersky Certified, CSSA

Luis has been an IT Analyst at XCEL since August 2010. Prior to joining XCEL, he worked as a consultant for another Calgary based IT company acquiring a confident set of technical support and relationship building skills.

He graduated from the computer engineering technology program at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) in 2002 and began working as helpdesk technician.  Craving more, Luis entered the world of IT consulting in 2007.

Luis is a strong believer in having a dependable team that works toward one common goal.

Outside of the office you can find Luis on a soccer field, golf course or travelling.

Terry Ingram, IT Analyst

MCTS, Master CSSA

Terry originally planned a career in Architecture, and began his college education in that field.  After completing a minor in that subject, he changed his major to computers.  Achieving his first computer related diploma in computer programming, Terry then moved on to Information Systems Management and earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

Living in the Toronto area, Terry’s first job in the IT field was as a Helpdesk Support technician.  Over the years he worked his way up to the role of Network Administrator the same company until his departure eight years later.  Desiring to be closer to family, Terry relocated to Calgary and spent the next three years working for a major newspaper as a Senior Systems Analyst until making the transition to join XCEL Professional Services in October 2010 as an IT Analyst.

Terry’s certifications include Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist for Windows Server® 2008 R2 Server Virtualization, and SonicWALL Master CSSA: Network Security, Email Security, and Continuous Data Protection.

Tim Wilson, IT Analyst

Network+, Security+, CSSA, MCTS

Starting his career early, Tim jumped into IT right after high school and became the Systems Administrator for a small financial services company where he performed network and desktop support, application development, data systems migrations, and electronic paper solutions implementations.

Looking for more worldly experience, Tim travelled to South Korea and worked for a textile company designing a website and database system.

Tim attended SIAST (Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology), and earned his CompTIA Network+, Security+, and Cisco CCNA designations.  He also received a diploma in Network Engineering Technology from SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology).

Using the IT consulting experience he gained in West-Central Saskatchewan, Tim began working as a consultant in Calgary in May of 2008 and since then has achieved SonicWALL CSSA, and Microsoft MCTS: Server 2008 Network Infrastructure designations.

With a passion for IT Security, Tim joined the XCEL team in June 2011 to help build our security practice.
 

Jennifer Knox, Manager of Office and Administration

Jennifer is the care giver of the office.  She ensures everything is kept in order, all office supplies are well stocked, and that everyone is happy.

With an extensive history in customer service, marketing, and event planning roles for many businesses she plans one heck of an office party, and provides the big smile that greets everyone as they walk through the door.

Wendy Lerch, Accounting

Wendy is the newest member of the XCEL team starting in October of 2011. She has a keen business mind and enjoys streamlining and strategizing to help businesses thrive in their area of strength. She has been working with businesses for over 15 years. Wendy is a possibility thinker and brings efficiency and thoroughness to every task she completes.