Meet The Simplex-IT Management Team

Bob

CEO

Bob Coppedge

Bob is the CEO of Simplex-IT. He has over 40 years’ experience in IT (Information Technology) and in 2007 he created Simplex-IT to be the “good guys” in the IT world, specializing in making IT work for small to medium businesses and to “Simplify the Complex”. Bob is an industry leading expert with the ability to translate tech talk into everyday language. Bob has authored three books, “The MSP’s Survival Guide to Co-Managed IT services”, “A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology”, and his latest “I Don’t Want Your Job: Is Co-Managed IT services the Right fit for You?”. Bob regularly speaks at various national and area events, including IT Nation, DattoCon, Private Directors Association and more.

Connect with Bob on LinkedIn:
Bob Coppedge | LinkedIn

Patti

COO

Patti is the COO at Simplex-IT. She has an array of qualifications and experience including a PMP (Project Management Professional certification), a BS in Computer Science and Information Systems, and an MBA with a focus on Project Management and Organizational Development. Having grown up in the IT world, she gained valuable experience working in internal IT for a manufacturing company, handling roles from help desk to systems analysis. She then went into software and technical training, followed by IT consulting for local small to mid-sized clients, and eventually government consulting and large scale enterprise project management. Seeking a new challenge and an opportunity to make more of a direct impact locally, Patti joined Simplex-IT in 2014 . With her strategic vision and IT expertise, Patti ensures operational success as the COO, and enjoys driving teams towards shared goals.

Connect with Patti on LinkedIn:
Patti Smerk | LinkedIn

Kurt
Kurt Ketcham

Director of Managed Services

Kurt, the Director of Managed Services at Simplex-IT, holds a BS in Information Technology from Youngstown State University. With an extensive career in IT, Kurt transitioned from an in-house IT department at a regional pallet manufacturer to Simplex-IT in 2017. He began as a service desk technician, gradually taking on project work and eventually becoming the project team lead. As the Professional Services Director, Kurt managed project scoping, quoting, and execution, while also handling IT-oriented quarterly business reviews and vCIO functions with clients. Now, in his role as Director of Managed Services, Kurt oversees both the Service Desk and Professional Services teams, ensuring excellence in implementing and maintaining effective IT solutions for clients while continually improving execution and support standards.
Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn:
Kurt Ketcham | LinkedIn

Kyle

Professional Services Manager

Kyle is the Professional Services Manager at Simplex-IT. His role entails managing client projects, building, and deploying solutions. Graduating with a BS in Cisco Networking from The University of Akron, his career started working at MSPs. Over the years, Kyle has seen what works and what doesn't, and isn't afraid to speak up when something could be done to make things better for everyone. Kyle joined Simplex-It in 2021 as a Tier 2 technician, working his way steadily towards the position he currently holds today. In meetings from home, you might see someone from Kyle’s personal IT team, his cat Bub.

Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn:
Kyle McHugh | LinkedIn

Alex
Alex Kovach

Service Delivery Manager

Alex, the Service Delivery Manager at Simplex-IT has spent the last 6 years in IT, gaining expertise in resolving a wide array of software, hardware, and network issues. He began his career with a four-year stint in internal IT operations, where he honed his technical and operational skills. Seeking to diversify his experience across various IT landscapes, Alex transitioned to a Managed Service Provider (MSP), further broadening his knowledge and skill set.
At Simplex-IT, Alex has been instrumental in identifying and implementing numerous enhancements to client services. His current role as Service Delivery Manager sees him at the forefront of continuous service improvement initiatives. Alex’s approach to service delivery is underpinned by a strong commitment to customer service excellence. His ability to merge technical acumen with a customer-centric mindset allows him to deliver innovative and tailored IT solutions that drive client satisfaction and operational success.

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:
Alex Kovach | LinkedIn

Cassie

Marketing Manager

Meet Cassie, our Marketing Manager at Simplex-IT. With a background in professional social media and marketing from the University of Akron, Cassie's journey began as the Social Media Marketing Coordinator before stepping into her current role. She's the driving force behind our marketing efforts, overseeing campaigns, social media, and content creation. Cassie's passion for learning, coupled with her dedication to growth, ensures our marketing strategies are effective and engaging.

Connect with Cassie on LinkedIn:
Cassie Riebau | LinkedIn