Ben’s fascination with computers began at the age of 13. Growing up in Woodinville, Washington, he enjoyed gaming and building computers as a hobby. Over time, he became the go-to person for family and friends whenever tech issues arose, lending his skills to troubleshoot problems and build custom computers.
A New Chapter in Bellingham
When the pandemic hit, Ben made a significant life change. He relocated from the busy Seattle area to the more relaxed city of Bellingham, drawn to the close-knit community and slower pace. With his move, Ben pursued an associate degree in computer information systems and networking at Whatcom Community College, where he became increasingly interested in large-scale information systems infrastructure.
Joining the Janicki Team
During his final quarter at WCC, Ben applied for a help desk position at Janicki. Intrigued by the company’s growing Information Technology department and the exciting products it created, he decided to take the leap and joined the team in early 2023.
Today, Ben serves as the Help Desk Site Lead for Janicki and its sister company, Sedron. In this role, he’s become a subject matter expert on day-to-day IT systems, managing everything from troubleshooting minor tech issues to spearheading more considerable network infrastructure changes. His work is varied, allowing him to collaborate with employees across departments and multiple locations.
“The best part of my job is the people,” Ben says. “Whether there’s the biggest fire to be put out or I am just walking by, everyone is happy to see me. People here are so engaged in continuous improvement and interested in their work, which makes it easy to be passionate about mine.”
Furthering Education
Ben’s love for problem-solving continues to drive his career. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in network architecture and security through Western Governors University, with the support of Janicki’s tuition assistance program. The program provides up to $5,000 annually, helping him further his education while contributing to the company’s IT expertise.
Life Beyond IT
Ben’s interests outside work and computer-based hobbies are eclectic. He enjoys attending concerts, diving into the local music and arts scene, and learning to play electric bass and guitar. He’s also refining his skills in interior decorating and building a close circle of friends. After learning about Janicki from Ben, several of his friends have come to work for the company.
“This company is a community,” Ben says. “It’s full of learning and opportunity, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.”