I am a lifelong geek.  I started my computing adventure at 11 years old when I purchesed my first computer -- a VIC-20.  Soon I was hooked.  Now I am an IT professional, and showing all the "cool" jocks what we geeks are really made of!

Of course, what you probably really care about is "what qualifies you to open your big mouth in public?".

OK....

Started my IT career after college in 1992 working on Mainframe systems, mini computers (SUN, Silicon Graphics, VAX), and then PC's when the whole PC LAN concept rolled around.

Have worked for mid-size and large companies running IT shops, designing IT/IS solutions, and when necessary fixing the IT messes that other people left behind.

Have worked for leading consulting companies, and until recently owned my own Consulting firm (which I sold last year, after 5 years in business).

Currently running IT for a multi-site company based in Coilorado.

Degree and certifications, yes -- but the years have taught me that any good test taker can get a certification (to all of the CCIE folks out there -- my hat is off to you....that is one of a small handful of certifications that does NOT fall into the "easy to get" category!)  Walk into Cisco's test lab and fix what they broke...you guys are super geeky!