TECH WITH DRAKE  LLC

Personalized tech support for your home or offices

Serving Marin County

Contact phone # (415) 763-8638
Contact email: drake@techwithdrake.com


Drake's Photo

About Drake

I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to understand how things work—then make them work better. That curiosity led me into IT nearly 30 years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Over the years, I’ve managed support teams, secured thousands of desktops, built resilient server and storage environments, and helped organizations—from federal agencies to small businesses—get the most out of their technology.

But tech isn’t just wires and systems to me—it’s people. I’ve written hardening guides and built enterprise server standards, but I’ve also spent countless hours sitting one-on-one with users, helping them feel comfortable with the tech in their lives. Whether I’m configuring VLANs for a business or helping a local home user figure out their email, I bring the same care and clarity to every job.

From desktop support and networking to cloud services, backup strategy, and IT architecture—I’ve done it. And now, through Tech with Drake, I get to bring all that experience directly to homes and offices that need someone who really knows their stuff and still remembers what it’s like to be the person asking for help.

Desktop Experience

With nearly three decades in IT, I’ve done far more than just fix computers—I’ve led teams, built standards, and helped shape how large-scale desktop environments should run. As the lead desktop technician and manager for a facility with over 4,000 systems, I was responsible not only for daily support and oversight but also for creating the best practices that kept everything secure, stable, and efficient. I wrote hardening guides, developed security standards, and ensured that what we delivered wasn’t just working—it was done right.

But I’ve also stayed close to what matters most: the people using the technology. For the past three years, I’ve volunteered with Marin Village, helping local seniors and community members feel more confident with their devices. Whether you’re managing a busy office or just trying to figure out your email at home, I bring the same care, knowledge, and clear communication to every job. My goal is simple: to make technology work better for you—securely, reliably, and without the frustration.

Home PC User Training Home PC User Training

Server Experience

Over the years, I’ve designed, built, and managed server environments that power everything from small office file shares to enterprise-scale medical systems. My server experience spans physical and virtual platforms, including VMware, Windows Server, Active Directory, and Linux. I’ve led infrastructure projects supporting thousands of users—handling everything from initial planning and procurement to configuration, security hardening, and ongoing performance tuning.

What sets me apart is a balance of deep technical skill and real-world experience. I don’t just follow best practices—I’ve written them. I’ve developed server standards and deployment models that have been adopted across multiple organizations, ensuring systems are not only functional but reliable, secure, and scalable. Whether your business needs a single server set up right or help maintaining a complex virtual environment, I bring a practical, seasoned approach that keeps systems running and downtime to a minimum.

Office Infrastructure & Servers Office Infrastructure & Servers

NAS/SAN & Backup Experience

When it comes to data storage and protection, I’ve spent years architecting solutions that businesses rely on every day. I specialize in NAS (Network-Attached Storage), SAN (Storage Area Networks), and enterprise-class backup systems that keep critical data secure, available, and recoverable. From planning and deployment to capacity scaling and performance optimization, I’ve designed storage infrastructures that support thousands of users and virtual machines—often across multiple sites.

Backup isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about business continuity. I’ve implemented and managed backup platforms using technologies like Commvault, Veritas, and Veeam, tailoring each solution to the specific needs of the organization. Whether it’s file-level recovery or full disaster recovery readiness, I ensure systems are tested, documented, and built to perform when it matters most. If your data is important, I’ll help you protect it with confidence.

Office Backup & Security Office Backup & Security

Networking Experience

A strong, secure network is the backbone of any modern home or business—and I’ve spent years designing and managing them. From VLAN segmentation and firewall configuration to secure VPNs and mesh Wi-Fi systems, I build networks that are fast, reliable, and built to scale. I’ve worked extensively with Ubiquiti UniFi systems, among others, which are ideal for small and mid-size businesses looking for enterprise-grade performance without enterprise complexity.

For homes, I’ve worked with just about every brand of networking gear out there, helping people get better coverage, faster speeds, and more stable connections—whether it’s for work, streaming, or smart home devices. Whether you're setting up a new office, expanding your coverage, or securing remote access for staff, I design and configure networks that just work—securely and seamlessly.

Office Networking Office Networking

Cloud Experience

Cloud platforms can be a game-changer—but only when they’re set up right. I’ve helped businesses make smart transitions to the cloud by designing, budgeting, and deploying solutions that fit their actual needs—not just the latest trend. I’ve set up and managed Windows servers in Microsoft Azure, hosting services like IIS, FTP, and internal business tools, while ensuring performance, security, and cost efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure, I’ve worked with a range of cloud-based email providers, website hosts, and third-party platforms, helping teams stay connected and productive. Whether you’re considering a full cloud migration or just need a few services running off-site, I’ll help you make sense of the options and build a setup that’s reliable, secure, and future-ready.

Cloud & Remote Access Cloud & Remote Access

Degree & Certificates

Degree:

  • Bachelors of Science, Information Technology (WGU)

Certifications:
  • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
  • Microsoft Designing a Microsoft Windows Directory Services Infrastructure
  • Microsoft Designing Security for a Microsoft Windows Network
  • Microsoft Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows Directory Services Infrastructure
  • Microsoft Implementing and Administering a Microsoft Windows Network Infrastructure
  • Microsoft Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Internet Information Server
  • Microsoft Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows Professional
  • Microsoft Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows Server
  • Microsoft Internetworking with Microsoft TCPIP on Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Managing a Windows Network Environment
  • Microsoft Networking Essentials
  • Microsoft Windows OS Fundamentals
  • Microsoft Windows Server Administration
  • NetApp NAS/SAN Storage Certified Data Administrator (NCDA)
  • NetApp NAS/SAN Storage Data Protection Solutions
  • NetApp NAS/SAN Storage Storage Network
  • CompTIA A+ 220-801
  • CompTIA A+ 220-802
  • CompTIA Linux+ LX0-103
  • CompTIA Linux+ LX0-104
  • CompTIA Network+ JK0-019
  • CompTia Project+ JK0-017
  • CompTIA Security+ JK0-022
  • CIW Database Design Specialist 1D0-541
  • CIW JavaScript Specialist 1D0-635
  • CIW Web Design Specialist 1D0-520
  • CIW Web Foundations Associate 1D0-610
  • ITIL Foundation certificate

Cloud & Remote Access Cloud & Remote Access

Drake's Photo

About Drake

I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to understand how things work—then make them work better. That curiosity led me into IT nearly 30 years ago, and I’ve never looked back. Over the years, I’ve managed support teams, secured thousands of desktops, built resilient server and storage environments, and helped organizations—from federal agencies to small businesses—get the most out of their technology.

But tech isn’t just wires and systems to me—it’s people. I’ve written hardening guides and built enterprise server standards, but I’ve also spent countless hours sitting one-on-one with users, helping them feel comfortable with the tech in their lives. Whether I’m configuring VLANs for a business or helping a local home user figure out their email, I bring the same care and clarity to every job.

From desktop support and networking to cloud services, backup strategy, and IT architecture—I’ve done it. And now, through Tech with Drake, I get to bring all that experience directly to homes and offices that need someone who really knows their stuff and still remembers what it’s like to be the person asking for help.