Grant Smoot Partner

Since 1984, Mr. Smoot has been involved with computer networks, engineering and design. He began his career as a network engineer for Xnet in southern California performing beta testing for manufacturers such as 3Com, Novell and Banyan. In 1989, Mr. Smoot began work for a San Francisco based systems integrator as the Senior Network Engineer – Special Projects, supplying network solutions to large law firms (200+ workstation multiple sites) nationwide. Mr. Smoot is President and CEO of Portola Systems, Inc. and specializes in LAN/WAN engineering and design.

Gerald (Jerry) Phoenix, CCP, CNE Partner

Jerry Phoenix is a Consultant with Portola Systems. He is a member of many computer professional organizations including the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Network Professional Association (NPA). Mr. Phoenix has experience as a programmer and analyst but his primary expertise is consulting to all sizes of businesses in evaluating, recommending and installing computer systems, accounting software and Local-Area-Networks. Mr. Phoenix was the Managing Partner for an independent computer consulting firm in Los Angeles for eight years, and spent nine years as the Information Technology Manager for a regional CPA and consulting firm based in Santa Rosa, CA. Mr. Phoenix serves as Vice President and CFO of Portola Systems, Inc.

Mr. Phoenix's certifications include Certified Computer Professional (CCP), specializing in management, and Novell Certified NetWare Engineer (CNE). Mr. Phoenix holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California and post-graduate work at U.C.L.A.

Aaron Sternad, MCSE2000, CNA Partner

Aaron Sternad is responsible for general consulting services for all Portola Systems’ clients, global project management, and supervision of daily operations. He comes from a background of corporate network administration including support of Windows servers, Windows workstations, and application help desk support. Mr. Sternad also has experience as a hardware technician in a retail environment. His experience includes Novell NetWare, Windows Server, general office applications, hardware repair and troubleshooting, and basic HTML programming.

Mr. Sternad's certifications include Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2000 (MCSE) and Novell Certified Netware Administrator. Mr. Sternad has a Specialized Associate Degree in Information Technology/Computer Support Specialist from Empire College, Santa Rosa.

Richard Bouchard, CNE6, CCEA Citrix Presentation Server Senior Engineer

Richard Bouchard is a Senior Engineer at Portola Systems, responsible for general consulting services for all Portola Systems’ clients and project lead on Citrix installations. He has been directly involved in the technical aspects of computers since the early adoption of PCs in corporate accounting departments. Since 1988, he has been designing, installing and maintaining network systems full time. His experience spans a wide range of software and hardware technologies from Microsoft, Novell, Citrix, HP, IBM, Cisco and others.

Mr. Bouchard's certifications include Novell Certified Netware Engineer (CNE), Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator, and HP Accredited Systems Engineer (ACE). Mr. Bouchard also has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Paul Ireland, MCSE2000, CCNA, CCDA, CIPCES, A+, Network+, Security+ Senior Engineer

Paul Ireland is a Senior Engineer at Portola Systems, responsible for general consulting services to all Portola Systems’ clients and project lead on Cisco VoIP installations. After serving six years in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Ireland went on to learn technical and customer service skills during his four years at Broderbund Software in Novato. He then became a network administrator for a small company in Santa Rosa, supporting Unix, Windows and Novell servers as well as Cisco switches and routers. Mr. Ireland taught basic computer hardware, network theory and Windows 2000 MCSE skills for two years at Empire College and then used his knowledge to provide support to the Coast Guard Training Station in Two Rock.

Mr. Ireland's certifications include the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA), Cisco IP Communications Express Specialist (CIPCES), Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2000 (MCSE), and Network+, Security+ and A+ Certifications. Mr. Ireland also has a B.S. in Information Systems from the University of San Francisco.

Richard Coibion, CCNA, LCA, Network+ Engineer

Richard Coibion is an Engineer at Portola Systems and is a native of Sonoma County. Mr. Coibion served four years in the U.S. Air Force and comes with expertise in the areas of hardware troubleshooting, general office applications, and LAN/WAN design.

Mr. Coibion's certifications include the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Linux Certified Administrator (LCA), and CompTIA Network+ and A+ Certifications. Mr. Coibion has a Specialized Associate Degree in Information Technology with Cisco and Linux Concentrations from Empire College, Santa Rosa.

Stephen Fox, MCSE, Security+ Engineer

Steve Fox is an Engineer at Portola Systems and is a native of Sonoma County. He has over 15 years experience working with companies, including both small businesses and Fortune-500 enterprises; on networks from 5 to 5000 workstations. Mr. Fox has been placed in leading roles on a wide variety of projects including LAN and WAN design, Common Desktop Architecture, and Disaster Recovery/Business Resumption Planning.

Mr. Fox's certifications include Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003 (MCSE), and Security+ Certifications.

Juan Pulido, CCNA, MCP Engineer

Juan Pulido is an Engineer with Portola Systems, Inc., and a 25+ year Sonoma County resident. Mr. Pulido has expertise in Windows workstations, hardware troubleshooting, and application help desk support. Before joining Portola Systems, Mr. Pulido worked for a local winery and a dental software company where his duties ranged from help desk support to building and administering servers for clients. Mr. Pulido's responsibilities include general consulting services for all Portola Systems’ clients.

Mr. Pulido's certifications include Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). Mr. Pulido has a Specialized Associate Degree in Information Technology/Network Specialist, with High Honors, from Empire College, Santa Rosa.

Jason Avner, MCP Engineer

Mr. Avner's certifications include Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).

Jeff Moschin, Staff Technician, Purchasing/Inside Sales

As Portola Systems' Purchasing and Inside Sales Agent, Mr. Moschin provides competitive pricing of hardware and software from our various distributors for our engineers to present to our clients.

Ryan Miller, Sales Consultant

Ryan Miller has been a sales consultant and network technician with Portola Systems since 2001. He has completed CAD classes at Empire College and is currently a student at the Santa Rosa Junior College. He offers experience in network cabling and knowledge of Microsoft Visio and Adobe programs which he utilizes in basic infrastructure design, network documentation, producing LAN and WAN CAD documents and producing recommendation reports. Mr. Miller also assists in LAN/WAN technical research and preparation prior to installation of network equipment.

Mr. Miller's certifications include Microsoft CRM Sales Management.

Leslie Henley, Office Manager, Client Support

Leslie Henley provides over 16 years experience in office administration and professional support. Formerly employed by a Santa Rosa based CPA firm, she is responsible for overall office operations and administrative support for technical staff. Ms. Henley’s experience includes: 6+ years as an administrative assistant in a Santa Rosa based law firm responsible for handling multiple projects, billing, customer relations, research, coordination of administrative support and office facilities.

Ms. Henley is an Executive Office Administration graduate of Empire College, Santa Rosa.

Dana Watkins, Admin Assistant

Dana Watkins is an administrative assistant for Portola Systems Inc. She is currently attending Empire College with an emphasis in computerized business skills. Ms. Watkins’ responsibilities include assisting with the security management of Portola-Secure ^SM and Portola Anti-Spam along with the coordination of sales support, customer relations and research.