Hello!  Thanks for taking a little time out of your day to learn about my life.  First off, my name is Zac McKinney and I’m 24 years old.  I have an associate’s degree in Information Technology and a bachelor’s degree in Network Security and Forensics.  I built this website to express my opinions on various issues, have one place where my entire existence online is, and to share some of the cool stuff that I find on a day to day basis while working.  A big thank you to Dan Thompson for helping me through some of the Wordpress questions I had on some of the more advanced stuff I had never dealt with!

     I was born in Finksburg, Maryland in 1985.  My mom’s name is Debbie and my dad’s name is Wayne.  While living in Maryland, my dad worked as a satellite dish tech at Bendix.  My mom worked at a hospital in data entry.  I had a very normal and fun childhood.  My brother’s name is Travis.  He is two and a half years younger than I am.  We always picked on each other and got yelled at constantly.  For the most part, I was a well behaved child. 

     Some of my hobbies when I was a child were rock collecting (yes, even back then I was a huge nerd), video gaming on the original NES and Sega Genesis, and playing outside.  I played little league baseball but soon realized that Zac and sports would never mix well.  When I was in 5th grade, I decided that my career path would be a volcanologist (I was obsessed with rocks and volcanoes).  My favorite games were Super Mario Brothers  1 and 3, Sonic the Hedgehog  1, 2, and 3,  and Mortal Kombat  1, 2, and 3.

     I watched a lot of TV when I was young.  One of my favorite cartoons was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, which would explain my obsession with ninjas to this day.  I tended to migrate toward shows with fighting of some kind in them.  I also enjoyed Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers (the original, not all that garbage they put out after it was released), Transformers, Beast Wars, and Rocko’s Modern Life.  Nickelodeon was one of my favorite channels.  They had some of the best cartoons back in the day.  I even visited Universal Studios as they were building the set for “All That,” which was the first live action comedy show I ever watched!

     When I went into 6th grade, my parents came to my brother and me to ask us if we would be willing to move to another state.  They had dreamed of owning a campground for a long time and they thought it was a good time to start looking to complete their dream.  My brother and I had no problems with moving to another state.  I looked at it as a good way to get a fresh start and I didn’t want to hold my parents back from their dream.  Shortly after that, we moved out of our three story house that was built by my dad and grandfather and into a smaller apartment.  My parents started looking for a campground.  They would take trips every so often to North Carolina and Tennessee to review campgrounds.  They would always come back and let us know how the campground looked.  It looked like we would be moving to North Carolina at one point because they had found a campground that they really liked but were concerned about a giant cliff on the edge of the grounds.  In the end, they decided not to buy that campground.

     Eventually, when I was about to finish 7th grade, my mom and dad found a campground in Clinton, Tennessee that fit all their requirements, Fox Inn Campground.  I really admire the fact that they took such a huge risk to obtain their dream.  It took a lot of guts to move to a state where they didn’t know anyone and take over a business they had no experience in.  I was 13 at the time and we moved to the campground.  I started school the next Monday.  I found that it was incredibly difficult to understand the Southern accent but eventually got used to it, even though it never affected my speech.  I was only in 7th grade for 1 month and then summer vacation started.  I made a few really good friends and had a great time once I was settled into our new home.

     I had changed my career path once again in middle school.  I decided that one of my favorite things on the face of the earth was computers.  My parents had purchased an Apple II computer when I was in 6th grade and I used it all the time.  It had the 5 1/2 inch floppy disks to run everything.  I learned as much as I could about it while it was still working.  After it broke down, my family bought a PC with Windows 98 on it.  As soon as I started using Windows, I loved it.  It was so much easier to research topics and write papers for school.  Everyone told me that computers were the way the world was heading, so I considered it as a career option.

     I did well in school and eventually made it into high school.  I attended Anderson County High School in 2000.  I can’t say that I enjoyed it.  Since I already knew what I wanted to do for a living, I tried to enroll in every class that I could that had anything to do with computers.  The first class I took was computer typing.  I believe this was one of the best classes I have selected.  Without being able to type, you wouldn’t be able to function in today’s world.  I tried to do the hunt and peck moves but eventually gave in to the teacher’s plan and started trying to learn the home keys.  She made us cover our hands with a piece of paper that was attached to the keyboard.  To pass the class, we had to type 40 words per minute.  I was able to type 55 words per minute by the time the class was over.  Today I can type around 80 words per minute with 100% accuracy.

     I also took computer repair, electronics, video editing, and web page design. These have all contributed to the content you are seeing on my site to this day.  Even though most of the skills I learned in these classes no longer apply (especially web page design), they helped me get into the computer tech mind set.  I started making web pages for fun after I had finished the web design class to test my skills.  Programming pages in basic HTML sucks now that I look back on it.

     I made a whole new set of friends in high school.  Some of my best friends were Robert Martin, Zach Foster, Adam Hill, and Justin Parks.  Since networking had become a big thing and we were all PC gamers, we started doing LAN parties about once or twice a month.  I learned that I was fairly skilled at first person shooters and I really enjoyed playing with friends.  We played Quake 3, Farcry, and Unreal Tournament 2004.

     Not only did I play video games, I also started watching World Wrestling Entertainment (formerly the WWF) due to the influence of my friend, Adam Hill.  Adam had started a backyard wrestling group and called it HEW (Hardcore Extreme Wrestling).  After I had watched wrestling for a while, I decided that I could do it too.  Adam taught me everything he knew about falling correctly (called bumping) so that it didn’t hurt at all.  We all built a wrestling ring in his backyard (it didn’t have ropes but bounced like a WWE ring).  I had quite a few characters that I wrestled under.  The first one was my gamertag, Havoc.  He was just a more hardcore version of myself but I had a TON of fun with it.  We did some crazy stuff but no one was ever seriously injured.  I still contact Adam every so often, even though he now lives in Kentucky.  I will link a video from our classic wrestling days if he still has one somewhere.

    My first job was when I was 16 years old.  I was a “Sandwich Artist” at Subway (and yes….that is the official title LOL).  I did well at the job but eventually became sick of it.  I moved on to Burger King and hated it even more, but I couldn’t complain…. it was money.  Eventually, during my senior year in high school, I got my first computer job (kind of) at 5R Processing.  They were a computer recycling plant and basically converted old computers into scrap metal to sell.  I learned a lot about old computer parts such as Pentium 1 through Pentium 4  processors.  It helped me build a base for what I know today.  The job did suck though; it was hot in the warehouse, it was dirty, and I only got to take computers apart…not build them.  Eventually, I was moved into the PC building department and was able to start building, formatting, and selling computers (as crappy as they were).  This was a co-op job so I only had to go to school half a day my senior year, then I would go to work at 5R.

     It felt like an eternity but I finally graduated from high school in 2004.  My guidance counselor had suggested that I go to Pellissippi Community College to continue my education in computers and networking.  I had done my own research into the matter though and found that a better choice for my career would be either ITT Technical Institute or Fountainhead College of Technology.  They were a LOT more expensive but I felt after visiting the campuses that I would get more out of my time there than at Pellissippi.  After thinking about it for a week or two, I decided on Fountainhead College of Technology.  Their classes were geared toward exactly what I wanted to do.  I graduated high school in May of 2004 and started college in August 2004.  My last summer vacation consisted of me working hard to save up as much money as possible.

    I had to quit 5R Processing because it conflicted with my new college schedule.  Instead, I applied for a job on send shift as a front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn.  This job was great because it gave me plenty of time to study in between checking in customers.  My first class in college covered everything on the CompTIA A+ certification.  It was taught by Patrick Sullivan and he was one of the best teachers I had in college.  Little did I know that I would be working with him once I was out of college.  Right before the class was over, I took the two tests I needed to obtain my A+ certification.  I passed both of them with flying colors and decided my next certification to go for would be the CompTIA Network+.  I went into second semester and started learning more advanced web design, PHP, and Photoshop.

    As soon as I started using Photoshop, I loved it.  I found I was able to make some very cool backgrounds and buttons with just a basic knowledge of it.  As you can see from this site, I have learned to do some more advanced stuff in Photoshop since then.  I still use it to edit photos and make cool effects.  It was definitely a very handy skill to have.  I continued to study for my Network+ throughout the semester.  One of my classmates and I, Chris Watson, decided to get into a little competition.  Whoever could graduate from the associates program with the most cert, would be the winner.  I ended up losing this contest but it was a great way to motivate both of us to do our best.  Chris and I both passed our Network+ tests at around the same time, right before going into the third semester, Microsoft.

     It was shortly after second semester that I decided to quit my job at Holiday Inn and open my own computer repair business.  I quickly learned that you needed to actually talk to people and sell yourself to get any business.  My personality isn’t exactly the sales person type.  My idea of repairing computers was shot down within a few months and I ended up going back to work at Burger King until I could find a technical job.

     My favorite semester by far was Microsoft.  I learned most of the skills that I use every day at my job in this class.  It was taught by my favorite teacher of all time, Jason Foust.  I couldn’t believe how much he knew about various subjects.  Not only did he teach this entire semester, he had also taught the PHP class from second semester.  In this class, I learned how to build an Active Directory domain from scratch, the basics of DNS, how to set up a DHCP server, and pretty much everything I had been wanting to learn since I was in college.

     After I was almost finished my third semester of college, the opportunity I had been looking for presented itself.  Fountainhead College of Technology was looking for a Junior Network Administrator.  At the time, Dan Thompson was the network administrator for the college and you had to turn in your resume to him to get consideration for the job.  I updated my resume as quickly as possible and emailed it to Dan.  I had an interview with him shortly after and he decided to hire me.  I will forever be grateful to Dan for hiring me to that position because just like in any other field, you have to find a place to get your foot in the door.  This gave me the stepping stone to launch my career.  Geek Squad wouldn’t even hire me at the time!  Learning something in a textbook is MUCH different than working on the real thing.  Dan and I became fast friends as we worked together.  He showed me everything he could on the small college network.  I learned how to terminate cables, image computers, manage ISA 2004, and various other important functions on the network.  I worked with Dan for 3 months before he took at job at Rodefer Moss Technologies and left the college.  I was sad that he left because I wasn’t sure who would be replacing him, but it ended up being Jason Foust.  I continued learning the network but the job was never quite the same.

     I finished up my fourth semester of college with no problems.  I ended up taking tests for two more certifications and passed them.  I was now a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) and a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).  I continued to stay in contact with Dan and he suggested I put a resume in with RM Technologies for a helpdesk position.  I didn’t really want to work on a helpdesk because I thought I knew enough to become a network administrator.  I decided it wouldn’t hurt to put in a resume with them.  I sent it to Dan and he gave it to Paul Sponcia (the CEO of the company at the time).  It took a while, but they eventually called me and asked me to come in and interview.  I interviewed with Dave Sagraves (Sales) and Wade Orloski (Project Manager).  I felt like a complete idiot after the interview because they had asked me about all kinds of different products that I had never heard of before like Shoretel.

     I ended up getting the helpdesk job (thanks to Dan again) at RM Technologies in November of 2005.  As soon as I started, I realized that I knew absolutely nothing about the real world of IT.  I worked with Stefan Shurina and Dusty Roach on the helpdesk.  They showed me a ton of useful sites and taught me a lot about how to support the clients.  I picked up on everything very quickly and became a productive member of the helpdesk.  I graduated from my associates program in December of 2005.

     I should probably mention here that I made the horrible mistake of moving in with my girlfriend at the time, Julie.  My best friend, Adam Hill, introduced us (she is his cousin) at his birthday party and we started dating shortly after.  It was only about 3 weeks after meeting her that I moved in with her and Adam.  Even though it was a mistake, I don’t regret it.  It showed me that I made enough money as a helpdesk technician to afford my own apartment.  After Julie and I split, I rented my own apartment in another building in the apartment complex.  I bought three cats to keep me company.  I kept them a secret from the apartment complex so I didn’t have to pay the pet down payment.   I named them after characters from my favorite anime, Bleach.  Their names are Ichigo, Renji, and Ikakuu.

     I continued my path through college while working full time at RM Technologies.  My schedule had switched to going to school at night.  I worked the helpdesk from 7:00AM – 4:00PM and then went to school from 5:30PM – 10:00PM.  Needless to say, this was very tough to do.  I had no free time except for weekends.  Even though it was hard, it was totally worth it.  Every day I learned something new at school and at work.  I was enrolled in my academic classes for two semesters and managed to pass them.  After that, I went into my Network Security and Forensics class.  I learned some very interesting information in these classes.  We were able to build a network from scratch and lock it down as much as possible to avoid being hacked into.  The two semesters of this program were meant to be applied toward the CISSP certification.  I have yet to attempt this certification and I’m not too sure if I ever will.  The test is an entire day and you have to take it in Atlanta, Georgia.  It also costs 600 dollars for one attempt which is ridiculous.

     The schedule continued like this until, in 2007, I finally finished college.  It was amazing how much more free time I had without having school work to deal with every night.  I also got a raise around the same time and with more money comes more ideas.  I started looking for a house that was closer to work right before I graduated college.  I ended up finding a very nice house in my price range in West Knoxville.  It is first minutes away from the Claris Networks office.  I ended up purchasing my first house when I was 21 years old and I still live there today.

     To this day, I still work at Claris Networks (the company changed it’s name from RM Technologies in 2008).  I was also promoted from the helpdesk after two and a half years.  I now have many more responsibilities in the company.  I am the Internal Network Administrator, a Managed Services Specialist, and a Tier 1 Advanced Infrastructure Team Technician.  Sometimes the job can get a bit overwhelming but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  Claris Networks has an absolutely amazing group of people, all with their unique own talents.  I would highly recommend them, even if I didn’t work there.  I currently manage all tickets that come into the Managed Services queue.  I also help with the management of our entire ESX cloud as well as take care of all the internal technical functions for the company.  They say that if you are doing something you love, you will never work a day in your life.  Ever since I’ve started at RM Technologies / Claris Networks, I haven’t worked a single day.

     Now that I have most of the other parts of my life sorted out, I started dating again.  I met one of the most amazing women ever, Roslyn, and we went out on our first date in August 2009.  Roslyn and I are getting along great even though it has only been 5 months.  She is a very independent person, which I haven’t seen out of any other girl I have dated.  Not only that, but she plays video games too!  On weekends, we get together and play games such as Dokapon Kingdom, Half Life 2, and Resident Evil.  She is the one that finally inspired me to set up my website.  After reading her blog, it gave me just enough push to start my website.

    Some of my current hobbies include rock climbing, playing video games, hanging out with Roslyn, working out to stay fit, web site design,  and playing around in Photoshop.  I also always have and always will be a music addict.  If you name a band, I probably know at least one song by them.  When it comes to my favorite genre of music, I LOVE heavy metal and classic rock.  One of my co-workers introduced me to Five Finger Death Punch recently and I have been listening to their music non-stop.  I am also a huge AC / DC fan.  I recently saw them in concert in Nashville which was an amazing show.  They may be old but they still rock!  Another heavy metal band I really enjoy is Avenged Sevenfold.  If you have never listened to their self-titled album, I highly recommend it.

     Well, that is pretty much my entire life put into one webpage.  I hope you have enjoyed reading about me.  If you didn’t, you can never get the time you spent reading this page back (HA!).  Thanks for reading!

–Zac McKinney