Joe Schram, Principal

Educated as a graphic designer, certified as an IT technician and administrator, skilled as a print production guru, and experienced as a team manager, Joe has spent many years working in a variety of creative and IT roles. Wielding a combined skill-set that is a rarity in both the design and technology fields, Joe is a natural problem-solver with a positive, “can-do” attitude. He has a hands-on approach when implementing technology solutions, and is a visually proficient communicator who capably distills complex concepts down to their essential components.

Among other accomplishments, Joe has deployed a wide range of network services, led end-user training programs, created procedures for efficient systems administration, developed detailed workflows for pre-press output, maintained close management of vendors & contractors, and he has written budget and strategy proposals which were both engaging and successful. After over a decade of tackling technology hurdles while working from every rung on the organizational ladder, Joe deeply understands the essential day-to-day challenges facing today’s creative businesses and professionals.

A native North Carolinian, Joe moved back to the state in late 2006 after seven years in northeast Illinois’ large creative market, the last three of which were spent as the Director of IT at a high-volume boutique ad agency in downtown Chicago. Joe is proud to be an Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA), a Red Hat Certified Technician (RHCT), and a member of AIGA, the professional association for design.

Jay Nierodzik, Partner | Developer

Jay’s interest and experience with information technology started early in life; his path was set in high school when he emerged as an award-winning programmer. Jay moved on to study CIS in college, and over the last 13 years he has worked as a programmer for United Airlines, as a Systems Administrator for several Chicago schools and universities, and as a consultant to businesses large and small.

Jay is a friendly, dedicated investigator when it comes to problem-solving, able to assist clients while remaining committed to the in-depth experimentation and research required to solve any issue. Bringing years of experience with both Mac and Windows platforms, a passion for scripting and programming, and an impeccable technology foundation to the table, Jay is a valuable asset to Sparktivity.

Jay is certified not only as an Apple Certified System Administrator (ACSA), a CompTia Network+ Certified Professional, and a Sair Linux/GNU Certified Administrator, he is also a guru in the rare art of AppleScript.