Hello…
As a freelance IT field engineer based in Gulf Breeze, FL, since 2010, I bring over 35+ years of hands-on experience to solve your toughest technical challenges. From building and repairing computers, networks, phone systems, satellite setups, security cameras, and automated systems, I deliver tailored solutions that optimize operations and drive efficiency.
When you hire me for a job, we are both aware that, for the time I am on-site, I am the face of your organization. You can expect that when I show up, I’ll be properly attired and have cheery disposition. I’ll make you look good.
Now let’s talk about some other characters I’ve met in my travels….
Pizza Pete
Description: Pizza Pete is typically a pimply-faced college student who runs IT jobs for beer money between classes. He operates on a shoestring budget and a fundamental misunderstanding of how a real business functions. He will eagerly agree to your quoted rate, seeing you as a professional resource he can exploit. The problems begin the moment he arrives. He will insist on “shooting the breeze,” offering you the pleasure of his insights in a transparent attempt to manufacture a casual, “bro-ish” relationship. This is never genuine camaraderie; it’s always a prelude to the main event: the renegotiation.
The Problem: Once he decides you’re “buddies,” he will suddenly remember “just one more little thing” you need help with. Then another. And another. What was a one-hour, fixed-price job suddenly balloons into a half-day affair. When you push back about the actual time spent, he will act genuinely hurt and betrayed, claiming, “But I thought we had a deal!” He operates on emotional manipulation and a frat-house barter system, genuinely believing he can get away with this until taught otherwise.
The Bottom Line: My time is my product, and its value is not negotiable over chit-chat. I operate on clear contracts and mutual respect, not the emotional bartering of a college kid trying to stretch his wallet.
Larry The Letch
Description: Larry is the tech who cannot maintain a professional atmosphere. He will make inappropriate comments …. This may be directed towards anyone near by. Doing this kind of work can provide him an ‘audience’ the he normally would not have access to.
The Problem: This behavior creates a hostile, uncomfortable, and unprofessional working environment. It demonstrates a fundamental lack of respect and boundaries. It’s a glaring red flag that indicates deeper issues with his character and how he conducts all his affairs, including business. Focusing on complex technical work is impossible when you have to mentally deflect unwelcome commentary.
The Bottom Line: I maintain a professional and respectful environment to provide my best work.
Harry (the retired) Heart Patient
Description: Harry is not defined by his medical condition, but by how he weaponizes it. He is the king of the guilt trip. He will mention his heart surgery, his medications, and his various ailments within the first five minutes of meeting you. This is not to seek sympathy, but to establish a leverage point.
The Problem: Any discussion of timelines, project scope, or—most importantly—payment will be met with a sigh, a hand over the heart, and a speech about his stress levels and how “the doctors say I need to avoid any kind of upset.” He uses his health as a shield against accountability and a tool to apply pressure for discounts, rushed work, or delayed payment. He preys on the basic human decency of others to avoid honoring his agreements.
The Bottom Line: While I have empathy for anyone facing health challenges, it cannot be used as currency. My business terms are designed to be fair and clear for everyone, and they are not subject to negotiation via emotional blackmail.