Meet a Helpful Human – Thomas Knapp

Responsive, helpful, and dedicated in ways automation simply can’t be. We’re your team.

Every month, we recognize one among our Most Helpful Humans in Hosting®.

Meet Thomas Knapp

Native Michigander, Thomas Knapp, began working with computers as a child. By the point he reached highschool, he had built his first PC after working all summer to avoid wasting up for parts. He took extracurricular classes and eventually earned his CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications by graduation. Knapp knew this was the profession for him and located a job in the general public sector working in IT as a student assistant while taking classes at Baker College. After earning his degree, he continued pursuing a tech profession and located a house at Liquid Web, where he earned his Plesk Windows Expert certification.

Why did you join Liquid Web?

I heard good things about Liquid Web while growing up in Saint Johns, Michigan just north of Lansing, and I knew it will be the proper opportunity to grow my skills in system administration. As well as, I used to be excited by the chance to work with latest technology and find out how networks, servers, software, and security come together to create hosting solutions.

What draws you to the hosting industry as a profession?

I’m captivated with a profession in IT and have a powerful dedication to it. The hosting industry is great because I get to exercise and grow my skills by constructing and maintaining server systems and solving complex problems for purchasers’ business needs. No two days are the identical, and every day brings unique challenges. This drives me to continue learning and keeps me on my toes.

Is there something specific about Liquid Web you simply love?

The culture at Liquid Web is amazing. On daily basis I get to work with talented people and get to rejoice at work in an expert way. Everyone seems to be dedicated to providing one of the best service possible, and it shows that we’re one of the best within the business. I like that everybody’s mindset is to be helpful. You may at all times ask to get help internally, and we help one another out. This also reflects externally to our customers as we’re the Most Helpful Humans in Hosting®.

In your eyes, what’s the difference between Liquid Web and other employers?

Being fresh out of faculty made it tough to interrupt into the IT sphere. Liquid Web gave me a likelihood to affix their team and proceed doing the things I really like. They actively invested in me, allowing me to grow—not only in my profession but additionally as an individual—and I’m grateful for that.

Tell us about a tremendous customer experience you’ve had at Liquid Web.

Having the ability to get to know customers on an expert level, successfully migrating their servers to latest hardware, and solving their most complex issues may be very rewarding. If you solve problems with a system that a whole lot and even 1000’s of individuals depend on, and the client recognizes that through feedback, it feels great. 

A number of years ago, we had a customer experiencing issues with their website’s shopping cart installation. We addressed the problems and got it working quickly. The client was so grateful that they ordered pizza for our whole team as thanks for our work. They still trust us to maintain their website running for his or her business, and I’m glad to say we will try this.

What’s the largest milestone you’ve achieved?

Probably the culmination of the whole lot as much as where I’m today. Through drive and perseverance, I actually have worked hard to push myself to be one of the best I will be. I feel like I actually have more to perform in the long run, but I’m glad to be where I’m today. It goes to indicate that if you happen to’re determined, you possibly can reach your goals.

What are you known for at Liquid Web? What do people specifically come to you for?

I’m often the person to bounce ideas off of at the tip of the day after I’m just starting the night shift. Often, these are questions on tough issues that customers are facing from the day. As an escalation point, I do my best to assist out my team so we will resolve customer issues and supply heroic support.

What’s one thing you would like our customers knew about their hosting?

Backups and security. I can’t stress enough how vital it’s to haven’t only backups of your servers but additionally secure them to mitigate threats. The Web is a dangerous place. Having the correct preventative measures in place can reduce risk and be prepared.

Work aside, what are a few of your hobbies?

​​I grew up in a rural area, so depending on the time of 12 months, I’m an outdoorsman. I enjoy taking my dog on walks and getting out to the woods. I grew up within the country, so I also wish to hunt and fish after I can. I also enjoy video games, working on side projects in web development, and reading about technology.

We hope you enjoyed our series, and stay tuned for the following Helpful Human profile.