WE'RE THE TEAM BEHIND THE SCREENS
Umbrella Systems started with a simple idea: schools deserve IT support that actually understands them.
WHY SCHOOLS?
Most IT companies serve anyone who'll sign a contract. Law firms, dental offices, logistics companies — whoever's next in line. Schools get lumped in with the rest, and the support reflects that: generic solutions, slow response times, and technicians who've never set foot in a classroom.
We built Umbrella Systems because we think that's backwards.
Schools have unique challenges. Hundreds of student devices that take a beating. State-mandated testing platforms that have to work on test day. Staff who need help now, not after a ticket bounces between three people. E-Rate funding that can save tens of thousands — if someone actually does the paperwork.
We focus on schools because that's what we're good at. We keep our client base small on purpose — not because we can't grow, but because we'd rather every school get real attention than spread ourselves thin chasing contracts.
MEET THE HEROES
Four people based in the Twin Cities, with six years in the industry.
Austin VanAlstyne
Co-Founder & Technical Lead
Austin runs the technical side — from network architecture and cybersecurity to the systems that keep everything monitored and running. He's the one building the dashboards, writing the automation, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
"I got into this because I kept seeing schools get overcharged for mediocre IT. We can do better than that."
Jesse Schonfeld
Co-Founder & Operations Lead
Jesse handles operations, client relationships, and business strategy. He's usually the first person a new school talks to and the one making sure the partnership stays strong long-term.
"The best compliment we get is when a school forgets they're outsourcing their IT."
Vinny Simon
Field Technician
Vinny is the one pulling cable, racking switches, and getting infrastructure projects across the finish line. He's also the person we send when a school needs extra hands fast.
"I like the big builds. There's something satisfying about walking out of a school knowing the infrastructure is solid for years."
Brendan VanAlstyne
Field Technician
Brendan works alongside Vinny on deployment projects and infrastructure builds. Need 200 Chromebooks staged before the first day of school? That's Brendan.
"Give me a project list and a deadline. I'll make it happen."
HOW WE WORK
Before any contract starts, we spend time embedded with your current IT setup — learning your systems, your staff, and your pain points. No cost, no commitment. Just a chance for both sides to make sure it's the right fit.
This is Phase 0 onboarding.