The Forget Computers Team
Ben Greiner / started 1998
Ben created Forget Computers in 1998 (then known as Digital Logic) after being placed on hold with mediocre tech support one too many times. His unique understanding of the creative, technical, and production aspects of graphic design comes from previous work experience at a pre-press service bureau, commercial photography studio, and offset print shop, in addition to years of marketing and design work at ad agencies in Indiana and Chicago.
Josh Billions / started 2011
In preparation for joining our team Josh spent the last eight years learning all he could about computer hardware, software, and networking technologies on Macintosh and Unix-based platforms. Josh is very adept at conveying complex technical information to clients and is an exceptional programmer. Similar to C-3PO, he knows many languages, including Conversational Java, AppleScript, and Objective-C. He also has training in data visualization.
Christopher Cole / started 2000
Christopher joined Forget Computers in April 2000. Previously he worked in a number of technology support positions, from basic Mac support to database administration and desktop publishing, for Northwestern University. Christopher has degrees in music theory/composition and uses great Apple software like Logic, GarageBand, and Finale to write and record his music. He also runs jazz label 251 Records in his spare time.
Chad Nielsen / started 2008
Chad has been an Apple user for over 85% of his life. Having grown up in the 80's he is one of a new generation fortunate enough to integrate technology into their lives at an early age. Chad had worked as a Mac Genius at various Apple Stores since 2004 before becoming part of the Forget Computers team. He has extensive OS experience as well as proficiency with multiple programming languages and various flavors of Windows. In most cases his Windows experience came from repairing the Windows machine just enough to transfer the data to a Mac.
Janelle Peterson / started 2011
Janelle is a relative newcomer to the Mac platform (her first being a 2008 iMac), and she's currently a minority amongst us because she's the only one with any clothing style. Janelle joined Forget Computers to help with bookkeeping and administrative functions, but we later learned her ulterior motive was to learn new things about her home iMac and iPhone.
Mike Shanholtz / started 2007
Mike has been using Apple computers since the early 80’s, starting with an Apple IIc (before the Macintosh!). He started his career in pre-press as a production artist and has experience in everything from type-setting and film output to web production. He’s been a Macintosh support specialist for various design studios in the area during the past 6 years, and most recently spent 2 years as a Mac Genius at a local Apple store. He is an Apple Certified OS X Help Desk Technician, Apple Certified Desktop Technician, and an Apple Certified Portable Technician. Mike also has a private pilot’s license and truly loves helping people -- especially with their Macs!
Christopher Shay / started 2011
One Christopher (and a Kris) wasn't enough so we hired one more! Christopher Shay is our most recent former Mac Genius. He's a reliable and seasoned Macintosh Support Professional who's experience goes back to Mac OS 8.6. He supported Apple products through the iPod boom, the Intel transition, and the iOS revolutions. He's looking forward to providing Forget Computers clients with excellent customer service in addition to solutions and support for the full range of Apple hardware and software.
Russ Snediker / started 2010
Russ Snediker is a passionate and enthusiastic Apple aficionado, who loves working directly with clients. Russ comes to us after 3.5 years working for Apple as a Genius at the North Michigan Avenue store, where he partnered with the business and management teams to keep the stores demanding technology environment operating smoothly. Certified on Macintosh software and hardware, Russ feels very comfortable working through issues, maintenance, and deployments of all flavors of Mac OS X client and server. He is also an experienced Final Cut Pro user.
Paul Vargas / started 2008
Paul has been a Mac consultant and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer since 1999. His knowledge of creative professional applications, fonts, and workflow comes from his prepress background. He even has a beta copy of Illustrator version 0.5 on a 400k floppy disk! His other interests include playing guitar and piloting helicopters. Paul recently traded his aging Dell notebook for a beautiful 17-inch MacBook Pro and ditched his Blackberry for an iPhone!
Kris Youngsteadt / started 2000
Kris has been working with Macs since the 80’s! He’s a former graphic designer with a strong background in pre-press production. His extensive knowledge of professional design applications, fonts, printers, scanners and monitors allows him to solve the unique problems of design offices quickly and efficiently. Kris is also a a color management expert and has participated in the annual GATF Color Management Conference for the past six years.