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Payton Pick - Account Executive - Device as a Service

Embark IT
1854 Fuller Road
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Office: 515.650.9575
Cell: 712.514.4346

  • PaytonPick and Tyler Penning from Embark IT present on how they can assist schools in Iowa with IT services, including infrastructure, audiovisual technology, and physical security. They also discuss their device-as-a-service model, which offers flexibility, cost savings, and reduced IT workload for schools. The presentation highlights the various solutions and customization options that Embark It provides to meet the specific needs of each school district.
  • Tyler Penning discusses the monthly cost of services, particularly related to specialty underwriters insurance policies. Landon Allen confirms that their district has a policy with specialty underwriters. Tyler mentions working with Ankeny school districts and highlights their collaboration on audiovisual projects. He also mentions the convenience of billing directly to specialty underwriters for chromebook repairs. PaytonPick emphasizes the company's commitment to doing the right thing and being an honest partner for their clients. 
  • Landon Allen is working with Heartland Business Systems to put together a Fortinet best practice workshop.  The workshop is scheduled for November 15 in Des Moines.  Registration info is not available yet.  
  • Scott Fosseen from Prairie Lakes AEA recommends attending the SecureIowa conference, which is free and offers good sessions on security. 
  • Pam Jacobs will be hosting a workshop based on CIPA requirements. It's important to have all necessary documentation for erate audits. 
  • Phillip Trimble talks about the ITEC conference, including AI topics and coding information. There are currently 80 vendors registered, but they are hoping for more attendees. The early bird special can save $50 if registered before September 30th. 
  • Landon Allen discusses their new Fortinet device and their switch to Microsoft A5 security with additional features. They are considering having Heartland Business Systems monitor Defender alerts in real-time due to recent incidents involving phishing emails. 
  • Matt Schilling mentions that their Chromebook program is going well with minimal issues. They have also made progress with their rewire project and are starting a partnership with the community school. Matt is waiting on OCIO for endpoint detection but has opted for the LiquidNetworx Fortinet EDR solution instead. 
  • Jason Kehoe talks about receiving chromebooks and setting up networking equipment. 
  • Sarah Freking shares her busy day dealing with server room issues and adjusting to Infinite Campus. She also mentions taking possession of the AEA building earlier than expected and needing to get bids out quickly for fiber connection.  Sarah Freking mentions the need to bid out the project and organize equipment. They also discuss finding alternative internet service options, as well as the use of translation headphones in classrooms. 
  • Landon Allen explains how the Timekettle translation headphones work and their compatibility with different devices.  (Full Discussion archive: link
  • BluumLive Conference . October 10th in Des Moines