At C3 Technology Advisors, Steve Mockaitis has found a platform that aligns with his passion for driving digital transformation through innovative technology solutions. His extensive industry experience allows him to effectively assist clients in navigating the complexities of SD-WAN and its evolution into SASE. By leveraging his expertise, Steve plays a crucial role in helping organizations optimize their network topologies, ultimately changing how they think about and consume technology.  

Steve's professional journey spans over 15 years and encompasses a wide range of experiences in the VAR/MSP industry, including an unexpected stint driving a forklift early on in his career. This diverse background underscores his belief that "15 years will take you a lot of places." His enthusiasm for SD-WAN is rooted in a fascination with how it can revolutionize IT landscapes, making him a standout in the industry. He articulates his interest, stating, “I really like working around SD-WAN. I am fascinated with the drive towards digital transformation in IT and how SD-WAN can change the way organizations consume technology.”  

In addition to his focus on SD-WAN, Steve is particularly drawn to the consolidation of network and security technologies. He recognizes the shift in service delivery that has compelled organizations to rethink their technology and management strategies. This evolution has become Steve's niche, especially in the realm of SASE and SD-WAN managed services, where he applies his knowledge to help businesses adapt effectively to these changes. Notably, he took pride in assisting a large, security-forward credit union in adopting a SASE framework by guiding them in selecting a provider that aligns with their cloud-forward philosophy.  

On a personal level, Steve enjoys a vibrant family life in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, with his wife and their two sons, aged 7 and 9. He embraces his identity as a “typical engineering nerd,” with a deep love for music, comic books, and video games. With 20 years of guitar experience and a background in a rock band, music holds a special place in his heart, along with a passion for literature, particularly the works of Ernest Hemingway. These interests not only enrich his life but also foster a well-rounded perspective that he brings to his professional endeavors.  

Reflecting on his time at C3, Steve describes it in one word: "passion." He believes that his success stems from his genuine enthusiasm for his work and the strong culture at C3, which emphasizes supporting team members and their endeavors. His commitment to embodying C3's core values—Deep Caring for the Success of others, Ingenuity & Action, Confidence, Curiosity, and Extreme Ownership—was recognized through the prestigious Amethyst Award, given to those who exemplify the true spirit of being a C3er.