Unwrapping AI & Network Automation at The Network Buzz

Network Automation Insights & Holiday Beers – The Network Buzz Episode

 

In this episode of The Network Buzz, host Mike Trappe welcomes special guests Phil Wightman and Jason Gintert. This engaging episode covers a range of topics including the introduction of New Central from Aruba HPE Networking, the practical applications of network automation, and the transformative role of AI in IT. The conversation also touches on the recent Auto Con conference and its significant takeaways for network engineers. Alongside the tech talk, the trio discusses holiday beers, adding a festive touch to the discussion. Tune in for technical insights and holiday cheer!

Ready to Connect?

Contact Us Today

Laketec's culture is built on ownership, integrity and collaboration, shaping how we work with each other and how we deliver lasting results for our clients.

With teams supporting customers across Cleveland, Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, and surrounding communities, we're close enough to understand your environment and responsive when support matters most.

talk to our team

Tim Clark

Solutions Executive, K-12 Education

Fun fact: Tim keeps things simple outside of work. Most of his time is spent with his wife and daughter, with golf and cornhole mixed in when he can. He’d take a coffee or lunch meeting over a boardroom any day.

Helping K-12 Schools Build Secure, Reliable, and Scalable Technology Environments

Tim Clark works with K-12 school districts to plan and improve their technology environments. His focus is simple. Understand the school’s needs, align to budget and E-Rate, and help them move forward with the right infrastructure and support.
He supports public, private, and charter schools across Ohio and is known for being responsive, easy to work with, and consistent.
Focus Areas: Network infrastructure, wireless, security, co-managed IT (Laketec360), unified communications, and E-Rate planning.

 

Experience & Expertise

Tim works exclusively in K-12 environments and understands the day-to-day challenges schools face.

He typically supports districts managing multiple buildings, limited IT staff, and tight budgets, while still being expected to deliver reliable, secure technology across every classroom.

Most conversations center on improving infrastructure, strengthening security, and planning for what’s next, whether that is Wi-Fi upgrades, access control, or voice strategy

Tim’s career has been built inside Laketec, starting in a role focused on supporting K-12 customers and the E-Rate process. That foundation still shapes how he works today.

He brings a practical understanding of how to connect funding, infrastructure decisions, and long-term planning into something schools can execute.

 

Credentials & Indusry Involvement

 Certifications

HPE Networking; Palo Alto; HPE Server, Storage, and Compute

Alignment
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Experience Areas
K-12 infrastructure, network security, co-managed IT, E-Rate planning

Involvement
NetworkBuzz Podcast (E-Rate); Brainstorm events

Recognition
Part of a team consistently ranked among top E-Rate partners in Ohio

 

Connect with Tim

Tim helps K-12 schools make practical decisions around infrastructure, security, and long-term planning.

Start the conversation: