About Us

Robert Sparre
Chief Executive Officer

Professional Bio:

Did not know what a computer was in 1982 and bought a Texas Instruments TI99-4A for $49 at JC Penny; began IT career in 1984 at Delmarva Power as a temp and had a wonderful time there for 10 years; author of a book on Banyan VINES and SCO Unix. Network consulting career started 1995, went solo in Feb 1997 and formed Dorset Connects in September 1997 with Jeffrey Rosenberg. Known as “the guy who labels his label maker”, writing detailed documentation on subjects from building Linux boxes and CheckPoint firewalls, to wireless and VoIP how-to’s.

More about Robert:

Born and raised in Wilmington, DE, Wilmington Friends School for 13 years, then University of Tampa for a music degree. Associates in Electronics from Del Tech thinking I would learn how to repair my keyboard synthesizers – but to no avail. Bowling alley mechanic in high school – left with 197 average and represented DE in Washington, DC for high school seniors. Learned plants and landscaping in Tampa, FL, played in horn bands, and learned the fine art of dry aged steaks and meat cutting at the famous Bern’s Steak House. Learned to butcher veal back in Wilmington and became chef at the Crepe Chalet, helped open several restaurants, and got the computer bug in 1982 and quit the restaurant business. Just learned to play golf, and worried that I will like it. Haven’t picked up a bowling ball more than a couple of times in 35 years.

Favorite Book: Team of Rivals

Past Careers: Bowling alley mechanic, nursery and landscaping, musician, ice cream truck driver, butcher, chef, network engineer, consultant, company owner.

Favorite Musician / Band: Chick Corea / Weather Report

Favorite Restaurant: Local excellent and fun is Fogo de Chao, but Alice Waters’ Chez Panisse in Berkeley CA is #1. Wouldn’t it be funny if everybody said Fogo de Chao?

Favorite Coffee: Latte. None of that skim stuff – give me the fat!

Rick Kemp
Chief Technical Officer

Professional Bio:

For more than 15 years, we have worked hard to keep Dorset Connects growing and improving our service delivery. Our motto of “Hassle-Free IT” has stood as our litmus test for all new initiates and has served us well. Starting as a field engineer and working up to Director of Technical Operations has given me a chance to see all the aspects of our business and how they fit together. Prior to Dorset Connects, I was the Manager of Information Technology for Connectiv, which was focused on acquiring new companies to build business. This helped me develop great experience with integrating data, people, and workflows into an existing organization. I was also a client of Dorset Connects, which led to me joining the team here.

Before Conectiv I spent 15 years with DHL, where I started at an entry level job right out of college and quickly moved up the ranks from aircraft loader to courier, lead courier, supervisor, Syracuse, NY station manager, Buffalo, NY Station Manager, and then the manager for the Philadelphia area. This gave me extensive managerial experience due to the size and various functions of the workforce. I was also responsible for the airport and courier operations, as well as the regional customer service call center.

More about Rick:

I was born and raised just south of Buffalo, New York, aka the “snow belt”, and enjoyed the Buffalo Bills’ glory years while I was there. As a kid I had two main hobbies: taking things apart (vacuum cleaner, clocks, telephones, etc.) and letting animals (mainly birds) loose in department stores, both of which used to drive my parents crazy. I graduated from Niagara University with a degree in Travel, Transportation & Tourism. My wife and I moved to Syracuse, where our two sons were born, and spent 5 years there. We have lived in West Chester, PA for nearly 20 years.

I’d Rather Be: Traveling with my family and friends, especially internationally. To me, planning the trip is a big part of the experience. I also enjoy our annual camping and canoeing trips in the Adirondacks.

Favorite restaurants: This is a tough one for me, because I love to find new restaurants, especially smaller local places while traveling. I try to avoid chain restaurants whenever possible. If pressed, I would say my favorites are Carmines in New York City, Vernick in Philadelphia, and The Decadente in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ericka Downs
Chief Operating Officer

Professional Bio:

Ericka has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Delaware. She started her IT career as a programmer and worked in that capacity for about 8 years before transitioning into leadership. Leadership provides a greater challenge and far more reward for her than any other role she has ever enjoyed. As a leader Ericka relishes working with people to achieve their full potential in a team environment. She comes to Dorset Connects with over 15 years of experience in the IT sector and has been fortunate to work for the following companies: Apple Computer, Delmarva Power & Light, DuPont, MBNA and Vertex.

More About Ericka:

Ericka can often be found trying to take over Gotham city – Oh wait, that’s The Joker. It is easy to get them confused as they look so much alike (see avatar). When Ericka is not traveling the world (or sometimes when she is) you will find her working on one of her many knitting projects. Known, unfairly, as a “yarn snob”, Ericka will often be found spinning her own yarn on her portable spinning wheel so she can achieve the exact yarn she desires for a given project. As if that is not nerdy enough she will also dye the fiber – or sometimes the finished yarn in her “fiberceutical” lab (yes it has gram scales, flasks and rubber gloves just like a real lab). When she is not knitting, dying fiber or traveling around the world you will likely finder her relaxing at the beach with her feet in the sand and a book in her hand.

I’d Rather Be: Traveling – there is nothing else like it. “Wherever you go, go with all of your heart” –Confucius

Favorite Band: Rolling Stones

Favorite Book: Trilogy by Daniel Suarez: “Daemon”, “Freedom TM” & “Kill Decision”

Favorite Movie: Big Hero Six

Favorite TV Show: This is Us

Alicia Wilson
Accounting

Professional Bio:

My world in numbers started back in 2005. I started working in the Item Processing department at what was then, First Financial Bank. Within about 3 years I transferred to be a teller, for about a year. In the midst of my banking career, I also started working at QVC in 2005 until 2014 when I was offered a promotion with Dorset Connects that enabled me to leave.

Mora about Alicia:

Born and raised in Chester County, I’ve lived between Coatesville and West Chester all my life with my mother and two siblings. I have two kids. Amor, who is my future NFL running back, track star and basketball player. And then there’s Alexcia, who loves to dance, do gymnastics and is destined to be on the big screen in Hollywood (she’s a true diva).

I’d Rather Be: On an island, with my feet in sand and a cool drink in my hand.

Favorite Dessert: Sticky Bun Bread Pudding

Favorite Coffee: Just about anything flavored

Favorite Vacation Spot: Puerto Rico

Favorite Musician: Drake

Favorite TV Show: ANYTHING on the ID channel

Pets: Currently none but have had Rottweilers in the past

Angel Vega
Sales & Procurement

Personal Bio:

Born and raised in Chester County. I have two kids: Anya (14) and Jeremiah who would have been 3 this year.

I’d rather be: On an island

Favorite musician: Ella Mai

Favorite Book: Not without my Daughter by Betty Mahmoody

Linda Cross
Marketing Administrator

Professional Bio:

I am new to the Dorset Team! I have spent the last nine years working as a teacher and school counselor in West Philadelphia.

More about Linda:

I grew up in West Chester and now live with my husband, daughter, and our dog in Downingtown. My two year old keeps us very busy and we are expecting another in the fall! I enjoy running, spending time with my family, and trying new restaurants.

I’d Rather Be: On a trip somewhere! Either Europe or somewhere in the Caribbean!

Favorite dessert: Anything with dark chocolate and/or soft serve ice cream

Scott Miller
Service Manager

Professional Bio:

I built my first computer at 12 years old with the money I made from watching my neighbor’s dogs. Over the years I continued to learn and hone my computer skills and eventually landed a job as an Office 365 support technician, just after the release of Office 365.

This experience allowed me to get a job as an assistant IT manager at a small company. After several years, I moved from assistant to the sole IT support, managing the company’s environment where I was most recently employed.

Personal Bio:

While I’m not tinkering with my computers at home, I’m playing video games, catching up with friends or spending some quality time with my wife and son outdoors at a beer garden or at a playground.

More about Scott:

Favorite Movies: I love everything from Casablanca to your favorite Marvel film
Favorite Podcast: Stuff You Should Know
Favorite TV Shows: First Season of True Detective, 30 Rock, Adventure Time
Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere I can hike

Manny Polycarpe
Dispatch

Professional Bio:

I first started my college education at Delaware County Community College. I transferred my credits to West Chester University where I graduated with a degree in Marketing. I started my professional career in the hospitality industry. Working in the hospitality industry I learned the importance of customer service and communication. I am now here at Dorset and I couldn’t be happier!

More About Manny:

I was born in Queens, NY where I lived until I was three. I have one brother who is three years younger than me. My family moved to Long Island, NY when I was four years old. I moved to Pennsylvania in the middle of 7th grade, where I still live now. In high school I played basketball Freshmen year and ran track my Junior and Senior years.

I’d Rather Be: In Las Vegas or New York City

Favorite Band: Jackson 5

Favorite Book: Holes

Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting

Steve Brophy
Engineer (Level 2)

Professional Bio:

My computer interest started in 1982 with a Timex Sinclair TS1000. It had 2kb of ram and a used a form of the “Basic” computer language. Storage was my sister’s cassette recorder which plugged in to the Sinclair and saved programs to a cassette tape. Five years later I graduated to an XT PC with a 10 mb hard drive. I joined the Dorset team in 2003 and now work with Exchange and Blackberry Enterprise Servers. I Manage a Checkpoint Firewall and an EqualLogic San.

More About Steve:

Born and raised in Chester County, PA. Played College Lacrosse at UC Santa Barbara. Always working on my golf game. I love to cook for friends and family.

Favorite book: Pillars of the Earth

Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing – You believe that, don’t you?

I’d Rather Be: Riding a motorcycle in an exotic low traffic location followed by dinner at a great restaurant.

Memorable Support Call: I was the one receiving the support and the gentleman responded three different times…”I don’t know – what do you think?”

Favorite Dessert: Salted Caramel Budino from Barbuzzo or Single Malt Scotch

Brian Davis
Engineer (Level 3)

Professional Bio:

I’ve been involved in IT for many years and have dabbled in nearly everything. I have extensive PC knowledge and I am learning more about networking every day. As I work and study for my certifications, I get to apply what I’ve learned everyday here at Dorset Connects. It makes the new knowledge feel rewarding and useful.

More about Brian:

My technical experience goes back into my early teens, though I’ve always had an interest in computer science and networking. I’m mostly self-taught, so I love getting together with the other techs and comparing notes. Any opportunity to learn is what I’m looking for. In my off time, I love strategy games, both table-top and video games. I’m becoming a gizmo addict. Also, smart phones, tablets, and anything hand held has piqued my interest. I hope to work through all my certifications and really make a name for myself here at Dorset Connects.

Favorite Book: Any of the Cthulhu Mythos

Favorite Dessert: Rita’s Lemon Gelati

Favorite Restaurant: Ruby Tuesday’s

Favorite Vacation Spot: My Game Room

Favorite TV Show: The Walking Dead

Favorite Musician / Band: Almost any Dubstep

Pets: I have two dogs, a German Sheppard and Rottweiler. As well as four cats, three of which are rescues.

Will McGeorge
Engineer (Level 1)

Professional Bio:

I’ve been at Dorset for four years now, and it’s been very nice. Definitely the most fulfilling job I’ve had, coming from a background in mental health care. It’s nice to actually be able to permanently fix someone’s problems. I work in a hybrid role at Dorset, and I feel like there are new opportunities being given to me and easy paths to upward advancement. I handle a lot of backups, work with end-users or client leadership to resolve both individual and network issues, and there’s always something interesting to look at.

More about Will:

I’d rather be: Swimming

My Best Friend: is a Canadian Artist.

Pets: Two adopted barn cats and a horse.

Nick McGeorge
Engineer (Level 3)

Professional Bio:

At Dorset Connects I am responsible Azure cloud services design and implementation, Technical Solutions design and development of our service offerings.

I have designed, deployed and managed a variety of large and small Information Technology environments in the Aerospace, Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing and Chemical industries. As an independent consultant, worked on a variety of small to medium size business projects including developing processes and procedures for Active Directory migration and consolidation, Business Disaster Recovery systems and standardized IT process and procedures for business continuity, designed and implemented Windows 7 to Windows 10 migration processes. Previously, As Associate Director at a pharmaceutical company, I was responsible for the design and management of endpoint computing for the companies 4000 workstation in the US and Europe. Before this I served as a Senior Technical Consultant for infrastructure projects at an IT consulting firm. There, I successfully completed information gathering, solution development and deployment for infrastructure consulting projects that included as many as 15000 endpoints. I have worked with many forms of virtualized, mobile and remote access endpoint configurations and the server environments that support them. I have over 30 years professional IT experience.

Andrew Lewis
Engineer (Level 2)

Professional Bio:

I graduated from Delaware Technical & Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Computer Engineering in 2010. In 2015, I graduated from Wilmington University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer and Network Security. I became interested in computers as a teenager, largely due to gaming. Prior to starting at Dorset Connects, I worked for Hologic, a medical devices company. The branch I worked for specialized in building mammography panels that are used to detect breast cancer. I was involved in various aspects of the production process including machine operations and testing of the final product.

More about Andrew:

I am a native of Wilmington, Delaware and have lived there for my entire life. Until now, I have also worked there for my entire working life. I attended two years of high school in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania part time while homeschooling part time.

Favorite Vacation Spot: London

Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones

Favorite Musician / Band: Probably Fleetwood Mac, although I am partial to 80s music in general

Mychal Perry
Engineer (Level 2)

Professional Bio:

Attended college at North Carolina Central University studying Computer Information Systems. During that time, I took on an internship in 2010 with the Student IT department on campus, which turned into a part time job until graduating in December 2013. Since then I have worked for different contacting companies, learning new ways to perfect my craft.

More about Mychal:

I love to make people laugh on a regular basis. I enjoy changing my voice to sound like other characters from popular tv shows old and new. I have been known to be able to change my voice to a wide range of characters such as Joker (Heath Ledger) to Peter Griffin (Family Guy). I enjoy gaming, group outings, football (EAGLES!!), or anything new that I’ve never experienced before. I am always open to trying new opportunities in general, because life is too short and want to be able to enjoy it while I can.

I’d Rather Be:  Voice actor

Favorite Dessert: Too many to list

Favorite Vacation Spot: New Orleans

Favorite TV Show: Rick and Morty

Favorite movie: John Wick Trilogy

Salman Haji
Engineer (Level 2)

Professional Bio:

I completed my degree in the field of electronics and started my first job as an ATM field engineer. I had the opportunity to get into IT as I was learning Linux and I also completed my RedHat Linux certification. I have been pursuing my career in the IT industry for more than six years and along with Linux, I have managed to learn and work upon the Windows platform. I am currently working as a Dedicated Tech for Dorset Connects and it has been a joyful and learning journey.

More about Salman:

I was born and raised in Mumbai, India. I live with my parents and wife. I like playing football both on the field and on PlayStation. I am a non-veg food lover and love eating varieties of food at places that I have never visited before. I love traveling and bike riding.

Favorite Book: Stranger: The Triology

Favorite Dessert: All sweet dishes, especially Kheer and Shirkurma

Favorite Restaurant: Persian Darbar, India

Favorite Vacation Spot: New York, Paris and Switzerland

Jussi Tulonen
Engineer (Level 1)

Professional Bio:

I’ve been interested in IT for many years. My father worked in the field, and has done so for many years. My PC knowledge has been mostly self-taught – stemming from personal hobbies that include gaming, 3D/2D design, and wanting to know what makes things “tick”. My professional education touched on some aspects of IT, since my pathway of electronics technician shared qualities. Every day that I’m with the Dorset team, I find myself learning more. As I continue to expand my professional knowledge base, I find in each day a new challenge, and am rewarded when finally solving the puzzle.

Personal Bio:

I am a native of Turku, Finland and have lived there for my entire life until 2021 when I moved to the United States. Up until working with Dorset Connects, I worked for an accountant for a local firm in Finland where I managed all the technical responsibilities. I attended three years of technical school in Raisio, Finland where I focused on gaining background in electronics technician’s work.

More about Jussi:

Favorite Vacation Spot: Scottish Highlands

Favorite Band: The White Stripes

Favorite TV Show: Futurama

Vinnie Centofanti
Engineer (Level 2)

Professional Bio:

I have been interested in IT since a young age.  At 13 years old, my father bought me a stick of RAM for me to install on our home computer. This is when my passion truly ignited, and I started to teach myself about the wonderful world of computers.  I graduated Magda Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.  I have worked at USAA as a level 2 remote specialist, as well as for a medical college where I was solely responsible for overseeing IT for three separate campuses. 

Past Careers:

I am a man who has worn many hats. I grew up in the restaurant industry. I made my first pizza when I was about 6 or 7 years old.  I have worked as a bounty hunter, a teacher at a children’s gymnastic center and a porter at a car dealership. I was a Tier 2 support agent for an internet provider, and I did door to door sales for about a year. 

More about Vinnie:

I come from a military family. All the males in my family served in the Italian military.  My taste in music, movies and TV shows go from one side of the spectrum to the other.  I can be listening to Slayer one day and opera the next. 

I’d rather be: Spending time with family and friends in my pool

Favorite Book: Any Tom Clancy book

Favorite dessert: Sfogliatelle and Cannoli

Favorite Restaurant: Luciano’s in San Antonio Tx

Favorite Coffee: Espresso

Favorite vacation spots: Disney World and Italy

John Fay
Engineer (Level 2)

Professional Bio: Growing up I always had a fascination with technology. My father is a computer programmer and was always bringing home old computers and laptops that my brother and I would fix up so we could play games on them. I attended Rowan University where I majored in Computer Science and after graduating, I began working as the IT Director for a small home health care company in Philadelphia, this is where I first crossed paths with Dorset. We used Dorset as our MSP and I always had a great experience working with them. A few years later when I saw Dorset was hiring, I jumped at the opportunity to come on board.

More about John: I play drums in a band called Therapy Dawg and much of my free time is spent playing music and hanging out with my bandmates. I also love to spend time outdoors and watching horror movies.

Favorite Restaurant: Pizzeria Beddia

Favorite Movie: Hereditary

Pets: I have a pet frog named Morpheus