Meet Our Executive Staff
Jim Martin, President/CEO, started his career in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a Wide Band Radio Communications Specialist. He is BICSI and RCDD certified. After working for the USAF and at Burroughs Corp., Jim started his own company, Computer Power Systems. He has two children, Chrissy and Michael, and spends much of his spare time flying. “A childhood dream of mine was to be a pilot. I’ve realized that dream in a way I could never have imagined as a youth. The only way to really see the world is upside down.”
Bob Ruf, Vice President, was born in Chicago, and now lives in Round Lake, IL. Bob spent fifteen years in Computer Hardware Repair and Installation Support before joining CPS. His training includes certification in Computer Repair from the Control Data Institute, as well as two years of various additional college and manufacturer tech courses. Bob partnered with Jim back in February of 1987 and the company took off, becoming more than either could have imagined. It just goes to show you that if you take care of your employees they will take care of you. "It seems to me that the character and integrity of those you do business with is more important than the price of a product."
Rick Cappelli, Director of Sales and Marketing, lives in Round Lake Beach, IL. He earned his Associates Degree in Science from Triton College. He is a BICSI certified RCDD, and holds structured cabling certificates as a certified installer with Hubbell, Mohawk, Leviton and Panduit. Rick is a Bogen “ACE” installer because of his extensive training on Bogen Paging Systems. He loves cabling design work especially in the Data Centers. Rick has been employed with CPS for nineteen years. One of his favorite quotes is: “Think about what you do so you can do what you think.” - David Allen.
Mike Goodwin, Senior Account Manager, spent seven years as a telephone/cabling installer and Hotel Engineer before he joined the CPS family in 2004. He grew up in the Chicago area and now lives in Lake Villa, Illinois. Mike’s certification includes an Associates Degree in Science, as well as training in refrigeration and communication, including VoIP installation. “I love my job. Being able to work with different clients every day, along with the variety of tasks involved with technology makes every workday fast and exciting.”
Doug Danielson, Account Manager, grew up Wildwood, IL, and now resides in Bristol, WI. Doug joined the Army immediately after high school and still is in the National Guard after twenty-two years. He has been with CPS for over twelve years and is a certified BICSI Technician working toward his RCDD. “The assets that have followed me in this company are my leadership and confidence to accomplish any project no matter the size or complexity.”
Scott Carpenter, Director of Technology, was born in New Hartford, NY, and now lives in Lindenhurst, IL. He graduated from National Louis University with a degree in Business Management. He has been with CPS since 2009. Scott’s experience prior to CPS included work as a Project Manager, a System Administrator, and a LAN Administrator. He is an important facilitator in CPS’ expansion into IP Hosted Video Surveillance.
Matt Erickson, Account Manager, was born in Milwaukee, WI, and now lives in Antioch, IL. He began with CPS as an apprentice installer in June, 2001, going on to earn BICSI certification, and becoming a Level II Installer. After logging in two years as a Project Manager, Matt is now an Account Manager, where he can take an active role in interacting with customers. “The thing I love most about my career at CPS is creating a lasting relationship with our customers and providing the best service and solutions to meet their needs.”
Darrel Hendrickson, Operations Manager, lives in Round Lake Beach, IL, and has been a part of CPS for thirteen years. His responsibilities at CPS include overseeing the Installations Department, including the employees, purchasing, inventory control and scheduling. “We believe the two most important components of CPS are our customers and our employees. Because we strive to maintain a respectful and honest atmosphere, CPS is a trustworthy company.”
Teresa Morse, Office Manager, from Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, travels approximately one hundred and sixty miles to manage the office at CPS, which truly speaks of her commitment to the company. She has been with CPS since May, 2000. As Office Manager, she makes sure that the daily functions of the office operate at 110%. Her favorite quote: “Have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through." - Rosalynn Carter
Katie Ruffino, Administrative Assistant, was born and raised in Grayslake, IL, and currently resides in McHenry, IL. She joined the CPS team in mid-2011. Her daily responsibilities include assisting the Account Managers. Katie has a BA from University of Illinois in Champaign in Marketing. She is a hard working, dedicated individual who enjoys the challenges that life and work throw at her.
Gregg Rosenquist, Marketing Specialist/Documentation Tech, was born in Chicago, IL, and now lives in Lindenhurst. Gregg has been with CPS since April of 2010. He has over twenty years of graphic arts and marketing experience. He is impressed with the professionalism he sees in everyone that works at CPS and enjoys the close family atmosphere he works in. “We all take the extra step to help each other meet the company’s goals, that’s why CPS is successful.”
