~ The new managing directors of Antek IT Solutions ~
How long have you been in the IT field?
Luca: I took interest in IT in my early teens. At that time, internet access was relatively new to Sint Maarten. IDL (Megatropic) was the first ISP on the island, and I spent a lot of time at their offices learning what I could and then tying up the phone line at home, fascinated by the possibilities this new technology could provide.
Donovan: From as far back as I can remember, I have been interested in IT, but it was roughly 18 years ago that I got an opportunity to really get my feet wet in the field, taking a summer job in the IT Department of the Sint Maarten Island Government. There I got to see first-hand how to provide IT service to many.
How did you end up at Antek?
We both moved back home to Sint Maarten after completing our college studies in the United States.
Luca: One of my best friends was working for Antek at the time and recommended I apply. He spoke highly of the company, so I did. That was 13 years ago, and I’m now grateful that it worked out.
Donovan: Pure coincidence. I had returned to Sint Maarten after completing my studies and working in an IT company in Tampa for two years. I was actually hoping for a few months of R&R. I made the happy mistake of sending my resume to the founders of Antek. Two weeks later, I had my first day on the job.
How did you get to where you are today?
We both started off as support technicians. We were lucky enough to work for two gentlemen, Leo Ligthart and Klaas van Sloten, who saw the potential in us and allowed us to grow as individuals within the company. We have always been very dedicated to the success and growth of Antek, so when we were approached to take over the company, we jumped at the opportunity. We are truly grateful for the foundation Klaas & Leo have built and we look forward to expanding on it and making it our own.
What is it about IT services that you like?
Luca: IT has always been a fast paced field that is constantly evolving. We’re always adapting to and learning about new technologies, it keeps things interesting. I’ve also always liked solving problems, which is a very important part of working in IT.
Donovan: I have always loved solving problems, so I have a deep seated affinity for the IT field, because in this field, I am able to help people solve problems of many different shapes and sizes. It is a joy to use the power of technology/automation to make people’s lives just a little bit easier.
What differentiates Antek from other IT service providers?
Our team. We have a fantastic team of dedicated and talented individuals who have always worked well together and who go above and beyond to provide great customer service. We pride ourselves on that great sense of teamwork which translates directly to our clients’ satisfaction.
What’s your strategy when you’re given a project to work on?
Every customer is different and has his or her own individual business needs. So our strategy is to first determine those needs and through our partnerships with some of the biggest names in the IT industry like Microsoft, Lenovo and NCR along with regional partners like Gamma IT Solutions, we are able to provide the best options for each specific project.
How do you keep up to date with new trends?
Through our partnerships with leading manufacturers, developers and vendors, we regularly attend live events, product showcases, trainings and webinars to keep ourselves and our team up to date in this fast paced field.
What are Antek IT Solutions’ key services?
We provide our contract customers with fully managed IT services. Our team proactively monitors our customer’s servers, workstations and network devices, which in many cases allow us to resolve issues before they affect users. We provide a full suite of industry leading hardware, software and cloud services. Our software offerings include payroll, human resource management, point of sale and inventory management solutions for business.
What are some of the challenges you encounter in this field and how can they be remedied?
Cybersecurity is a growing concern all over the world. Cyberattacks on Sint Maarten have been growing in frequency, size and sophistication. Antek IT Solutions has taken steps to help protect its customers from these threats. With our managed services, we provide businesses with a layered approach to security along with cloud backups and monitoring to ensure that our customer’s IT infrastructure is secure.
What’s your message for youngsters who want to follow in your footsteps?
Luca: Find your own passion. Don’t settle; find that thing that interests and excites you and do that. You may try many things before you eventually find it, but you’ll be happy you did.
Donovan: Dream big, take risks, get educated – and when you are finished, come back to Sint Maarten and use your skills to make a difference.
How do you relax and unwind?
Luca: Family time, cooking and sharing a nice glass of wine with friends.
Donovan: Spending quality time with my wife and newborn twin girls.
Pet peeve?
Luca: Pets wearing clothes – just no!
Donovan: Bad customer service – it’s unacceptable.
If you could ask any three persons (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would they be and what would you cook for them?
Luca: I would invite just one – my mom who passed away 12 years ago. I’d love to introduce her to my son. We didn’t have the same tastes in food, so I’m not sure what I’d cook, but I think she’d be impressed that I can actually cook now.
Donovan: I would cook anything if it meant I could see my mom again and introduce her to my wife and kids.
