What Does it Take to be a Winning IT Team? Lansweeper IT Heroes

The IT Heroes of 2021

Each year, leading up to System Administrator Appreciation Day, Lansweeper celebrates the work of system administrators around the world. We make it a point to celebrate these IT heroes who exhibit agility and ingenuity, especially in times of crisis, to keep their organizations operational. We are proud to present the 3 winners for SysAdmin Day Awards 2021.

Team LGIT at La Macchia Group
Erik Villalobos & Marcin Twardowski from Orbia
The IT Team at Kern Medical

Why Did They Win?

La Macchia Group‘s IT specialists – known as Team LGIT – took on a range of responsibilities to keep the company running during the pandemic. The tasks included supporting colleagues working from home, cleaning office equipment, introducing thermal scanners and assisting HR with contact tracing. And to prepare for the whole company returning to the building, the team updated offices and conference rooms.

On top of that, in the middle of the pandemic, they managed to complete an SOC 2 security audit. Lansweeper – which they had just began using – facilitated this critical task.

What Do They Think About Their Win?

“I was just shocked, totally surprised,” admits Matt Huffman, describing his reaction to the news that Team LGIT had won. As the Information Technology Manager at La Macchia Group, he nominated the team, but without much hope of actually winning.

“If I’m being honest,” he says, “we were up against much larger facilities, including hospitals that did so much to help during the pandemic. It made sense for people to vote for them. So, to be selected by peers, family, friends and the rest of the Internet shows that our work meant something to others.”

What Does it Mean to Them?

For Team LGIT, this recognition isn’t trivial. “We know that IT facilities incur costs. And in our company’s industry it’s not billable to clients. We’re not the ones doing the actual work for customers. I can try to explain all I want about the importance of what we do. But when the appreciation comes from outside these four walls, it really sinks in.”

And what does this experience mean for Matt himself? “I really appreciate this award,” he says. “It’s great to be nominated and then to win. It makes me want to keep getting better in my work and moving forward.”

“I can try to explain all I want about the importance of what we do. But when the appreciation comes from outside these four walls, it really sinks in.”
Matt Huffman, Information Technology Manager at La Macchia Group.

Donation of $1,500 to Help Wild and Stray Animals

The winning IT heroes receive a Lansweeper SWAG Pack with goodies, a free Fing Desktop Premium one-year subscription, and a unique 3D-printed trophy made from sustainable materials.

They also receive a charity donation of $1,500 given in their name. Team LGIT chose to offer their donation to the Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus. Founded in 1879, the Wisconsin Humane Society is committed to providing protection, shelter, and care for wild and homeless animals. Funded entirely by donations, it operates several animal shelters across the state and annually serves 40,000 animals.

Why this particular charity? Matt explains: “We’re pet lovers all. We’re also owners of rescued animals past and present, and would love to give back. I’ve got two rescue cats. My co-workers have rescued animals too. During this year of working from home our pets have been especially important. People across our company love animals. At the annual company picnic our pet dogs are welcome!”