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Russell Zimny

President | GM

Russell Zimny has served the information technology and telecommunications industry for over 25 years as an IT professional for mid-sized to large companies as well as technology start-ups. This broad experience as well as the depth of knowledge in critical infrastructure areas provides an exceptional range of business and technology skills. Starting out in Information Technology, Mr. Zimny developed a unique ability to apply technology to business needs. He has worked with many organizations, utilizing technology to maximize their investment. Mr. Zimny designs many solutions around Microsoft technology. His ability to convey technical information in an easy-to-understand manner gives him a distinct advantage in being able to communicate with individuals at all levels within an organization. This knowledge inspired him to start ZLan Systems, Inc. in 2007. In 2012, he merged with VantagePoint Partners to form ZLan Partners, Inc. In March 2018, ZLan Partners, Inc. was acquired by Sharp Business Systems to form what is currently ZLan Partners, A Sharp IT Company.

Russell resides in the Chicago south suburbs with his wife and is the father of three children.

John Nicolau

Regional Major Account Manager

After spending eight years in the 1980’s consulting at two of the world’s largest companies (Amoco and AT&T) the entrepreneurial bug bit and John joined his father in a small family business during the 1990’s, helping to grow it until his father’s retirement in 1997. John got back into consulting as the technology industry was taking off, working for a well-respected Microsoft partner until the early 2000’s, when the entrepreneurial bug bit again. So along with a few other colleagues, he co-founded VantagePoint Partners, an IT consulting firm, quickly achieving Gold Certified status with Microsoft, focusing on the SMB marketplace in and around the Chicagoland area. During this time, he assisted another business colleague in starting a similar firm in the area, eventually merging their two firms in 2012, to form ZLan Partners. The team has grown to 26+ and they have achieved multiple Gold competencies with Microsoft, continuing to serve the needs of their SMB clients.

John received his B.A. in Chemistry from Knox College and his MBA in Marketing from the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University of Chicago. He resides in the northern suburbs of Chicagoland with his wife and is the father of four adult children.

Randy Chatman

Senior Director of Cloud Services

Randy Chatman is the Senior Director of Cloud Services at ZLan Partners, A Sharp IT Company.  He has been working in the computer industry for 30+ years, and has been working in the consulting business since 1996. Randy created his own consulting firm in 2001 and merged with ZLan Systems, creating ZLan Partners, Inc. in 2012.

Randy earned a Computer Science Degree from Illinois State University in 1991, and has accumulated many computer industry certifications since then, including Microsoft and Cisco.

Randy has worked over the last few years organizing and developing the Managed Services Team at ZLan Partners.  He is currently working on the development of a Rapid Response Team to deliver increased response and customer satisfaction.

John Machacek

Senior Director of Operations

John Machacek is the Senior Director of Operations for ZLan Partners, A Sharp IT Company. He is responsible for the operational efficiencies as related to internal and external service delivery. John started with ZLan in 2008, developing the Managed Services and Business Continuity offerings for the company. He has led ZLan’s Managed Services team, Engineering team, and has been a Project Lead on multiple high value customer engagements. Prior to ZLan, John worked in the Document Management space for 8 years as a Technical Writer and Product Trainer, with focus on International Resellers. As a result, he has travelled extensively abroad, having visited every continent sans Antarctica.

Dawn M. Donnellan

Senior Marketing Communications Manager

Dawn Donnellan is the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager for ZLan Partners, A Sharp IT Company. She is responsible for creating the overall branding experience that effectively communicates ZLan’s value proposition. Her responsibilities not only include the marketing activities and internal/external communications, but also include strong support of the sales team, closely working with the Senior Director of Operations on new product development as well as wearing many other hats in the company. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, she strives to continue ZLan’s philosophy of the Why, How, What. Dawn joined the ZLan team in March 2009.  Prior to ZLan, she worked in a retail sales management role until IT triggered her curiosity.

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