Since 1998, F1 Solutions has been the full-service networking solutions provider meeting the needs of Northern Alabama businesses. We consider ourselves to be not just an Information Technology company, but a Customer Service company within the Information Technology industry. We are driven to maximize your productivity while minimizing your costs. Listening to our Customer’s needs, getting to know each Customer’s business and how it flows, is all part of matching the right technology for your company’s needs.

F1 Solutions is more than just “computer guys”, we are a team of customer-oriented individuals that are available to help when a need arises. At the end of the day, our goal is to make sure every encounter that you have with us leaves you with the most positive experience possible.

James VanderWier
President

Unlike most Navy brats I was mostly raised in one town: Jacksonville, FL.  After High school I met my future wife, and we were married a few years after that while attending college together.  Soon after my marriage I entered the Army where I proudly served for 4 years as a systems engineer for the Missile system.  This is where my love for computers and its ever-changing world really started. While stationed at Redstone Arsenal, I decided to pursue a career in IT management after the Army and became a Microsoft Certified Engineer, among other designations, and have called Huntsville home now for the last 16 years. In 1998 I decided to start my own IT support company and with my wife’s help and support we created F1 Solutions.  F1 would be my baby for over a decade until my real baby (little girl) was born in 2005. I run my business with a commitment to customer service and a drive for excellence in everything we do. I love to travel the world and read anything about business, customer service, or computer frame work that I can get my hands on. But today being a father to my little girl is my favorite hobby.

Shawn Chenault
Chief Customer Officer

I love Huntsville! I basically grew up in Huntsville, living here since I was 10. I graduated from SR Butler High School in 1978 and then joined the US Navy. After a 3 year stint in the Navy I went back to school in 1984, where I studied Data Processing and Business Administration. I'm very happily married to my wife Lisa, and between us we have 5 children. My interest in computers started in college but really flourished when I became interested in Electronic Bulletin Board Systems. In 1987 I was hired by Micro-Enhancements in Virginia Beach for a Technical/Sales position.  While at ME, I developed a number of technical skills including Microsoft Server, Exchange Server, Website/Emailing hosting, and related technologies.  When I left the company in 2002 I had many additional responsibilities including Government/Corporate Sales, Technical Staff Scheduling, and Purchasing. On moving back to Huntsville in 2002, I was hired by F1 Solutions in May of that same year as a Senior Technician and the second full time employee.  As Chief Operations Officer of F1 Solutions, I'm proud to be part of a growing company that cares about the customers we support and the quality of service that we deliver to those customers. My belief is that if you do what is in the best interest of others, ultimately you will be doing what's best for yourself. It's refreshing to work with a team of people that believe the same thing!

Richard A. Keys
Senior Technician

You may recognize me by my distinctive phone voice. I am actually from Birmingham…England that is. I have extensive curriculum vitae spanning over sixteen years and two continents.  I began my career in IT as a programmer, but soon decided that it was much more satisfying fixing and installing computers, visiting customers, and problem solving.  My years of programming experience however often grant me insight and allow me to “think outside the box”. When not in uniform, I am a husband and father of two beautiful little girls and can often be found feeding the ducks and fish under the watchful eye of my eldest daughter. I am also well known for my quirky British sense of humor and my rather eclectic taste in music.  I also like to read the occasional book.

Jim Thompson
Senior Technician

I attended school in Alabama and moved to the DC area in 1992 to pursue a career in teaching.  In late 1994, I wanted to get involved with computers and attended school in order to better understand Microsoft products.  In 1997, I began working at a local computer shop and from there entered the corporate world. During the dot.com era, I worked for a wireless telecom provider and progressed from a help desk position to IT security.  After working in another corporate environment I sought something different in order to stay more up to date with technology & worked for a company very similar to F1 Solutions in the DC area. In 2007, I decided to come back to Alabama to be closer to my family.  After working in the Birmingham area for a year, I came to the Huntsville area to become a member of the F1 team. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, taking my jeep out for trail rides with my dog, reading, movies & traveling.

Michael Stone
Senior Technician

Michael has over 25 years experience in the IT industry.  His experience includes the installation, configuration, maintenance, and repair of large network systems.  His expertise includes the managing of large networks of MS Windows workstations as well as designing and maintaining large server environments.  His past careers have included network administration for a large manufacturing company and also Senior Engineering Support for several school systems throughout Alabama.

Sean VanderWier
Technician Manager

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, I have been in the computer industry sinse 2004 and I love what I do. My passion is Web Design and I am working towards bettering myself all the time. I attended Florida Community College and the University of North Florida. I look forward to helping people make the most of their computer experience. When I am not at work, I can be found playing golf, softball or snowboarding.

Troy McCartney
Technician

I have been in the Information Technology field since 2003 when I was provided the opportunity to work as a Computer Technician with over 800 computers and a large data center.  It was through this experience that I discovered my passion for networking which prompted me to enroll into the Cisco Network Academy through Calhoun Community College and pursue an Applied Science degree in Network Technology.  Since that time I have worked as a Help Desk tech on Redstone Arsenal and as an IT Support Specialist/Consultant for over 90 physicians’ offices. I am very happy to be a part of such a knowledgeable, highly motivated team and look forward to a long working relationship here at F1 Solutions.

Jessica Steel
Administraton

I am what people call a true “Huntsvillian.”   I have lived in Huntsville my entire life.  I graduated from Grissom High School and then went to Calhoun.  I am married and have 2 wonderful children.  I love animals and sports.  I played, coached and referreed soccer most my life.  I am very family oriented.  Joining the F1 team has been an experience.  We are a family, and that keeps me coming to work every day.

Wayne Edgar
Technician

I’m originally from Greenville, AL, best known as a BBQ and gas stop on I-65 as you may be heading to the beach. I was the “computer geek” all though high school. I’ve been in the IT industry since 1999 mostly working in Montgomery and Auburn areas. I am married since 2000 and have two kids. I currently live in Madison. I like playing with Linux, open source software, and amateur radio. I really enjoy helping others learn more about how their computers and networks can work for them.

Joe Moffit
Technician

I have been calling Huntsville home since some time during the Carter Administration.  I’ve traveled over most of the eastern half of the country and worked in several different cities since then and I haven’t found any place I would rather be.  I’ve been working in the IT field since the late 90s. I’ve spent most of my career working short term contracts which means I’ve done a lot of things in many different environments.  I’ve fixed computers in factories, I’ve tested software, I’ve worked at phone support, I’ve provided desktop support, and I’ve taught IT classes. One of the great things about working at F1 is that I get to put all of my experience to use.

Andrew Deitering
Technician

I was born in Cincinnati, OH, and since then I have lived in 6 other states and moved many times while growing up.  Now that I am in Huntsville, my wife and I plan on staying put for a long time.  I have been working in the computer field for 6 years, and have come to really enjoy IT work especially.  Being able to solve problems with technology and think critically on a daily basis is a lot of fun.  Before moving to Huntsville, I worked for an IT company very similar to F1 in downtown Washington, DC.  I am very happily married, and currently have no kids.  I met my wife, Beth, in 2008, and we married in 2010.  When I’m not working, I enjoy watching hockey and visiting my family that is spread out all over the country.

Wesley Brown
Technician

I have been in the Information Technology field since 2001 when I began working as a Network Technician for an area school system. My passion for technology led me to attend Duke University, from which I received degrees in Electrical/Computer Engineering and Computer Science. My technical interests include enterprise-class networking, virtualization, and PC/Mac integration. Above all, I enjoy helping people with and educating them about technology. 

Lisa Askins
Accountant

I was born and raised in Huntsville, AL.  I am a graduate of Madison Academy and received my bachelor’s degree from Athens State University 1994.  I have been with F1 Solutions since it began in 1998.   I'm proud to be part of a company that continues to grow and provide quality IT service to our customers. When I am not working, I devote my time to my family and raising my teenage daughter.