Building Smarter, More Reliable Networks
When something isn’t working quite right in an IT environment, most people see frustration. Like turning coal into diamonds, Desmond sees opportunity.
As a Senior Systems Engineer at High Touch Technologies, Desmond thrives on digging into complex systems, figuring out what’s broken, and making them better than they were before. For him, the satisfaction doesn’t come from simply fixing a problem—it comes from transforming an environment, so it runs smoother, faster, and more reliably than anyone expected.
“There is a great satisfaction in going into an environment that isn’t working and not only resolving the issue, but making it even better than before,” Desmond explains.
That mindset has made him an invaluable partner for the organizations that High Touch serves. Whether he’s deploying network infrastructure, implementing advanced security solutions, or building automations to streamline operations, Desmond approaches every project with the same goal: simplify technology so it works seamlessly for the people who rely on it every day.
Keep reading to learn more about Desmond’s role, his journey into technology, and the personality he brings to our team.
Designing Technology Solutions That Work
In his role as Senior Systems Engineer, Desmond is responsible for implementing technology solutions that underpin many client environments, including firewalls, switches, wireless networks, and servers.
But for Desmond, the real focus isn’t the hardware or the software, it’s the outcome.
“My responsibility is to implement technology solutions for our clients,” he explains. “My goal is to simplify and improve the technology that our partners use every day.”
That focus on improvement is evident in some of his favorite projects.
One particularly memorable project involved a multi-firewall deployment for one of High Touch’s larger partners. The project allowed Desmond to fully leverage automation tools he had developed using Ansible, while also applying advanced routing technologies to improve the network’s efficiency and reliability.
“I was able to see the full potential of the Ansible automations I created,” he says. “And at the same time apply routing technologies to make the network more efficient and reliable.”
For organizations relying on secure, high-performing infrastructure, that type of engineering work is critical. Behind the scenes, Desmond helps ensure systems stay connected, protected, and optimized.
Curiosity That Turned Into a Career
Like many great engineers, Desmond’s journey into technology started long before his professional career.
“I always tinkered as a kid rebuilding bicycles, small engines, and computers,” he recalls.
That curiosity naturally led him toward technology. As the internet began to expand and connect people in new ways, Desmond found himself fascinated by the possibilities.
“The first time I connected to dial-up, it was a whole new world to discover,” he says.
Computers offered something unique compared to the physical tinkering he had grown up with. Suddenly, the limits were no longer mechanical; they were conceptual.
“The opportunities were much vaster since I was no longer limited by physical constraints,” he explains.
That curiosity eventually turned into his first steps in the IT world. His earliest IT job involved running data cables, which at the time was the closest role he could find connected to technology. Not long after, he landed his first official IT position as a Help Desk Engineer for the Wichita Board of REALTORS® and the South Central Kansas MLS, helping real estate agents access their multiple listing system.
Those early experiences gave him hands-on exposure to both the technical side of IT and the human side of supporting users, something that continues to influence how he works today.
Bringing the Human Touch to Technology.
At High Touch Technologies, our vision is bringing the human touch to technology, and Desmond takes that vision seriously. While much of his work involves highly technical systems, he never loses sight of the people on the other side of those systems.
“When I speak to one of our partners, I try to connect with them on a personal level,” Desmond says. “I’ve made personal connections with many users, and it makes our interactions much more pleasant.”
That relationship-driven approach is especially important in the world of IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. Behind every firewall deployment, network configuration, or system improvement is a business relying on technology to keep running smoothly.
Desmond’s ability to combine deep technical expertise with a genuine effort to connect with people helps ensure that those solutions don’t just work—they work for the people using them.
17 Things You Might Not Know About Desmond Pickard
As part of our Employee Spotlight series, we ask a handful of fun questions to help readers get to know the personalities behind the technology. Here’s a glimpse into Desmond’s life outside the server rack.
1. If you could move to any other High Touch market, which one would you choose?
Denver. I love the mountains and all the things to do there.
2. If you could jump into a pool of anything of your choosing, what would you fill it with?
Probably water with salt instead of chlorine. I’d prefer not to get all sticky.
3. What’s one quirky thing people don’t know about you?
My son, wife, and I all race BMX bikes. Last year, we traveled across the country to compete in national races.
4. Is a hot dog a sandwich?
If I go off the argument between Sheldon and Amy on The Big Bang Theory, it is.
5. Who or where would you haunt if you were a ghost?
I’m a prankster, so I would haunt my kids just to mess with them.
6. Does a cyclops wink or blink?
Both, but intent determines the exact one.
7. What’s something you wish you could automate?
I’ve automated many things, but I’d really like to build more automations for my smart home.
8. What’s your favorite mobile app or website?
Ars Technica and IGN.
9. Which famous person would you have dinner with and why?
Steve Wozniak. The guy is humble and intelligent.
10. Do you have any pets or kids?
I have three boys and a dog.
11. Do you do any volunteer or community service work?
I volunteered at our BMX track, helping rake and water the track so races could continue. I also helped kids and adults with bike issues, mostly adjusting brakes and handlebars.
12. What’s the most awkward thing you do on a regular basis?
Talk fast and interrupt people when they’re talking. I never intend to—I just rattle on.
13. If you could breed two animals together, which ones would you pick?
A cat and a dog. It would be called Catdog and would have the power of a dog but the reflexes of a cat.
14. Would you rather go 30 days without your phone, or three months with no dessert?
Three months with no dessert.
15. What’s something you always do wrong the first time?
Going with option two by second-guessing myself when the first idea typically works.
16. If you had a warning label, what would it say?
Caution: Talks a lot.
17. You’ve been given an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it. What would you do with it?
Start a side business offering elephant rides.
We Make Things Easier.
From designing resilient networks to building powerful automations, Desmond plays an important role in helping High Touch’s clients stay connected, secure, and prepared for the future. His curiosity, problem-solving mindset, and ability to connect with people make him a strong example of what it means to bring the human touch to technology.
If you’d like to learn more about how High Touch helps organizations strengthen their infrastructure with Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity solutions, our team would love to connect.