We're the team behind the screens.
Umbrella Systems started with a simple idea: schools deserve IT support that actually understands them.
Why schools?
Most IT companies serve anyone who'll sign a contract. Law firms, dental offices, logistics companies — whoever's next in line. Schools get lumped in with the rest, and the support reflects that: generic solutions, slow response times, and technicians who've never set foot in a classroom.
We built Umbrella Systems because we think that's backwards.
Schools have unique challenges. Hundreds of student devices that take a beating. State-mandated testing platforms that have to work on test day. Staff who need help now, not after a ticket bounces between three people. E-Rate funding that can save tens of thousands — if someone actually does the paperwork.
We focus on schools because that's what we're good at. We keep our client base small on purpose — not because we can't grow, but because we'd rather every school get real attention than spread ourselves thin chasing contracts. Our people aren't cycling through a rotation — they're in your building, they know your staff by name, and they're empowered to make decisions on the spot.
We're not a faceless MSP. We're four people based in Apple Valley, Minnesota, with eight years in the industry — and we care about getting this right. Our monitoring and helpdesk run 24/7 regardless of who's on-site, and our team is cross-trained so coverage never depends on a single person being available.
Phase 0: The First Step
Our onboarding doesn't start with hardware. It starts with Phase 0 — a shadow period where we embed with your current IT setup at no cost. We learn your systems, your staff, and your pain points from the inside. By the time the partnership officially starts, we're already up to speed.
Meet the team.
Austin VanAlstyne
Co-Founder & Technical Lead
Austin runs the technical side of Umbrella — from network architecture and cybersecurity to the systems that keep everything monitored and running. He's the one building the dashboards, writing the automation, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. When a school has a complex infrastructure problem, Austin's the person solving it.
"I got into this because I kept seeing schools get overcharged for mediocre IT. We can do better than that."
Jesse Schonfeld
Co-Founder & Operations Lead
Jesse handles operations, client relationships, and business strategy. He's usually the first person a new school talks to and the one making sure the partnership stays strong long-term. Jesse manages contracts, coordinates E-Rate filings, and keeps the team aligned with each school's goals.
"The best compliment we get is when a school forgets they're outsourcing their IT. That means we're doing our job."
Vinny Simon
Field Technician
Vinny is the one pulling cable, racking switches, and getting infrastructure projects across the finish line. When we ran a full cabling overhaul at one of our partner schools, Vinny was on-site making it happen. He's also the person we send when a school needs extra hands fast — whether it's a mass device deployment, an emergency network issue, or a summer break project on a tight timeline.
"I like the big builds. There's something satisfying about walking out of a school knowing the infrastructure is solid for years."
Brendan VanAlstyne
Field Technician
Brendan works alongside Vinny on deployment projects and infrastructure builds — the physical, hands-on work that keeps schools running. Need 200 Chromebooks staged and deployed before the first day of school? A full network closet rewired over winter break? That's Brendan. He's detail-oriented, fast, and reliable when the timeline is tight.
"Give me a project list and a deadline. I'll make it happen."
How we work.
Built for community.
We don't hide behind portals or automated responses. Our model is built on physical presence. When a classroom screen flickers, you walk down the hall and talk to us.
E-Rate experts.
Certified and experienced in navigating school funding and digital equity.
Always on call.
Because a school's technology never stops, even when the final bell rings.
See what Phase 0 looks like.
Before any contract starts, we spend time embedded with your current IT setup — learning your systems, your staff, and your pain points. No cost, no commitment. Just a chance for both sides to make sure it's the right fit.
Schedule a Phase 0 Tour