Joe Thigpen
CEO & Chief Engineer
Joe spent the first 20 years of his life in the US Army as a paratrooper where the only technology he used was weapons & explosives. He bought his first computer in 1986 and instantly found his passion for IT. After he retired from the Army, he finished his degree in Computer Network Administration and founded Datagroup Technologies Inc.
Rhonda Rouse
Office Manager / Controller
Graduating from Ashford University and Forbes Business School, Rhonda obtained her BA in Accounting and has been showing off her math skills ever since! With over 30 years of experience in accounting it is no wonder why she is our financial guru! Her inspiration comes from her sister in law, she strives to have her spit-fire attitude while still remaining the sweetest person you’ll ever meet.
Brad Caudill
IT Services Director
When Brad was 12 years old, he put together his first computer and has been fascinated with IT since then! Resolving issues, fixing problems, and looking for innovative solutions are what keeps him going! Outside the office, you can find Brad listening to music, playing the piano or reading a novel.
Jackson Baker
IT Consultant
Born and raised in Greenville, Jackson graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Marketing, and is currently working on his Master’s at ECU. His interest in sales and marketing grew when he started working part-time in retail during his undergrad. Jackson found it very fulfilling to build a close niche with his customer base. One of the things that inspires him most is his family – he was raised by two very hard-working parents. Outside of work, Jackson enjoys golfing with his friends and listening to music. Although he still bleeds Purple & Gold and loves his alma mater, Jackson is a huge Duke basketball fan and has been since he was about 7 years old.
Kyle El Homsi
Marketing Consultant
Kyle is a recent graduate of Appalachian State University, where he majored in Marketing with a concentration in Digital. He’s been interested in marketing and sales since he got his first job in high school at the local Pizza Hut. Kyle’s main inspiration is helping other people grow their businesses. When he’s not at work, you can probably find him at the park with his puppy, Margo, or spending the day on the beach.
Lorrie Ikerd
Medical Software Consultant
Lorrie graduated from Ogeechee Tech (in Statesboro, GA) with a degree in Medical Administration and is currently working on a Biological Science degree at Arizona State University. She has worked in medical sales for the past 4 years, helping make a difference in Eastern NC through improved quality of life, from hospice care to life-saving blood product services. Lorrie finds that sales provides an easy way for her to make a positive impact in the lives of others. When not traveling and trying new foods, Lorrie spends most of her downtime with her partner, Justin, as well as her three siblings and many friends.
Richard Haar
Web Developer & Cloud Support Specialist
Richard tries to make the most out of his life by constantly creating new goals and working hard to achieve them. After earning a degree in economics, he decided to turn his passion into a career and specialize in web development. Out of the office you can find him skiing, outdoors, or at a live show!
Jason Hill
Marketing Manager
Jason is a man of many words, very few of them actually spoken. He started writing creatively when he was 9 and we still can’t get him to stop. After 12+ years as a digital content specialist in e-commerce, he’s expanding his skillset into the ever-growing field of digital marketing. When not at work, you’ll often still find him in front of a screen, watching movies, listening to music, or blogging. But the best part of his downtime is spent enjoying life with his two kids.
Nicole Leal
Web & Graphic Designer
Growing up, Nicole always had an interest in art, creativity, color and was destined to be a graphic designer. When not designing, you can find her spending time with loved ones, mostly her dog, and accumulating new plants to try and keep alive.
Jon Kemling
System Analyst
Jon discovered his passion for IT in 1980 and has been honing in on his skills for over 29 years! His favorite part of the day is when he’s out in the field. He loves taking on these new challenges every day! Moving here all the way from Nebraska was a crazy move we are so glad he decided to make!
Teaven Johnson
Technical Services Engineer
Teaven grew inquisitive of technology when he was 9 years old after his father gave him his first computer. He earned his degree in Information Technology and has been paving his way through the IT industry ever since! What keeps him going is the desire to provide a better life for his family and success itself.
John Ermolowich
Technical Services Engineer
John realized his love for IT when he was taking a PC programming and network class in high school. From that moment on he has devoted his career to teaching others how to work with computers and how to fix them. With over 14 years of experience, you could say he’s an expert!
Patrick Emery
Software Engineer
Patrick is an ECU graduate with a B.S. in Computer Science and a history of designing and deploying software. Between 6+ years of designing software and constantly researching the bleeding edge of technology, he’s always looking to improve his work. When he’s not working on computers, he’s probably baking – so if you have any interesting recipes, feel free to share!
Steven Beier
Security & Compliance Engineer
Steven is a retired U.S. Navy combat veteran with 26 years of service providing health services and support for our Navy, Marine Corps, and families. He also retired from federal civil service with 13 years as a Chief Technology Officer for the Naval Medical Center at Camp Lejeune. Steven obtained his Master’s degree in Computer Science and a graduate certificate in Project Management, and received his Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification in 2009. When not at work, Steven loves to fish and also restores and shabby chic’s antique furniture on the side.
David Bolin
Technical Services Engineer
From his very first electronics class way back in high school to today, David has had a huge interest in what makes things tick. David spent several years in the U.S. Army as a Communications & IT Specialist honing his networking skills, which he has then been able to bring to bear in the civilian sector. Solving IT issues is one of his favorite pastimes, second only to enjoying a great session of Dungeons & Dragons.
Shar Shackleford
Account Services Representative
A Farmville NC native, Shar has a passion for helping and serving others. Shar is motivated by her three children that bring her joy and keep her going. She values her relationships with her children, her baby sister, and her closest friends who all hold a special place in her heart. Outside of the office, Shar enjoys cooking, reading, and crafting!
Robert Welker
Senior Field Engineer
Robert has been solving complicated IT issues for as long as he can remember. He obtained his degree in networking technology and network security, which made him the perfect asset here at DTI! Before joining us, he spent his days saving lives as a firefighter.