think8bit

Name: Jason Hanschu
Office Location: Worthington, Ohio / Edison, Ohio
Position Title: Systems Engineer

What I Like Most About the Work I Do

I genuinely enjoy helping coworkers troubleshoot and solve difficult technical issues — whether that’s figuring out how to forklift a website or getting to the bottom of a stubborn GPO problem. Problem-solving and collaboration are at the core of what motivates me.

Technical Strengths

I bring a broad and deep knowledge of IT infrastructure, with specialized expertise in HP, Lenovo, and Apple hardware — including workstations, desktops, and laptops. My background in system building (OEM) at a former company gives me a strong foundation in hardware across all major manufacturers. In addition to hardware, I have extensive experience with server software administration, dating back to early Microsoft Windows Server versions such as NT 4.0, and continuing through to modern Windows Server environments. This includes Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, file and print services, and server migrations.

Certifications (Past & Present)

* ACMT (Apple Certified Mac Technician)
* HP Commercial Warranty Authorized – Workstations, Laptops, Desktops
* Lenovo AWSP, Lenovo Server
* CompTIA: A+, Server+, Security+
* Microsoft: AZ-104 (Azure Administrator), AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals)
* Various Microsoft Windows Desktop certifications
* HP LaserJet Printer Authorizations
* Numerous product-specific support certifications

My Story

My career in IT began after a pivot from studying Electronics Engineering at DeVry University. I quickly realized that field wasn’t for me, but the experience helped me discover my passion for technology and systems. After a corporate downsizing at Lucent Technologies, I committed to IT full time, studying for my A+ and becoming head technician at a retail computer service center within six months.

From there, I co-founded a computer store, helped grow it to the point of sale, and stayed on to assist the new owner in expanding the business. In parallel, I supported another Managed Services Provider, in growing their Managed Services practice. I served as the lead Systems Engineer at that company before joining moving on. I then started as a Hardware Engineer and eventually became the Hardware Services Group Manager for a new company. Then eventually transitioned into a Systems Engineer and Hardware Services Group Manager for the new company. I also was the primary web site developer for those companies.

Outside of Work

When I’m not working, I spend time with my wife and three children (one of whom is officially an adult now). I’m a tech tinkerer at heart and love diving into side projects — like integrating Spotify playlists into Jellyfin or experimenting with content filtering setups using pfSense in combination with pfBlocker, Pi-hole, squid, and Diladele. One of my all-time favorite projects involved converting an Xbox controller to remotely operate a hydraulic Genie Boom lift using a Raspberry Pi, a relay board, and Python — done in collaboration with a close friend and former coworker.