Our Team Members
Take the time to get to know the enthusiastic and professional team behind providing your business with the best IT services.
Andrew Bischof
Owner/Director
Andrew Bischof
Role
My role is to lead our management team to share our company vision, achieve our goals and balance client needs with staff expertise. I am constantly on the lookout for new products, services and technologies to stay ahead of the competition, so Future IT Services can continue to thrive and provide our customers with the best services.
About Me
I started my working career in 1989, leaving school to pursue a Mechanics apprenticeship in Melbourne. During that time, I completed my studies in record time and was awarded Australian Apprentice of the year, along with many other accolades that year. My employer saw potential in me and offered me another apprenticeship in Auto Electrics, which again I finished in record time squeezing two apprenticeships into four years. Not long after I completed my apprenticeships, I started a mobile service company and worked my way up to Cairns, where I sold the business to make way for my dream of working in IT.
I purchased Future IT Services in February 2003, and have been evolving the company ever since. Originally working in the break-fix IT space, we have now morphed into a large regional Managed IT Services. Future IT Services has been voted into the CRN’s TOP 50 IT companies in Australia in 2017, an achievement that we are very proud of and was only possible with a full team effort.
- Interests: AFL (the real game), Travelling and Horse Racing
- Joined Future: 2003
Clifford Jones
General Manager
Clifford Jones
Role
Clients will see me mainly as their technical point of contact and as their Account Manager. I am responsible for ensuring that the tools, processes and systems we use are fit for purpose. I also ensure that they lead to positive outcomes for our clients.
Within the team, I am the point of call for all technical issues that can’t be resolved either at Level 1, 2 or 3 and as such, I tend to work with our partners and vendors.
About Me
Originally from the UK, I moved to Australia in 1996 and then to Cairns in 2009. I was working for a large US Multinational in a Technical Consultant role, but the promise of endless beaches and fantastic weather drew me to Cairns. Since that time, I’ve been working for Future IT Services in a variety of roles.
Moving from a large corporation to working for a small to medium business was a massive change. However, the benefit of seeing the direct impact that a well maintained and functional IT system can bring to a business is something that many in IT never get to experience. Coming to work and being able to make a difference is something I never get tired of, and the constant change in this industry doesn’t allow you to become complacent.
- Interests: I am a keen motorcyclist and competed in my local state championships before moving to Cairns. When not riding my motorcycle, I’m happiest walking my two Beagles along the beach!
- Joined Future: 2009
Gavin Dawson
Services Delivery Manager
Gavin Dawson
Role
My role is to manage the technical team delivering IT services to all Future IT Services customers. I am the point for confidential or urgent matters, managing projects, recruitment and mentoring staff. I liaise with customers regarding technology and escalate requirements to my sales team for a consultation. I build relationships with Vendors allowing professional contacts by both parties.
About Me
I have held many roles since completing my schooling at Cairns High in 1989. I spent my early years in hospitality both in the trenches and in management. This field allowed me the freedom to travel around Australia fine-tuning my craft.
IT was my dream, and in 1999, I completed a Cert IV in IT, opening doors to my new industry. I started at the bottom, working for Fujitsu as a call centre operator, to eventually working my way up to Senior Management. The skills I learnt allowed me to move to Government Director roles and then back to the private sector with EDS, which became HP.
With a family time is extremely important to me, so I started my own business and returned to Cairns. I owned and operated my own business for five years before deciding a regular paycheck was more important as my children grew older.
I approached Andrew Bischof for a role and started as an onsite Technician, within a couple of weeks, I was working as the Service Manager. Since then, over the last four-plus years, I have worked with the team at Future IT Services to help build the business to where we are today.
- Interests: Rugby League (Brisbane Bronco’s), Travelling, Scuba Diving, Camping and Fishing
- Joined Future: 2013
Craig Lowish
Account Manager
Craig Lowish
Role
My primary role is to look after the client’s technology needs and building relationships. From listening and working out suitable solutions that match client needs with benefits, sourcing and procurement of inventory with suppliers, to also looking after the showroom in Cairns.
About Me
I started my working career at the age of 16, doing afterschool and weekend work part-time at Dick Smith Electronics in Nelson, New Zealand. I was offered a full-time position at the end of my schooling and jumped at the chance.
By the age of 19, I was the youngest Assistant Manager in the country for Dick Smith; I was very competitive. Often being the top salesperson for the South Island while competing against much bigger and busier stores.
I left New Zealand and Dick Smith in 2004 to pursue bigger opportunities in Brisbane, where I stayed for a few years doing more sales and account management roles, before getting tired of the ‘big city’ life. In 2007, I followed some friends up to Cairns FNQ.
After arriving in Cairns, I was quick to snap up the opportunity of working at Future IT Services. IT has always been my passion, and I have been with Andrew and the team for a small milestone of 13 years. It has been a great journey to grow with the company, being on the forefront with the latest technology trends and being recognised nationally as high achiever by many vendors.
The highlight of my career would be winning an all-expenses-paid sales incentive with Toshiba, which took the top 10 salespeople in the country to the Toshiba Corporate Box for the semi-finals of the Rugby World Cup in England in 2015.
- Interests: Rugby (The All Blacks), Gaming (PC), Travelling & Having an AWESOME BEARD.
- Joined Future: 2007
Leeann Collins
Client Success Manager
Leeann Collins
Role
I provide administrative support for our Managing Director, Finance Manager, Sales Team, Service Manager and our team of Technicians. I also work as an administration function management, liaising with suppliers, provide travel arrangements for Future IT Services and management of warranty matters.
Maintaining health and safety is also part of my job as my role consists of being a trained safety officer and first aid officer. In addition to this, I act as a customer service representative to our expanding client base in our local and remote communities. Directing and following through on client requirements to ensure their needs are met.
About Me
Over my many years as an IT professional, I have managed to attain qualifications such as Associate Diploma (Valuation), Advanced Certificate of Real Estate, Certificate III Business Administration, Senior First Aid and Defibrillation, Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence.
Originally a Real Estate Valuer from Sydney with a background in banking finance and property development, I made the big change to FNQ in November 2004. The move to the beautiful tropics was in pursuit of a safer, cleaner, natural environment to raise two children and to enjoy the world heritage natural assets at my doorstep. Since relocating to Cairns, I have worked in the IT industry as an Office Manager, the Legal Profession in Conveyancing and the Construction Industry as Contract Administrator, Customer Service Officer, Workplace Health and Safety Contacts and Construction Scheduler.
I joined the team at Future IT Services in 2014, with Andrew Bischof, a driven leader with a professional team in a growing business who shared my vision for career achievement.
My goals are to enhance our valued customer’s experience of interaction with Future IT Services. To achieve excellence in customer service and to meet our client’s IT equipment and service requirements. To ensure our team have a positive, supportive workplace to best serve our growing client base.
- Interests: Gardening, Bike Riding, Camping, Entertaining Friends.
- Joined Future: 2014
Dale Sheedy
Systems Engineer
Dale Sheedy
Role
I have extensive knowledge in networking, storage and servers, and I have been brought on board to extend the skillset further, bringing additional resources to the team.
About Me
I started my career in the army as Command Systems Operator and served overseas in several operations. Since discharging, I have worked in the public sector for Townsville City Council as a consultant for a large telco migration; smaller managed service providers for local businesses and several large mining companies.
My strengths are primarily Windows Servers, VMWare and Cisco networking, but I have experience with most vendors and mainstream applications.
- Interests: Gaming, Technology, Crypto
- Joined Future: 2019
Joshua Palmero
Systems Engineer
Joshua Palmero
Role
With a strong focus on systems administration, my efforts are invested on all types, shapes and sizes of business information technology solutions; from servers, desktops and laptops through to supporting the infrastructure of both the hardware and software of these environments. Quality engagement with the client and doing the job right, I aim to match technologies with the appropriate solution to accomplish the desired business outcome.
My role exists to ensure that your technology is working for you and assists your business in accomplishing its vision and goals.
About Me
In 2005 I started work for myself building JasTech Technologies into a workshop covering South East QLD for domestic and small business with staff located in Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba. In 2009 I closed shop in search of employment with the University of Southern Queensland. After some time with the USQ as a Desktop Support Officer, I found myself working for Australian Aerospace, Airbus, and Euro copter as a Systems Administrator/ Project Manager.
In 2011 I took the time to consider my life and purpose. With serious health repercussions, I found it necessary to trade up for the quality of life in Cairns, where I have met my partner and had the pleasure of beginning a little family.
I have been with Future IT Services since moving to Cairns in 2011, and can see this being the case for some time.
- Interests: Self-sustainable living, Electronics, Family, Self-paced education, and more recently considering travelling in a Bus someday.
- Joined Future: 2015
David Summers
Systems Engineer
David Summers
Role
Investigating technical issues through troubleshooting and fault-finding techniques, then to mitigate ongoing risk of reoccurrence. Monitoring computer networks and systems to identify how performance can be improved.
About Me
I have 25 years’ experience in various ICT roles working on a wide range of devices and technologies in both small business and corporate/enterprise environments including News Limited and Queensland Health. I enjoy challenging myself and looking for new innovative solutions to deliver quality service and outcomes for customers.
- Interests: Technology (obviously!) Photography, Bushwalking, Kayaking, Motorcycles, Music, Home Theatre and Squash.
- Joined Future: 2020
Patrick Brumley
Service Technician
Patrick Brumley
Role
My role is to be one of your first point of contacts for initial troubleshooting. My daily calendar is always full of support tickets and I like to think I am an “engine” of sorts that fires along resolving level 1 + level 2 issues and escalating those that require a different skill set. Complying with Service Level Agreements, I have a tight schedule on my hands which keeps me busy and always learning and growing in the IT field.
If I’m not in the office, you will find me at your front door as I am also one of the main onsite technicians for certain jobs that can’t be completed remotely. Every day is different and challenging which adds to the enjoyment of my role!
About Me
Completing school in 2003, I jumped straight into my advanced diploma of Computer Systems Engineering at TAFE. I knew immediately I had chosen the right field for my future career. I started working in the IT and Sales industry in Warrnambool VIC for several years before moving to Melbourne to pursue greater things and to advance my skills in different areas.
Being entrepreneurial at heart, I have been involved in multiple different business markets and have worked as a sole trader along the way. From importing our own coffee beans, supplying hi-vis workwear to mine sites jn FNQ, moving shipping containers via rail along the east coast, and even running a web design business; I am a creative thinker and try to find opportunity in everything I come across for both personal and business advantages.
Moving to Cairns in 2016, I have settled down and have a beautiful fiancé and the pleasure of becoming a step-father which has added even more significant meaning to my life. With a passion for IT, I was lucky enough to land an amazing career with Future IT Services where I am treated as family.
“It’s one of those rare environments where you wake up in the morning with a smile on your face as you travel to the office, truly blessed”
- Interests: Travelling, gaming, technology and creative thinking
- Joined Future: 2018 (feels much longer, my colleagues are like family)
Ben Carr
Service Technician
Ben Carr
Role
My role includes taking new help desk calls and providing first contact assistance, as well as booking technicians in for further assistance as needed. My focus on getting clients back up and running excites me and I look forward to every challenge I am put in front of.
About Me
I completed my studies in a diploma of IT and joined the Future team soon after. I started out working in the workshop doing computer repairs and have now moved on to working in the service department assisting our large client base.
It has been an interesting experience working with Future as it grows and changes to keep up with the latest technologies. I look forward to seeing how we continue to adapt and evolve in the future.
- Interests: Gaming, music and spending time with friends
- Joined Future: 2014
Erin Duff
Service Desk Co-ordinator
Erin Duff
Role
My role at Future IT Services is to schedule all incoming tickets to the appropriate technician. At any given time, I know where everybody is and what they’re doing.
I also provide basic assistance to customers with any minor issues they may be experiencing day-to-day. If these issues are complex or beyond my capabilities, I ensure I gather as much information as possible before scheduling your ticket with one of our very skilled technicians.
I spend my days contacting customers regarding tickets, resolving simple issues and making sure nothing is missed while also ensuring everyone is up to date on the progress within a ticket.
My favourite part of my job is working on procedural ways to make things easier for both Future IT Services and our customers.
About Me
Prior to joining the amazing team at Future IT Services, I had worked at an electronics retailer and gained a broad knowledge of technological products as well as movies, music and games. I was also lucky enough to meet my amazing partner while working at this employer, and it is thanks to his support that I could follow my passion and pursue a career in IT.
Since joining Future IT Services in 2017, I have found that I absolutely love helping both our customers and my team and could not imagine doing anything else. I initially did not have as much of a technical understanding of computers and networks but am learning more and more each day and loving it!
- Interests: World of Warcraft (PC Game), Ranger’s Apprentice (Book Series), Music
- Joined Future: 2017
Shannon Howarth
Administration
Shannon Howarth
Role
My role is to be a professional, friendly and efficient first point of contact for walk-in customers and for phone calls. I assist with creating tickets, completion of sales, and as the stock controller management of all aspects of stock at Future IT Services. I job share these responsibilities with Sarena. I also work as the committee member of Future IT Services social club.[/team-member-about]
About Me
I finished school in NZ and then travelled the world, living in both America and the UK/Europe. I have had various careers whilst travelling specialising, mostly in hospitality and childcare.
Upon returning to Australia and settling in Cairns, I owned and managed a wonderful Café for five years.
For the past nine years, I have been learning and teaching “Tri Yoga” and this year embarked upon learning “Sekhem” – An ancient vibrational healing technique, bringing harmony and light into my world and the world of others.
- Interests: My Children, Myothodics, Sekhem & Reiki Practitioner and Tri Yoga
- Joined Future: 2014
Sarena Fulton
Administration
Sarena Fulton
Role
I work as the receptionist and contribute to the stock control. Working on the front reception desk, I take calls and create tickets for individuals and companies requiring tech assistance and computer repairs.
I also do accounts receivable and accounts payable, keeping accounts up to date and paid. I can also help with account queries, payments and statements/invoices.
I receive stock by picking, shipping and invoicing customer orders, putting them out for pre-configuration or straight pick up.
About Me
I enjoy time with my three kids (cooking, crafting, watching movies and swimming) and chilling out with friends by camping at Davies creek and stations on the tablelands.
I also like using my computer at home to do digital scrapbooks of photos.
I love my job and working with my colleagues here at Future IT Services. I previously worked at Australian Country Living, Amies Jewellers and before children, ran the accounts/pays and more for Cairns Carpentry and Granite Transformations.
- Interests: Cooking, Crafting, Movies and Swimming
- Joined Future: 2016