Hi, I’m Blake Pinnick. My path into IT and cybersecurity started a little differently—I first went to school for business in 2021 but quickly realized that sales felt like a better fit. I spent the next few years in sales roles, first with Blue Raven Solar doing in-home appointments, then with Verizon, where I could connect with customers in a more hands-on way (and thankfully, with less driving!). These experiences taught me a lot about problem-solving, patience, and the importance of building trust with clients.
In 2024, I decided to return to school with a new focus: cybersecurity. I’ve always loved computers, from the time I was a kid taking apart my first one just to see how it worked. Now, I’m working on an associate’s degree in IT and cybersecurity at Marion Technical College, and it feels like I’m finally in the right place. I’ve picked up certifications along the way, including the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and CompTIA ITF+, and I’m currently studying for the CompTIA A+.
At home, I’m building out a personal lab where I experiment with servers, configure firewalls, and explore cybersecurity tools hands-on. It’s exciting to see how each project pushes me further and shows me what I’m capable of.
I’m looking forward to connecting with others in the field and seeing where this journey takes me next. Thanks for stopping by! Here is a picture of me as Steve Jobs in 6th grade before you go.