Kris Korinek

Client Relationship Manager

Kris grew up in Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska – Omaha with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance. He has worked in the IT Industry for more than 30 years. In fact, his first IT job was with Gateway (remember the cow boxes?). Prior to joining Synetic, Kris worked at Tyson Foods, Inc. where he helped Synetic become a vital strategic partner for the consumer-based worldwide business. Kris spent 17 years managing and leading various end-user support teams, projects and mergers. He thrives at building trust and relationships. His attention to detail and customer service are two skills that help him succeed in every role.

He and his wife relocated to Northwest Arkansas in 2003 and have become “Arkansans” because of their love of the area. They have been married for 20 years and have two wonderful children. When Kris is not working, he can be found carting his kids to and from their sporting events or relaxing with his family’s three Labrador Retrievers. Kris is a diehard Nebraska Cornhusker football fan and is eagerly awaiting the day when (not if) they return to glory.

The last book he read was: NIV, Manual by Jesus.

His “sing along really loud in the car” song is: “Gloria” by Laura Branigan (St. Louis Blues’ Song).

When not working, he’s happiest: Boating on the lake with his family.

When he retires, you’ll find him: On a boat or traveling with his wife.

You’d be surprised that he: Learned to ice skate at two years old and played hockey for over 25 years.

A charitable cause he cares most about is: Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

One thing he’s done that he’s most proud of is: Becoming a father.

The person who inspires him most is: Wayne Gretzky – he never missed a shot he didn’t take.

Dameon Knowles

Account Coordinator

Dameon joined Synetic in June of 2020 as an Account Coordinator. Prior to Synetic, Dameon spent time at Cerner Corporation as an Upgrade Engagement Owner, as well as a Project Manager for eShipping. Dameon is an expert at on-boarding new clients, business intelligence initiatives, and processes to increase internal efficiencies and client experiences. Dameon holds an Associate Degree in Business Operations from the Golf Academy of America.

The last book I read was: Start with Why by Simon Sinek

When not working, I’m happiest doing: Spending time with family

When I retire, you’ll find me: On the golf course

If I could have a superpower, I’d choose: Time travel

One thing I’ve done that I’m most proud of is: Becoming a father

Heidi Onka

Director Of Finance

Heidi is Synetic’s longest-serving employee starting her career with us in 2005. She’s watched the company grow tremendously under Ron’s inventive and astute leadership. She currently lives in the country with three goats, six chickens, her wonderful husband of 16 years, and their two amazing kids.

The last book she read was: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

Her “sing along really loud in the car” song is: Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard.

When she retires, you’ll find her: Gardening.

If she could have a superpower, she’d choose: The ability to teleport.

Her favorite family tradition is: Dinnertime with her family.

Phillip Serrone

Director Of Operations

One of four boys in his family, Phillip was born and raised in Historic Northeast, Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Catholic grade and high school, then worked for a local electrical contracting company for 10 years before deciding to return to school to study IT. Shortly after completing Centriq Training, he was hired by Apple Inc. as a technician, where he worked for four years before joining Synetic Technologies. His credentials include ACMT, ACiT, iOS Qualified, and A+ Certified.

When not working, he’s happiest: Spending time with his family and doing yard work while grilling/smoking.

When he retires, you’ll find him: Helping friends and family with their home projects, technology needs and hopefully traveling a lot more.

You’d be surprised that he: Is not the shortest in his family.

The best and worst purchase I ever made was: Those ridiculously priced light up, spinning things he bought at Disney on Ice for his kids.

If he could have a superpower, he’d choose: Time travel. 

One thing he’s done that he’s most proud of is: Becoming a father.

Steven Hussey

QEH&S Manager

Steven was born and raised in San Diego, California and moved to Kansas City when he was 18. After graduating high school, he joined the Navy as a Rescue Swimmer and worked in ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare). After the Navy, he spent nearly 10 years with The Home Depot as a Special Order Expeditor, four years with Lowes in receiving, and six years at UPS as a Revenue Recovery Supervisor.

Steven attended Baker University to complete his Associate’s degree in Business Management and started his Bacholor’s degree in Business Administration while he was working at The Home Depot. He plans to start his Master’s degree to increase his knowledge in every aspect of environmental health and safety.

Steven coaches his daughter’s soccer team, and he is knocking it out of the park with Synetic’s softball team. He also has had the privilege of being the Direcector of his Church’s AWANAs program and plans on continuing for as long as he can.

With Synetic Technologies, Steven feels blessed to have a career where he continues to grow as a manager and looks forward to coming to work every day. He is happily married and he and his wife have two daughters.

The last book I read was: High Performance Habits by Brandon Burchard.

My “sing along really loud in the car” “song is: The Anthem by Planetshakers.

When not working, he’s happiest: Spending time with family and friends.  

When he retires, you’ll find him: Cruising the coast in his 64’ Corvette.

If he could have a superpower, he’d choose: Immortality at the peak physical performance level.

Justin Agness

Senior Product Sales Manager

Justin joined Synetic Technologies in January of 2008 as Product Sales Manager and has since been promoted to a senior role in that position. Before moving to Kansas City, he was a baseball coach at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Justin attended Southeast Polk High School and Iowa Wesleyan University where he studied Physical Education and played baseball. He loves activities with his wife and two kids. When he’s not watching his kids’ sporting events, Justin plays ice hockey and softball on the Synetic Technologies team.

His “sing along really loud in the car” song is: Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen.

When not working, he’s happiest: Taking a family vacation to somewhere warm or going to Royals and Chiefs games.

When he retires, you’ll find him: Coaching baseball somewhere.

You’d be surprised that he: Is a certified scuba diver.

The person who inspires him most is: His wife because she works so hard to be the best mom and always does so much for others.

Ron Helmer

President/CEO

Having a distinguished 22-year career in the U.S. Navy and experience in the technology industry, Ron’s knowledge of leadership, innovation, management and business is extensive to say the least. He has a natural tendency to innovate and build mutually beneficial connections with other business executives.

Ron is not only a graduate of the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP), but currently serves as a Mentor. Watch Ron talk about Synetic Technologies and the benefit of participating in the HEMP program. He has helped enterprises across every vertical develop and improve their IT Asset Management (ITAM) and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) programs to provide the utmost protection from all data security and environmental risks while maximizing their ROI.

Ron is the proud husband of an amazing woman with three beautiful and smart daughters.  He enjoys spending time with his family, outdoor hobbies and fast cars.

The last book I read was: The Outward Mindset: Seeing Beyond Ourselves by The Arbinger Institute.

When I retire, you’ll find me: Traveling.

If I could have a superpower, I’d choose:  The ability to freeze time.

The person who inspires me most is: My mother.

My favorite family tradition is: Having dinner together.

Chris Rausch

Recovery Specialist

Chris was born and raised in Kansas City, and lives in the Northland. He has been married for 26 years and has an amazing son. Over the last 30 years, Chris has driven trucks of all kinds and maintains a perfect driving record.

The last book he read was: One from the fantasy-based Shannara series or the MODOT truck driving handbook, a pretty boring read.

His “sing along really loud in the car” song is: “2112 Overture” by Rush. If you want vocal cords after it’s over, he wouldn’t suggest it.

When not working, he’s happiest: Listening to music of all kinds.

When he retires, you’ll find him: Hopefully not dead, so he can enjoy it (LOL) or researching historical things from the U.S. and around the world and going to see them.

The best and worst purchase he ever made was: His current house… A great house, but a lot of remodel and maintenance.

If he could have a superpower, he’d choose: The ability to make the right decision in any situation.

One thing he’s done that he’s most proud of is: Swaying a jury to make the right decision in his opinion.

The person who inspires him most is: His son for his loving caring attitude, work ethic, intelligence and how he uses them all.

Matthew Hefner

Senior Certified Apple Manager

Matthew relocated from Kentucky to Missouri in 2008 to finish his degree. In 2010, he graduated from Park University with honors and a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business/Economics. He has had the opportunity to apply his skills in varied environments from local, small business to multi-national corporations.

While working at Apple, Matthew’s leadership and communication skills resulted in offers to take part in global facilitation workshops as he took on the role of Guest Trainer multiple times throughout his six-year tenure. He provided direction to a team of 100+ during new product launches and company initiatives development. Matthew’s natural curiosity and desire to understand how things work (and work together) have also lead him to a successful career as an Apple Certified Mac and iOS Technician. In his free time, Matthew has a passion for exploring new technology and eating ice cream with his daughters.

The last book he read was: The PMA Effect by John Joseph.

His “sing along really loud in the car” song is: Almost anything released in the 1980s.

When not working, he’s happiest doing: Dad things with his family.

When he retires, you’ll find him: On a beach.

A charitable cause he cares most about is: Technological literacy.

The best and worst purchase he ever made was: His Vitamix blender and some random food on a stick from a street vendor in China (he still doesn’t know what it was).

If he could have a superpower, he’d choose: To never require sleep.

One thing he’s done that he’s most proud of is: Being a father.

A life hack he’s surprised most people don’t know is: Google-ing everything.

The person who inspires him most is: His grandfather.

His favorite family tradition is: Birthday dinners.

Someone should make an app for: Predicting when you are going to be hungry and suggesting what to eat.

Travis Short

Information Systems Manager

Travis grew up in southeastern Idaho and lived there until he was 18. After graduating high school, he moved to Kansas City where he gained strong interests in audio engineering, IT systems, and software engineering. Travis has 2 years of education in audio engineering and music, 15 years with IT systems administration, and 7 years building software.

These interests led him on a career path to Synetic Technologies where he builds high performance system testing and data erasure software. In his spare time, Travis likes to hang out with his kids and spends too much time on GitHub. He has 2 wonderful kids with his wife of 8 years.

When not working, he’s happiest: Working on personal projects and hanging out with his family.

When he retires, you’ll find him: Hopefully somewhere cold, snowboarding all day long.

A charitable cause he cares most about is: MS Foundation (multiple sclerosis).

If he could have a superpower, he’d choose: Time travel.

The person who inspires him most is: Dennis Ritchie.

Oren Gamble Jr.

Senior Account Coordinator

Oren is a lifelong Kansas Citian. After graduating from the University of Missouri—Kansas City in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, he worked for a local financial services company as an IT Asset Manager. This experience gives him a personal understanding of the total hardware asset lifecycle, granting insight to Synetic’s customers’ needs.

The last book he read was: Hard to say since he reads a lot, but at any given time there’s a good chance it’s something about behavioral economics.

His “sing along really loud in the car” song is: All the songs!

When not working, he’s happiest: Playing with his son and walking his dog.

When he retires, you’ll find him: In New Zealand.

You’d be surprised that he: Brews his own beer.

Jeff Brooks

Senior Business Systems Analyst

Jeff grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Missouri Western State University while also spending time traveling as an audio engineer. In 2012, he came on board with Synetic Technologies, helping to develop customer reporting and internal processes. He’s been married since 2013 and he and his wife have two daughters who are full of life.

When not working, he’s happiest: Playing with his daughters or working outside.

When he retires, you’ll find him: Woodworking.

You’d be surprised that he: Does live sound audio engineering.

The best and worst purchase he ever made was: Nachos, always nachos and kids’ toys that make noise.

If he could have a superpower, he’d choose: Teleportation.

The person who inspires him most is: His father.

Someone should make an app for: On demand lawn care.

Phillip Stark

Client Relationship Manager

Phillip came to Synetic Technologies with 10 years of recruiting experience in supporting IT, Telecom, and Government sector executives. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Impact Ministries in Alabama.

The last book he read was: Born to Win by Zig Ziglar.

His “sing along really loud in the car” song is: Hotel California by the Eagles.

When not working, he’s happiest: At a BBQ party with family and friends.

You’d be surprised that he: Is a comic and superhero nut.

A charitable cause he cares most about is: One by One Project that empowers communities to end sex trafficking.

The best and worst purchase he ever made was: His Bible and that one tattoo in Amsterdam.

If he could have a superpower, he’d choose: Teleportation.

One thing he’s done that he’s most proud of is: His relationship with his family.

The person who inspires him most is: His wife, Hannah.

His favorite family tradition is: Snowboarding in Colorado.

Brad S. Burt

Director of Production

Through the application of Brad’s education, experience, and dynamic leadership style, he along with his team are a proven force that continuously produces safe, reliable, and ready equipment and personnel.

Brad joined the US Air Force in 1997. He holds three Associate of Applied Science degrees in Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance Technology, Human Resource Management, and Instructor in Applied Technology and Military Science, as well as his Professional Manager Certification, Master Instructor Certification, and Occupational Instructor Cerfication. His education and training was awarded through the Air University’s Community College of the Air Force and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Brad also attended four in-resident military training academies over a combined 21-week period, with focused curriculums covering a full-range of leadership, management, and strategic planning development. His military education and professional development encompasses a very diverse background in leadership, management, aerospace production, innovation, and training. He retired honorably from the US Air Force in October 2017 after 20 years and 8 months of dedicated service.

Brad is an Ohio native and married his wife in June 1999. Together, they have a son and daughter.

The last book he read was: The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller, but Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments by Kent M. Keith is his favorite.

When he retires, you’ll find him: Fishing, in a woodshop, or on a beach.

The best and worst purchase he ever made was: The best was his wife’s wedding ring, and the worst was the breadmaker she didn’t want for her birthday.

If he could have a superpower, he’d choose: The ability to control time.

His favorite family tradition is: The entire Christmas season, but specifically, the day after Thanksgiving. His family spends the day together putting up the Christmas tree, decorating the house, and listening to music.

One thing he’s most proud of is: It would be easy for him to say his military career, but he’s most proud of the 20-plus years of life with his wife that they’ve accomplished together.

Gary Agness

Vice President

With over two decades of leadership and Fortune 1000 account relationship experience behind him, Gary’s contribution to Synetic and our customers is unquestionable. He has been an integral part of the Synetic team since 2006 and seen Synetic triple in size during his tenure.

Gary holds the CITAD certification issued by the International Association of IT Asset Managers (IAITAM). He has helped enterprises across every vertical develop and improve their IT Asset Management (ITAM) and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) programs to provide the utmost protection from all data security and environmental risks while maximizing ROI.

Gary has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Grand View University where he played college baseball. He also has his Ministerial Credentials with the Assemblies of God and serves as an Associate Pastor at a local church. Gary is a devoted husband and father of two daughters.

The last book he read was: Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin.

His “sing along really loud in the car” song is: You Can’t Stop Me by Andy Mineo.

When not working, he’s happiest: With his family.

A charitable cause he cares most about is: Make-A- Wish Foundation.

The best and worst purchase I ever made was: A 1961 Yankees Team Signed Picture and a new car.

If he could have a superpower, he’d choose: To fly.

One thing he’s done that he’s most proud of is: Raising two amazing girls, Bailey and Hannah.

The person who inspires him most is: His wife Andrea who is his biggest cheerleader in life.