Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Chris McDonald

This month, we’re excited to spotlight Chris McDonald, whose leadership, technical expertise and commitment to client success make him an invaluable part of the Info Advantage team.

Chris began his professional journey in IT at two local managed service providers shortly after graduating college in 2012. He then spent five impactful years supporting technology within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, followed by three years in the private sector. These diverse experiences ultimately led him to Info Advantage, where he has been helping clients and guiding the Technical Team for the past three years.

In his dual role as Systems Engineer II and Technical Team Lead, Chris works closely with clients on technical projects, implementations, Tier 2 support and long-term technology roadmaps. At the same time, he helps ensure the Technical Team delivers services in a way that meets both Info Advantage’s standards and client expectations. What Chris enjoys most about his role is solving real-world problems and designing solutions that align with each client’s budget, needs and goals.

As a child, Chris dreamed of becoming either a firefighter or an astronaut - ambitions that reflected his desire to help others and explore new frontiers. That spirit of service carried into adulthood, as he spent 11 years volunteering as a firefighter. Being able to support his community during some of life’s most difficult moments remains one of the greatest honors of his life.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys staying active and spending time with his wife, Katelin. You’ll often find him attending RIT Men’s Hockey games, catching NHL or MLB matchups, or continuing his personal goal of visiting all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks (he’s already reached 15). He also plays in an adult recreational hockey league, enjoys golfing and takes pride in hands-on home improvement projects, including building his own shed!

Chris draws inspiration from his grandfather, Don, whose life experiences - from growing up on a small farm in Rush, to serving in the Air Force during the Korean War and even his time driving truck for Atlantic/Sunoco - shaped Chris’s perspective on dedication, resilience and lifelong learning. His grandfather’s life advice, jokes and his example of a 60+ year marriage continue to influence Chris today.

One of Chris’s most memorable life experiences came in high school when he traveled internationally through the People to People Student Ambassador Program, visiting China, Hong Kong, Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. These opportunities gave him a deep appreciation for different cultures and the broader world.

When it’s time to relax, Chris enjoys reading military history books, especially untold World War II stories, classic movies like Toy Story, and binge-worthy series like Psych. His favorite place to visit is Fenway Park in Boston, where the history and energy of the game create an unforgettable experience.

Please join us in celebrating Chris and the dedication, leadership and positive impact he brings to Info Advantage every day!

 

“I am delighted to share our overwhelmingly positive experience with Info Advantage, our chosen telecommunications partner, as Camp Stella Maris underwent a much-needed switch to our phone system earlier this year. As a nonprofit organization, we were not only seeking efficiency and reliability but also a provider that aligned with our values and supported our community. The transition to Info Advantage’s phone system has been nothing short of seamless, and the impact on our daily operations at Camp Stella Maris has been truly remarkable. From the initial consultation to the ongoing support, Info Advantage has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and a genuine understanding of our unique needs as a nonprofit. What sets Info Advantage apart is not only their state-of-the-art technology but also their dedication to providing value-driven solutions. As a nonprofit, every penny matters, and Info Advantage has proven to be a cost-effective choice without compromising on the quality of service. Their team took the time to understand our organization’s communication requirements and tailored a solution that not only meets but exceeds our expectations. The reliability of Info Advantage’s phone system has significantly enhanced our ability to connect with our stakeholders, donors, and the families we serve. The crystal-clear audio quality and user-friendly interface have streamlined our communication processes, allowing us to focus more on our core mission of providing a transformative camp experience for children. What truly stands out about Info Advantage is their commitment to the local community. Being a local company, they understand the importance of supporting nonprofits like ours. Their team has gone above and beyond to ensure that our transition was smooth, offering personalized support and demonstrating a genuine interest in the success of Camp Stella Maris. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Info Advantage to any organization, especially nonprofits, seeking a reliable, efficient, and value-driven phone system. Their dedication to excellence, coupled with their understanding of the unique needs of nonprofits, makes them an invaluable partner for organizations looking to make a positive impact in their communities. Thank you, Info Advantage, for not only providing us with a top-tier phone system but for being a true partner in our mission.”

JOHN QUINLIVAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Camp Stella Maris

“We enjoyed another successful year at Hoag Library in no small part due to our relationship with Info Advantage. With the help of Johnathan and Linda we replaced many of our computers this year and have finally gotten all of our equipment onto a three year cycle for replacement. The installation of the new computers was handled in house knowing that if we needed help it was only a phone call away. Jeremiah was instrumental in helping us get all of the new equipment online and swapping out some other equipment with items that were at the end of life. Other times we have depended on Jacob to help us figure out why we were having problems. (an unknown power outage was one cause.) and he and Kris reset programs when we could not make successful updates. We were also unable to catalog new books when the dedicated computer went down. We sent the computer to IA , they performed “magic” and Jacob returned it and reinstalled it until our new computers came in.”

BETTY SUE MILLER

Director Hoag Library

“I have been working with the Info Advantage team for a little over a year now as the IT Manager for VP Supply Corp. Words cannot describe the difference Info Advantage has made in my ability to do my job and protect our network and information assets. What started as a hardware vendor has now evolved into providing MSSP services to better protect our network – and we could not be happier with the quick return on investment this has given us. I would like to give a special shout-out to the members of the Info Advantage team who have not only done their job exceptionally well but have also mastered the soft skills and make me feel as though I can always reach out if we need them. Johnathan, Chris Chan, Chris McDonald, and Nick Wetherwax have been outstanding over the past year. With continued success like this VP Supply will have Info Advantage as a partner for many, many years to come!”

ADAM DEKRAMER

IT Manager VP Supply Corp

“In 2015, our office space was nearly a complete loss in a fire damaged building. Everything we had was either reduced to rubble or soaked with water. We had been utilizing Info Advantage for several years for maintenance of our computer network and replacement of portions of it. They arose to the occasion helping us be able to get back to business. First, they had all our data recovered from our water soaked server. They then put together a completely new network for us. From the research we did at the time, we found that Info Advantage was providing us a relatively cost effective system that suited us very well. We especially appreciate the guidance they provided helping us with our selections.”

SCOTT POWELL, PRINCIPAL

AIA Architectura PC / Rochester, NY

“I have worked with Info Advantage over the past 12 years at a couple of companies. This year, Info Advantage helped me deploy a new VMWare / EMC environment for my current employer. During the selection process, they were very responsive with quote changes, responses to questions and updates explaining every aspect of the roll-out. They were very willing to take my current level of knowledge into consideration in the quoting process and their quotes were very competitive. Once awarded the project, Info Advantage proceeded very quickly to order and install the hardware in agreed time with on-hands training and system documentation for me. I would personally recommend Info Advantage for any project.”

CLINT SCHWAB

Durst Imaging / Rochester, NY

“We enjoyed another successful year at Hoag Library in no small part due to our relationship with Info Advantage. With the help of Johnathan and Linda we replaced many of our computers this year and have finally gotten all of our equipment onto a three year cycle for replacement. The installation of the new computers was handled in house knowing that if we needed help it was only a phone call away. Jeremiah was instrumental in helping us get all of the new equipment online and swapping out some other equipment with items that were at the end of life. Other times we have depended on Jacob to help us figure out why we were having problems. (an unknown power outage was one cause.) and he and Kris reset programs when we could not make successful updates. We were also unable to catalog new books when the dedicated computer went down. We sent the computer to IA , they performed “magic” and Jacob returned it and reinstalled it until our new computers came in.”

BETTY SUE MILLER

Director Hoag Library

“I have been working with the Info Advantage team for a little over a year now as the IT Manager for VP Supply Corp. Words cannot describe the difference Info Advantage has made in my ability to do my job and protect our network and information assets. What started as a hardware vendor has now evolved into providing MSSP services to better protect our network – and we could not be happier with the quick return on investment this has given us. I would like to give a special shout-out to the members of the Info Advantage team who have not only done their job exceptionally well but have also mastered the soft skills and make me feel as though I can always reach out if we need them. Johnathan, Chris Chan, Chris McDonald, and Nick Wetherwax have been outstanding over the past year. With continued success like this VP Supply will have Info Advantage as a partner for many, many years to come!”

ADAM DEKRAMER

IT Manager VP Supply Corp

“I have worked with Info Advantage over the past 12 years at a couple of companies. This year, Info Advantage helped me deploy a new VMWare / EMC environment for my current employer. During the selection process, they were very responsive with quote changes, responses to questions and updates explaining every aspect of the roll-out. They were very willing to take my current level of knowledge into consideration in the quoting process and their quotes were very competitive. Once awarded the project, Info Advantage proceeded very quickly to order and install the hardware in agreed time with on-hands training and system documentation for me. I would personally recommend Info Advantage for any project.”

CLINT SCHWAB

Durst Imaging / Rochester, NY

How We Streamline Communication

Our approach to communication services starts with your goals. We design systems that align with how your people work, then support them through proven infrastructure and responsive, hands-on service every step of the way.

Needs-Based Design

We evaluate your workflow, locations, and team structure to build communication systems that fit real business use, ensuring tools are aligned with how your people actually communicate and operate every day.

Clear User Training

We provide hands-on training, detailed user resources, and guided onboarding to make sure your entire team understands, adopts, and confidently uses your new communication tools without confusion or productivity loss.

Quality First

We prioritize consistent call quality by configuring bandwidth, failover, and prioritization settings that ensure high performance and reliability for voice, video, and messaging, even during peak usage or network strain.

Scalable Architecture

Your communication system is designed to scale smoothly, allowing your business to add users, expand services, and adopt new tools easily without costly replacements or disruptive infrastructure changes.

What is the iaGuardian Suite?

Over the years, we’ve allowed our managed IT service offering to mature and evolve. We realize that the days where simply ensuring that your computers were working properly are far behind us. Today, businesses require technology that drives productivity, encourages collaboration, and is both easily accessible and immaculately secure. That’s why we created this set of technology solutions designed to enhance, support, and protect your business.

HostedPBX

Scalable Cloud-Based Phone Systems

Our hosted PBX replaces physical phone hardware with a reliable cloud-based platform that delivers enterprise-grade features and seamless communication across locations and devices. It is a modern solution built for mobility and clarity.

HostedPBX provides a smarter way to manage your business calls.

  • Scale up or down quickly without hardware purchases.

  • Route calls automatically based on roles, hours, or devices.

  • Use voicemail-to-email and other smart features to increase flexibility.

VoIP Services

Reliable Voice over IP Solutions

Our VoIP platform delivers high-quality business calling over your data network. We prioritize clarity, uptime, and feature access so your teams can communicate clearly and securely whether at home or on-site.

VoIP gives you flexibility without sacrificing quality.

  • Enable HD voice and conferencing on all devices.

  • Reduce telecom costs through bundled service options.

  • Integrate calling with CRM or collaboration tools as needed.

SIP Trunking

Streamlined Carrier Connectivity

We help businesses transition to SIP trunking to cut costs, improve call reliability, and simplify carrier management. Our team handles the configuration and migration to ensure a smooth transition from legacy telecom.

SIP trunking reduces complexity while expanding capability.

  • Maintain existing systems while lowering telecom expenses.

  • Simplify your phone service across multiple locations.

  • Gain flexible, centralized call routing and number control.

Built to Connect and Scale

Our communication tools are selected and supported with your business goals in mind. We ensure your voice, video, and messaging systems are reliable, simple to use, and ready to grow with you.

  • Communication Experts

We design, deploy, and support communication systems that reduce friction and improve clarity. Our expertise helps organizations connect teams, streamline operations, and unify messaging across departments, locations, and remote work environments with confidence.

  • Implementation Support

Our team manages every phase of deployment, from planning and configuration to training and optimization. We ensure your unified communications system works seamlessly for your business from day one with ongoing expert assistance.

  • Long-Term Flexibility

We build solutions that grow with your business. As your needs evolve, your system can expand, adapt, and integrate new tools without requiring major overhauls, preserving your investment and operational continuity long term.

  • All-in-One Service

You get complete communications support in one place. We provide the technology, setup, training, and maintenance so you can avoid vendor sprawl and keep your operations aligned, efficient, and easy to manage continuously.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Keep My Existing Phone Numbers?

Yes, we can port your current numbers into the new platform. Your customers will not notice a change, and your staff can continue using familiar extensions and contact methods.

What Features Does HostedPBX Include?

HostedPBX includes auto-attendants, call routing, voicemail-to-email, mobile app integration, call recording, conferencing, and more. We customize features based on your team’s workflow and communication habits.

Do I Need New Hardware?

Not necessarily. Many VoIP solutions work with existing phones or softphone apps. If upgrades are needed, we guide hardware selection to fit your budget and functionality goals.

What About Remote Workers?

Our unified communications tools are designed for distributed teams. Users can access the system from any location, with consistent call quality and secure access to business tools.

How Do You Ensure Call Quality?

We evaluate and optimize your network for VoIP traffic. We also monitor voice traffic, prioritize bandwidth, and configure failover options to maintain quality and reduce dropped calls or jitter.