Meet the Family Behind the Technology

Chuck's been writing code since age 4, which means by 16 he was already making history—featured on NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw as the world's youngest Master Certified Novell Engineer and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. But credentials only tell part of the story…

Chuck once rebuilt a Ford F250 diesel engine with nothing more than prayer, a Swiss Army knife and $50, spending four weeks on disassembly and reassembly before discovering if it would even start. It did. Years later, he spent 300 hours rewriting an electric car's codebase—nearly doubling its performance—simply because he believed it was possible. It was.

That same relentless determination drives every client engagement at Straughn AI. Chuck leads by doing the right thing even when no one's looking, even when no one agrees. He's a non-conformist that colors outside of the lines… His superpower isn't just solving complex problems—it's seeing the ones you didn't know existed and caring more about your success than his bottom line.

Passion. Innovation. Determination.℠ isn't just a tagline he owns (he does); but it's been his "operating system" for the past 30 years. Chuck's a father of 4 amazing children and a grandfather of 1 amazing little bundle of joy. Chuck and his wife Kirsten grew up in the Florida Keys and now live between their Colorado and Florida homes. They fell in love at the ripe old age of 12 (and are still in love by the grace of God).

Kirsten grew up in the Florida Keys and fell madly in love with Chuck before she was a teen. Decades later she is the fiery redhead keeping everything on the rails. A prayer warrior and a homeschool mom, her business savvy and propensity for faith-filled decisions is somehow both level headed and wonderfully wild.

Kirsten does everything from depositing checks to keeping all the Straughn boys strong. Her delight in God's beauty and repetition gives just the right combination to keep her eyes on the prize and not lose heart. Most of all, her depth and honesty provide just the right root system for Straughn AI to blossom.

Julie has had a diverse career path over her lifetime, from commercial lender to ministry director, and now business administrator for Straughn AI. Julie has worked with Chuck off and on over the last 20 years and somehow still generally has a smile on her face!

She tackles the daunting task of keeping all things billing up to date, sending out invoices to customers with the perfect balance of persistence and politeness—because nothing says "managing chaos" quite like chasing down payments while keeping everyone happy.

She grew up in colorful Colorado, making the move to 9,000 feet in elevation in her 20's, and although she lives in a snow globe most of the year, she has never really cared for winter. Although Julie is consistently encouraged by friends in the company to do "Colorado fun stuff" over the weekend, Julie mostly indulges in her favorite job which has always been being a mom to her twin sons.

After 30 years in full-time ministry and years (and I mean years) in higher education, Robbie shifted careers and jumped head first into tech, and he's still a little bit sore. He came into Straughn AI just a few years ago and, together with Chuck, has built an incredibly gifted and unique team of passionate people with a propensity for creative technological solutions and hearts for people.

Robbie loves building people way more than PCs and together with an emerging team, clearly sees realms of possibilities where others see the impossible. His commitment to his faith and his family provides an atmosphere where this adventurer can stretch his legs in an all-new arena—whether that's summiting Colorado's 14ers or trying (emphasis on trying) to keep up with his son and daughter on trail runs.

After more than 30 years of marriage and the blessing of two incredible kiddos (one of whom he works with at Straughn), Robbie hopes this crew can make more than a dent in the field but a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Dillon has been successfully completing complex repairs on smartphones, tablets, and computers for paying customers since age 8 (child labor laws were apparently more relaxed in the Straughn household). Growing under the tutelage of his father Chuck, by age 10 he'd upgraded a classic Macintosh to unreasonable speeds and re-soldered 25+ failed motherboard components.

His teenage years saw even bolder projects: designing a fully wireless touchscreen computer with desktop power in palm-size form, building his own smartwatch from scratch, and fully rebuilding the engine and transmission in a classic Ford F250—because why have just one expensive hobby?

At 18, he created a custom hardware logistics solution now deployed across the continental U.S. and Canada. Dillon loves pushing technology beyond what's thought possible and ensures every project aspect meets the highest standard—even the parts nobody will ever notice. Now married with a son of his own (who's already eyeing daddy's toolkit), Dillon continues the family tradition of innovation while somehow finding time to pick up any instrument and make beautiful noise to the Lord.

August has been repairing computers, phones, and tablets since age 10 (his reward for eating his vegetables). Working under his father, Chuck, he learned to approach every problem with calm curiosity and the belief that anything can be fixed or created, like his 3D printing device that opens and closes his blinds from an innovative app on his phone!

August specializes in Windows, Mac, and iOS/Android devices. On the software side, he builds in C# and uses Python and PowerShell to automate and troubleshoot. He supports customer EDI infrastructures, where he and his team created a pallet labeling system that generates labels and automatically sends ASN EDI transactions, cutting manual steps and streamlining shipping.

When he's not engineering solutions or 3D printing fixes for life's minor annoyances, you'll find August picking his banjo with friends—bringing the same patient precision and collaborative approach to worship that he brings to debugging code.

From the mountains of Breckenridge Colorado to the beaches of Naples Florida, Mark has learned to adapt to whatever life throws his way. So whether he's writing code, planting fields of wheat (yes, he has actually done that), or raising 5 boys (two of which are twins) with his wife of 16+ years; he loves learning new skills and technologies while coming up with innovative solutions that provide a meaningful impact.

Mark is also not one to shy away from difficult problems. Whether you call it determination, or stubbornness, he refuses to give up until a problem is fixed and/or a task is completed and that includes finding the perfect place to raise his family which, at present, is in the amazing foothills of the Tetons in South Eastern Idaho.

Mike's senior management and accounting experience spans multiple industries over forty-five years, allowing the confidence to break down and analyze the toughest business problems. Mike's experience covers almost every innovative technology advance over the last five decades, helping businesses thrive with each new innovation.

From the days before fax machines and mainframes to today's AI innovations, Mike thrives on solving business problems with organized solutions and preparing clients for success. He has managed several major profitable company acquisitions for entrepreneurs, if that is ownership's goal.

Mike finds most industries share common problems, even though each is unique. His cross-industry experience provides a wealth of solutions applicable to most businesses. Mike is a father of four creative adult children and "Popo" to grandsons Rex & Rory. The kids' creative genes come from Mike's wife of almost fifty years, Joy, an award-winning figurative sculptor. Born in Cleveland, Ohio and a Florida resident since 1973. Blessed to have worked with Chuck for over 25 years… decades as a client and now part of the SAI team.

Michael is no stranger to math, science, and technology, even though coding and development is new territory for him. He is still able to use critical thinking skills he acquired in college studying biological chemistry to bring creative solutions to the table.

When he's not contemplating the meaning of life (or lunch), Michael wields Microsoft Dynamics like a digital swiss army knife and transforms raw data into PowerBI dashboards that actually make sense—a rare superpower in the business world. He's the guy who gets genuinely excited about pivot tables and can somehow make workflow automation sound fun at dinner parties. Michael met his lovely wife Lorraine in Dubai, and they have two young children (which keep him plenty busy) in Michael's hometown in Colorado.

With a strong foundation in faith and a commitment to living out his values, Jacob loves to fish and hunt—or as it may be called, "grocery shopping the way God intended." He's the guy who genuinely enjoys the tranquility and adventure of the outdoors, even if he comes home empty-handed.

As a supportive team player with Straughn AI, one of his greatest abilities is his availability—always there when you need him, whether it's a server crisis or someone needs to hear about the one that got away. His strong collaborative skills and easy insight into difficult issues make everyone on the team better. A lifelong learner who eagerly embraces new opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills, he's driven by a desire to make a positive impact whether he's exploring new horizons or supporting those around him.

Brayden is a true mountain man and whether he's training athletes, coaching cross country, writing songs or solving tech challenges at Straughn.AI, he approaches everything the same way: growth happens when you find creative solutions around barriers, not through them.

So if he's not on a rock wall, strumming his guitar or pumping iron, you'll normally find him pumping information into his PC on your behalf. During his time at Straughn, he specialized in EDI, website development, and Power Apps/Dynamics, always learning best when working alongside others. What excites him about tech is problem-solving—figuring out how systems work together and creating solutions that genuinely help people.

Brayden believes Straughn.AI is different because they value faith and people over everything else. "The work matters, but the people we're doing it for matter infinitely more."

Michael is a missionary overseas but has worked off and on with Straughn AI over the years (proof that good design transcends time zones). When he's not creating community in foreign lands, he brings that same gift for connection to every design project—making us look better than we actually do.

He's a talented photographer and musician and still carves out time between continents for graphic design where his insight and eyesight find creative expression. Whether he's translating the Gospel or translating your brand vision into stunning visuals, Michael speaks the universal language of beauty.

Rick is an entrepreneur whose work experience started in the hospitality industry at a young age which makes him perfect for our on-site work demands where he often becomes the hands of Straughn AI. Rick completed his associate degree from Polk State College and went on to work with his father in his agricultural software business.

That expertise has given him the experience to go into a situation and provide both relational connection and just the right touch to get the job done, whatever it is. His laid-back demeanor produces a sense of peace in the wildest of customer demands—sizzling servers anyone?—turning potential meltdowns into manageable moments. Working with Straughn AI and as an independent contractor produces an incredible balance in an industry that can create a dizzying pace. Rick is a team player and his collaborative efforts bring the best to every situation.

Calvin joined StraughnAI at the ripe old age of 17, showing up with enthusiasm and not much else when it came to IT knowledge. Nearly two years later, he's become our go-to tech wizard who actually understands why turning it off and on again works.

Under Chuck's mentorship, Calvin has transformed from a curious teenager into someone who fearlessly tackles everything from network management to cable wiring disasters that would make lesser mortals weep. Whether he's configuring routers, exploring web design, or untangling the inevitable cable nest behind someone's desk, Calvin approaches each challenge with the perfect combination of youthful optimism and growing expertise. Plus, he's the only one who can explain TikTok to Chuck without laughing (much).

Lincoln, the youngest of the Straughn men, doesn't repair computers, he resurrects them. From reimagining an entire system to revamping stubborn machines that refuse to play along, he's the quiet force that keeps the technology purring along nicely at Straughn AI.

He has walked into an office at 5 p.m. and walked out at 7 a.m. five nights running, without any respite. He's the kind of guy who digs deep, toils endlessly, and does not quit until the impossible turns into the inevitable.

Of course, not all that he touches is something with wires. When he's not troubleshooting or transferring terabytes of data, you'll find him mastering the art of professional finger boarding—because yes, that's a real thing, and he's really into it. Born and raised in Colorado, Lincoln's not just about fixing tech—he's about filling gaps, helping others, and keeping things working better than before.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Joy traded lakes for mountains five years ago—and never looked back. She met her husband soon after, and the two have been adventuring through life (and marriage) for over two years now.

Joy keeps the wheels turning at Straughn AI as the personal assistant to the CEO—coordinating meetings, managing personal projects, and doing her best to handle the details no one else even knew existed. A lifelong coffee devotee (since age 1), thrift-store treasure hunter, and self-proclaimed dessert enthusiast (baking far too many desserts), Joy brings creativity and heart into everything she does — daily grateful for the grace to grow and the incredible team she gets to grow with.

Haley is a Colorado native and the newest member of the Straughn family, having married Dillon, the love of her life (and thereby inheriting responsibility for all the Straughn men's organizational skills, or lack thereof). Haley brings a natural exuberance to the company with strong organizational skills and an eagerness to explore.

From keeping the books to keeping us on time and in line, this mountain girl is up for any challenge, whether it's scaling mountains or deciphering Chuck's expense receipts. Did I mention she's also a new mom? Yep, Haley does an amazing job of nurturing her family and taking care of us all while seamlessly making sure the most important things are the most important. Rumor has it she can balance the books, a baby, and a coffee all at the same time—though we try not to test this theory too often.

Rebekah is a filmmaker and videographer who beholds beauty with every fiber of her being. She grew up in Dallas, Texas, and after discovering there are actually beautiful places to live, she now has a second home in the Rocky Mountains where the WiFi is questionable but the views make up for it.

For the past few years, she served at an anti-sex-trafficking organization as a documentary filmmaker. After years of making executives cry with powerful documentaries (in a good way), she now brings those storytelling skills to Straughn AI as their video producer. She's thrilled to help tell the story of Straughn AI and the people who make it happen—no dramatic documentary music required (but we still like it)!

David has managed Battle Creek Ranch in Parshall, CO for 15 years, bringing multiple years of bookkeeping experience from both a local church and the ranch (where counting cows is serious business). Although generally soft-spoken, he might let out a shout when dodging a heifer—and that's no bull!

He graduated from Dordt University with a bachelor's in ag. business, combining his gift for numbers with his passion for cattle. While David excels at managing books and livestock, his greatest treasures are his wife Amber of 19 years and their five beautiful children—which demands he keep counting at dinner too. He loves the Lord with all his heart and brings that same devotion to keeping Straughn AI's numbers straight, whether they have four legs or appear in spreadsheets.