While we offer many of the same classes other Microsoft Training Centers do, we have a much different approach. All of our trainers are also consultants. This is important for technology professionals who take time out of their busy schedule to attend training. Our classes are taught from a perspective of how to make you better at your job. Due to our methodologies you can expect to be in class with students who are experienced in their area of expertise and ask questions about how to apply technology to make their environment better.
Brent Elford started in the technology industry with Electronic Data Systems in 1990 while serving in the United States Marine Corp Reserve. He deployed to Desert Storm and served as a Machine Gunner during the war. Upon his return from Desert Storm, he resumed his employment at EDS. He moved to Atlanta, GA in 1995 and worked at several companies including National Data Corporation, Cable Data, New Horizons, Extreme Logic, and Hewlett Packard. Brent started teaching technology as a team leader at EDS and continued when he became a Microsoft Certified Trainer in 1997. While at Extreme Logic, he led the Microsoft Training Team which continued when they were acquired by Hewlett Packard. In 2004, Brent started Upgrade IT Consulting Services to continue the model of having all trainers function as consultants to ensure real world experience in the training offerings provided. He has functioned as the Architect, Project Manager, and Lead Engineer on consulting projects for many companies including McKesson, Medquest, Entergy Power, Cowetta Fayette EMC, Metro Brokers, Heely Brown, Clear Harbor, Fiserv, and Mar Jac Poultry. The projects have been centered around Active Directory, Exchange, SharePoint, SQL, Project Server, Hyper-V, and SCCM. These projects also include network infrastructure design, router and firewall deployment, and WAN integration. Along with the Microsoft classes, Brent created the PMP Certification Bootcamp offered by Upgrade IT that receives wonderful feedback.