Meet Our Board Members

John Gross

Director, EverythingTech

I am John Gross, a Detroit-born African-American with a passion for mechanics and technology. Relocating to Atlanta in 2006, I built a family, raising four children and proudly embracing the role of a grandfather to five grandchildren. My journey commenced in high school, exploring auto mechanics, drafting, and electronics. Acquiring extensive mechanical aptitude, I earned certificates in machining and technical training in 2002. I garnered experience at Ford and General Motors, operating small businesses serving nonprofits and fortune 500 companies. Over the years, I mastered various skills, from repairing small engines to handling complex machinery and electrical wiring. I am known for buying distressed automobiles, restoring them, and selling for 4 to 10 times their investment. Being customer-oriented, I’ve excelled in servicing, negotiating, and mentoring, establishing myself as a go-to person for technical issues. Currently, as a level V auto technician at CarMax Carrollton, GA, I utilize all my skill sets over the years to diagnose and repair the latest foreign and domestic vehicles for resale.
Being born during a technological revolution, I’ve actively participated in its evolution, gaining firsthand experience.
As the CEO of Everythingtech Inc., I’ve identified a need for community skills development. Offering courses in electronics, automotive rebuilding, welding, and more, we empower individuals for self-sufficiency amid rapid technological change.

Lamont Jones, MBA

Chair, Everthingtech

My name is Lamont Jones. I am an African American male who is originally from a small farm in Virginia. Moved to a medium-sized city in Midwest Georgia as a teenager. Married a Georgia native and has 3 children (2 boys and 1 girl). I settled in a small suburban town north of Atlanta, GA.

 I spent the majority of my career working in the technology industry starting as a Machine Operator; progressing through the ranks of Service Technician, Technical Coordinator, Technical Specialist, Business Analysis, and Service Management. My career progressed through achieving higher education. I started my post-high school education by obtaining an Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering from Columbus Technical Institute. The degree opened my eyes to the possibilities of having a professional career in not only electronics but also all disciplines of technology. I started at an entry-level job in the cellular phone, amusement game, and automated machinery industries. As I gained mastery of those skills, returned to school to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems where I advanced my career to being an Analyst and Specialist in the information technology industry. I later obtained my Master of Business Administration Degree and moved on to Management roles in the Technology Industry.

I currently work for Pitney Bowes Inc, an Information Technology company, as a Regional Service Manager. I am responsible for a multi-state area where I manage 36 Field Service Engineers and Supervisors. I also partner with internal and external clients to resolve issues, develop growth strategies, and serve on committees to advance the business. I also enjoy work servicing any type of transportation vehicles with/without motors, building things from various materials, and working on projects with my friends and family.

I believe in doing the right things the right way, leading by example, treating others as I expect to be treated, and having the intestinal fortitude to navigate out of my comfort zones, failure is not an option; it’s a path to understanding and growth, and anything worth having comes at a cost. 

I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve experienced in life and the Technical Industry. In an effort to “pay it forward” or give back, I am working with/on a few non-profit opportunities where I expect to dedicate my free time to educating the youth and young adults about the Technology Industry and making good life choices.

Gary Kirk, MBA

Secretary, EverythingTech

My name is Gary B. Kirk. I am an African American male born in Decatur, Alabama. My family moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1977.   I’m married and I have four children.

My interest in electronics began in the late 80s and that’s when I begin my journey to electronics school attending DeVry Institute of Technology. It was there that I earned my associate’s degree in electronics. Early on in my career, I worked with schematics and prints to perform board and component-level troubleshooting. I worked on various home audio products including amplifiers, CD players, early cell phones, etc. My experience gave me a very indebt look at how things truly worked on the inside. I was now troubleshooting resistance in circuits as well as voltage, current, power, etc. I learned how to solve various electronic measurements in a circuit using Ohm’s Law. I also learned how gears and pulleys, chains, and magnets worked in mechanical devices.

I took my electro/mechanical background and applied it to the companies I worked for through the 90s. I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 2012. That allowed me to not only work using the skills learned from a troubleshooting standpoint but, now I could turn to managing the process and managing others. In 2014 I earned my Masters Degree in Business Management with a concentration in project management. I have spent the last several years working in the area of safety. For seven years I worked as the Corporate Director of Safety in Atlanta. Safety covers all areas of what we do whether it’s at home or work. My passions are to ensure everyone leaves work the same way they came.

I currently work as the Environmental Health and Safety Operations Manager at a Walmart Ecommerce site in Atlanta. I manage five area managers in a facility of over 5000 associates. No matter where our journeys take us in life, we will always be surrounded by ever-growing technology and the need to keep pace, and the need to keep everyone safe.

This is a very exciting time to be able to share my career experiences with the youth of today helping them to develop a solid foundation for learning tomorrow’s technology.