Richard Applegate
My name is Richard Applegate. I am hard of hearing with advanced proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL). I currently serve as the IT and Network Administrator and Maintenance Repair technician at Anthem Coffee and Tea, and as IT Manager at Joe Coffee Mobile to Go. I take pride in applying my technical expertise to support both organizations every day.
Outside of work, I am passionate about managing my personal home server lab — three Linux Ubuntu servers running on Cloudron. I regularly perform system updates, security hardening, and performance tuning. I especially value Cloudron's backup system, which has proven invaluable for streamlining server administration.
Work Experience
Anthem Coffee and Tea — IT & Network Administrator / Maintenance Repair
Since 2019, I have served as the IT and Network Administrator for Anthem Coffee and Tea, supporting eight store locations across Washington (6) and Arizona (2). My primary responsibility is to maintain seamless IT operations across all locations, each with their own distinct infrastructure needs.
My work includes deploying and managing point-of-sale systems, installing and maintaining secure network infrastructure, overseeing security camera systems, providing IT help desk support, and managing hosting services including web, email, DNS, and Nextcloud file sharing. For remote administration and troubleshooting, I use RustDesk to efficiently manage systems from anywhere. I also manage DNS servers and oversee Omada network hosting to deliver enterprise-grade wireless networking tailored to each location.
Joe Coffee Mobile to Go — IT Manager / Fulfillment Specialist
Since April 2025, I have served as IT Manager and Fulfillment Specialist for Joe Coffee Mobile to Go. This has been a fast-growing role with a wide range of new responsibilities. In addition to device deployments, inventory management, and on-site and remote technical support, I have taken on the following:
- Built and self-hosted n8n workflow automation, creating automated pipelines to streamline operations across the team.
- Wrote a Python script that connects to the Esper API to pull device data and report it to a Grafana dashboard for real-time device monitoring and visibility.
- Built a full inventory management system using Snipe-IT to track and manage all hardware assets.
- Created a Slack alert and label printing workflow using n8n — team members fill out a form, which triggers an alert and automatically prints a label for the device on a connected printer.
- Handling warehouse inventory — a significant new part of the role, managing physical stock, organization, and tracking across the warehouse.
The Joint Chiropractic — IT Specialist (2021–2024)
Provided IT support and computer repair services, performed network setup including Cat 5e/6 cabling, and handled store infrastructure tasks such as wall shelf installation and network configuration for each location.
Skills
Networking & Infrastructure
- Omada Cloud Network Controller (self-hosted via Docker)
- AdGuard DNS Servers (3 on-premises deployments)
- Firewall configuration for servers and networks
- CAT5–CAT7a (RJ45), RJ11, and RG6 cabling
- Network monitoring and administration
- VPN server setup and management
Linux & Server Administration
- Linux server administration (SSH, OS management)
- Docker and Portainer (Nginx Proxy, WordPress, Omada, AdGuard)
- System administration and database administration
- SSH / SFTP
- MySQL / MariaDB
- Cloudron server management
Automation & DevOps
- n8n workflow automation (self-hosted)
- Python scripting for API integrations (Esper API)
- Grafana dashboard setup and monitoring
- Snipe-IT asset and inventory management
- Slack integrations and alert workflows
Software & Web Services
- WordPress (website hosting and domain management)
- Email server (Postfix, Dovecot, Roundcube/SoGo webmail)
- Square POS and Square Site
- Nextcloud (secure file sharing and collaboration)
- RustDesk (remote help desk support)
- Microsoft Office and LibreOffice
Hardware & Support
- Computer hardware and software troubleshooting
- Security camera installation and monitoring
- Help desk support (remote and on-site)
- Point-of-sale system deployment and maintenance
- Warehouse inventory management
Education & Certifications
Education
Clover Park Technical College — 2016–Present (Degree in progress)
Certifications
- Server Administrator — 2017
- Computer Help Desk Technician
- Cisco Networking — 2017
Work History
Anthem Coffee and Tea
- June 2017–2019 — Barback
- June 2017–2018 — IT Internship (volunteer, with Bryan Reynolds)
- 2018–2019 — IT and Network Administrator
- Aug 2021–Present — IT and Network Administrator
- Aug 2022–Present — Linux Server Administrator
- Aug 2023–Present — Maintenance Repair Technician
The Joint Chiropractic
- 2021–2024 — IT Specialist and Computer Repair
- 2021–2024 — Network Setup
Joe Coffee Mobile to Go
- April 2025–Present — Fulfillment Specialist
- April 2025–Present — IT Manager