10 Questions With Craig Karpiak, Education Technology Specialist From Dell

As a former teacher, Craig Karpiak, education technology specialist from Dell, has seen both students and teachers struggle to afford and use technology. It's because of this background that Karpiak understands the importance of offering the best support and technology at the lowest prices possible, while also having empathy for the customer.

So how does Dell fit into Karpiak's philosophy? By holding tech-centric events and workshops for students and faculty, hosting extracurricular club events and coding tournaments, contributing to fundraising efforts and holding informational sessions for local parents, the company has been a pioneer in its commitment to education. Read on to learn more about Dell’s opportunities and to find out how you can win the cool prizes that Karpiak is raffling off.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Karpiak: I’ve been fortunate enough to be deeply involved with secondary and higher education my whole life, starting as a high school teacher myself in 2007 before moving on to a digital media arts college, based in downtown Chicago. It didn’t take long to fall in love with city and more importantly the people of Chicago.

My parents are also high school teachers and have been for over 30 years. I truly enjoy speaking with and learning from active members of the education community. Since 2009 I’ve enjoyed getting to know the students, parents, educators and administrators of several suburban Chicago school districts as well as CPS schools, private, charter and magnet schools in Cook County as well.

Patch: What attracted you to the business you’re in, and how did you get started?

Karpiak: During my own brief stint teaching in the high school classroom, it quickly became obvious that students were more readily engaged when using the right technology in the right situations.

Dell first stood out to me when I read about their approach to building cutting-edge technology while still maintaining a commitment to the environment. When I found out that Dell executes one of the most robust tech recycling programs (i.e.: first to use recycled ocean plastics for packaging) in its industry, I was intrigued as to what other ways Dell was helping the community at large.

The next thing that moved me to work this company is their support of our military families and individuals. They’ve been helping active and veteran soldiers get some of the best products available at the deepest discounts in the industry. I saw how successful those efforts have been I wanted to bring that kind of commitment to education in Chicago. When you find a brand with values that are consistent with your own, you know that the position is a fit.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Karpiak: Education, Support, Community, Environment, Technology.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Karpiak: Changing the perception of Dell, making sure that people see Dell as a the technology leader that we are. We are certainly not the aging desktop collecting dust in your grandfather’s office. Dell has so many award-winning products, but many people, students especially, just do not get the chance to see them in person and experience the best that Dell has to offer.

For example, when you pick up an XPS you can immediately feel the difference as machined aluminum and the award-winning keyboard that urges you to keep typing; in addition, its touch screen capabilities and the latest improvements to Windows 10, it’s obvious that XPS is the best laptop in the business. (We have the awards to prove it!)

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Karpiak: Offering the best product at the lowest price. I get to help families save money, buy the right product for their needs, and show off some of the best and newest technology available. For example, Dell is the first tech company to offer a wireless charging laptop and an infinity edge display. How awesome is that?!

Patch: You’re not the only person in this business. How do you distinguish yourself from the others?

Karpiak: It’s all about relationships. When I meet with K-12 faculty and staff, I enjoy our conversations and I plan on building a lasting relationship. Growing up around members of the education community as I did, makes it easy to be friends with all those I work with, as we all work with the best interest of the students. Supporting friends makes my job easier to do and fun. I also like hearing from students and it is great to see friendly faces over and over again. If you work with me once, we will have a longtime partnership. Making sure you have the best experience is what drives me.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Karpiak: That what is cheap or fast is not always best. The best things in life require an investment. Whether that is time, money or energy, sacrifice is almost always required to achieve greatness.

Patch: What would you say are a few secrets to your success?

Karpiak: Knowledge and empathy – I love knowing my customer and my brand and I take great pride in building that connection. There are so many different approaches to education that span so many different interests that are changing and innovating as quickly as students do, so it requires spending some time listening to what will really cause the greatest benefit for that person.

When I'm able to make the perfect fit, that is how I measure a successful day.

Patch: What is your favorite thing about the Patch?

Karpiak: Patch has been able to keep a fresh and relevant connection to local communities by focusing on stories that impact the people within their own neighborhoods. These days we are constantly inundated with a globalized media perspective on a massive scale and this can easily become overwhelming.

It’s refreshing to see a media group catering to local communities at a very personal and communal level. Dell has taken a similar approach to focus on helping local education communities engage the people in their surrounding communities.

With so many people getting their information from so many different places, it’s important that we not lose sight of what is going on right in front of us.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us about them.

Karpiak: I have been meeting with a lot of teachers, administrators and community organizations. Most of my events will be happening through the school year, but anyone can contact me at Craig.Karpiak@mosaic.com to discuss how Dell can be of service in your neighborhood. I love finding new ways be part of the community.

Here are some of the ways that we’ve worked with several areas in and around Chicagoland so far, and in turn, some ideas as to how we might be able to partner with your community as well:

· Provided scholarships for students to attend computer science, robotics and other STEM-based summer camp programs

· Helped school fundraising efforts by providing raffle items like laptops, gift cards and more to increase attendance and enhance engagement of students and parents

· Offered exclusive deals (i.e.: laptops for under $200) to students, teachers and parents as they shop for their own laptop or device for college or work

· Conducted in-class (or after-school/club) workshops covering topics such as Windows 10 (useful tips and tricks, office 365 update, etc.), cyber security, college prep panel discussions and more

· Helped organize and/or furnished equipment for extracurricular club meetings (usually around CS topics, but not necessarily.)

Some other examples of the event support that we've provided includes providing extra monitors and high-powered laptops for gaming or coding club events, workshops for athletes that teach them basic video editing software skills to help them to cut together their highlight videos for college recruiters, parent education sessions on technology necessary for students preparing for college on a budget, etc.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Karpiak: Visit www.Dell.com/northshoresd for exclusive deals for Patch.com readers. If you have any questions or would like to know about additional K-12 exclusive price match guarantees, or how we might work together to bring a Dell Education event to your local community, please reach out directly to Craig.Karpiak@mosaic.com.

I’m always curious as to who reads the Q&A, so I am offering two $50 gift cards to be used on the www.Dell.com/northshoresd site. I will draw two winners from anyone that sends me a direct email to let me know they read this Q&A.

Photo Credit: Craig Karpiak

This Patch article is sponsored by Dell.