
Get To Know Us
We're a team of IT experts with a purpose to help people thrive.
Meet John + Charlie
It all started with a text message: "Check your inbox. Your future just arrived."
Meet our founders - John Johnston and Charlie Lambers.
Together, they've created PEOPLEIT with a people-first approach. Our name is more than a label; it's a promise. We chose 'People' intentionally because we believe that in a world where data and technology are integral to every aspect of business. ‘People’ should always come first. Our journey begins by understanding your unique challenges and goals. We know that technology and data, no matter how powerful, are tools meant to simplify lives and drive business growth.
Meet the Team
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Charlie Lambers
Co-Owner + Accounts Manager
Introducing Charlie, the co-founder of PEOPLEIT. Growing up in West Michigan, Charlie is a Holland native and Davenport University graduate. Charlie is our unicorn - a perfect mix of an IT expert with incredible people and relationship building strengths. His journey has been an adventure as he led the Global IT Infrastructure Team at Gentex and then started PEOPLEIT with John.
When he's not busy strategizing ways for PEOPLEIT to serve the west Michigan community, Charlie enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Megan, and their four kids.
charlie@peopleit.com
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John Johnston
Co-Owner + Sales Manager
Meet John, the co-founder of PEOPLEIT, bringing Irish charm and entrepreneurial flair to the tech scene in West Michigan. Since making the move from Ireland in 2004, John's journey has been in consulting, launching start-ups and leading sales and strategy for various companies. John's path ultimately led him to partner with Charlie in creating PEOPLEIT in 2018.
John's interests range from cheering on his favorite football (soccer) and rugby sports teams to exploring local hiking trails and travelling. Living in Holland, MI, John loves spending time with his wife, Abbey, and their daughter.
john@peopleit.com
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Joel Boyles
Integrator
Joel is the Integrator at PEOPLEIT, the glue that keeps us together, blending humor, creativity, and incredible communication skills driving us to success. His journey began in 2006 at Ventura Manufacturing, where he wore many hats, including Global IT Team leader and Furniture Division Team Leader. Joel's superpower is that he's fascinated by continually learning, and that drive has taken him to where he is today
Joel currently lives in Zeeland, MI with his wife and high school sweetheart, Joan, along with their two children. Apart from his commitments to work and family, Joel has a passion for listening to and creating his own music.
Certifications: Certified ITIL Strategic Leader
joel@peopleit.com
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Melissa Beyer
Business Analyst
Melissa is our vibrant Business Analyst at PEOPLEIT. With a decade-long journey at Ventura Manufacturing, Melissa's career has transitioned from the assembly line to business management and analytics. Ready for new challenges, she eagerly embraced the opportunity at PEOPLEIT, enticed by the promise of growth and the chance to tackle diverse problems for a range of companies.
Melissa's zest for life shines. Born and raised in Zeeland, MI, she shares her life with her husband Doug and their two beloved cats, Mabel and Howard. When she's not conquering the workday, you'll find Melissa reading a good book, spending time outside, or hanging out with her nieces and nephews.
Certifications: ITLI Foundation Certificate, A3 Management, Team Kanban Practitioner
melissa@peopleit.com
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Michael Gates
Business Intelligence Specialist
Introducing Mike, a seasoned Business Intelligence Specialist at PEOPLEIT, and the best damn quilt-maker you'll meet in West Michigan. With a background spanning over three decades in business management and data analytics, Mike holds a BBA in finance and accounting along with a master's degree in data analytics from Western Governors University.
Rooted in Wyoming, MI, Mike's family values and commitment shine through, as a devoted husband to April for 30 years and father to four children. Outside of work, he finds joy in crafting, particularly quilting and sewing.
Certifications: Microsoft Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate, Exin Foundations Certification in Scrum, PowerBI Data Analytics Certification from Microsoft
mike.gates@peopleit.com
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Tyler Berens
Software Developer
Meet Tyler, our most seasoned Software Developer at PEOPLEIT. With experience in custom software development for churches around the world, Tyler found his niche at PEOPLEIT, drawn by its growth opportunities and dynamic environment.
Born and raised in Zeeland, MI, Tyler's commitment to his roots is evident as he purchased his childhood home and attended Zeeland East before pursuing his degree at Davenport University. Married to Jessica since 2016, Tyler is a proud father to two children. Beyond work, he enjoys golfing, barbequing, and baking the best loaf of sourdough bread.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Azure Developer Associate, Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate
tyler@peopleit.com
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Logan Kragt
Software Developer
Logan is one of our software developers at PEOPLEIT, and probably the most genuine person you'll ever meet. With a background in warehouse control systems and supply chain integration, Logan found his perfect fit at PEOPLEIT, drawn by the fantastic team, promising benefits, and flexible hybrid work schedule.
Logan is a true local, having attended West Ottawa High School and earning his computer science degree from Hope College. Currently pursuing an MBA at Davenport University, Logan's commitment to continuous learning is evident. At home in Zeeland, MI, he cherishes moments with his wife Sophie and their three children.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Azure Administrator Associate
logan@peopleit.com
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Jason Helms
Infrastructure Engineer
Say hi to Jason, one of our Infrastructure Engineers at PEOPLEIT. When asked why he joined PEOPLEIT, Jason simply replied, "Because John and Charlie asked me to." His dry humor keeps us laughing while his skills keep our customer's systems running smoothly. Before Jason joined PEOPLEIT, he moved his way up to working as the IT Administrator at Kendall Group. He has 10+ years of real-world, hands-on infrastructure experience and there isn't a problem he can't solve.
Jason grew up in Wyoming, MI and currently lives in Hopkins, MI with his wife, Megan, and their 4 kids.
jason@peopleit.com
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Shane Hillen
Infrastructure Engineer
Shane is an Infrastructure Engineer at PEOPLEIT with infectious energy. He has worn many hats in life, from Vocal Jazz Performance to teaching Historical Fencing; his professional career is now settled in the world of IT. He has worked at several multi-million dollar companies in varying roles revolving around infrastructure, design, and support. Driven by a desire for career growth and a vibrant company culture, he now feels at home here at PEOPLEIT!
He lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Christel and their precocious corgi, Bert. He co-owns a non-profit Historical European Martial Arts school, Centerline Sword School. Passionate about fencing, he delights in teaching students and nurturing their skills, finding fulfillment in witnessing their growth and progress.
Certifications: Comp Tia A+
shane@peopleit.com
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Marie Schroeder
Marketing Specialist
Marie is our dynamic Marketing Specialist at PEOPLEIT. Marie's dedication and energy shine through in everything she does. With a background in brand marketing and content management at Merrell and ALEX AND ANI, Marie brings a wealth of experience and innovation to our team. Fun-loving, competitive, and endlessly creative, she's the driving force behind our marketing and sales strategies.
Growing up in Hudsonville, MI, she attended Unity Christian High School before getting her bachelor's degree in social work from Calvin University, where she also excelled on the softball field. Now living in Byron Center, MI with her husband, Brandon, and their son, Marie balances her professional life with the joy of motherhood.
marie@peopleit.com
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Mike DeWaard
Sales and Recruitment Consultant
Meet Mike, our Sales and Recruitment Consultant at PEOPLEIT, with a huge servant's heart. With over 30 years of experience in IT, Mike's career took root at Gentex, where he played a significant role in the company's monumental growth by serving in various positions within the IT Department, ultimately retiring as a Senior IT Manager. Additionally, Mike is in his ninth year serving as a part-time firefighter, showcasing his commitment to service beyond the office walls.
Originally from Kalamazoo, Mike made his way to Holland, where he met his wife, Jennifer, and raised two boys along the lakeshore. Outside of work, Mike enjoys traveling with his wife and engaging in a broad range of outdoor activities such as golf, skiing, fishing, pickleball, and more, although he admits he still is not very good at any of them yet.
mike@peopleit.com
Invest in People
Our shared purpose bonds us: creating opportunities for people to be valued and thrive. We are committed to working together to build futures filled with confidence and optimism. Our team comprises individuals from billion-dollar corporations, startups, and nonprofits, bringing diverse perspectives that drive our best ideas.
We get to know you and your goals, working together to build a stronger, more agile, and efficient organization and team, ready for whatever the future brings.