Mana-what?!?
People ask us about our name all the time. Manawa is inspired by the Maori word for “heart” and also means to motivate, to encourage, to incite, to inspire, and to empower. We chose this name when we founded the company because to us it was never simply about providing a service in exchange for money. Our goal is to become a part of your business by understanding what you want to do and then show you how technology can be harnessed to help you get there. We put our hearts into delivering a remarkable service experience and are always looking to empower you through technology.
Manawa Networks grew from a simple, powerful premise: We set out to make every one of our customers feel as though they have all the benefits of an in-house IT department, but without the commitment that maintaining their own team would require. We make every effort to make your Manawa resources as efficient as possible, so that you’ll never feel like you’re funding a comeback for online solitaire.
The truth is, many small and medium sized businesses don’t need full time support for their technology, but they still need any time support, as well as ongoing maintenance, IT strategy, implementation and more. Manawa delivers all that and more.
More like in-house than outsourced.
We are more than just some outside IT service provider that reads from a script to meet your needs. Our highly experienced and personable team isn’t tossed into a pool that you access at random. You’re not required to explain for the third time, to the next available representative, what your problem is. Instead, you have a dedicated team of Manawa Associates, whose names you know, who know your business, know your technology and understand what you need it to do. So, instead of calling an automated answering system you call and get Tim or Bill…
It’s that simple.
So that’s our idea. We’re in the business of making good systems great with great people, real relationships and remarkable service. We’ve been at it (and growing mightily) since 2008.
This is us.
To join the team at Manawa, our associates have to have the right stuff: technical prowess, business savvy, and a keen interest in delivering remarkable customer service. We recognize that your business is not a training ground, so we only onboard those who fit the bill.
The Manawa Associate who supports your business will be well equipped to deliver the professional, personable, and expert service you’re looking for and he or she will always have the support of the full Manawa team.
The Manawa Family
Manawa’s Management Team
Matthew Held
Co-Founder and CEO
As a co-founder of Manawa, it’s gratifying to see our concept of a company that delivers super-star service grow into the successful IT firm we’ve become. Overseeing our strategic direction and growth initiatives, I’m naturally looking forward to the success continuing! I also support our vendors and partner relationships – and I have to say, they also support us. We have a great roster of partnerships that help us meet our customer needs. My B-Comm from Ryerson University fueled the entrepreneur in me and Manawa has been a real treat since day one. When I’m off the clock, I fundraise for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and enjoy playing hockey and basketball or a good game of squash. I love to explore the world, and I’m always planning my next journey!
Carmine Tiano
Co-Founder and President
After more than a decade of experience as an IT consultant, I’ve had the privilege to work with many clients – not just to maintain technical resources, but working with the organizations I’ve served, to help them achieve their business goals. IT is so integral to business today that IT strategy is a critical aspect of business planning. As a co-founder of Manawa, I oversee the service we provide making sure our standards and the talent we bring to the table is in line with our customer’s needs. And that’s what I’ve done with my BSc from Devry University! In downtime, I love to play ball hockey and I’m an avid student of the martial arts.
Manawa’s IT All Stars
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Issa D
Whether it was comic books, video games, archery, or just running around with a broomstick making lightsaber noises, I spent most of my life being a geek. But it wasn’t until after three years in architecture, that I decided full time geek was the life for me and made the jump to Information Technology. (And, if I had access to stabilized time travel, I wouldn’t change a thing.)
Not only has IT offered me better balance between my career, my family, and my friends – it’s given me the opportunity to play with all the latest new toys! I can ramble on about virtualization or paperless business practices or simple and secure ways to standardize your multitudes of passwords… and know that my little rant could be helping someone improve the way their business works, reduce their carbon footprint, or keep their personal data safe.
While I received my training in network administration and security, my favourite part of any job is interacting and building positive relationships with the clients I work with. I love my job, and I love it when my job loves me. -
Hussein R
“Never before in history has innovation offered promise of so much to so many in so short a time.” –Bill Gates
I am passionately involved in delivering technology solutions to small and medium sized businesses, with a specific focus on the research and deployment of information security best practices.
I seek out creative, disruptive technologies that can drive business advantage, and I have a proven record of profitability with solution offering deployments. Well prepared to address virtually any IT issue, I have vendor neutral technical certifications related to IT solutions and networking.
Outside of work I volunteer in senior and youth initiatives and currently a youth board member for the Multicultural Council for Ontario Seniors as well as a member of the RCMP Council for Partnership & Diversity. -
Josh N
Technology is an integral part of the workplace and everyday life, but when it fails most people lack the knowhow and patience to find the solution. My expertise lies in acting as the conduit between that desired solution and the actual one!
I got into this business because I have a passion for problem solving and finding the right tool for the task. Nothing motivates me more than the opportunity to help someone make use of technology and help make their job or life a little easier.
It’s with knowledge and confidence that one builds a relationship with a client, but it’s trust and loyalty that maintains it.
I strive to go above and beyond my clients’ expectations, delivering an excellent experience and becoming a resource they want to share with their friends and colleagues. -
Jamie C
As far back as I can remember, I’ve been fixing computers at first for family, then friends. Fortunately, it turned out I was pretty good at it. These days, I get paid to do what I love as an IT Consultant with Manawa: I help people, work in different environments and technologies, while sharing my knowledge of (and more than a bit of his passion for) technology.
When not sitting in front of a computer, I love to go camping out in the sun with my wife and our overly-hyper husky puppy; or you’ll find me cheering on my team the Toronto Maple Leafs; or just spending time with friends and family (and yes, I still find myself fixing their computers).
In any time left over, I also like reading, playing soccer, golf, and even some dodgeball. -
Paul S
In school, I majored in Information Technology with specific emphasis on systems infrastructure and networking, and I have earned the MCSE, MCITP, Server+, Security+, Network+, and A+ certifications.
My more than 12 years in the field has seen me take on multiple roles including Senior Network Administrator, Enterprise Systems Architect, and Infrastructure Consultant.
I’m a strong advocate for honest, well-planned, efficiently managed IT, and I try to involve my customers at every step by making effective communication a focal point of the approach I use to progress to successful implementation.
Professionally, my interests focus on virtualization technologies (Hyper-V), firewalls, MS Exchange, Active Directory, Citrix, SAN, clustering, and general systems integration and architecture.
And, when I’m not involved in resolving complex IT scenarios, you’ll find me out on the court playing a little basketball (I love to play both competitive and recreational), or on the slopes doing some freestyle snowboarding. I enjoy reading philosophy, watching documentary films, and, above all else, spending time with my wife, friends, and family… preferably on a backyard patio with delicious food on the grill and a beer in hand. -
Gabriella V
I am a Programmer/Network Support Analyst. When I came to Canada my goal was to complete my Chemical Engineering degree, but life surprised me and I got drawn into computer systems. I love everything that involves brainpower and the chance for continuous learning so IT became my work life.
What I enjoy the most is digging into problems and applying my diverse experience to find solutions. Just like I might have as a Chemical Engineer, I look for ways to improve processes, resolve enigmas and come up with new formulae to best serve my clients. Computers are my labs, programs my flasks and data my compounds. Challenges are my energy drink and when one presents itself, I don’t rest until I get to the bottom of it!
At the end of my workday, I like to create crochet projects. Far from computers, this lets me get back to basics, making fabric out of a string or yarn makes me imagine how things were once. Simple manipulations of fingers and hook can create wonders.
When a client’s challenge is resolved (or my crochet projects are completed) my brain is fulfilled for the day. Do you have a problem in search of a resolution or a creative solution? -
Jonas M
Born in Scarborough and raised in Pickering, I became interested in computers while watching my brother spend hours (and hours) in front of his screen.
Intrigued as to how the computer operated, I started digging around inside and then building my own computers at an early age. It wasn’t long before I became everyone’s “go-to” guy: and as my, confidence and interest grew, I headed off to Centennial College’s ‘Computer Systems – Networking Technology’ program.
My natural passion and excitement, along with a newly formed set of skills, led me to the Manawa team and this great opportunity to put my knowledge to work, every day. Troubleshooting, solving problems, making a difference – that’s what drives me to deliver exceptional service to my clients. Determined and resourceful, you’ll find you can count on me to get the job done. -
Brian V
My name is Brian, and I’m a big fan of my customers. My first goal is to build strong relationships with the people and businesses that I have the privilege of serving. The most exciting part of my work is sitting down with my customers, getting to know how their business works, and collaboratively working to find new and better ways for them to support their staff, serve their customers, and build the bottom line. The only people I love more than my customers are my wife, Jennifer, and our young son and daughter. Our eldest is only two years old, so it will be a few more years before I get to take them snowboarding with me, or wilderness camping in northern Ontario.
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Derek M
People-oriented, honest, and thoughtful: three traits for which I’m well known and confidently bring to the table when working with my clients.
I believe creating positive relationships is an important aspect of the business and an effective way to learn everything I can about a client’s systems and business, ultimately helping to prevent potential issues. It’s also imperative that I provide the most honest opinion to my clients and I always consider all possible perspectives in order that together, we can make the best and most informed decision.
My natural aptitude for technology and my goal to make people happy are the foundation of my interest in the IT world. My personality traits along with my drive ensure I’ll always do the best possible job – and always with a smile on my face. -
Jeff S
I am a computer consultant in Toronto, Canada who loves any challenge involving connectivity. I am married to a wonderful woman (Kim) who runs a bridal business (just another kind of connectivity!)
I offer a couple of decades of experience in IT, systems architecture, disaster recovery and virtualization. I employ all types of hardware and software (new and old) and enjoy making them work together.
I joined Manawa Networks to expand my horizons, work with a diverse set of customers and contribute to the service-first philosophy that is embraced here.
In business, IT is nothing short of mission critical, and downtime can be disastrous. I resolve problems quickly and efficiently, working well on my own or contributing to a team. You’ll find I bring a tireless work ethic and a professional attitude day in and day out. -
Tim P
I have been working in the technology field for 15 years, but my interest goes back to the day, in Grade 4, that my father brought home our first TRS-80 computer. Having also played drums and piano since about that time, I soon discovered the natural connection between these two interests. And that is what led me to pursue an education and a career in technology. I graduated from a three-year Computer Programmer/Analyst college program in 2000. After a short stint stretching my independent IT consulting legs, I found and joined Manawa Networks.
I thrive in challenging environments and really enjoy working directly with my clients, as I believe people to be the creamy filling in the technology donut. Respect, admiration and appreciation are key to my approach for all of my customers, as I strive to develop a better understanding of their goals and aspirations.
Aside from drumming, cycling, poker, golf, and endlessly trying to quench an insatiable thirst for knowledge, I spend as much time as possible with my wife and 3 year old daughter. My daughter’s arrival has caused time to accelerate exponentially, so I prefer not to waste a minute of it. How can I save some time for you?