About Us
Data Defined is a leading provider of Managed IT Services to small and midsize organizations. We help our customers leverage the power of information technology to achieve their goals by becoming their trusted IT ally.
Who WE Are
Over 24 Years
Of Leading IT Services
Data Defined is a new name, but we have been providing IT services and managed IT services for over 24 years. Gil Buthlay started BEK Inc. in 1999 which grew into a leading provider across New England. When Gil retired, David Buthlay along with partners Elizabeth Whitman, Joe Keelan and Tom Vela purchased BEK Inc. and started Data Defined LLC.
What hasn’t changed: First and foremost, our commitment to you. We continue to provide excellent customer service, and that’s not going to change.
Our team hasn’t changed either, and continues to grow. Our know-how and expertise remain ready to solve your computer and network issues
Data Defined, LLC is a leading provider of Managed IT Services to small and midsize organizations. We help our customers leverage the power of information technology to achieve their goals by becoming their trusted IT ally. Since 1999, we have made IT management easy and secure for hundreds of corporations, healthcare organizations, non-profits, and public sector agencies. We provide complete IT outsourcing to business leaders, and augmentation services to IT teams.
Our Core Values
Our Commitment
To Our Customers
Personable
IT can be stressful, our staff understands this and is courteous and approachable
Adaptable & Flexible
Your business is constantly evolving and changing. We have the ability to move and change with you.
Accountable
We strive to get it right the first time, if we missed something we will work to make it right.
Honest
We do our best to provide accurate quotes, estimates and timelines for your projects. If we miss a target because of an issue or circumstance on our end we will work with you to get it right.
Thorough
While reboots can fix many issues, we don't stop there, we work hard to ensure we have completed a ticket or project fully and have researched the "why" to prevent the same issue again before it is closed. Detailed notes are also taken and entered into our systems for future reference.
Strategic
Combining many years of expertise and design, we bring you the best value for your network without jeopardizing security, every time.
Problem Solvers
We take the time to explore all of the options to resolve an issue, we look at best practices, explore our many vendors if needed - we take the time to solve a problem so it will not occur again.
Our People
Meet the Team
David Buthlay
Chief Executive Officer
David Buthlay
David Buthlay was born and raised in Massachusetts. He spent time in the military, worked in restaurants, and owned a couple of businesses before an opportunity arose to join forces with his brother at BEK Inc., in Maine. Together, they grew the business for 24 years until his brother retired. David then bought out his brother, with new partners Elizabeth, Tom, and Joe, to start Data Defined, LLC. When David is not working hard for Data Defined, he enjoys working on home rehab projects and traveling with his wife, Shannan. His passion for finding solutions and creating value keeps him motivated to continue the success of Data Defined, and he is excited about what the future holds for the company.
Elizabeth Whitman
Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth Whitman
Elizabeth Whitman has worked in customer service for 25 years, first as a cashier at a Mom-and-Pop general store and then as an administrative assistant at a residential computer service provider. Elizabeth joined BEK Inc in 2005 and worked her way up to Office Manager. In 2022, she teamed up with David Buthlay, Joe Keelan, and Tom Vela to form Data Defined, LLC and purchase BEK from its previous owner, Gil Buthlay. Outside of Data Defined, she enjoys singing with the Royal River Chorus as well as hiking, bowling, reading, and playing trivia.
Joe Keelan
Director of Client Services
Joe Keelan
Joe Keelan is the Director of Client Services at Data Defined. He is responsible for managing the workload, routing support calls to engineers, and providing support to clients in any way possible. Joe finds his job fulfilling as he learns something new almost every day with Data Defined. Outside of work, he enjoys tending to his garden and ensuring that it maintains a diverse range of plants such as hydrangeas, old garden roses, and early spring ephemerals If you just can’t seem to grow something in deep shade, I likely have a solution for you. If you want to know why your Outlook keeps crashing, I likely have a solution for that too.
Tom Vela
Director of Special Projects
Tom Vela
Tom Vela is no stranger to IT. At the start of his US Navy career starting in 2001, he was introduced to computers and how to build and optimize them. Growing up, Tom was always involved in auto mechanics and was adept in troubleshooting, so computers were a seamless transition. His interest in computers brought him out of the Navy and into a Data Center Hardware OPS group for Morgan Stanley in Manhattan. He later found God was steering his family back to the wonderful state of Maine working for BEK where he would eventually team up with Elizabeth Whitman, Joe Keelan, and David Buthlay to form Data Defined LLC. When Tom is not Directing Special Projects, he is practicing hobbies of blacksmithing, milling wood, and online gaming. Most of his free time is gratefully spent working with his wife Rachel to raise their five awesome children.
Steve Neetz
Senior Infrastructure Network Engineer
Steve Neetz
Steve Neetz is a veteran working with technology. As a young child, he helped his dad spec, build, and troubleshoot PCs, then landed his first paid gig building a network at a small business in North Pole, Alaska. Cementing his background in customer service, Steve worked for an ISP, a hotel at Denali National Park, and the University of Alaska before moving to Maine and starting with a local computer service shop, then joined BEK Inc. in 2005. He stayed with BEK through its transition to Data Defined in 2022, stacking skills and experience all the while. In his spare time, Steve enjoys making things (food, beer, and music - mainly metal), spending time with his wife, children, and Standard Schnauzer, and trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (blue belt as of 2021).
Kevin Glass
Infrastructure Network Engineer II
Kevin Glass
Kevin Glass has 7 years of experience in IT, including 4 years at Data Defined. He started as a Helpdesk tech at BEK Inc and progressed to become a Network Engineer at Data Defined. Kevin has been training and supporting new team members in both general IT and Networking. He is known for his ability to pay attention to detail and solve complex problems. In his free time, Kevin enjoys playing guitar and drums, as well as gaming. He also likes to tinker with electronics and Raspberry Pi/SBCs.
Han Lee
Network Engineer I
Han Lee
Han Lee has an extensive background in the restaurant industry, having spent a decade working in various kitchens. However, his passion for networking and cloud infrastructure led him to pivot to IT. Even though he now spends his days developing innovative solutions for clients at Data Defined, Han still enjoys cooking in his free time. With a firm belief in the transformative power of technology, Han is perfectly suited to produce networking solutions that streamline your organization's relationship with IT and the cloud.
Art Vandelay
Infrastructure Network Engineer II
Art Vandelay
Art Vandelay brings a wealth of experience as an Infrastructure Network Engineer, specializing in enterprise-class Unix systems. His academic background includes degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, supported by a prestigious NASA scholarship and Phi Theta Kappa honors, highlighting his dedication and expertise in the field. With a career spanning more than three decades in sectors including semiconductors, value-added resellers, and investment banking, Art has demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by founding and managing his own business. He also collaborated with David DeLorme in developing embedded Linux systems, showcasing his innovation and leadership in technology. Outside of his professional endeavors, Art pursues beekeeping as a personal interest, underscoring his profound commitment to environmental sustainability and passion for nature.
David Smyth
Help Desk Technician I
David Smyth
David Smyth has been working in the IT industry for the past 26 years, in various industries ranging from banking to health services. He is employed with Data Defined and has held several roles such as Help Desk Engineer, Computer Technician, and Systems Administrator. He finds working as a Help Desk Engineer the most fulfilling as it allows him to help people resolve their issues. His work ethic is based on the belief that he has done a good job if he has learned something new each day. David enjoys spending his free time hunting, fishing, gardening, watching wildlife, and spending time with his family outside of work at Data Defined.
Charles Lyrio
Help Desk Technician I
Charles Lyrio
Charles Lyrio is an IT professional with a year of experience working in the field. He has been passionate about building computers since childhood, which led him to work in the technology industry. Prior to joining the IT industry, Charles attended truck driving school and worked as a truck driver. He finds the IT field dynamic and continuously evolving, presenting new opportunities to learn and grow by mastering new processes and systems. Charles derives satisfaction from helping clients resolve their concerns. Beyond his work, he is active in a local fraternal organization that contributes to the community, and he enjoys gardening as a hobby.
Josh Bingham
Help Desk Technician I
Josh Bingham
I was born in Idaho, where my fascination with computers began as a hobby. Recognizing my natural talent for problem-solving and assisting others, I pursued a career in tech support after high school. Since then, I have held various roles, adeptly troubleshooting, and resolving hardware and software issues. In 2016, I relocated to Maine and subsequently earned a degree in IT. Eager to further expand my knowledge in the field, I am thrilled to embark on a continuous learning journey. While my passion lies in computers and technology, I also indulge in composing instrumental music, watching thrilling movies, and playing video games during my leisure time.
A customer speaks
“I’m proud to say that we have been doing business with Data Defined (formerly BEK) for over 20 years. When we first moved to our current location, we were a growing construction company and needed a dependable IT Firm to help us set our network up. I contacted Data Defined (formerly BEK) and right away I knew it was going to be a good fit. They had the technical skill I was looking for and I was also impressed that they hired employees with a military background. They helped us set up our initial network when we had 20 employees and have helped us grow the network to support our current 55 employees. I appreciate their frankness in telling me what we need for equipment and software programs, to protect our company and its data. As one example: Several Years Ago, they told me that we needed to have an on-site and off-site Back Up system to protect us. We followed their recommendations and went with both systems. Within a year, we had a ransom ware attack on our server and our on-site back up was wiped out. Thanks to their recommendations, we were back up and running in a couple days and did not lose any of our 32 years of data. As for their employees, they are well trained, and they take Customer Service as their #1 priority. I enjoy working with their team. They take care of us, like we are family. If you are looking for a straightforward IT company that will tell you what you what equipment and software you need, then I totally recommend Data Defined.”
Maria B - Zachau Construction Inc.