John Zdechlik, President
John is a degreed electrical engineer who has spent all of his professional life in the audio, video, audiovisual, and IT industry.Job roles have included consultant, design engineer, sales engineer, and now president of Z Systems.
John founded Z Systems in 1998 based on a need in the marketplace for a small, elite group of highly technical people to tackle the tough jobs in a very hands-on manner.
Steve “Wolfie” Browender, Account Manager
Steve (Wolfie) was a long-time client, and liked us so much he decided to join up! As the former manager, senior editor, shooter and producer at a local production shop, he understands the varied needs of video professionals. Steve is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Communication Arts. When he is not at work he enjoys playing football on Sunday afternoons in the ‘Flabby Guys Football League’, playing softball and refining his grilling skills. He also enjoys hanging out with the women in his life, daughters Carolyn and Amy and wife Sue. Be warned – he is a semi professional practical joker. Ask him how he got his nickname…if you dare.
John Finley, Account Manager
John Finley has worked in TV and video production since 1979, as both an independent and a staff DP/camera op. He’s shot news, commercials, sports, documentaries, and features covering historic events like 9/11. He’s been on shoots as far as Honduras and Italy, and as close as the MN North Stars! He’s shot for CBS, NBC, ESPN, Showtime, HBO, 3M, Nike, Amex, and Cargill. Having spent half his life in production, he knows the pain, and he knows what’s important to you folks who are still out there making it happen. He loves watching the Twins (out in the gazebo on a beautiful summer eve) and Gopher hockey with his wife of 33yrs Ceci. He has 2 children, Sheila (married to Steve K) out in Boston, and Patrick.
“Wish I was still the Adonis specimen Wolfie is, but I‘ve hung up the bat n glove along with the hockey stick.”
George Walkley, Account Manager
George came to the Twin Cities in the early 90’s with an A.A.S. in Electronics, and a history of troubleshooting and repairing cameras/camcorders, monitors, and decks at Sony’s Regional Super Service Center in IL. He was also a Service Engineer at KSTP-TV, and the Service Manager here at Z Systems, building a strong relationship history with the Twin Cities area. Now in an Account Manager role, he enjoys working directly with people, and using his in-depth technical background to help his customers navigate an ever-changing market and find the right solutions for their technical quandaries.
Greg Chastain, Senior Non-Linear Technician
Greg is Z System’s IT guru. In addition to the care and feeding of our internal IT infrastructure, Greg is known around town as the ‘go-to’ guy when problems arise with any sort of digital media computer or network. So much so, that he’s earned the moniker ‘Dr. Panic.’ Specializing in non-linear systems and video SAN technologies, Greg complements our other service and installation resources perfectly. 
Greg’s caring and feeding skills now extend beyond our IT infrastructure with the addition of his children – the cute and very clever Emmett and the adorable Ellie. Rumor has it Greg and Molly have the kids rock climbing already.
Can you say carabiner?
Jay Gallentine, Integration Manager
Jay is a facility designer, computing tech, and project manager. Also an Avid ACSR, plus an Apple-Certified Xsan and MacOS Technician. Having worked for over twelve years as a film and video editor, this expatriate refers to himself as a ‘recovering editor’.
Ambassadors from Earth by Jay Gallentine
Jay holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Broadcasting and Film Production from the University of Iowa.Before entering the boreal world of film and television, Jay competed as a sponsored endurance athlete. His exploits included the Ironman Triathlon, qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and numerous top-five triathlon finishes.
In his spare time, Jay spent five years researching and writing the award-winning book about exploring the solar system, Ambassadors from Earth.
Margie Zdechlik, Controller
Margie is in charge of financial oversight, client credit, and vendor relations. And, if anyone has questions about running a Girl Scout troop, Margie’s definitely your go-to person.
Brittany Miller, Office Manager
Brittany keeps operations ship-shape, manages the website, and handles graphic design. She has degrees in theater and English, both from the College of St. Benedict. When she’s not making spreadsheets and checking off to-do lists at Z Systems, she makes spreadsheets and checks off to-do lists for Spencer McGillicutty, a retro folk-pop band that she sings in.
Spencer McGillicutty plays Games
They recently celebrated a Japanese release of their sophomore album, Games, and are hard at work on a third record, due to be released in 2012.
It’s available at www.spencermcgillicutty.com
Or give them a listen at: www.myspace.com/spencermcgillicutty