Hi, I’m Rudy Valencia, a lifelong Northern Colorado resident with a passion for technology and how it can transform the way we live, work, and connect. Growing up in a region rich with both natural beauty and innovation, I developed a deep appreciation for hands-on learning and creative problem-solving.
My journey into tech started in the early ‘90s, when my dad brought home a HeadStart Explorer — an 8086 clone with a built-in GUI. From there, I dove into every machine I could get my hands on: thrift store finds, hand-me-downs, and whatever someone was tossing out. By 2001, I’d bought my first PC (a Pentium 4 with Windows XP), and I’ve been building, fixing, and customizing ever since.
Over time, I’ve explored:
- Linux systems and shell scripting
- Web and graphic design fundamentals
- Virtualization and home lab networking
- System administration and domain management
Today, my home lab includes a VMware ESXi 8 virtualization server, running Active Directory for centralized authentication and hosting experimental services. I use it daily to expand my skills, simulate real-world IT environments, and collaborate remotely with peers.
Outside of tech, I enjoy spending time with friends, listening to music, rolling dice on a custom-built tabletop, and cruising Colorado’s scenic roads.
I’m currently looking to enter the field of Information Technology and Systems Administration, where I can put years of self-taught expertise to work. I bring a combination of technical skill, local roots, and a deep curiosity — and I’m excited to contribute to a team that values practical experience and lifelong learning.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or check out my homelab and journal to see what I’ve been working on.