Meet the Team: Nathan Hooker

by Jon Lober | NOC Technology


Meet Nathan Hooker:

Technical Engineer at NOC Technology

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl.

 

 

Favorite movie?

Fight Club. I think I have seen it more than any other movie.

 

 

What bands are on your playlist right now?

Miniature Tigers, Iron Tom, Unwritten Law, and Queens of the Stone.

 

 

Favorite local restaurant?

Town Square Pub and Grill in Lake St. Louis. The fried pork tenderloin sandwich is pretty good.

 

 

If you could invite anyone to dinner there with you, who would it be?

My grandpa. He lives down in Arkansas, so I don’t see him much, but we make a decent duo.

 

 

Any hobbies?

Fishing, typically for bass and trout. Video games—right now it’s all Baldur’s Gate. I like Elder Scrolls and Fallout too.

 

 

What do you feel like you personally bring to the NOC team?

Planning, auditing, and clean-up skills. I take care of a lot of technical administrative tasks and try to keep things clean and well-documented. That’s where I spend a lot of my time.

 

 

Favorite IT tech tip or hack?

Ctrl-Shift-T will bring back a tab that you accidentally closed.

 

 

Favorite productivity software or extensions?

Bitwarden works really well for password management. It’s cross platform, so you can save passwords for your work and home computers as well as your phone. I only have to worry about one account for all of my sign-ins.

 

 

What current cybersecurity threats concern you the most for NOC’s clients?

Social engineering. There are some pretty good phishing attempts, but the ones that call in advance about a “business transaction” to make an email seem legitimate can be really effective. That voice in your head make attempt seem more reputable.

 

 

How do you feel about recent AI language models like ChatGPT and Bard?

They are super-useful and hilarious at the same time. I use them quite a bit to clean up what I write, but if you’re a little too loose with the prompts, the output can be pretty comical. The results might not be what you intended.

 

 

If you could give NOC Clients one piece of advice to improve their relationship with the technology that they use, what would it be?

Give it a break every now and then. Turning it off and back on helps it out.

 

 

 

Missouri Sheltered Workshops can empower human potential through AI
By Jon Lober April 24, 2025
Embracing the potential of both AI and humans
Tech upgrades that will boost employee safety in sheltered workshops
By Jon Lober April 15, 2025
At NOC Technology, we've worked with Missouri sheltered workshops for over seven years, and I've witnessed firsthand how the right technological implementations can transform sheltered workshop environments. Today, I'd like to share some insights on leveraging modern technology to create safer workspaces while maintaining the dignity and privacy of all participants. The Unique Safety Challenges of Sheltered Workshops Sheltered workshops provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but they also present unique safety considerations. Workers may have varying levels of physical mobility, cognitive processing, and sensory perception—all of which can impact how they respond to traditional safety measures. Additionally, the production environments often involve machinery, tools, and materials that require careful monitoring and management. The Role of Smart Technology in Safety Advancements in smart technology provide real-time safety monitoring, immediate alerts for potential hazards, and improved emergency response times. Let’s explore some key technologies and their benefits in sheltered workshop environments. Personalized Alert Systems Traditional emergency alarms can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Smart alert systems can deliver personalized notifications through: Vibrating wristbands that alert workers without auditory overload Visual notification systems with customizable colors and patterns Tablet-based communication for workers who benefit from visual cues Location-specific alerts that only notify those in affected areas We recently implemented a multi-modal alert system at a workshop in central Missouri that reduced anxiety-related incidents during emergency drills by 65% . Environmental Monitoring Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for both safety and productivity: Temperature and humidity sensors that automatically adjust HVAC systems Air quality monitors that detect potentially harmful particulates Noise level monitoring to prevent sensory overload Automated ventilation systems that activate when chemical levels exceed thresholds These systems not only protect workers but also provide documented compliance with OSHA regulations. Enhanced Supervision through Smart Cameras Security cameras have evolved beyond simple surveillance. Modern systems can: Detect unusual patterns that might indicate a worker in distress Monitor restricted areas without constant staff presence Identify when machinery is being used incorrectly Alert supervisors to potential safety hazards Important note: All camera systems should be implemented with strict privacy protocols and transparent policies. Workers and guardians should be fully informed about what is being monitored and why. In many cases, audio cannot be recorded, and the camera system must be configured to meet this requirement. Wearable Safety Technology Wearable devices offer personalized safety monitoring without stigmatization: Fall detection pendants that automatically alert staff Location tracking that helps locate workers in emergency situations Biometric monitoring for workers with health conditions Proximity sensors that prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas These wearables can be designed to look like standard ID badges or watches, preserving dignity while enhancing safety. Implementation Best Practices Successfully integrating smart technology into sheltered workshops requires careful planning: Involve all stakeholders: Workers, guardians, and staff should participate in selecting and implementing new technologies. Prioritize simplicity: Choose solutions that require minimal training and maintenance. Phase in gradually: Introduce new technologies in stages to allow everyone time to adapt. Balance automation with human oversight: Technology should supplement, not replace, trained staff. Respect privacy: Collect only essential data and maintain strong security protocols.
Could your sheltered workshop benefit from grant funding for new technology?
By Jon Lober April 7, 2025
As a sheltered workshop, you play a crucial role in providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. However, like any organization, securing funding for technology upgrades can be a challenge. While investing in the right tools can improve efficiency, security, and overall productivity—that’s all only if you can afford the tools in the first place.
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