Cloud Nirvana is a place where technology professionals come together to learn, share, and grow.

We understand that managing and mastering cloud technology can be complex, but we believe it doesn’t have to be. Our goal is to make the world of cloud computing more accessible by building a community of like-minded experts who are dedicated to helping each other succeed.

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Why Be Part of the Cloud Nirvana Community?

  • Learn from Real Experts

    While you can't "join" CN in the traditional sense, you can actively engage in our events and community. and gain insights from professionals who've navigated the challenges of multi-cloud environments. We would love to have you at our events!

  • Stay Ahead with Continuous Learning

    Technology is always changing. Cloud Nirvana is your place to stay updated on the latest cloud trends and strategies, sharing knowledge with experts and peers to continually grow.

  • A Supportive Tech Network

    At Cloud Nirvana, you're never tackling problems alone. Whether you're solving complex issues or diving into new tech, our community of tech practitioners and experts is here to share knowledge and offer guidance.

  • Fail, Learn, and Grow Together

    We believe in the power of shared experiences. Whether you're celebrating a win or learning from a mistake, Cloud Nirvana offers a space to reflect, learn, and succeed—together.

  • In simple terms, Cloud Nirvana is a hub for knowledge and collaboration. We are creating a Community Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE) where tech practitioners—whether they are cloud specialists, developers, or engineers—can come together to share their experiences, learn new skills, and find support.

    We operate on the belief that open-source principles—meaning anyone can contribute and everyone benefits—are the key to pushing innovation forward. Our community is built on the idea that when we give back, we all grow together.

  • Whether you're just getting started with cloud technology or you’re an experienced tech professional, Cloud Nirvana offers a platform where you can expand your skills, collaborate with peers, and drive forward technological excellence.

    We simplify the complex world of cloud technology by focusing on community-driven learning and innovation. Our platform isn’t just about cloud computing; it’s about empowering you to build, grow, and succeed in your tech career—no matter what your focus is.

  • You can participate by attending our events, engaging in our online community, and listening to our podcast, "Silicon Heartland."

  • Absolutely! We value community input. Feel free to reach out with your suggestions.

  • The Silicon Heartland features discussions on cloud technologies, industry trends, and interviews with experts in the field, providing valuable insights for tech enthusiasts.

  • No, Cloud Nirvana welcomes individuals of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s a place for you in our community.

Meet the Team

Sean Erikson

Co-Founder + Chair

Sean Erikson is a Senior Technology Executive with over 30 years of experience in deploying and integrating a broad spectrum of business-enabling technology solutions. Sean excels in transformation, modernization, and cloud computing.

Ben Blanquera

Co-Founder + Exec Director

Ben is VP-Evangelist and Senior Architect with Rackspace. He works with enterprises with a goal of architecting solutions to enable them to drive business outcomes by helping them to thrive in our growing multi-cloud world.

Jonathan Erikson

Executive Committee Member

Jonathan is a Specialist, Robotics Process Automation at Nationwide, building automation tools to support business initiatives and drive growth. He leverages his expertise to enhance efficiency while playing a vital role in digital media, podcast support and investor relations.

Trent Taylor

Executive Committee Member

Trent is an Enterprise Architect with Grange Insurance. He manages the architecture review boards along with leading the CCoE that focuses on refactoring existing applications to be cloud-ready along with enabling new cloud capabilities in the enterprise.

Aaron Littlejohn

Executive Committee Member

Aaron is an Area Vice President at Expedient, leading sales and operations in Central Ohio. With 15+ years in sales, management, and customer retention, he delivers strategic, tech-driven solutions to enhance clients' technology infrastructure.

Jim Gehring

Executive Committee Member

Jim is a technology leader with 20+ years of experience in software development and cloud computing. As an executive at top tech firms, he has led teams in building innovative cloud solutions. Jim is passionate about driving digital transformation and optimizing IT strategy.

Advisory Board

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