At Cannabis Technology Partners, we pride ourselves on being more than just another IT company. We are a dedicated cannabis technology IT solutions provider, specializing in delivering top-tier IT services tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within the cannabis sector.
We understand the unique pain points of the cannabis industry, and we’re here to provide tailored technology solutions to meet your specific needs. Our goal is to enhance your security, streamline operations, and ensure compliance, ultimately helping your business thrive and stand out in this dynamic industry. Whether you’re a dispensary, a manufacturer, or a grow facility, we’ve got the technology expertise you need to succeed.
Meet Stephen Matthew Arndt – The Visionary Behind Cannabis Technology Partners
Stephen M. Arndt is the Chief Information Officer and Founder of Silver Linings Technology, bringing over 30 years of IT leadership and consulting experience to the organization. With a distinguished background spanning technical infrastructure, security, and strategic leadership, Stephen has built Silver Linings Technology into a trusted partner for organizations requiring specialized IT managed services.
A Legacy of Excellence
Before his journey with Cannabis Technology Partners, Stephen held roles such as Managing Director, Consulting CIO, and Senior Consultant for IT Powered, a VCPI Company. He also served as the Vice President and CIO of Assisted Living Concepts, Inc. He has spoken at WICE in 2021, Lucky Leaf Expo in 2022, and Southeastern Hemp & Medical Cannabis Convention, AFLA, HC100, CALA, and VCPI Client Connection.
Throughout his career, Stephen has successfully led complex IT initiatives across multiple sectors, with particular expertise in healthcare and non-profit environments. His strategic vision and technical acumen have positioned Silver Linings Technology as an industry leader in compliance-driven IT solutions, particularly within the cannabis industry where regulatory requirements demand specialized expertise.
Stephen’s leadership philosophy emphasizes precision, accountability, and long-term partnerships with clients. Under his direction, Silver Linings Technology has become known for delivering customized solutions that not only meet but exceed client expectations in complex, highly regulated environments.
Associations & Recognitions
He’s an active member of associations like SIM Portland, CIO Forum, First Robotics, and Assisted Living Federation of America. His insights and knowledge have also graced platforms like AFLA, HC100, CALA, and VCPI Client Connections.
Education & Credentials
Stephen’s foundation in IT and business is solidified by his academic achievements. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management and Organizational Leadership and a Masters in Business Administration with a focus on Information Technology from George Fox University.
Leadership & Key Personnel Bios
Stephen A. Arndt
Chief Information Officer & Founder – Key Security Administrator & Senior Consultant
Steve is an experienced consultant and dynamic speaker who has been consulting and training for more than 30 years. With deep expertise in enterprise security infrastructure and compliance, Steve brings unparalleled knowledge to Silver Linings Technology’s security initiatives.
Steve’s career has been marked by pioneering work with Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes integration, followed by a transition to technical training where he conducted over 200 seminars across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom on networking and Windows NT® operating systems. Since 1999, he has helped numerous companies improve their networking infrastructure, domain administration, and Active Directory implementations.
His technical credentials are exceptional: he is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Trainer, a Certified Lotus Professional, and holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Steve is also a Distinguished Toastmaster, known for his ability to communicate complex technical concepts with clarity and precision.
Prior to his consulting career, Steve served 32 years in the United States Navy with distinction. He served on five submarines and one aircraft carrier, was captain of USS Hawkbill (SSN666), and served as Commodore of Submarine Squadron One. His military background instilled in him a commitment to precision, security, and operational excellence—values that define his approach to enterprise security.
Professional Certifications: Certified Incident Responder, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Certified Lotus Professional
Brandon Quantz
Senior Network Engineer & Infrastructure Architect
Brandon Quantz brings 15+ years of comprehensive network engineering and infrastructure architecture experience to Silver Linings Technology. As Senior Network Engineer, Brandon designs and implements sophisticated multi-site IT environments, specializing in virtualization, storage solutions, and enterprise networking across complex organizational structures.
Brandon’s technical expertise spans enterprise-class systems management, including vCenter virtualization (versions 3.5-6.5), EMC VNX and HP MSA storage systems, and Microsoft Server infrastructure (2003-2016). He has successfully planned and executed hardware and software architecture for over five datacenters, implementing UCS/Nexus/EMC VNX designs and leading Hyper-V and ESXi migrations.
His network engineering prowess is demonstrated through advanced protocol implementations including OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and MPLS across global Wide Area Networks (WANs). Brandon has designed and deployed DMVPN solutions across 50+ sites, achieved sub-second OSPF failover optimization, and executed flawless BGP network cleanups. He leverages automation and scripting expertise (Python, SecureCRT, Netmiko) to ensure error-free infrastructure changes and deployments.
Brandon excels in client interaction, providing presales architecture consultation, Tier 3 technical support, and collaborative design discussions. His combination of deep technical expertise and client-focused approach makes him invaluable for organizations requiring enterprise-grade infrastructure solutions.
Education: AAS Information Technology (JCCC)
Professional Certifications: CCNP, CCDP, CCNA-DC/Voice, CCDA, VMware VCP vSphere 5.5, EMC VNX Implementation Engineer
Greg Schenefelt
Key Computer Technician & Technical Support Specialist
Greg Schenefelt is a dedicated IT professional with 5+ years of specialized experience in technical support, infrastructure management, and client success. As Key Computer Technician at Silver Linings Technology, Greg serves as a bridge between complex IT systems and end-user productivity, with particular expertise in healthcare and non-profit environments.
Throughout his career, Greg has progressed from frontline support to Tier 3 advanced technical roles, managing escalated technical issues, client relationships, and team mentoring. His responsibilities encompass knowledge base development, process improvement, and staff training. Greg’s technical foundation includes expertise in database management, web application environments, and Java application development.
Greg is dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, holding multiple industry certifications that demonstrate his commitment to technical excellence. His collaborative approach and problem-solving mindset make him a trusted technical resource for clients navigating complex IT challenges.
Education: BS Computer Science, AAS Computer Information Systems
Professional Certifications: Database, Design and Development Certified; Web Application Development Certified; JAVA Application Development Certified; Google Professional Workspace Administrator
Glory Cannon
Project Manager & CIO Consultant
Glory Cannon serves as Project Manager and CIO Consultant at Silver Linings Technology, bringing strategic expertise and operational discipline to complex technical initiatives and leadership consulting engagements. With professional certifications in Project Management and ITIL Framework, Glory has established herself as a trusted advisor for organizations navigating sophisticated IT challenges.
In her role as Project Manager, Glory leads complex, multi-faceted technical projects from conception through delivery and beyond. Her PMP (Project Management Professional) certification demonstrates her mastery of project management best practices and her ability to deliver results on time and within scope. Her expertise spans resource allocation, stakeholder management, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.
As a CIO Consultant, Glory provides strategic guidance to executive leadership on IT infrastructure, digital transformation initiatives, and technology-driven organizational change. Her ITILv3 Foundations certification ensures that all recommendations follow industry-standard IT service management practices and align with business objectives.
Glory’s combination of project delivery excellence and strategic consulting acumen makes her an invaluable resource for organizations seeking to optimize their IT operations while maintaining alignment with business goals.
Professional Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional), ITILv3 Foundations
Todd Burkhart
Project Manager & Core Management Team
Todd Burkhart is a Project Manager and integral member of the core management team at Silver Linings Technology. With over 30 years of leadership and management experience derived from a distinguished Naval career and other professional endeavors, Todd brings an exceptional level of discipline, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to every project he leads.
As the driving force behind project execution, Todd is renowned for his unwavering commitment to precision and accurate communication. He thrives in complex environments where attention to detail and clear stakeholder alignment are critical to success. Todd is an out-of-the-box thinker who leverages his military background to solve challenging problems with creative, innovative solutions.
Based in Vancouver, Washington—just minutes away from Silver Linings Technology’s Portland office—Todd is strategically positioned to manage projects across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. His natural problem-solving abilities, combined with his proven track record of successful project delivery, make him an invaluable asset to the organization and its clients.
Background: 30+ years of leadership and management experience from U.S. Navy and other professional organizations
Melody Erfani
Marketing and Communications Director
Melody Erfani is the Marketing and Communications Director at Cannabis Technology Partners, where she has served since 2017. With a rich and diverse professional background spanning marketing, communications, and administrative leadership, Melody plays a pivotal role in positioning the organization as a thought leader in cannabis industry IT solutions.
Since joining Cannabis Technology Partners in 2017, Melody has been instrumental in assisting clients with training and application implementation, drawing on her extensive experience in team management and strategic communications. Under her leadership, Melody has contributed to growing Cannabis Technology Partners by 20%, reflecting her ability to develop and execute effective growth strategies.
Before her current role, Melody served as Marketing Director at Silver Linings Technology, where she played a pivotal role in the company’s rebranding initiative. She successfully revamped the company’s online presence, designed innovative advertising materials, managed conference participation and speaking engagements, and orchestrated monthly marketing campaigns. Her work showcased exceptional creativity and meticulous organizational skills.
Prior to Silver Linings Technology, Melody served as an Executive Assistant at Aisling Capital in New York City, where she worked closely with healthcare leadership.
Beyond her corporate endeavors, Melody is an award-winning theatre writer, creator, and director. She holds an MFA in Directing from the prestigious Actors Studio Drama School and founded the Lower East Side Shakespeare Co. in 2014, dedicated to reimagining Shakespeare and sharing BIPOC stories with audiences. This creative background informs her unique approach to communications, branding, and stakeholder engagement.
Education: MFA in Directing (Actors Studio Drama School)
