In the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, where the city of Calgary meets the wilderness, you’ll find Stephen Wagner doing what he loves most: pushing the boundaries of virtualization technology.
As the President of Digitally Accurate Inc., a VMware by Broadcom Partner, Stephen has built his career on a foundation of curiosity, community engagement, and an unbridled passion for technology that began when he was just seventeen years old.
Early Innovation Sets the Stage
“It was a game changer,” Stephen says about his first encounter with VMware’s virtualization products. As a teenage IT professional at a local homebuilder, he quickly proved his worth through innovative recommendations that earned him the role of IT Manager within just one year. That early exposure to VMware would shape everything that followed.
At an age when most are just starting college, Stephen took a leap that would define his future. After successfully refreshing and reimplementing his employer’s IT systems, he launched his own IT consulting firm at nineteen. Now, nineteen years later, his company continues to thrive, maintaining its focus on VMware-centered solutions.
Where Passion Meets Profession
“How many people can say that their main hobby is what they do for a living?” Stephen reflects. His enthusiasm for technology extends beyond the workplace and into his home lab, where he’s invested more substantially than some organizations do in their entire infrastructure. “It’s fun and keeps me out of trouble,” he adds.
“The technology has brought me in to this community, creating life-long friends who share the same passion, hobbies, and career that I have. I have friends all over the world because of this.”
But Stephen’s impact reaches far beyond his technical expertise. As a VMware vExpert and VMUG (VMware User Group) Regional Champion for Canada, he’s become a cornerstone of the VMware community. His leadership extends to his role as VMUG leader for Calgary, where he helps foster connections and knowledge-sharing among professionals in his region.
Embracing the Future of Technology
In an industry where staying current is crucial, Stephen has developed a comprehensive approach to maintaining his edge. Through his blog at StephenWagner.com, he creates valuable content around VMware products, sparking discussions and opening doors to speaking opportunities at VMUG events, conferences, and online webinars.
His involvement in various communities, including the NVIDIA NEPA (NVIDIA Enterprise Platform Advisor Program) and the VMware vExpert program, provides him with unique insights into emerging technologies. “Last year at VMware Explore, there were more sessions than I could count covering VMware Private AI foundation and AI integrations,” he notes. “It was great to learn and discuss these new technologies.”
The VMware Explore Impact
“I’ve attended the last three VMware Explore events, and I’m kicking myself for not going sooner,” Stephen admits. These events have been transformative experiences, offering both deep technical knowledge and invaluable networking opportunities. “The most valuable part of attending VMware Explore is the knowledge gained and networking that occurs,” he explains. “These two combined provide amazing opportunities for career advancement.”
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a solution provider, vendor, consultant, end user, or enthusiast—the connections made will help with career advancement.”
His enthusiasm for the community aspect of these events shines through in one of his favorite memories—an impromptu vExpert karaoke night that lasted into the early morning hours, demonstrating how professional relationships often evolve into meaningful friendships in the VMware community.
Beyond the Data Center
When he’s not innovating in the virtual world, Stephen takes full advantage of his proximity to Banff, Alberta, enjoying hiking in the mountains. His love for technology and travel intertwine as he connects with fellow professionals around the globe, sharing insights and building relationships that transcend geographical boundaries.
Looking Forward
As the technology landscape continues to evolve, Stephen remains at the forefront of innovation, particularly excited about the developments in artificial intelligence and its integration with VMware solutions. “I can’t wait to see what’s in store this year at VMware Explore 2025!” he shares.
For those looking to follow a similar path, Stephen’s advice is characteristically encouraging: “Go for it! The sky is the limit as long as you have fun, put in the right amount of effort, and participate in the community.” He emphasizes the importance of not just taking from the community but contributing to it as well—a principle that has guided his own successful career.
Connect with Stephen Wagner
- Blog: StephenWagner.com
- LinkedIn: Stephen Wagner
- X (Twitter): @StephenWagner7
- Bluesky: @stephenwagner.com
- Company: Digitally Accurate Inc.
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