About Frank DePalma

Bio

After receiving a degree in Imaging and Photographic Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Frank began working as an assistant producer for Coombs Media Inc. where he developed video production, corporate teleconferencing and live broadcasting skills. Since then, Frank has provided communications solutions to a wide variety of clients—from grassroots non-profits such as Girls Scouts of the USA, Sound Experience, Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding to multi-national corporations such as Xerox, Kodak and Maxon Precision Motors. 

In 2001, Frank founded PALMATEC Solutions. By continually assessing client needs and developing market-driven service packages, today PALMATEC combines creativity and diverse knowledge with state-of-the-art technology. And through strong relationships with other industry experts, PALMATEC Solutions now provides communications support to more than 40 clients nationwide. 

Background

Born in 1968 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Frank first learned about customer service as a child helping with the family business. The small auto-repair shop founded by his father in 1963 still thrives today under his brother care, serving some of the same families for almost 40 years. Having grown up witnessing the sacrifices and energy necessary to exceed customer expectations, Frank still consults his family when it comes to customer service. 

"My father had the good sense to balance technical knowledge and customer service. He also had the foresight to buy me a computer back in 1982. I used to pull 'all-nighters' back then developing programs on a TRS-80 computer with tape drive. The software had to be installed via audio cassette each time the computer was turned on."

At age 14 Frank attended the first computer programming workshop at Pittsburgh's Winchester Thurston summer gifted program. By High School, working with school staff, he managed the installation of the first computers ever used in his school district. At age 16, Frank completed Carnegie Mellon University's computer science workshop for high school students. 

Upon graduating from Penn Hills High School in 1986, Frank enrolled at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Computer Science Program, in Rochester New York where he discovered the new world of computer graphics. For the first time, computers could be used not only as a tool for completing complex calculations, but for creating art as well. In addition to learning Basic, Pascal, and C programming languages, Frank began exploring his love for visual arts by working with a graphic designer to "computerize" the designer's drawings, and by creating posters for his own band on a Macintosh 512k computer.

Exploring creative outlets and taking advantage of RIT's stellar photo/video facilities, Frank began taking photography courses and developing an eye for composition. During that time, he began working as a video production assistant at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) where he later became senior video producer. 

During college, Frank began working for Coombs Media, Inc. and developed a freelance video production company with the Xerox Media Centre, and others.

In 1991, Frank received a bachelors degree from the RIT School of Photographic Arts and Sciences; majoring in Imaging and Photographic Technology with a minor in Film/Video Production and became Assistant Producer for Coombs Media, Inc.

In 1992 Frank and his band mates, moved to Seattle to become rock stars. To pay the bills, Frank began his own free-lance graphic design company and began his 4-years as Communications Graphic Specialist for Western Washington Girls Scouts. One year later, Frank found his calling in the form of a 28-foot Newport sloop where he made his home for the next five years.

"Learning for me has come full circle. I take what I've experienced, and what I'm learning, and use it to help others. I am very fortunate to have been able to follow my different dreams to different places. I feel like all these paths have led me home. 

In 1996 he was recruited to Port Townsend to become Communications Manager for Sound Experience and the Schooner Adventuress. While at Sound Experience, he developed a passion for the environment and planted roots in the Port Townsend community. 

Following his entrepreneurial spirit, Frank formed  Wind Rhythms Design in 1998 providing web design to local businesses.

In 2001 Frank launched PALMATEC Solutions. Since then, PALMATEC has grown to provide a wide range of services to small to medium sized companies. Today, PALMATEC continues to evolve by adding services and offering new solutions.

Together with a very talented pool of communications professionals, Frank became a charter member of The Allied Creative Group in 2002. 

"Today I use computers and technology to make art, and help my friends and colleagues succeed. Along the way I also found my love for sailing adventures, and I have never stopped playing music. Now, I look forward to the exciting prospects of using new technologies and philosophies to develop innovative strategies for the future."