Meet the Team
Founder & CEO
Erick Grau
Erick Grau is the founder and president of Chibitek. Prior to this, he spent almost a decade as the director of IT at a multi-billion dollar hedge fund, overseeing teams across the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Erick also worked at Apple in Cupertino, gaining valuable insights into technology and innovation.
As the founder of Chibitek, Erick is passionate about creating a positive work environment that fosters growth and development for his team members. Erick's personal interests include a lifelong love for music, which started during his days DJing in the underground goth, industrial and punk scene in NYC. He also worked as a sound engineer with renowned bands such as The Ramones, Fishbone, and Murphy’s Law, and working in clubs like CBGBs, The Cat Club, The Ritz, and The Limelight. He continues to attend concerts and discover new artists.
VP of Client Projects
Michael Neuman
Michael Neuman is the Vice President of Client Projects at Chibitek, a role he has held since 2009 when he joined the company's journey with Erick. With his extensive knowledge of technology, Michael has played a vital role in ensuring the successful completion of various tech projects at Chibitek.
In addition to his work at Chibitek, Michael is also career firefighter.
Outside of work, Michael spends most of his time with his son, Max. Together, they enjoy dismantling German cars, a hobby that Michael has been passionate about for many years. Michael's dedication to his work, family, and hobbies is a testament to his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Art Director
Chie Ushio
Currently the Art Director at Chibitek, Chie boasts an impressive background in both print and digital design, having worked with a wide range of clients across various sectors. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York, Chie began her career as a Senior Designer at Penguin Random House, where she honed her skills in book cover design and typography for more than 10 years. Chie expanded her portfolio by working with a diverse clientele, including UN Women, Penguin Random House Audio, Metro Hort Group, Strange Bird, and the National Wildlife Federation.
In her free time, Chie is an avid artist who enjoys exploring different creative outlets. She loves to sew, knit, draw, and take pottery classes to continually develop her artistic abilities. Chie's dedication to her craft, as well as her passion for helping clients bring their visions to life, has made her a sought-after designer in the industry.
Support Experience Supervisor
Minako " Badass" Hinman
Meet Minako Hinman, Chibitek's exceptional Support Experience Supervisor, who brings over a decade of tech expertise to the table. Proficient in an array of software applications, hardware systems, and network infrastructure, Minako is a driving force in helping businesses reach their technological aspirations.
Dedicated to staying at the forefront of her field, Minako continuously expands her knowledge of emerging trends and technologies, ensuring the delivery of innovative solutions to clients.
Away from her tech-savvy endeavors, Minako pursues her passions for motorcycle adventures and ceramic artistry. Her zest for life and exploration shines through in every aspect of her personal and professional life, making her a truly inspirational figure.
Onboard Specialist
Lou "The Traveler" Gonzalez
Meet Lou Gonzalez, a friendly business professional with over ten years in management, business growth, and consulting. After successfully running his own wholesale business for nearly two decades, Luis made the exciting transition to the IT world and now shines as an Onboarding Specialist at Chibitek Inc. Lou's vast expertise in account management, CRM software, inventory systems, and business, makes him an invaluable teammate to Chibitek's clients—and rumor has it that our Chairwoman, Chibi, has quite the crush on him!
When Lou isn't busy being a business pro, he loves to travel, snap photos, and strum the guitar and bass. While at home, Lou hones his musical skills, always eager to improve. These diverse hobbies have given Lou a unique, well-rounded perspective and a creative approach to problem-solving, which he happily brings to his work in sales and business growth.
Support Experience
Mario Cobo
Introducing Mario Cobo, a friendly and dedicated member of the Chibitek team since February 2023. With over 20 years in tech and 13 years in finance, Mario's passion for connecting with people keeps him loving his work.
When he's not busy in the office, Mario is a devoted husband and dad to two fantastic daughters, who often call him their personal "Uber." In his free time, Mario loves jamming to Salsa Vieja and 80s hip hop or catching a movie. An avid traveler, he's visited various corners of the US and countries like Switzerland, Spain, and Peru.
We're thrilled to have Mario's positive energy and expertise at Chibitek!
Junior Technical Systems Administrator
Winson "Mad Scientist" Rong
Meet Winson Rong, a bright and friendly Junior Systems Administrator at Chibitek, with a passion for science, physics, computer science, and engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from the College of Staten Island of The City University of New York. He has extensive knowledge in various fields such as quantum mechanics, materials properties, chemistry, electromagnetic fields, calculus, computer programming, finance, graphic design, and history.
At Chibitek, Winson applies his expertise to help develop AI integrations and solutions, making a meaningful impact on the company's projects. Winson is known for his strong analytical skills, understanding of theories and equations, experimental accuracy, and ability to draw insightful conclusions from data.
As a dedicated team member, Winson is always eager to contribute and share his knowledge with others, helping Chibitek continue to innovate and excel in the field of artificial intelligence.
Chairwoman
Chibi
Introducing Chibi, the spirited pup and namesake of Chibitek, our cherished Chairwoman of the Board. Chibi's name, meaning "small" in Japanese, captures the essence of our company's humble beginnings. As the former CEO, she played a pivotal role in our rebranding and strategic direction, later becoming a dedicated guardian to our founders' twins.
As Chairwoman, Chibi continues to guide Chibitek's growth in the tech industry, with her playful spirit and love for her family inspiring our values and work.
Join Chibi and the Chibitek family on our journey to make a significant impact in the tech world, keeping her spirit alive in all we do. ❤️🐾
CEO of Mochitek
Mochi
Meet Mochi, In his doggy heart, he believes he is the CEO of Mochitek and we don't have the heart to tell him otherwise. Mochi came on board as a late in his career, and despite having zero formal education or qualifications, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his irresistible charm, boundless enthusiasm, and top-tier napping skills. Mochi is a mixed breed of unknown origin, but if we had to guess, we'd say he's part corgi, part couch potato.
Mochi was Chibi's roommate from college - True story. Despite his busy schedule, Mochi always finds time for his Instagram fans. Who can bring joy and laughter to our workplace while simultaneously mastering the art of napping? Only Mochi, our most handsome and loveable albeit cranky team member.