Anchored in Technology: Vin Spinelli’s Journey from the Navy to IT Guru
Vin’s journey into the world of IT and cybersecurity began as 17-year-old high school student, when he realized that he wasn’t ready for college just yet. A patriotic kid, he decided he wanted to serve his country and explore his interest in computers. His request to be stationed abroad in Italy, was granted. He worked on the flagship of the Commander of the Sixth Fleet during his first duty assignment in Gaeta, Italy.
As a Radio Man, Vin was responsible for setting up communications wherever the Commander went. This role gave him access to some of the most sophisticated communications technology in the world, sparking his belief that such technology could greatly benefit society if widely available. His experience taught him professionalism and fueled a lifelong thirst for knowledge.
Upon returning to civilian life, Vin pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on communications under the GI Bill. In the early 80s, he started at Hughes Communications, where he honed his skills in networking while selling satellite bandwidth to emerging cable companies. This experience marked his entry into the world of networking, long before the internet became mainstream.
Vin’s career then took him to Electronic Data Systems (EDS), where he worked as a Network Engineer in the financial industry during the burgeoning stages of the internet and personal computing. It was then that he realized many technical issues were often rooted in people and process problems, which drew him into management consulting.
His next step was working for Cisco Systems, where his knowledge expanded into voice technology, content delivery networks, and, most critically, cybersecurity. As the internet grew, it became apparent that tech creators hadn’t anticipated the dark side of human nature that would exploit this open network. Vin’s work in developing intrusion detection systems and advanced firewalls, including his involvement in cybersecurity for the 2000 Republican National Convention, solidified his role as a pioneer in the field.
Vin also contributed to the development of mobile technology at Cisco and gained additional experience at various startups over the years. By May 2015, after holding significant positions in major companies and serving on numerous advisory boards, he founded VSpine Networks & Advisors LLC. Motivated both personally and professionally, he sought to close the technology gap that existed between public and private schools by assisting Catholic schools in his area, like Our Lady of Hope in Blackwood, NJ.
As projects became more complex, Vin expanded his VSpine team to meet the growing demands. By 2019, Vin juggled multiple jobs, including international ones, and the constant travel and consulting became overwhelming. That’s when he decided to focus solely on VSpine Networks, dedicating his efforts to building the company that reflects his passion for technology, security, and helping others.
A key motivation for founding VSpine Networks, sharing his extensive experience on the product side, Vin developed tools and technologies that companies like his now use to deliver services. Having witnessed firsthand how these products get used rightly and wrongly he wanted to ensure businesses know how to leverage technology correctly to achieve meaningful outcomes.
