Your Technology. Our Expertise. Your Peace of Mind.
Founded in 2025 in South Jersey, First Layer Tech was established with a simple mission: to provide small businesses with the reliable IT support, technical expertise, and forward-thinking solutions they need to succeed in an increasingly connected world.
We understand that technology is essential to running a successful business, but managing it shouldn’t be a constant challenge. From maintaining secure networks and protecting critical business data to implementing new systems and improving existing infrastructure, First Layer Tech is committed to making technology work for you.
Our approach goes beyond simply fixing problems as they arise. We believe in understanding each client’s unique needs, identifying opportunities for improvement, and developing practical, scalable solutions that support both immediate business requirements and long-term growth.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your cybersecurity, modernize aging infrastructure, implement a reliable backup and disaster recovery strategy, or simply have a knowledgeable IT professional you can depend on, First Layer Tech is here to help.
Meet Our Founder
Joe Prettyman | Founder
For Joe Prettyman, technology has always been more than just a career. It’s been a lifelong passion driven by curiosity, problem-solving, and a desire to understand how things work.
Joe’s journey into information technology began at a young age, taking computers apart, rebuilding them, and experimenting with hardware and software. He quickly learned that some of the most valuable lessons come from hands-on experience, trial and error, and the willingness to tackle unfamiliar challenges.
That curiosity eventually developed into a professional career in managed IT services. Beginning his career at a Managed Service Provider (MSP), Joe gained firsthand experience supporting businesses, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and working with a wide variety of technologies and IT environments.
Rather than limiting himself to a single area of expertise, Joe continuously sought opportunities to expand his knowledge. His passion for learning and practical problem-solving helped him develop a broad technical skill set spanning systems administration, networking, cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and business continuity.
Today, Joe brings that experience and dedication to First Layer Tech, helping businesses make informed technology decisions and implement dependable solutions tailored to their needs.
What Joe enjoys most is designing and building IT environments that don’t just solve today’s challenges but provide a strong foundation for years to come. He believes the best technology solutions are reliable, secure, thoughtfully planned, and capable of growing alongside the businesses they support.
Our Technical Expertise
First Layer Tech brings extensive hands-on experience across a wide range of business technologies. From cloud-based services and identity management to network security and disaster recovery, we provide the knowledge and practical expertise needed to build, maintain, and protect modern IT environments.
Microsoft 365, Entra ID & Intune
Comprehensive experience across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft 365 administration. Specialized expertise in Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Intune enables us to help businesses modernize identity and access management, strengthen security through multifactor authentication and Conditional Access, and simplify device enrollment, configuration, and compliance management.
Windows & Apple Environments
Administration, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Microsoft Windows Server, Windows desktop operating systems, and Apple macOS environments. From Active Directory and Group Policy management to workstation deployments and server infrastructure, we help businesses maintain stable, secure, and efficient computing environments.
Network Infrastructure & Security
Design, configuration, and management of business networks, including Fortinet FortiGate firewalls, managed switches, wireless access points, and secure remote connectivity. Our focus is on building reliable, secure network environments that support daily operations while protecting critical business resources.
Ubiquiti Networking, Security & Access Control
Deployment and management of Ubiquiti UniFi networking solutions, including switches, wireless access points, gateways, surveillance systems, and physical access control technologies. We help businesses implement integrated solutions that improve connectivity, visibility, and physical security.
Backup, Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
Experience with industry-leading backup and disaster recovery platforms, including Datto BCDR, Veeam, and Slide BCDR. We help businesses protect critical data, develop reliable recovery strategies, and minimize operational disruptions through thoughtfully designed backup and business continuity solutions.
IT Infrastructure & Technology Planning
Planning, deployment, modernization, and optimization of business IT infrastructure. Whether implementing new technologies, upgrading aging systems, or improving existing environments, we focus on delivering secure, scalable, and cost-effective solutions designed to meet today’s requirements while preparing for future growth.
Our Philosophy
Technology Should Support Your Business, Not Slow It Down.
At First Layer Tech, we believe effective IT support starts with understanding the business behind the technology.
No two organizations operate exactly alike, and we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We take the time to understand your operations, challenges, and goals before recommending technologies or making changes to your environment.
Our focus is on delivering solutions that are practical, cost-conscious, and built to last. Whether that means improving an existing network, strengthening security, or planning an infrastructure upgrade, we approach every project with attention to detail and a commitment to doing things right.
We also believe that technology should never feel unnecessarily complicated. Clear communication, honest recommendations, and a willingness to explain the reasoning behind our solutions are central to how we work.
Let’s Build a Better IT Foundation
Your business deserves technology that is secure, reliable, and ready for the future.
Whether you need help resolving an immediate IT challenge or are planning your next major technology investment, First Layer Tech is ready to help you move forward with confidence.
Let’s discuss how we can make technology work better for your business.