How Alpachi Started
"Alpachi" — short for ALbany PArk, CHIcago — is where our story began.
Alpachi was co-founded by Andre Figueroa and Eric Criniere — two IT professionals who shared a vision: that small and mid-market businesses deserve the same caliber of IT expertise that large enterprises get, without the complexity, bureaucracy, or inflated pricing. The name is a nod to Albany Park, the Chicago neighborhood where the company's roots began, and a reflection of the deep Chicago ties that still define who we are today.
Andre brings over two decades of experience across the full Microsoft ecosystem — Exchange, SharePoint, Microsoft 365, Azure, security, infrastructure, and strategic IT consulting. He serves as Principal Consultant and remains hands-on with clients to this day, involved in the architecture, strategy, and delivery of every major engagement. Eric is an Automation Solutions Architect with deep expertise in cloud infrastructure, Azure, automation, and modern infrastructure design. Before Alpachi, Eric honed his skills at firms like Rightpoint and 10th Magnitude, working on enterprise-grade cloud and infrastructure projects — and he brings that same rigor to every Alpachi engagement. Together, Andre and Eric combine strategic IT leadership with deep technical execution, meaning clients get both the big-picture thinking and the hands-on delivery from the same team.
Andre Figueroa
Principal Consultant & Co-Founder
Eric Criniere
Automation Solutions Architect & Co-Founder
What started as two consultants helping businesses navigate technology challenges has grown into a full-service IT consulting firm serving clients across Chicagoland and nationwide. Alpachi is now headquartered in Lincolnwood, IL, but the Albany Park spirit remains — scrappy, resourceful, and deeply committed to the businesses we serve. The company has grown by doing things the right way: showing up, being honest about what clients need (and don't need), and delivering results that speak for themselves.
Alpachi isn't a faceless corporation. When you work with Alpachi, you work with Andre, Eric, and a tight-knit team that knows your environment and cares about your success. That's not a tagline — it's how we've always operated, and it's why our clients stay.
The Alpachi Difference
Hands-On Leadership
When you work with Alpachi, you work directly with the founders — Andre and Eric — and a tight-knit team that knows your environment. From strategy to execution, our leadership is hands-on with every client.
Enterprise Expertise, Personal Service
We bring the technical depth of a large IT firm with the responsiveness and accountability of a small, dedicated partner. You'll never be a ticket number.
Managed Services & Project Flexibility
Need ongoing IT management? We've got you. Have a one-time project? We deliver that too. You choose how we work together — no rigid contracts or one-size-fits-all packages.
Microsoft Specialists
As a Microsoft Partner with deep expertise across M365, SharePoint, Azure, and the Power Platform, we help businesses get the most from their Microsoft investment — from day-to-day administration to complex deployments.
The Businesses We Serve
Alpachi works with small and mid-market businesses — typically 10 to 500 employees — across a range of industries. Our clients are companies that need reliable, responsive IT but don't have the budget or desire to build a full in-house IT department. We serve businesses locally across Chicagoland and nationwide.
Professional Services
Secure collaboration and reliable uptime for firms where billable hours depend on technology.
Healthcare
HIPAA-compliant infrastructure and data protection for organizations handling sensitive patient information.
Finance
Robust security and compliance frameworks for firms handling sensitive financial data and transactions.
Manufacturing
Connected systems and operational technology support to keep production lines running without interruption.
Retail
Point-of-sale integration, inventory systems, and PCI compliance to support seamless customer experiences.
Nonprofit
Cost-effective IT solutions and security for organizations that need to maximize every dollar of their budget.
What Our Clients Say
Don't just take our word for it.
"Our experience with Alpachi transformed our approach to technology. Andre's insights into IT strategy were invaluable. He didn't just offer solutions; he tailored them to fit our unique business needs."
— Joseph L.
"Working with Alpachi was a game-changer for our organization. His deep understanding of cybersecurity and his proactive approach helped us strengthen our systems like never before."
— Scott H.
"A life saver on this project, as we did not have the time to dedicate to it. I know you put in some long hours to make sure the installation was correct for the client."
— Mark S.
Ready to Work With a Team That Cares About Your Success?
Let's talk about your business and how we can help. No pressure, no commitment — just a conversation about what's possible.
Or call us at (773) 676-2975