Meet Chris Chan: Systems Engineer, Comic Collector and Lifelong New Yorker
At Fairdinkum, technology expertise is only part of what makes great IT support possible. The real difference comes from the people behind the work — team members who bring their own experiences and perspectives to every client interaction.
Chris Chan is one of those people and has been part of the Fairdinkum team for more than 16 years. As a Systems Engineer, he helps keep client environments running smoothly and securely. But beyond the systems and troubleshooting, Chris brings a thoughtful, people-focused mindset to everything he does
Queens Roots and Growing Confidence
Chris was born in Manhattan and raised in Queens, New York — a place he still considers home. Growing up in the city exposed him to people from all walks of life and gave him an appreciation for the energy, diversity and, of course, the incredible food New York is known for.
Like many kids, Chris spent plenty of time outside, including countless hours on the basketball court. Growing up he describes himself as quiet and introverted, but basketball became a place where he began building confidence. Pickup games in the park and afternoons shooting hoops behind his parents’ house pushed him outside his comfort zone.
Driving into the lane against bigger defenders taught him an important lesson early on — confidence often comes from pushing through challenges. Over time, the court became a place where he learned to trust himself and take chances.
That confidence carried into other parts of his life, including his first job doing data entry at a brokerage firm entering daily trades. The fast pace of the trading environment exposed him to a world that moved quickly and demanded focus and adaptability. It was an eye-opening experience and an early introduction to how systems, data and people all work together behind the scenes.
Today, that same mindset continues to shape how Chris approaches his work and relationships — with a willingness to keep learning.
Family, Creativity and a Lifelong Love of Comics
When Chris talks about what matters most, the answer is simple: family.
Having a large extended family in New York has always been an important part of his life. Over the years they have remained a close support system he can always count on.
These days, much of Chris’ time outside of work revolves around his wife and daughter, something he wouldn’t change for anything.
One of his favorite moments from the past year was attending a school event where his daughter’s artwork was selected for display. Seeing her creativity recognized and watching her passion for art grow was a proud moment as a parent.
Creativity has always been something Chris appreciates. Growing up, he developed a love for fantasy and science fiction, especially Marvel comics, anime and rock music. His comic collection actually started in elementary school — when he would occasionally skip lunch and spend his lunch money on comics instead.
Today that collection has grown significantly. While he’s beginning to think about eventually selling parts of it, the comics themselves represent more than just collectibles. They’re a reminder of the stories and imagination that shaped his childhood — and a creative spark he now enjoys seeing in his daughter as well.
What Motivates Chris
For Chris, motivation often comes down to people.
He enjoys meeting individuals from different backgrounds and hearing their stories. Every conversation offers a new perspective, and those experiences are something he values deeply.
That curiosity about people shapes how he approaches his work at Fairdinkum. While technology may be the focus of what we do, Chris understands that behind every system and support request is a real business and real people relying on it.
His outlook on life is simple but meaningful. When asked what advice he would share, Chris says:
“Don’t take life for granted. It’s so easily overlooked.”
Rather than focusing heavily on long-term checklists or bucket lists, he believes in doing the best you can each day and appreciating the moments that matter.
For the coming year, one small goal is already in motion: eating healthier and cooking more. Sometimes the best changes start with simple habits.
At Fairdinkum, team members like Chris remind us that IT support isn’t just about solving technical problems — it’s about understanding the people behind the technology.
And for Chris, that perspective is shaped by the things that matter most: family, creativity, lifelong interests and the everyday moments that make life meaningful.
The Fairdinkum team is made up of experienced engineers, advisors and problem-solvers who care about the businesses we support. Learn more about our team or contact us if you’d like to talk about your IT environment.