Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023

Scott Ertz

Host, Episode Author

Scott Ertz is a seasoned media professional whose dynamic presence spans broadcasting, journalism, and tech storytelling. As Editor-in-Chief of PLUGHITZ Live, he leads a multimedia platform that blends insightful reporting with engaging live coverage of major industry events. He's best known as the host of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology, a long-running show that demystifies emerging tech trends with clarity and charisma, and Piltch Point, where he collaborates with Avram Piltch to spotlight cutting-edge innovations.

Scott's media journey began with a passion for connecting audiences to the pulse of technology. His work has taken him behind the scenes at CES, Collision Conference, and FIRST Robotics events, where he's interviewed industry leaders and captured the cultural impact of tech in real time. His on-camera style is both approachable and informed, making complex topics accessible to viewers across platforms.

Beyond hosting, Scott is a developer and producer, shaping the technical backbone of PLUGHITZ Corporation's properties. His storytelling is rooted in authenticity, whether he's scripting historical segments or crafting social media narratives. With a background in gaming culture and community engagement, Scott brings a unique blend of nostalgia, innovation, and journalistic integrity to every broadcast. His voice is one of curiosity, connection, and creative leadership.

Daniele Mendez

Host, Episode Author

Daniele is a software engineer at Lockheed Martin after graduating from Florida Polytechnic University. In High School, she was introduced to the science and technology world through the Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a robotics foundation where students of varying ages can compete through tasks that their robots perform. With help from mentors she met through FIRST, she became interested in programming and developing. Today, Daniele is a special events host for F5 Live: Refreshing Technology and PLUGHITZ Live Presents and a co-host for both The New Product Launchpad and FIRST Looks.

Michele Mendez

Executive Producer, Episode Author

Although Michele has worked in the banking industry full time for many years, she originally went to school with a concentration in communications, advertising and marketing. She began her career in sales and retail management, selling electronics and computers. Her love of all things tech eventually brought her back into the electronics arena three years ago when she started with PLuGHiTz Corporation to help with special events as a Production Assistant. Soon she began to dabble with the audio and video and is loving her role as Producer. She's also one of our content writers and assists with product reviews. Looking forward, she is excited to expand her skill set into editing and helping the company continue to grow.

Allante Sparks

Host, Episode Author

Allante - also well known as Wolff - is the newest member and co-host for PLuGHiTz Live! Radio. A gifted artist, he is usually found drawing up a character or two or sketching up whatever comes to mind. Do not think that he is not a hardcore gamer because he is about as hardcore as it gets! His favorites range from fighting games to RPGs, adventure and even a racing game here and there. Fighting games are his forte and he relays this message for all who oppose: You mess with the Wolff and you get the fangs!

Xbox Live - Enigmatic Wolff

PSN - Tsukuyomi_Okami

Kirk Corless

Technical Director

Kirk has long had an interest in production, and began his journey by joiining Geek News Central as Todd Cochrane's Executive Producer. That brought him into the Tech Podcasts Network CES coverage in 2018. He has become the team's regular technical director and associate producer since 2019. He has since launched his own show with PLUGHITZ Live Editor-in-Chief Scott Ertz, called GNC Week in Review. This is a weekly quick-fire topical show covering the biggest tech stories of the week in a comedic atmosphere.

Nancy Ertz

Episode Author, Associate Producer

Nancy's background is in cosmetology, but has always had an interest in stage and production. She spent many years on-stage and behind the scenes in local theater, doing makeup, crafting beards, and helping with costuming. Today, she continues that passion as an associate producer and episode author for PLUGHITZ Live events, such as CES and Collision.

Terri Willingham

Episode Author, Associate Producer

Terri has a background in writing, having written several books, as well as working for the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times). She brings all of that knowledge to the PLUGHITZ Live team, helping to improve the writing for our reviews, episodes, and more. She also serves as an associate producer for PLUGHITZ Live Presents, helping to manage the guests and keep the broadcast on schedule.

Adam Ertz

Episode Author

Adam joined PLUGHITZ Corporation since shortly after its inception and stayed for many years. His work on the DDRLover and CounterQuest teams has been mostly providing valuable insight into the gaming community's thoughts and direction. Adam is most known for his time on the Professional Counter-Strike Scene with teams like, Echo 7, Pandemic, Team x3, and PerdoX. He was also a well known World Of Warcraft PvP Icon and Raider, and a founding member of the well known guild All That Remains.

Christopher Hernandez

Technical Director

He graduated from from Iowa State University with a Bachelors of Science in industrial engineering and is currently a PhD student at the University of Central Florida while interning with Lockheed Martin MFC in Orlando, FL. He has worked on projects that have included the ergonomic design of power tools, human factors research, and investigating the prevalence effects in transportation. He enjoys long walks on the beach and the search for alligators in the wild.