ABOUT ME

About Me

Hi there! I’m Bart, a happily married dad to three energetic boys (ages 2, 5, and 8) who keep me on my toes—and ensure there’s never a dull moment in our home. I’m also a bit of a tech enthusiast, or as my friends and family like to say, the “go-to gadget guy.”

A Bit About My Background

I studied Automation Electronics, which laid the foundation for my love of all things tech. After graduating, I spent years working as a service engineer, first focusing on copiers and printers, and later specializing in digital production presses. Through those years, I learned to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and dive deep into the technical workings of devices. It was a fantastic experience, but my role as a tech guru didn’t stop at the office.

The Birth of Smart Parent Tech

Friends and family often come to me when they need advice on buying new tech—whether it’s a printer, TV, laptop, or just about anything with a plug. They know I’ve got a knack for finding the best gear at the best price, and I enjoy helping them avoid the overwhelm that often comes with making these big-ticket purchases. Let’s face it, deciding on the right tech product today can feel like trying to find your way through a maze!

That’s why I started Smart Parent Tech. I wanted to create a space where busy parents like me can easily find honest reviews, helpful tips, and practical advice about the latest tech that can make family life smoother and more fun—without all the guesswork.

My Own Tech Playground

When I’m not answering tech questions, I’m busy tinkering with my own gadgets at home. I’m a proud Home Assistant user, which helps me automate everything from turning off the lights to keeping track of the chaos that three boys can bring (though, unfortunately, there’s no “clean up after the kids” automation—yet!).

I also run a Raspberry Pi home server that’s packed with various applications, all neatly organized in Docker containers. For the tech-savvy among us, here are a few of the services I’m running:

• Home Assistant (for smart home automation)
• App Daemon (because Home Assistant isn’t enough by itself, right?)
• MySQL Server (for database management)
• Apache Webserver (as a sandbox environment for experimenting with HTTP and PHP)
• Emby Mediaserver (because streaming movies & photos should be an easy family affair)
• NextCloud (my own private cloud server)
• WireGuard VPN (so I can keep my network secure with just one port open)

Needless to say, tech is not just my profession—it’s my hobby and passion, too.

I’ve been navigating the world of tech for years, not only as an engineer but also as a parent who understands the importance of balancing budget, functionality, and ease of use. My goal is to provide you with reliable, down-to-earth advice that cuts through the noise of endless options and confusing specs. If you’re tired of reading the same old jargon-filled reviews, you’ve come to the right place!

So whether you’re looking to set up a smart home, buy the perfect printer, or just need advice on kid-friendly gadgets, I’m here to help you make sense of it all—with a few laughs along the way.