Meet the Live Automation Team
At Live Automation (LIVE), our core team brings together strategists, inventors, designers, and engineers who thrive on solving complex automation challenges. When a project calls for it, we scale our capabilities by integrating additional engineering experts within our ONDEX family and partnering with a trusted network of specialized subcontractors—ensuring every solution is as precise and powerful as it needs to be.
The Leadership Team
Mike Barone: President & Founder
With over two decades in industrial automation under his belt, Mike’s career has been all about building things—machines, systems, and most of all, trusted relationships. A mechanical engineer by degree but a problem-solver at heart, Mike has led the design and launch of hundreds of custom automation solutions across industries as varied as Food & Beverage, Plastics, Biotech, Water Treatment, Pharma, and even Corrections.
Back in the ‘90s, Mike cut his teeth in the early days of plastics recycling—when there was no playbook and no equipment catalog to lean on. “We had to hack together solutions from whatever we could find, or just design it ourselves,” he says. That scrappy, hands-on experience lit the spark: he didn’t just want to design the machines—he wanted to make them run. Nights and weekends were spent teaching himself relay logic, and before long, Controls and Automation became more than a skillset—they became a calling.
In 2002, that calling turned into Live Automation. What started as a one-man operation has grown into a full-service automation firm with a rock-solid team of engineers and technicians. Today, Mike focuses on building lasting customer partnerships, developing strategic opportunities, and guiding large-scale projects from concept to completion. He also serves on the Advisory Board for ONDEX Automation, helping shape the platform’s growth and long-term vision.
Nicole Barone: Chief Operating Officer
As COO, Nicole brings a wealth of project management expertise and a steadfast commitment to Operational Excellence at Live Automation. She's known for developing systems that keep daily operations running smoothly while helping the company move steadily toward long-term strategic goals. Nicole excels at removing roadblocks, aligning cross-functional teams, and fostering effective collaboration. She supports teams across all project sizes, always with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and results.
At the heart of her leadership philosophy is a strong belief in the value of people. Nicole understands that an organization’s greatest strength is its team, and she's dedicated to cultivating a culture where individuals feel supported, empowered, and connected to a shared vision.
Outside of her professional life, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is playing the piano, but she also loves catching up with friends and spending time with her golden retriever, Piper. Whether at work or at home, Nicole brings empathy, clear communication, and a deep commitment to building meaningful relationships.
Ed Brown: Controls Engineering Manager
A degreed Plastics Engineer, Ed discovered his passion for Controls Engineering early in his career. After spending several years as a Field Engineer with a major OEM, he transitioned into a Technical Specialist role focused on HMI and PLC systems, honing the deep expertise he brings to every project.
Ed joined LIVE in 2010 and has since become a key member of the team.
Known for his ability to tackle complex challenges, he regularly leads high-stakes projects and manages some of the company's largest customers. His problem-solving mindset and technical insight continue to drive success for both the team and Live Automation's partners.
Outside of work, Ed enjoys spending time with his wife and their three sons. He's also an active youth sports coach, leading both football and basketball teams in his community.
Dave Duquette: Service Manager
Dave is a Master Electrician with a strong background in the industrial sector, where he quickly discovered a passion for automation and control systems. Drawn to the complexity and problem-solving nature of industrial controls, he immersed himself in the world of automation and has been committed to mastering it ever since. Dave joined Live Automation in 2021 and currently serves as Service Manager, bringing both technical expertise and hands-on experience to his leadership role.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys spending quality time with his wife and their sons, especially coaching them in the various sports they play throughout the year.
Samantha Briggs: Sales Engagement Manager
Samantha joined Live Automation in mid-2024, bringing a strong background in Sales, Marketing, and Business Strategy. She holds an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Quinsigamond Community College and has earned multiple certifications in Sales, Marketing, SEO, Social Media, and Inbound Marketing.
At LIVE, Samantha wears many hats—managing sales engagement efforts, coordinating marketing initiatives, and building out internal systems to ensure efficient processes, automation, and reporting across the team.
Samantha is passionate about leveraging digital tools, CRM optimization, and data-driven strategies to boost visibility and empower teams with the information they need—when and how they need it. Before joining LIVE, she spent over nine years in the Optics industry, working her way up through multiple roles, followed by several years in Marketing at a research firm focused on modernizing industrial manufacturing.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys exploring new ways to be creative—whether it’s tackling projects around the house or diving into hands-on side ventures. She also values spending quality time with her family and friends.
The Admin Team
Sarah Quinn: Site Accountant
As Site Accountant at Live Automation, Sarah brings strong expertise in financial operations, team development, and office management. She manages accounts payable and receivable, payroll and benefits, and helps drive improvements to internal efficiency and workflow.
Before joining LIVE, she served as Director of Finance and Office Administration, gaining deep experience in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, vendor negotiation, and tax compliance. With a background in customer service dating back to 2007, Sarah blends technical know-how with a people-first mindset that supports both business performance and employee experience.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Early Childhood Education from Framingham State University and is a Notary Public in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys trips to Lake Winnipesaukee with her Black Lab Remi, DIY home projects (like building her own fireplace), and planning her next travel adventure.
Liz Schofield: Procurement Specialist
Liz joined Live Automation in 2024, bringing over five years of account service experience and a strong background in business operations. She holds an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Mount Wachusett Community College and is known for her upbeat personality and clear, effective communication.
At LIVE, Liz plays a key role in managing purchase order timelines, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring smooth project execution. She also works closely with the Operations Manager to set up new jobs and schedule project kick-off meetings.
Prior to joining LIVE, Liz worked for a custom TPE developer and formulator, where she handled raw material procurement, purchase order management, and customer invoicing. Her attention to detail and ability to keep multiple priorities moving make her a valuable asset to the team.
Outside the office, Liz enjoys gardening, camping in the Northwoods, and taking motorcycle rides with her husband and son.
The Engineering Team
Paul Dangerfield: Controls Engineer
With 20 years of experience installing, commissioning, and maintaining industrial control systems, Paul brings deep expertise to every stage of a project. He began his career as a controls engineer for a systems integrator, where he developed PLC and HMI/SCADA solutions across a wide range of industries—including Food & Beverage, Mining, Timber, and Water & Wastewater.
Originally from Australia, Paul relocated to the U.S. in 2020 to join his wife, whom he met through mutual friends at a Bible study conference in Canada. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors—especially hiking, birdwatching, and canoeing.
Patrick Swain: Controls Engineer
Patrick is a Controls Specialist and Master Electrician with over a decade of experience helping businesses and manufacturers install, maintain, and improve their equipment and processes. Before joining LIVE, Patrick provided equipment support and improvement for an Aerospace composites manufacturer, performed electrical installations for a large electrical contractor, and constructed backbone telecommunications systems for a large media and technology company.
By focusing on the principles of efficiency and effectiveness, Patrick’s experience and training have culminated in a true passion for the design, development, implementation, and support of automated systems in the industrial and commercial sectors.
When he’s not working, Patrick is an avid skier and motorsports hobbyist. He enjoys sharing outdoor joy with family, friends, and canines alike.
Mike Keidan: Electro-Mechanical Technician
Mike joined Live Automation in 2023 as an Electro-Mechanical Technician, bringing with him over 35 years of experience in the controls and automation field. He studied at UMass and Worcester Industrial Technical Institute, earning an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Electric Power. At Live, Mike specializes in the assembly of control panels and small-scale automation systems, where his deep expertise and attention to detail make him a key part of the production team.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys camping, hiking, and golfing. He also stays busy with home and automotive maintenance projects—often working alongside or lending a hand to his two sons.
Mitchell Owen: Mechanical Engineer
Mitchell earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from Fairfield University in 2020 and began his career at Raytheon Technologies, where he worked on the design and development of advanced mechanical systems. In 2022, he joined Live Automation (LIVE), bringing with him a strong technical foundation and a passion for solving real-world engineering challenges.
At LIVE, Mitchell contributes to the company’s mission of delivering innovative automation solutions, applying his skills in design, analysis, and systems thinking to help move projects from concept to completion.
Outside the shop, Mitchell is an avid reader and dedicated fitness enthusiast. He enjoys training for triathlons and spending time hiking the scenic trails of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Cole Cormier: Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineering graduate of Merrimack College, Cole joined Live Automation’s mechanical design team in 2022. With a strong foundation built through multiple internships, he brings fresh ideas, technical precision, and a keen eye for detail to every project. His thoughtful approach to design has quickly made him a valuable contributor to the team.
Outside of work, Cole enjoys golfing, working on personal engineering projects, and exploring the possibilities of 3D printing.
Patrick Leach: Automation Engineer
Patrick joined Live Automation in May 2025 as an Automation Engineer, bringing a strong academic and hands-on engineering background. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), completing his studies in 2023 and 2024, respectively. At LIVE, Patrick contributes to the mechanical design of automation systems and supports robot programming across various projects.
Before joining the team, he worked as an Automation Engineer at The L.S. Starrett Company, where he designed, built, and programmed custom manufacturing equipment. He also played a key role in upgrading legacy systems and assisting with process improvements alongside the manufacturing engineering team.
Outside of work, Patrick enjoys spending time in his home machine shop, working on vintage cars and equipment, and getting outdoors for hiking and other hands-on hobbies.
Daniel Dejnak: Junior Controls Engineer
Daniel joined Live Automation in 2025 as a Junior Controls Engineer after earning his degree in Electrical Engineering from Roger Williams University, where he also minored in Mathematics and Film/Animation/Video. From the start of his career, Dan has embraced the variety and complexity of the automation world, bringing both technical curiosity and creative problem-solving to every project.
Prior to joining Live, Dan spent two years with a small systems integrator, gaining hands-on experience across industries including wastewater, food and beverage, plastics, rubber, paper, and general manufacturing. He has worked across the full automation lifecycle—from HMI design and control schematics to PLC/motion programming, panel layout, documentation, testing, and field service support. Dan especially enjoys the challenge of modernizing legacy systems, many of which are older than he is.
Outside of work, Dan is an avid rock climber, hiker, and skier. He’s also passionate about filmmaking, video and tabletop games, and tackling all sorts of technical or creative side projects—often blending his interests in engineering and storytelling.
Cody Morse: Project Controls Lead Engineer
Cody brings over 15 years of experience in mechanical and electrical engineering, specializing in industrial machinery design and automation controls programming. He holds a B.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology from Fitchburg State and has completed advanced training through Rockwell and Mitsubishi, along with UL508A MTR Certification.
Driven by curiosity and determination, Cody is largely self-taught, gaining his practical knowledge by being hands-on, constantly learning, and never backing down from a challenge. His inventive mindset has led to multiple patented innovations in the thread rolling and automated packaging equipment industries.
Outside of work, Cody enjoys spending time in his own automotive and machine shop, where he builds custom cars and fabricates CNC-machined parts. He’s also a musician who enjoys composing and playing original music.
Ashley Hughes: Mechanical Engineering Intern
Ashley joined Live Automation (LIVE) in the summer of 2025 as a Mechanical Engineering Intern. She is currently pursuing her degree in Mechanical Engineering at Union College in Schenectady, NY. At LIVE, Ashley supports senior engineers with system design work and contributes to a variety of hands-on projects, gaining exposure to the full scope of the engineering and automation process.
Ashley was drawn to LIVE because of the opportunity to work in a smaller, fast-paced environment where she could take on meaningful, diverse responsibilities. With a strong interest in mechanical design, she’s eager to expand her knowledge in control systems and the broader automation industry. Prior to this role, Ashley interned with a startup called SunThru, where she gained valuable lab and prototyping experience—machining parts, building mock heaters, and designing a device for handling aerogel materials.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys camping in New Hampshire with friends, family, and her dog, as well as spending time near the water. She’s also passionate about creative projects like embroidery, scrapbooking, and painting.
How Can We Help?
Our team loves what we do, and we know you'll love it too. We look forward to talking with you and learning more about what's on your industrial automation horizon. Contact us at (866) PLC-GUYS.