From Rural Nicaragua to Worldwide Impact: Rodolfo Saenz

Hi, I’m Rod! My actual name is Rodolfo, but I prefer Rod for simplicity. My journey with technology began in a small town in Nicaragua, where as a child, I dreamed of humanoid robots and circuits—a vision that sparked my lifelong curiosity for computers and electronics.

Growing up, I loved experimenting with software, electronics, and even Atari joysticks, which I repaired without any welding tools! These experiences inspired me to study Systems Engineering. After graduating, I cofounded an Internet Service Provider with my dad. It was here that I discovered Linux through Red Hat. For a small business, open source software was transformative—it allowed us to innovate without the financial strain of costly licenses.

Growing Up Professionally, With Linux

Later, I worked for international organizations including The World Bank, and became a Linux specialist for an IBM partner in Central America. This role exposed me to a wide variety of Linux distributions—Red Hat, SuSE, Ubuntu, Fedora, and more—while implementing solutions for banks and telcos. I gained hands-on experience with physical and virtual servers, in-house infrastructure, and cloud environments.

Hiccups and Success

One of my most challenging yet rewarding experiences happened in Honduras. I was sent to Puerto Cortés to resolve a delayed project under immense pressure. The client was furious, and I had no time to rehearse the implementation. Over two weeks, I worked day and night to deliver the solution. By the end, the client, once frustrated, was so pleased that they invited me to a celebratory lunch by the beach. That experience definitely taught me the value of determination and adaptability!

Adding Success to Success: ‘My’ LPI, From 2012 to Now

My relationship with LPI began with my LPIC-1 certification in 2012. I remember feeling like a million bucks when I earned it—being one of the first in Central America to do so was a proud moment. Years later, in 2017, earning LPIC-2 was another milestone that brought an even deeper sense of accomplishment. These certifications validated my skills and opened new doors in my career.

Today, I work as an independent consultant and trainer, sharing my knowledge with the next generation through online courses. Seeing my students succeed and knowing I’ve made a difference in their lives is incredibly fulfilling. Earlier this year, being recognized by LPI as an Approved Trainer was the cherry on top of my professional journey. It motivates me to continue inspiring others through the power of Linux and open source.