Chamber Insider Blog

1.  Tell us your story of how your business evolved into what it is today.

integrateIT was founded by my business partner, Geoff Keller, in 2004.  At the time, Geoff was a (relatively) young man who aspired to start a business.  I met Geoff in 2006, and convinced him to take a chance on bringing me on as a partner.  Together, our goal was to establish an innovative IT company with a niche in project management and engineering services that provided our Government clients with cost effective and transformational solutions in a marketplace that was becoming more agile and forward thinking.  Since our inception, we have grown at a sustainable place by placing a premium on hiring outstanding team members that share our vision.

2.  What would it mean to you and your company to win a Small Business Award?

We support our clients and their mission because we believe in the values of our customers and this country.  Because of the nature of our work, we aren’t able to publicize many of our accomplishments, which is fine.  That said, being selected for a Small Business Award is another way to show our team that their efforts are noticed and valued.

3.  What is the smallest thing that has made the largest impact on your business?

I firmly believe that hard work brings good luck.  The efforts of our team, be it supporting our clients on site, or burning the midnight oil putting together proposals, all equally contributes to the karma that makes integrateIT the successful company that it is today.

4.  Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career?

My business partner Geoff.  Over the past 14 years, I have spent more time interacting with him than anyone else on this planet, including my family.  We have a “professional marriage”, filled with the same types of interaction, emotion, creativity, disappointment, and success of a traditional relationship.  Geoff is a bit older than me, and experienced business ownership, marriage, and fatherhood before I did.  He taught me a great deal in all of those areas. He has praised me when deserved, and criticized me when needed.

5.  What is your favorite thing about running a business in Loudoun County?

The opportunity to network with such a wide net of successful people running businesses in a variety of fields provides a great interactive learning environment.

6.  How do you see your business evolving in the next 10 years?/ future goals

To pay forward the opportunities provided to me, by encouraging the development of the next leaders and owners of integrateIT.

7.  If you’re not in the office where can we find you/what is another passion you have?

With my family, most likely at Loudoun Soccer Park.  If I were by myself, it would be at Ashburn CrossFit.

8.   What did you want to be when you grew up as a child? 

I wanted to be the General Manager of the Washington Wizards.  Based on the current direction of the franchise, I might still have a chance

9.  If you have 24-hours off, and your family was out of town, what would you do?

Sleep for 10 uninterrupted hours, and watch TV for the other 14 hours

10.  What is one book that you would recommend everyone read?

Everybody Poops by Taro Gomi

 

Congratulations to the entire integrateIT team! Good luck at the Small Business Awards this year.