Around a quarter of
a century ago, I was given a vision of a company that was to be created. It was
to be a different kind of company in many ways from others that existed at the
time. From a focus on employee quality of life, to a foundation of integrity in
all things, to an unparalleled level of technical expertise. We would flip the
equation, put our team members first, provide them the leadership and structure
to enable them to take care of our clients, and trust them to provide an
exceptional experience for our clients. We would grow with a focus on stability
and commitment to the team, understanding the importance of success to the
families each team member represented.
I was blessed with a
wife of strong faith, who kept us going with her teacher's salary when I only
had enough money to pay employees, and who prayed fervently for our team to
successfully come through the storms. She not only put up with my Marine Deployments
around the world, but kept "home operations" running while I spent
all-nighters at client sites, Saturdays doing business planning, and weeks
traveling. I also had a strong group of
friends who advised and supported me along the way. I'd like to thank all of
you for your support over the years as Carolinas IT has grown. Together, we've
made it through tough times, regrouped after our setbacks, and celebrated our
victories. Our business started as a family, and continued through the years
with a mission, vision, and values that reflected our beliefs and faith.
Our CIT family has
steadily grown and moved forward as team members joined and thrived. We've seen
our children grow from birth to college and beyond (and join our team in
several cases), and friends move on to new challenges. Throughout it all, I've
had the honor of guiding this ship through the sometimes turbulent waters of
technology and business in a hyper competitive environment of growth and
disruption.
Just as our children
grow to a point where they need experiences and opportunities that parents
can't provide at home, businesses sometimes grow to where they need outside
resources, structure, and expertise to continue to reach their full potential.
Earlier this year I realized that Carolinas IT had reached that point, and it
was time for me to evaluate partnering for continued growth, opportunity, and
success for the team. I found such a partner in Logically, based in Portland,
Maine.
I first became
acquainted with Logically three years ago, as they were members of a national
peer group I have been attending. From the beginning it was clear that their
executives shared many of the same values and vision that have been the
foundation of our company. As they obtained private equity funding to grow into
a nationwide service provider powerhouse, they became the obvious choice as a
partner for growth. In early November,
Logically completed an acquisition of Carolinas IT. Since that time, we have
been working to integrate our operations, coordinate with our clients, and
orient forward to the future.
As excited as I am
about the opportunities this partnership will provide, I will not be continuing
on the journey in a formal capacity. As I evaluated my role and the incredible
capabilities of my senior leaders, as well as the professional and capable leadership
of Logically, it was clear to me that it was time to step aside and let others
navigate forward. After December 31st of this year, I will no longer be a
formal part of the team, although my heart will always be with those who go
forward. It has been my honor to serve
this team as a leader, and I continue to be humbled by the professionalism and
dedication of the staff ever day as they advance the mission.
Elizabeth and I are
excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing to serve in
new capacities as guided by the Holy Spirit. It is with sincere and heartfelt
appreciation that I thank you for your support, prayers, and countless kindnesses
over the years, both large and small but all very much a part of our success.
