YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Kevin Waterland worked his way up to co-owner in businessman Doug Pitt’s technology company.
Previously with Pitt’s ServiceWorld Computer Center LLC dating back to 2005, Waterland was there when the company took on the TSI Technology Solutions name and when Pitt Technology Group LLC emerged in 2017. Now, he’s general manager and co-owner of the group that comprises information technology firm NexioTechnologies LLC, low-voltage cabling unit LoVo Integrations, software developer ConceptiCode LLC and internet infrastructure contractor SyndeoSolutions LLC. The latter firm he founded in 2016 and now co-owns with Pitt.
After repurchasing the Springfield assets from St. Charles-based partner TSI Global Cos. LLC, Waterland says the immediate focus when creating Pitt Technology Group was to reverse a troubling industry trend.
IT service providers, he says, have generally moved into a system that unfairly favors them over the customer, with monthly contracts that still require additional bill expenditures when something isn’t “technically covered under the contract.”
“These industry changes took hold quickly because they made our already profitable businesses even more profitable. But this profit came at the expense of the client’s satisfaction and trust,” Waterland says. “When Doug and I bought our baby back two years ago, figuring out an alternative to get us back to our roots was the priority.”
As a solution, Waterland and team asked clients if they’d like to move to an hourly system at a reduced rate, with monthly commitments, as opposed to a standard contract.
“The response was significant. Everyone loved it. Most clients saw a significant uptick in our performance and a moderate decrease in cost,” he says. “It allowed me personally to do what I love the most: Solve problems with technology and make our clients’ businesses run smoother and more profitably.”
A year after starting Pitt Technology Group, Waterland was instrumental in the acquisitions of ConceptiCode, which is now one of the company’s divisions, and AVman & Associates Ltd., which merged into LoVo Integrations.
Waterland’s efforts have paid off, as annual billings at Pitt Technology have grown by 60% since 2016. Billings hit $4.8 million in 2018, up from $3.6 million in 2017 and $3 million the year prior. The company manages the needs of more than 100 clients.
“The role I’ve accepted as a trusted adviser is simply to help my customers spend money on technology as wisely as possible,” Waterland says.
Married to state Rep. Crystal Quade, Waterland also is active in organizations such as the Association of IT Professionals and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Along with business partner Pitt, Waterland directs Pitt Technology Group to be active in Masterminds of Biz, Springfield Hotel Lodging Association and Springfield Contractors Association. For Pitt’s nonprofit Care to Learn, Pitt Technology Group donates technology assistance.
Moseley’s Discount Office Products was purchased; Side Chick opened in Branson; and the Springfield franchise store of NoBaked Cookie Dough changed ownership.
