Pearson-Kelly Technology completes ownership change

Last edited  9:08 a.m., Oct. 1, 2021

Pearson-Kelly Technology President Chelsey Bode, a second-generation leader of the company, completed her purchase of the business from her father.

Bode today purchased the remaining 81% of the business she didn't already own from Mike Kelly for undisclosed terms, according to a news release. Bode began accumulating shares in the information technology solutions company in 2011.

"This has always been the plan," Bode said in the release, pointing to a 10-year succession plan the businesspeople conducted. "It’s just been in the last five years or so, though, that we’ve gotten serious about the when.”

As sole owner, Bode will shift her duties toward the design of the company's long-term vision and goals. Lee Flood, executive vice president and integrator, and the rest of the company’s leadership team will assume some of Bode’s day-to-day responsibilities.

Kelly will remain an employee of Pearson-Kelly Technology, focusing on business development, according to the release.

"I could not be more proud of Chelsey, how she’s embraced the industry and helped build PKT," Kelly said in a statement. "While I’m retiring as owner of Pearson-Kelly Technology, I could not give up the opportunity to work for Chelsey and with the incredible team we’ve built."

Kelly bought out his business partner in Pearson-Kelly, Byron Pearson, in 2011, according to past reporting. The company was founded in 2002 by Byron and Lisa Pearson, and Kelly took on 50% ownership in 2004.

Now, Pearson-Kelly has 44 employees and is tracking this year to reach $7.2 million in revenue, a company spokesperson said. That’s up from $5.3 million in 2020.