New HQ, big-name clients, added services drive big year for IT firm

This paid piece is sponsored by IT Outlet.

There are several reasons why Brandon-based IT Outlet experienced a banner year in 2022 — but it’s the last reason that indicates why next year will be even bigger.

To start, the team expanded into a new, state-of-the-art headquarters and warehouse facility to do more, store more and offer more — both to its clients and employees both.

Next, overall headcount — from techs to sales to logistics specialists– grew and continues to grow. There is certainly no hiring freeze in Brandon; it’s just the opposite.  

Then, there is the state of the industry. Technology needs and services are in high demand, especially for skilled teams that can do as much as the team from Brandon. And, speaking of people, the team is bringing in talent that are experts in their respective specialties. Chief technology officers and IT directors from other organizations joined the ranks of the self-proclaimed Nerds from Brandon this year.

Certainly to be included there is IT Outlet’s impressive client list. The team worked with regional businesses of all sizes and even built relationships or worked with big names, including ESPN, Disney and ABC. 

But most importantly — the team agrees — the No. 1 reason this IT company had a banner year and is now planning for big things in 2023 is because of the thing IT Outlet focuses on the most. It’s not internet speed, cybersecurity or anything related directly to technology. It’s always about the people. The clients. The internal team. All of them. How they are treated and how the relationship with each is created, nurtured and prioritized. 

The team has built a unique mantra that frames every employee or customer conversation. Whether it’s the new hire, ESPN or Ed’s Small Engine Repair, the team considers the immediate and long-term needs of each.

“IT Outlet has been instrumental in assisting us as we strive to research and procure the technologies needed to support these new educational paradigms,” said Dean Luetje, technical coordinator for Adrian Public Schools in Adrian, Minnesota.

“Since so much of our time is now consumed with maintenance and upkeep of these new platforms and with the increased cybersecurity tasks that come with so much online activity, we needed a technology vendor that could partner with us, bringing industry expertise, a willingness to research options, aggressive pricing and great support. IT Outlet has done all of that and more.”

That’s what makes the booming firm unique, CEO Kevin Huber said.

“We have the industry’s best architects and engineers. We carry the best products and brands. We have great shipping and logistics,” he explained. “And all of that only matters because it guides us to take care of every client. That means we have to be able to start and finish any project under one umbrella — the IT Outlet umbrella.”

A large part of what IT Outlet can bring to clients is access to brands — a lot of them. At a time when parts and physical gear like PCs, servers, switches, phones, monitors and just about everything else related to core technology infrastructure is harder to come by than ever before, the IT Outlet team has positioned itself wisely with a large portfolio of offerings to keep clients’ projects on track.

The team also provides pre-owned and refurbished equipment and replacement parts to help clients save money and increase the life cycle of existing equipment. Some of the hardware has the original manufacturer’s warranty remaining, and IT Outlet provides warranties and supports all products sold.

That facet of the operation alone has helped earn business from major organizations in 2022, Huber said.

With more people back to work or working from home now, technology managers had to play catch-up post-pandemic. For companies that weren’t current on life cycle replacements for tech, the situation in 2022 went from bad to worse with supply chain issues. Fortunately, IT Outlet was there for several educational, health care, financial and general business clients by providing new or refurbished gear to meet their needs. Couple that with customer-focused service in all the most critical areas like cybersecurity and network management, and it’s easy to see why 2022 was a success for IT Outlet. 

“Within the last year, I began working with IT Outlet, and some of our other clients have worked with them in the past, and I’ve heard nothing except great things about working with them,” said Mitch Toso, IT speciality for Lakes Country Service Cooperative in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. “With my experience, I’ve had great response times, along with updated stock, recommended times of when we should maybe want to expect to order, moreover recommendations for devices.”

Next year, businesses will continue to struggle acquiring all things tech ranging from software to hardware, Huber said.

“The change in how businesses purchase tech has just flat-out changed and will remain an issue,” he said. “There is no more just sitting on the sidelines and waiting.”

The Brandon-based team is constantly Nerding out to find ways to serve its customers with hardware or services and how to find or provide new options. 

And in 2023, there will be a transition and greater focus on the digital footprint. Huber’s team is excited to play a part in the rise of digital services. The group is working on Web3 services — think the future of the internet — decentralized blockchain tech and new cloud storage offerings. All of them, the tech experts from Brandon say, soon will be the standard focus of businesses small to big. In 2023, the team will continue to grow its offerings, its team and its expertise, Huber said.

“Businesses of all sizes need us, and we’re excited to help.” 

Want to work with a successful IT team with an impressive list of capabilities created to serve your needs now or help you get ready for the year ahead?

“The team at IT Outlet is right for you and ready for your ideas, questions or needs — for a lot of reasons,” Huber said.