Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence: A Q&A with ITS’ Founder and CEO

As ITS marks its 30th anniversary, we took a trip down memory lane with our Founder, Ted Swanson, and CEO, Garrett Graney. Since starting as a small team working out of a home office—where one of our biggest challenges was keeping the coffee pot full—we have since grown into a national leader in the IT space. Despite our growth, some things have remained constant: our commitment to excellence, our belief in the power of teamwork, and dedication to building lasting relationships.

In this Q&A, Ted and Garrett share their reflections on the last 30 years, their favorite memories along the way, and what’s next for ITS.

What’s your favorite memory from the early days of ITS?

Ted: The company started in my house. The most people we ever had working there was 9—all stuffed into spare bedrooms with desks made out of plywood. My wife finally kicked us out when she couldn’t find any coffee in the morning because the employees had already emptied the pot. We got an office in 2000 and never looked back.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, starting out 30 years ago, what would it be?

Garrett: Trust the process—focus on taking care of your team and your clients, and everything will fall into place. It might just help you sleep better at night.

 

What is one piece of client feedback that has had a lasting impact on ITS, and how did it influence your approach?

Ted: A client once told me that what they really cared about, more than anything, was that we cared about their business. Response times, close rates, and pricing are important, but if the clients know you really care about their business, they’ll trust you when things get difficult.

Garrett: This insight that Ted mentioned reshaped our approach and solidified our commitment to building deep, trusted client partnerships.

 

What’s something you’ve changed your mind on since starting ITS?

Garrett: I once believed that technological advancements, like Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), might eliminate the need for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). But I’ve realized that as technology evolves, so does the demand for our expertise and services.

 

What’s a surprising fact about ITS that most people don’t know?

Ted: The original name of the company was Small Office Solutions (SOS). My wife even designed the logo.

 

If ITS had a mascot, what would it be and why?

Ted: Gritty. Self-explanatory.

Garrett: An owl—wise, adaptable, and always alert. Or maybe a shark—tenacity, focus, and a relentless drive to stay ahead in the competitive MSP industry.

 

What has been the most exciting part of seeing new talents and skills join ITS through recent acquisitions?

Garrett: Welcoming new team members through acquisitions and organic growth has been incredibly exciting. The diverse experiences and skills they bring have accelerated our growth and innovation in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

 

What does “Experience Excellence” mean to you personally, and how do you see it embodied in ITS every day?

Garret: To me, “Experience Excellence” means our team’s relentless dedication to delivering outstanding service every single day. It’s embodied in our core values and reflected in the passion our team members bring to their work.

 

How do our partners’ expertise and insights help ITS anticipate industry shifts, and how does this influence our strategic planning?

Ted: When it was just a few of us 20-30 years ago, we had to figure everything out with a small group. Now that we have hundreds of people with great ideas, we can leverage all that experience and brainpower.

Garrett: As IT Solutions grows, we’re attracting top-tier partners who are more engaged than ever. Their expertise helps us refine our data center operations, adopt new technologies, and optimize costs. Our talented team members turn these partnerships into success stories, ensuring smooth implementation and alignment with our goals.

If you could predict one major change in the IT industry in the next 30 years, what would it be?

Garrett: I foresee AI and automation driving the industry for the next decade, fundamentally transforming how we work. As for the next 30 years? The possibilities are limitless—I’m excited.

 

What’s your vision for the future of ITS?

Ted: I think ITS can be a billion-dollar company. If we keep making the right decisions and focusing on what matters most—the people we serve—there’s no reason we can’t be a major force in the IT industry.

 

Reflecting on 30 Years of ITS Excellence

As we look back on the last 30 years, this interview offers a glimpse into the pivotal moments that have defined us. From branding evolutions and industry awards to welcoming new teammates—these achievements are a testament to the incredible community we’ve built together.

Our success is deeply rooted in the trust and support of our employees, partners, and clients. You are the heart of ITS, and we are truly grateful to have you with us every step of the way—thank you!

Take a moment to explore our journey since 1994, highlighting key milestones over the past 30 years.

ITS Through the Years

2024

• IT Solutions celebrates its 30th anniversary!
• Steady Networks joins the IT Solutions family.
• IT Solutions unveils a refreshed brand identity.
• 15th year of recognition in the MSP 501 ranking and 9th year of recognition in CRN’s MSP 500.
• ITS holds Inaugural Sales Kickoff.

2023

• 8th year of recognition in CRN’s MSP 500.
• 14th year of recognition in the MSP 501.
• Spade Technology and The Network Pro join the ITS Family.
• Umbrella Managed Systems joins the ITS Family.
• IT Solutions partners with DeepSeas, introducing new security services.
• Acropolis Technology Group joins the ITS Family.

2022

• Ranked in CRN 500, MSP 501, and the Consulting Report Top 50.
• ITS acquires CHIPS Technology Group.
• Recognized as Top 5 IT Services Provider for the Legal Industry.
• 6th year of Best Places to Work.
• ITS introduces revamped Client Portal with enhanced visibility and self-service support.

2021

• Ranked 6th among MSPs globally in MSP 501.
• Endpoint Security added to Support Plans.
• 5th year of Best Places to Work.

2020

• Security As A Service.
• CRN MSP 500 for 6th consecutive year.
• Ranked 9th among MSPs globally.
• Digital Transformation.

2019

• ITS acquires SecurElement.
• Completes SSAE18 Compliance Audit.
• Earns Best Place To Work for 4th time.
• Celebrates 25 of years of business.

2018

• Launches Modern Workplace Solutions Services.
• Named as a Top Vertical MSP for Law Firms.
• Initiates Smiles for Success Charity Program.

2017

• Kicks-off Business Tech Talks Webinar Series.
• Lands first Artificial Intelligence (AI) project.

2016

• ITS becomes a Microsoft Tier 1 O365 CSP partner.
• Named a Top Vertical MSP in Healthcare.

2015

• ITS introduces advanced managed security offering, ITSecure+™.
• Establishes industry-focused managed service offerings.

2014

• ITS named a Best Place to Work for the first time by The Philadelphia Business Journal.
• IT Solutions celebrates its 20th year in business!

2013

First-ever Cloud Giveaway program offered, resulting in 3 years of full NearCloud support as a charitable contribution to local non-profit, Career Wardrobe.

2012

• Named to Top 100 Cloud Service Providers and Managed Services Providers.
• ITS becomes 100 percent employee owned.

2011

• ITS becomes SAS 70 compliant. Hosting services rebranded as NearCloud® and SSAE 16 compliance achieved.
• ITS becomes a Salesforce.com partner, consultant and developer.

2010

• ITS joins social media world, produces first videos.
• Community service participation takes off with Habitat for Humanity.

2009

• ITS introduces Employee Stock Ownership Plan and marks 15-year anniversary with 40 employees.
• First Application Development managed service offerings: FMAssure and FMAssist.
• Client referral program is launched.

2008

• Hosted Universal offering is introduced, opening door to complete cloud-based support.
• Garrett Graney promoted to President and executive management team is established.

2007

• ITS acquires iNet Solutions.
• Headquarters moved from Jenkintown to current office in Fort Washington, PA. ITS makes the Inc. 5000 for the first time.

2005

The VCIO (Virtual Chief Information Officer) role is introduced to SharedVision clients.

2004

First managed services offerings launched. SharedVision is branded and rolled out.

2001

• ITS acquires FMG Technologies.
• ITS adopts Open Book Management – which proves to be one of the pillars of the company’s success.
• ITS holds its first all-staff Quarterly Meeting, a tradition that still exists today.
• Application Development and Network Services become separate departments, allowing the company to call itself a “full-service IT provider”. MVP of the month program for all staff introduced.

2000

• Company moves into its first office in Jenkintown, PA, with 8 employees.
• ITS acquires The Computer Fixer.

1999

Company name changed to IT Solutions.

1996

First company website launched.

1994

IT Solutions (originally Small Office Solutions) is founded by Ted Swanson as a solo venture headquartered in a spare bedroom.