Simply Scintillating !
Syntellus’ Curtis V. Crowder Makes Data Work
By Tambria Peeples
Succeeding as an entrepreneur in the world of technology is
already an arduous task but value-added resellers (VARS) and systems
integrators face tremendous competition, according to Curtis V. Crowder,
founder and owner of Syntellus Dataworks, LLC. VARS are companies that
combine computer components to build complete systems. For example, a VAR
might take a computer chip, printer, hard drive, monitor and graphics software
from different vendors, put it together, and packages it as a specialized
computer-aided design system.
System integrators are very similar to VARS but they deal with
bigger and more complex projects and this factor positions Syntellus parallel
with companies like Andersen Consulting and PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst &
Young.
On its way to rising above the competition, Syntellus is in its
fourth year and growing at a phenomenal rate Crowder said. “The company has
experienced tremendous growth, exceeding industry averages. This growth can be
measured across many criteria. We have consistently grown greater than 800
percent year to year to year. We have grown our customer base. We have grown
our internal head count, adding depth and breadth. We have developed
additional offerings to take forward to our clients. Syntellus is firmly on
track for another stellar year of performance,” he said.
The company provides designs and deploys turn-key computing
solutions, systems and services to the lines of business and data centers of
commercial and public sector organizations.
“More specifically, we deliver a varied offering of services to
include consulting, capacity planning/scaling, high availability, server
consolidation, technology deployment/rollout, infrastructure procurement,
application integration, operating system and resource optimization, storage
management and virtualization to name a few. Syntellus maintains these core
solutions in addition to other areas of expertise and deliverables to enable
successful client operations. It sounds like a mouthful, but it is not. Simply
put, Syntellus delivers high-end technology solutions,” said Crowder.
The company evolved, according to Crowder, from his hard work and
preparation.
“Syntellus was created and taken forward in the marketplace during
a time when technology spending was still trending downward, with Companies
recovering from Y2K and the aftermath of 9/11. Syntellus also placed a stake
in the ground regarding the technologies and solution sets it would offer with
a true focus on high-tech. We successfully overcame high barriers from entry.
We have been able to realize tremendous growth organically,” he said.
Crowder said his drive for the technology field began in college
and this same drive brought him to realizing the success and growth of
Syntellus today.
“I would have to say it all started during my undergraduate
studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology during an engineering graphics
class, learning and understanding the representation of data within three
dimensional spaces. I would spend a significant amount of time in the computer
labs working with data. I would certainly say this is where it all began,” he
continued.
“Fast forward four or so years, I began working for IBM as an
information technology specialist designing and supporting the RS/6000 brand.
After spending a number of years at IBM, I transitioned into distribution or
what is commonly known as ‘The Channel.’
“Over the next eight years, I gained a vast amount of functional
experience in managerial and executive roles in the areas of finance,
operations, sales, marketing, and many others. These core experiences greatly
enhanced an existing platform as a technologist. I could not have asked for
better preparation.
“After operating from the perspectives of Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM), second tier distribution, and first tier customer
engagement, there was only one perspective remaining, the entrepreneur.”
Crowder said in the beginning stages of starting his business, he
poured the culmination of his experience into the business plan, working to
refine it over the course of a full year.
“During this time I called on a growing network including OEM
executives, software partners, industry advisors and potential clients. The
net effect was to literally seed the environment for the coming and growth of
Syntellus Dataworks,” he said.
Without seeking funds by traditional means such as banking and
other financial institutions, Crowder said he started the business with
roughly $175,000.
“Funding was intentionally not sought to bring Syntellus Dataworks
into the marketplace. I funded the company myself. We have truly been an
organic company from inception to now. Furthermore, the business model for
Syntellus Dataworks was and is cash intensive. There is no way around it,” he
said.
Syntellus is an IBM Business Partner, which means they are able to
offer IBM technologies and equipment to its customers.
“The relationship with IBM was formed and nurtured over time. I
can say there was indeed a benefit to having worked for IBM. Throughout the
years, my primary technology focus was towards IBM technologies. Even in
former roles with prior companies I linked very closely with IBM. It was
important to ensure the relationship was successful.
“In its operations as an IBM Premier Business Partner, Syntellus
Dataworks is increasing its linkage with IBM. The IBM premier designation is
the highest partner ranking an organization can achieve. It demonstrates a
strong commitment to technology, solutions and brands,” he said.
According to Syntellus.com, the company has built alliances with
other major companies like Hitachi Data Systems, Intel, WebSphere Software,
Cisco Systems and many others to further enhance customer value.
With such a competitive industry, how was Syntellus able to become
successful?
“There are many reasons. Syntellus Dataworks maintains a seasoned workforce.
Our team members average at least twelve years experience in information
technology,” Crowder said.
This experience ranges from global OEM’s, consultancies, former
corporate executive and fellow entrepreneurs, according to Crowder. Syntellus
is relatively flat, with few mangers, silos and other encumbrances to fluid
communications and execution.
“Syntellus’ people are the reason for our success. They are highly
motivated and realize the vision for Syntellus Dataworks in the marketplace.
Another reason is our customers. Syntellus’ customers value these
relationships. We have become strategic partners and trust advisors.”
These clients range from
Fortune 100 and
higher to the public sector. “The average client at Syntellus Dataworks is the
computing client, using technology as an enabler for the execution of
strategy.
“If I was to qualify this more, the average client is the
enterprise-class client supporting its business units on varying processing
architectures and platforms. These clients require flexibility, scalability,
and resiliency in their daily operations,” he explained.
Based in Atlanta, Ga., Crowder said the city offers a friendly
business environment for minority and women entrepreneurs. “There are strong,
diverse communities here in Atlanta. These communities are supporting the
business they have birthed. More importantly, the Atlanta business community
is receptive to these businesses, realizing the solutions they offer do indeed
add value,” he said.
Moving from corporate America to entrepreneurship in technology is
a leap that was obviously a good fit for Crowder and he offered advice to
others who want to do the same. “There is a tremendous level of talent and
experience residing in corporate America. In the majority of cases I have
seen, there is usually a catalyst to propel one into entrepreneurship.
Sometimes there is not a catalyst at all.
“To state it briefly, it all comes down to preparation.
Preparation for a journey, even when unknown, is paramount. I could also sum
this preparation in a few succinct words: stop, look, listen then act. First,
minorities and women in corporate America should stabilize themselves within
their work environment. Next they should observe and learn as much about their
organization as possible. Then, they should be receptive to receiving
information and knowledge. This can come in the form of mentorship, new job
assignments, etc. Finally, they should move decisively. Whether for an
internal initiative/project or steps to entrepreneurship, one should move with
purpose,” said Crowder. Crowder also had a few suggestions for those other
minority technology business owners who haven’t experienced success parallel
to Syntellus.
“The specific field that Syntellus operates in is extremely
competitive. Success can be measured from different perspectives. One view is
that of the marketplace: Are your offerings and solutions appropriate,
differentiated, and value-added? Another view is the customer perspective:
Are you delivering excellence to your customers across your offerings and
solutions? Another perspective is the company itself: Is there actual growth?
Are the financials scaling positively? Are the ratios inline?
“Business owners should continuously refine their operations. They
must also observe their landscape, execute based on this landscape, measure
results from past action and then look to execute again based on previous
findings. Success is continuous improvement,” he said.
For more information about Syntellus Dataworks and the services
offered, call them at 404-942-3519; toll free at 877-SOLD-IT; or visit them on
the Web at
www.Syntellus.com.
