Today we’d like to introduce you to Fizen Technology. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Jared Knisley started Fizen Technology after a failed attempt to launch a software startup with a business partner. Though the initial business idea didn’t pan out, Knisley pivoted to offer software consulting services in the equipment finance space. He later expanded the company’s offerings to provide IT outsourcing and support services to create steady revenue streams.
Knisley overcame significant challenges in starting Fizen Technology, including losing his business partner and startup capital shortly after quitting his job. Today, after overcoming numerous setbacks, he has grown the business into a thriving enterprise with a large, talented team comprised of full-time employees, independent contractors, and dedicated vendor partners.
Fizen Technology differentiates itself by having 24/7 IT support availability, national and international employees, and software consulting services; which few competitors can match. The company survived the COVID-19 pandemic by optimizing operations and has come out stronger. Knisley joined Tampa Bay Business Journal Leadership Trust to establish himself as a thought leader and network with other professionals, leading to valuable partnerships and client referrals.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all, the first couple of years were very bumpy, and business partnerships have been a real struggle.
Building up a client base, in a heavy relationship-driven business model, was also challenging given my background from a relationship perspective was primarily with clients at a corporate level, not with other small business owners.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We would like to highlight several of our MSP employees as well as the executive team.
Joe Parker: With several years of experience in Help Desk support, I specialize in computer and network security solutions. Having graduated college with honors, I possess technical expertise along with strong academic knowledge. My specialty in implementing security protocols and technologies allows me to protect organizations against cyber threats. I pride myself on my interpersonal skills and ability to communicate complex technical topics to non-technical colleagues and clients. My patient and friendly demeanor sets me apart when providing user support.
Matthew Riebow: As a Customer Support Delivery Leader, I specialize in providing responsive technology support and service. With a focus on computer and other technology assistance, I have built a reputation for delivering speedy yet thoughtful solutions. Clients appreciate my personable approach and honesty when addressing their needs. My ability to quickly troubleshoot issues and propose effective resolutions sets me apart. I enjoy forming working relationships with those I assist and being known as someone they can rely on any time an issue arises.
Jerry Chapman: My name is Jerry Chapman, and I am a Senior Infrastructure & Systems Engineer with over 15 years of experience in network and server design and implementation. I specialize in assessing a client’s current IT environment, understanding their business needs and goals, and developing solutions to improve their systems and infrastructure. My strength is being able to take complex technical issues and explain them in clear, easy-to-understand language for non-technical clients and stakeholders. I pride myself on designing and building robust, scalable server and network architectures that meet both current and future business needs. My deep technical expertise combined with strong communication skills allow me to translate technology into tangible business value for organizations.
Sean Kennedy: As a Business Operations Consultant, I employ a versatile skillset to fulfill a wide range of roles. My specialty in software development allows me to manage projects, own products, and perform quality assurance testing. I am proud of my work bringing Verify software to life – from making key decisions to uniting cross-functional teams to meet development goals. My ability to excel in diverse responsibilities makes me a highly adaptable contributor. While wearing many hats, my focus remains on delivering excellence and advancing organizational objectives. I build consensus and productivity by bridging connections between people and keeping end goals in sight.
Julia Concolino: As Director of Marketing, I develop and execute digital strategies to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and boost customer engagement. Collaborating cross-functionally, I create compelling content that aligns with brand identity and resonates with target audiences. I leverage analytics to optimize campaigns and make data-driven decisions to maximize marketing performance. Building connections comes naturally to me; I actively listen and remember details to establish genuine rapport. My strengths in strategic planning, content creation, and relationship-building drive measurable growth for the business.
Jared Knisley: As the Managing Principal at Fizen Technology, I steer the company’s strategic direction and resource allocation. Additionally, I spearhead sales initiatives to expand the business and mentor team members for optimal performance. I have a strong foundation in Computer Information Systems and Management, complemented by a specialization in providing enterprise-level technology system support. I also have a unique talent for tackling complex technical problems, coupled with the ability to effectively engage with and understand business and management teams. I’m most proud of successfully balancing a career with family life, all while maintaining my well-being. My blend of technical expertise and business acumen creates a distinctive leadership dynamic.
Ikwo Ibiam: As CEO, I lead the managed services vertical at Fizen Technology, overseeing business development and operations. With experience across sales, consulting, and more, I leverage my diverse background to drive company growth. My specialty lies in identifying opportunities and managing execution to deliver results. Known for my radio-ready voice and passion for books, I take pride in the extensive library I’ve built over the years. This reflects my ongoing quest to broaden my perspectives.
Ultimately, my varied industry exposure gives me a unique lens on technology’s universal role in connecting business needs. I thrive on blending strategy with hands-on leadership to propel initiatives forward. My blend of strategic vision and cross-sector understanding enables me to spot potential that drives transformative outcomes. I leverage my multifaceted expertise and relentless curiosity to steer company success.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
We are not a typical MSP. Most MSPs stick with traditional helpdesk and workstation support models, we offer software development and consulting services as well. We are a full “DevOps” operation.
We offer software solutions and manage large-scale international software implementations, while also being able to offer a 24/7 helpdesk for a smaller enterprise. Our goal is to be a full-service IT destination for another business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fizentech.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fizentechnology
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fizentechnology
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fizen-technology/
Image Credits
Carlee Calfee and Trilcy Kennedy
