In today's technology-driven business arena, mobility is an advantage, and St. Louis Park-based I.T. support firm
Backpack Tactics aims to give companies that edge.
Founders Joel Barker and Brian Roemen chose the company's name as a nod toward how they both work--carrying their laptops in backpacks--but also as a representation of what they provide, like mobile technology services and cloud computing insight.
"It's all about lightweight technology," says Barker. "With current technology, you should be able to carry your business with you anywhere."
Before teaming up, the pair had worked as consultants, both independently and together on a few projects. They decided to start a business together in 2010, and the firm has grown through word of mouth since then. Since Barker has worked for nonprofits since 2005, that's one sector that's particularly strong for Backpack Tactics.
Barker says, "Many nonprofits don't understand what tools are out there and how they can be utilized properly, so it's our mission to help them. Essentially, we're trying to put ourselves out of work by providing training and technology, but that's okay because we're really passionate about helping people to help themselves."
He adds that training is a strong focus for most clients, and that many small business owners haven't had any technology training in the past. By blending training with tech-purchasing advice, Backpack Tactics can help them to use tech more effectively.
"For the future, we'd just love to be able to grow more and reach more clients," says Barker. "We continue to learn about new tools and connect with more people, and that's what we envisioned when we started, so we're on a good path."
Source: Joel Barker, Backpack Tactics
Writer: Elizabeth Millard