MNJ Technologies is a managed service provider based out of Buffalo Grove, Ill. MNJ Technologies is expanding organically in a time where acquisitions are making weekly headlines.
Recent reports from MNJ show a 23% increase in revenue in 2019 and a 35% rise in monthly recurring service revenue. MNJ attributes its 2019 performance to its strategy to pursue “edge-based solutions sales.” MNJ offers SD-WAN, unified communication, and hybrid-cloud offerings.
Ben Niernberg (MNJ’s executive vice-president), said that “it’s all tied down to the focus on the edge”, referring to the company’s revenue growth. According to Niernberg, this expansion will continue in 2020. It is based on the same strategy as organic growth. To support MNJ’s next phase of growth, the company has already appointed a vice-president of sales. Andrew Ballema joined MNJ after a stint as a senior manager at CDW. He was responsible for increasing sales in areas like SD-WAN, hybrid clouds, and unified communications as services. MNJ’s growth projections for the company are based on increasing sales internally. However, MNJ doesn’t rule out acquisitions. Niernberg stated that MNJ is interested in buying talent and not allowing acquisitions to purchase a customer base. He said that MNJ is not interested in struggling companies. “We are seeking talent and companies that share our values and are open to new ideas. MNJ’s 2019 developments provide insight into where it will be pushing this year. The company’s monthly recurring revenues growth was due to managed SD-WAN services. MNJ has expanded its SD-WAN list to include Cisco, Cloudgenix and Meraki as well as Silver Peak, Oracle, Silver Peak, Versa, and Meraki. A SD-WAN demonstration lab was also created by MNJ. It is equipped with a WAN emulation software that helps customers choose the right SD-WAN product for them. Niernberg stated that MNJ has an average of 90% close rate with potential customers who test SDWAN offerings in their lab. MNJ will pair its SD-WAN sales this year with direct connections between its colocation facility, public clouds like AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. Direct connections will improve traffic flow reliability and control ingress/egress costs associated with public clouds. These connections will be available in the second quarter. MNJ also expanded its collaboration offerings in 2019, including Workplace by Facebook. Niernberg stated that the company has over 20 deals in the pipeline for this technology. He noted that Workplace by Facebook is the first product to allow MNJ to approach other lines of business in order for them to make sales calls. He said that the company can now call prospects in marketing, communications, and human resource departments to help them land accounts that weren’t possible before. Niernberg stated, “It’s an amazing opportunity for our sales organization.” Read the original article here.Continued expansion
Looking back
Matt Ogden is MNJ’s Chief Operating Officer. Matt is widely recognized as the voice of the customer. He was, in fact, a customer of MNJ for 14 years. MNJ customers trust Matt for his command of IT and Digital Transformation within the context of optimized business outcomes.
Matt bridges the gap between legacy technology environments and practical future state success. He has a rare ability to meet the customer where they are and build high integrity, cost effective plans to help technology teams function better. He has even been called a CTO/CIO whisperer. His command of best practices comes from his 14+ years of experience as a leader within the Fortune 19 company – Marathon Petroleum Corporation.
Matt is a Management Information Systems (MIS) graduate from Kent State University. Matt is all about family and invests his free time into them while enjoying coaching and Disney World adventures. Matt is also an avid Cleveland Browns fan.
