FiT

High-Level Overview

FIT Technologies is a Cleveland-based managed IT services provider (MSP) founded in 1999, specializing in outsourced IT solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, security, and growth for businesses.[1][2][4] It serves over 100,000 users across 31 states and internationally (UK, Dubai), targeting sectors like healthcare, education, professional services, construction, nonprofits, hospitality, and manufacturing, with services including help desk support, cybersecurity, cloud hosting, VoIP, network design, disaster recovery, and IT strategy.[1][2][5] Generating $16.5 million in annual revenue with 186 employees, FIT acts as clients' full IT department, pioneering value-based models like flat-rate managed services and leased hardware upgrades to foster long-term partnerships.[1][2][3]

Origin Story

FIT Technologies began in 1999 as SchoolOne, a web-based software company focused on connecting K-12 schools with home technology, founded by co-founders Michelle Tomallo and Micki Tubbs (current CEO).[1][2] Amid the early 2000s tech bubble burst, it pivoted to IT consultation and E-Rate services for schools by 2002, then expanded to business outsourcing in 2005.[1] The company relocated its headquarters to Cleveland's Playhouse Square in 2006 for talent and visibility, and in 2010, post-recession, divested software development to specialize in managed IT services with a flat-rate, relationship-focused model.[1] Key growth came in 2015 via network hardware investments enabling as-a-service upgrades, leading to exponential client and revenue expansion; by 2024, marking its 25th anniversary, FIT had become one of the Midwest's largest MSPs.[1]

Core Differentiators

• Value-Driven Model: Pioneered flat-rate managed services in 2010 emphasizing long-term partnerships over transactional support, including leased hardware upgrades since 2015 for scalable access without upfront costs.[1]
• Comprehensive Service Breadth: Full IT outsourcing as the client's "IT department," covering help desk, onsite field support, cybersecurity, cloud services, VoIP, disaster recovery, network optimization, and strategic IT roadmaps tailored to unique challenges.[2][3][4][5]
• Proven Scale and Reach: Supports 100,000+ users in 31 states, UK, and Dubai across diverse sectors; partnerships with Dell, HP, Lenovo, Google, Cisco enhance reliability.[1][5]
• Talent and Growth Focus: 186 employees with a culture of career development, as noted in client testimonials; evolved from education software to national MSP leader over 25 years.[1][2][5]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

FIT rides the wave of digital transformation and cybersecurity demands, where businesses increasingly outsource IT amid rising threats, remote work, and cloud adoption—trends amplified post-recession and during hybrid work shifts.[1][4] Its timing aligns with MSP market growth, as mid-sized firms in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing seek cost-effective, scalable solutions without building in-house teams, leveraging FIT's Midwest roots for regional dominance while expanding nationally.[2][5] FIT influences the ecosystem by enabling focus on core operations through robust infrastructure, supporting economic recovery via efficient tech (e.g., post-2010 pivot), and competing with firms like Innovative Network Solutions by prioritizing partnerships over commoditized services.[1][2]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

FIT's trajectory points to continued expansion in cybersecurity, AI-driven monitoring, and zero-trust architectures, capitalizing on its established client base and hardware leasing model amid escalating threats and cloud migrations.[4][5] With 25+ years of adaptation—from bubble survival to national scale—expect deeper international push (e.g., Dubai/UK) and talent investments to sustain 10-20% annual growth, potentially targeting acquisitions for specialized services.[1][2] As MSP consolidation rises, FIT's relationship-first philosophy positions it to shape Midwest tech resilience, evolving from regional player to key enabler in a hybrid, secure enterprise landscape—reinforcing its origins as a pivot-master in turbulent times.[1]