Pittsburgh Pacesetters 2010
Honoree
Dave Kerney lives by the theory that the key to success is satisfying customers and employees. Using that philosophy, he has built ColdCypress LLC, one of the area’s fastest-growing IT consulting companies today.
As founder and president of ColdCypress, Kerney strives to find the true issue behind a client’s problem. Time after time, he finds the problem is not only technological but a user or environmental issue. By first listening to clients and then working together to solve the issue, ColdCypress makes clients feel as if they’re part of the team.
Kerney’s empathetic leadership approach extends to his employees, as well. He follows the belief that leaders should be respectful and encouraging of employees’ input. ColdCypress employees are encouraged to contribute to the ongoing discussion of how to better the company. The confidence in employee ideas, as well as the company’s ability to plan and reach its goals, has led it to grow 62 percent in the last two years.
In 2004, ColdCypress launched with five employees and the belief that it could meet customers’ needs while making a profit. It now has 40 employees, a client base of more than 300 and has been ranked as one of the 100 fastest-growing businesses in Pittsburgh three years in a row.
Kerney has incorporated his belief in serving the community into the business.
In an effort to support local businesses, ColdCypress refuses to off-shore any of its work. In order to meet clients’ needs, it has formed partnerships with local companies to provide the service and equipment outside of the firm’s expertise. The idea keeps the work local and allows ColdCypress to provide complete solutions for its client base.
Kerney routinely donates to organizations like the Jewish Community Center, the Boys & Girls Clubs and Family House.
He is an avid soccer fan, which explains his sportsmanlike attitude toward running a business. Before founding ColdCypress, he worked with the local soccer association coaching youth teams. He stays in touch with his favorite pastime by helping with a local high school soccer booster club and announcing the high school boys’ soccer games.
How to reach: ColdCypress LLC, (412) 677-1500 or www.coldcypress.com
