In 1994, John G. Varel saw an opportunity in the marketplace. At that time, customers would purchase hardware, software and the consulting services needed
to integrate solutions all separately. Varel
realized that if there was one company
that could create a fusion of the best products in all three of these areas, he could
cut expenses and build long-term relationships with customers and vendors.
With that realization, he founded
FusionStorm, but he didn’t have any
money — only his good credit and
name. In the beginning, he did all of
the selling himself, and within a few
months, he began adding sales representatives as fast as he could. He continued expanding rapidly, and sales
grew significantly by 2000. Then the
dot-com bust hit. Revenue plummeted
during the next few years, but once
information technology spending
started to go up again, so did
FusionStorm’s revenue. Between 2003
and 2004, the company’s revenue grew
by 260 percent, which spurred
VARBusiness magazine to recognize it
as the second-fastest-growing company
in the industry.
Under Varel’s leadership and commitment to success, FusionStorm has also
grown to more than 21 offices throughout
the country with more than 320 employees. While there were setbacks along the
way, this chairman and CEO has proven
that with a solid idea, sound vision and
being true to your word, you can and
will succeed.
HOW TO REACH: FusionStorm, (415) 623-2626 or
www.fusionstorm.com