Simplex-IT Secures Weatherhead 100 Award for the Sixth Time

Tech company continues its legacy as an Ohio business leader, earning prestigious honor in 2023

December 12, 2023; Stow, OH – Simplex-IT is thrilled to announce its victory in the Weatherhead 100 awards for the year 2023. The tech company has now achieved the esteemed Weatherhead honor for the sixth time, reaffirming its position as a prominent Ohio business leader. 

Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management has once again bestowed the Weatherhead 100 award upon Simplex-IT. This annual accolade recognizes a select group of companies demonstrating exceptional standards of leadership, growth, and success in Northeast Ohio. 

Established in 1988, the Weatherhead 100 is the premier award for businesses in the region. It celebrates the accomplishments of the most notable companies in Northeast Ohio, highlighting their contributions to the region's economy. Being selected as a Weatherhead 100 award winner places these companies among the elite in the area. 

Simplex-IT's consistent recognition as a six-time award winner underscores the company's unwavering commitment to providing clients with strength and reliability in its services. Notably, the Managed Service Provider in IT had previously secured the Weatherhead 100 Upstart award in 2016, 2017, and 2019, an accolade reserved for companies with fewer than 15 employees or net sales of less than $5 million in the preceding year. 

In 2021, Simplex-IT clinched the Weatherhead 100 award for the first time, earning a coveted spot on the list of regional businesses. The Weatherhead 100 award is based on a company's net revenue over a five-year period, with qualifying criteria including a net revenue ranging from at least $100,000 to $1 million. 

For more information about the Weatherhead 100, please visit Weatherhead School of Management. (https://weatherhead.case.edu/)

Simplex-IT Wins the 2023 Channel Futures MSP 501 Award and Jumps 245 Places to Number 113

IT firm honored with the most prestigious award for managed service providers in the tech industry worldwide 

July 11, 2023; Stow, OH – Simplex-IT has won the 2023 Channel Futures MSP 501 award, as the managed IT service provider was recognized for a ninth time by the organization for its dedication to the technology industry.   

The Channel Futures MSP 501 is the most prestigious award for managed service providers in the tech industry worldwide. Each year, managed service providers around the world submit applications for inclusion in the MPS 501 list. Thousands of companies submit applications in hopes of being named a winner and just making the list is an accomplishment due to the intense competition.   

Companies must meet a set of criteria laid out by Channel Futures, including annual sales, profit margins, growth, innovation, supported technology, and recurring revenue. The organization doesn’t just rank managed service providers based on size and revenue. It recognizes a company for its business insights, procedures, and customer service, and takes a holistic approach to ranking companies. Channel Futures thoroughly reviews each application and selects the top 501 companies that meet the criteria.   

“There are some recognitions I take seriously, and one of them is the Channel Futures MSP 501 award, which is now in its 16th year as the technology industry's first, largest, and most comprehensive ranking of managed service providers around the globe,” Bob Coppedge, Simplex-IT CEO, said.  

In addition to winning the distinguished award, Simplex-IT made an incredible jump in the Channel Futures MSP 501 award rankings. Channel Futures ranked Simplex-IT No 358 in 2022, but this year, the company moved up 245 places, finishing as No 113. It was a substantial rise in the MSP 501 rankings, adding to the company's award achievement.  

Simplex-IT was founded in 2007 by Coppedge. It has grown into one of the top-ranked managed service providers in the world by maximizing its clients’ IT with cutting-edge and innovative services. 

The 2023 Channel Futures MSP 501 award marks the ninth time Simplex-IT has received the honor. According to Coppedge, winning the award multiple times is further proof that the company delivers the best possible services available to its clients.   

“Winning the award once is fantastic but winning nine times, and making such an incredible jump in the rankings, is evidence of our continued hard work to be the best managed service provider possible,” Coppedge said.  

Simplex-IT CEO Bob Coppedge Nominated for a 2023 CompTIA North America Spotlight Award in the Community Leadership Award Category

The annual CompTIA event will take place March 13th-15th in Chicago at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel 

March 7, 2023; Stow, OH – Simplex-IT CEO Bob Coppedge has been nominated for a 2023 CompTIA North America Spotlight Award in the Community Leadership Award category.   

The North America Spotlight Award in Community Leadership recognizes individuals who demonstrated outstanding service and impact through their passion, professionalism, commitment, and leadership in assisting the CompTIA as it advances the technology industry over the past 12 months. The CompTIA Communities and Councils Forum ceremony will take place in Chicago from March 13th to March 15th, 2023, at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.  

Coppedge has over 40 years of experience in information technology, serving in a variety of roles, including developer, network engineer, consultant, IT director, chief information officer, and CEO. He founded Simplex-IT in 2007, specializing in IT work for small to medium-sized businesses. Coppedge’s goal was to simplify the complex world of IT, making it easier for SMEs to get the services they need to achieve their goals. Coppedge’s success over the years hasn’t gone unnoticed, as the nomination for a 2023 CompTIA North America Spotlight Award in the Community Leadership Award category came from his peers.   

Along with being a highly successful IT entrepreneur, Coppedge is a best-selling author. His books The MSP’s Survival Guide to Co-Managed IT services; A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology; and I Don’t Want Your Job: Is Co-Managed IT services the Right fit for You? have helped thousands of IT professionals improve their careers.  

In addition, Coppedge is a highly sought-after public speaker. He speaks at more than 20 engagements annually. When Coppedge isn’t writing or completing public speaking dates, he finds time to host his own podcast and YouTube channel.   

The annual CompTIA Communities and Councils Forum is a unique event, designed to maximize peer-to-peer knowledge by sharing and guiding attendees as they plan for business success. It is the ideal collaboration between like-minded people in the IT sphere.   

The CompTIA Communities and Councils Forum is a member-only event. The three-day event is open to all CompTIA corporate members. Members can use the experience to connect with and leverage their industry trade association.  

For more information on the CompTIA Communities and Councils Forum ceremony taking place in Chicago from March 13th to March 15th, 2023, at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, please visit the event’s official website. Learn more about Simplex-IT and Bob Coppedge at his website.   

Simplex-IT Launches All-New Official Podcast Biz-Tech Twists with Bob Coppedge

IT expert to release new episodes every Wednesday featuring guests from the business and tech worlds

March 3, 2023; Stow, Ohio-  Simplex-IT, a Managed Service Provider in IT support, has launched its official podcast, Biz-Tech Twists with Bob Coppedge Powered by: Simplex-IT. The podcast released its first three episodes on March 1st and will release all-new episodes every Wednesday on all major podcast platforms.   

Biz-Tech Twists with Bob Coppedge Powered by: Simplex-IT will feature the company’s founder and CEO along with a variety of guests. Coppedge, known as IT’s “Crotchety Old Geek”, will talk about the latest business and technology topics. 

What makes the podcast different from other tech shows is Coppedge’s twists on the discussion topics. Coppedge aims to approach each subject in a different light, offering listeners a unique podcast experience on business and technology. Coppedge is also likely to throw in a few other discussion tidbits as only the old IT geek can.   

Biz-Tech Twists with Bob Coppedge Powered by: Simplex-IT will feature guests local to Northeast Ohio, home of the Managed Service Provider in IT, as well as industry thought leaders from around the globe. According to Coppedge, if listeners want a highly technical and deeply detailed IT podcast, then Biz-Tech Twists isn’t it. The podcast aims to be light-hearted, conversational, and fun, something IT is traditionally accused of not being.  

Along with listening to the all-new podcast, listeners can read Coppedge’s books, A CEO's Survival Guide to Information Technology (IT) and I Don’t Want Your Job: Is Co-Managed IT Services the Right Fit for You? Coppedge also has a YouTube Channel, which features videos from the IT guru’s many speaking engagements, conferences, his famous monthly rants, and even some with him annoying his grandkids.  

Simplex-IT released the first three episodes on March 1st on all major podcast platforms. Listeners can download the show from Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon, or wherever they get their podcasts from. Fans that cannot get enough of Coppedge can also visit the Simplex-IT YouTube channel to see and hear even more from the “Crotchety Old Geek”. To learn more visit the Biz-Tech Twists’ website.   

Simplex-IT Wins Weatherhead 100 award for the Fifth Time

Tech company is once again recognized as an Ohio business leader with prestigious honor in 2022

December 12, 2022; Stow, OH – Simplex-IT has officially won the Weatherhead 100 award 2022. The tech company has now won the prestigious Weatherhead honor five times, as it was once again recognized as an Ohio business leader.

The Weatherhead 100 award 2022 was bestowed on Simplex-IT by Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management. The annual award honors an elite group of companies that showcase high standards of leadership, growth, and success in Northeast Ohio. 

The Weatherhead 100 was founded in 1988, and it is the premier award for businesses in the region. Some of the biggest, brightest, and boldest companies in Northeast Ohio have received the Weatherhead 100 award. The honor is a celebration of regional entrepreneurship, and it showcases the companies in Northeast Ohio that are making a difference and an impact on the region’s economy. The companies selected as award winners are amongst an exclusive list of who's who in the area. 

“It is fantastic to be recognized for the Weatherhead 100 award in 2022,” Bob Coppedge, CEO of Simplex-IT, said. “Over the years, we have claimed five Weatherhead 100 honors, and each time, it showed the different stages the company was at. I’m proud that we continue to be at the “grownup table” and a member of the elite group of winners.”

Simplex-IT's recognition as an award winner for the fifth time demonstrates the strength and consistency the company offers clients. The Managed Service Provider in IT previously won the Weatherhead 100 Upstart award in 2016, 2017, and 2019. The Upstate award is given to companies with no more than 15 employees or net sales of less than $5 million in the previous year.

In 2021, Simplex-IT won the Weatherhead 100 award for the first time, as it graduated to an exclusive list of regional businesses. The Weatherhead 100 award is based on a company’s net revenue during a five-year period. A company must post a net revenue of at least $100,000 to at least $1 million to qualify for consideration. 

“Simplex-IT has had a fantastic 2022,” Coppedge beamed. “We’ve donated to charity, won some amazing global and regional awards, and provided top-notch IT services to clients. I couldn’t have asked for a better year, and can’t wait for 2023.”

You can learn more about the Weatherhead 100 by visiting https://weatherhead.case.edu/.

Simplex-IT Receives the 2022 Channel Futures MSP 501 Award for the Eighth Time in Recognition of its Work in the Technology Industry

Annual award bestowed on market leaders representing innovation and influence in the sector

December 10, 2022; Stow, OH – Simplex-IT has officially received the 2022 Channel Futures MSP 501 Award for the eighth time, as it was recognized for its work in the technology industry. Simplex-IT was selected as the No 358 company by Channel Futures in its annual list of award winners.

The Channel Futures MSP 501 Award is the largest and most comprehensive survey and ranking of pure-play managed service providers and IT companies in the world today. The award recognizes providers of managed services in the technology industry. 

Thousands of companies around the world apply to be named as a Chanel Futures MSP 501 winner, but only a select few are named as an award winner. The group reviews the applicants and selects the top 501 companies that meet its strict criteria. 

Channel Futures is a media and events organization that serves companies in the information and communication technologies industry. The application process for the Channel Futures MSP 501 Award enables the organization to stay abreast of market trends in the managed service provider sector, while recognizing the companies leading the way in the industry.

The 2022 award had a record number of applicants. Simplex-IT's acknowledgement as a winner once again shows the company’s strength as an industry leader. Founded in 2007 by CEO Bob Coppedge, Simplex-IT maximizes its clients IT with cutting-edge, innovative services. Simplex-IT works with companies in two distinct ways, Fully Managed IT and Co-Managed IT. The Stow-based company aims to help clients focus on what they do best while taking care of all aspects of IT. 

“We’ve been recognized by Channel Futures eight times,” Coppedge said. “We take the MSP 501 Award very seriously since it represents our entire industry around the world. Thanks to all our employees, vendor partners, and client partners for making this happen. It is a true honor, and winning for the eighth time shows our consistency as a managed service provider.”

The 2022 Channel Futures MSP 501 Award has a global reach and companies selected to the annual list are among the best in the technology industry.

“It is a huge honor to be selected for the MSP 501 Award,” Coppedge explained. “Being named alongside the other IT companies on the list means a lot to all of us at Simplex-IT.

Simplex-IT Helps Raise Over $200,000 For Charity Courtesy of Shave That Beard Event

Charity fund raiser doubled its original goal and participants will donate funds to additional charities

November 16, 2022; Stow, OH - Simplex-IT, a Managed Service Provider in IT support, has helped raise over $200,000 for charities courtesy of the Shave That Beard Event. 

The event took place on Thursday, November 10, and Friday, November 11, with all proceeds going to charities across the United States. Simplex-IT CEO Bob Coppedge and Security Director Adam Evans participated in the Shave That Beard fundraiser, as the two men had their facial hair cut off for a good cause. 

Both men were partial to their beards and had grown them for some time before the event. Evans, in particular, had a long, glorious beard but willingly parted with it to help a shortlist of non-profit organizations. Not only did backers and sponsors of the charity event want to help out, but they also wanted to see Coppedge and Evans shaved.

Shave that Beard raised money for five charities and had an initial goal of $100,000 in donations. The money raised was to be divided amongst Hackers for Vets, Women Who Code, Bits ‘N Bytes, Diversity Cyber Council, and Bike Walk Wichita; with each organization receiving $20,000. 

However, the charity event doubled its original financial goal by raising more than $200,000 in donations and pledges. The event exceeded expectations, and participants of Shave That Beard were able to select a charity of their own to donate the additional funds to. 

Coppedge selected Cleveland GiveCamp, as his additional charity. GiveCamp is a week-long IT event for software developers, database administrators, designers, project managers, and creative individuals to donate their time to build software and web-based applications for non-profit groups. GiveCamp provides cash-strapped non-profit organizations with the chance to receive vital software development, applications, and much more, free of charge from IT experts. 

Cleveland GiveCamp was delighted to learn it would receive a donation from the Shave That Beard event. The organization will now be able to hold further weekends and host professionals from the world of IT. 

Simplex-IT Recognized as a “Best in Tech” Award Finalist by Greater Cleveland Partnership

October 20, 2022, Stow OH - Simplex-IT has been recognized as a “Best in Tech Award” finalist in the Best Tech Services Company category. The award is part of the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s annual Tech Week held October 18–20 2022. The Best in Tech award recognizes outstanding achievement for firms providing IT related services and/or products.  

Serving as a celebration of the technology community in Greater Cleveland, awards honor companies and individuals who are excelling and helping grow the tech sector in our region. The Best of Tech Awards program recognizes the region’s technology companies, leaders, enterprise technology organizations, and educators. The awards ceremony was held on Thursday, October 20 at Gordon Green from 5 to 8 p.m. 

Bob Coppedge, Simplex-IT, CEO said the following about the award nomination: "For Simplex-IT, being recognized by the Greater Cleveland Partnership as a finalist in the Best of Tech Awards is a great honor. IT really drives home our commitment to not only provide great IT services to our clients, but to continue to Simplify the Complex for both clients and community." 

Simplex-IT shares the Best in Tech honor with fellow finalists: BlueBridge, Networks and Briteskies and the winner Genesis 10.

SIMPLEX-IT Set to Deliver Pies on PI Day

March 10, 2022; Stow, OH; Stow, OH – Simplex-IT, a leader in managed IT services in Northeast Ohio since 2007 is excited to celebrate Pi Day this coming Monday, March 14, 2022 in a classic and simple way – by delivering pies to their clients. The tech company will be ordering the pies from hometown favorite, Gardner Pies, once again this year. Simplex-IT has celebrated Pi Day in this way every year since 2017 and is excited to deliver the pies in person this year after having to get creative last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Bob Coppedge, Simplex-IT CEO and brains behind the company Pi Day celebration said, “For 6 years Simplex-IT has been treating our clients and friends to pies on Pi Day. It might sound irrational, but we’ve found it a simple way for us to say “thank you”. 

Seven team members from Simplex-IT will be delivering the pies to clients throughout northeast Ohio and the rest of the company will hold down the fort and continue daily operations, eating  pie all day of course. The Simplex-IT offices will be well stocked with pies for any visitors that might want to stop by. 

Sales and Marketing Director, Patti Smerk said "We look forward to this every year, it's just a fun way to celebrate a fun day. We like visiting with our clients and Gardner Pies makes the best pies around."  

Seven team members from Simplex-IT will be delivering the pies to clients throughout northeast Ohio and the rest of the company will hold down the fort and continue daily operations, eating pie throughout the day of course.

Simplex-IT Receives Prestigious Weatherhead 100 Award 2021 Showcasing Company’s Revenue Growth

Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management honors tech company with exclusive award

November 3, 2021; Stow, OH; Simplex-IT, a Managed Service Provider in IT support based in Stow, has been named as winner of the Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management Weatherhead 100 award for 2021. Weatherhead 100 recipients will be honored during a special interactive virtual recognition presentation on Thursday, December 9, 2021.

Simplex-IT has been recognized for its large growth in net revenue over the past five years. The tech company will be featured in a special issue of Crain’s Cleveland Business Magazine.

The Weatherhead 100 award is based on a company’s net revenue from 2016 to 2020. To qualify for the Weatherhead 100 award, companies must post a net revenue of at least $100,000 and at least $1 million.

“I’ve always regarded the Weatherhead awards as the best recognition for an organization in Northeast Ohio,” Bob Coppedge, CEO of Simplex-IT, said. “Three times Simplex-IT was recognized as an ‘Upstart’, reserved for smaller organizations.

“This year I’m proud that we’ve graduated to the ‘grownup table’ and are a part of the exclusive Weatherhead 100. Congrats to all the other great organizations and I look forward to celebrating together virtually – and hopefully in person next year.”

The Weatherhead 100 awards are the premier celebration of Northeast Ohio’s spirit of entrepreneurship. The exclusive awards are given out to companies leading the way in business in Northeast Ohio. Since 1988, the Weatherhead 100 has been awarded each year to an elite group of companies showcasing leadership, growth, and success in the region.

“It is a huge honor to be recognized by the Weatherhead awards,” Coppedge explained. “Winning such a prestigious award not only showcases how much Simplex-IT has grown over the last five years, but it exhibits the impact the company has on the local area of Northeast Ohio.”

The Weatherhead 100 award ceremony will took place on Thursday, December 9, 2021 in a special interactive virtual recognition presentation. To learn more about the Weatherhead 100 award, please visit https://weatherhead.case.edu/.

Simplex-IT Named Among the Top MSPs

March 6, 2021 - CloudTango: Each year, Cloudtango recognizes the most successful managed service providers (MSPs) around the world in what has become a global reference due to its independent approach, and in-depth analysis. In the seventh edition of the awards, the selection process continues to highlight technical excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction within the MSP industry. It is for this reason that we are extremely honored to announce that Simplex-IT has been recognized by Cloudtango as one of the leading MSPs in 2021. “We work extremely hard to make sure our annual awards truly reflect excellence within the MSP industry,” said Jordi Vilanova, CEO at Cloudtango. “So, it is with great confidence that we selected Simplex-IT for its strong commitment to provide premium IT services, while accomplishing a high level of customer satisfaction.”

For the 2021 awards, the technical analysis has focused on cybersecurity, support, infrastructure and cloud services. Through the selection process, up to seven years of data have been analyzed, 223 different types of certifications have been reviewed, 95 vendor partnerships have been accounted, and 22 different IT services have been evaluated

Simplex-IT to Host Virtual Fundraiser in Honor of Non-profit Open M

Simplex-IT to host virtual fundraiser during August in honor of non-profit Open M

Community conscious company celebrating 13-year anniversary with goal of raising $10,000 for Christian non-profit organization

July 31, 2020; Stow, Ohio – Simplex-IT, a Managed Service Provider in IT support, will celebrate its 13th anniversary during the month of August. To celebrate the company’s birthday, Simplex-IT has joined forces with Open M, a Christian non-profit organization, to raise money to provide food for Akron’s disadvantaged population.

The fundraiser will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic allowing individuals or groups to donate funds online. Simplex-IT has pledged to match all donations to the virtual fundraiser up to $5,000 (totaling $10,000). The funds will then be used to stock Open M’s food bank and medical clinic allowing the organization to serve those in need.

Simplex-IT was founded in 2007 by CEO Bob Coppedge and since its beginnings, has become a part of the local fabric of businesses in Stow. Simplex-IT has focused on providing customers with high-quality tech support and has worked with a variety of groups to help raise funds and give back to the local community.

Open M’s mission is to provide local individuals and families a pathway out of poverty. The organization does this by feeding the hungry, attending to the sick, and building strong community bonds. Open M provides free programs and services to the area that include a food bank, hot lunch program, medical clinic, and much more. Simplex-IT has seen the amazing work that Open M has done in the area and aims to raise money to help feed needy families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the fundraiser’s organizers, just $25 can buy 10 pounds of food for the Open M food bank. Simplex-IT aims to match donations up to $5,000 which would enable the company to donate the equivalent of 2 tons of food.

Open M has been working in the Akron area since 1968. It was created during a time of mass poverty, crime, and civil unrest. Since its founding, it has worked relentlessly to help people emerge from the depths of poverty.

To donate to the Simplex-IT virtual fundraiser, please visit the donation page at https://simplexit.givesmart.com.

To learn more about Open M, please visit https://openm.org

Simplex-IT Ranked Among World’s Most Elite 501Managed Service Providers

Annual MSP 501 Identifies Best-in-Class Global MSP Businesses & Leading Trends in Managed Services

July 28, 2020; Stow, Ohio; Simplex-IT has been named as one of the world’s premier managed service providers on the prestigious 2020 annual Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings.  

For the 13th year running, MSPs from around the globe completed an exhaustive survey and application this spring to self-report product offerings, annual total and recurring revenues, profits, revenue mix, growth opportunities and company and customer demographic information. Applicants are ranked on a unique methodology that weights revenue figures according to long-term health and viability; commitment to recurring revenue; and operational efficiency.  

Channel Futures is pleased to name Simplex-IT to the 2020 MSP 501. 

“The Channel Futures MSP 501 is the most prestigious award in the world for businesses in the Managed Services field.  2020 is the 6th year that Simplex-IT was included in their findings.  That’s a testament to the great work done by all the Simplex-IT employees, and the great relationships we enjoy with both our clients and vendor/partners.” Said Bob Coppedge, CEO, Simplex-IT. “Thanks to everybody who was a part of creating value for each other, and had some fun doing it.” 

In the 13 years since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking list into a vibrant group of service providers, vendors, distributors, consultants and industry analysts working together to define the growing managed service opportunity.

“For the third year running, the applicant pool for the annual MSP 501 has grown year-over-year, making this year’s list the most competitive in the survey’s history,” says Kris Blackmon, Senior Content Director at Channel Partners and Channel Futures. “The MSP 501 leveraged judgement methodology brand-new in 2020 to drill down into not just what makes a big managed service provider, but what makes a great managed service provider. The 2020 winners are truly the best examples of innovation, business acumen and strategic savvy on the planet. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2020 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of both the 501 and the thriving managed services sector.” 

Ten MSP 501 special award winners will be recognized at the MSP 501 Awards Gala at Channel Partners Virtual: Digital Events for the Modern Channel on September 8 – 10. Nominations for these special awards, including Digital Innovator of the Year, Executive of the Year and the Newcomer Award, were included in the MSP 501 application, and all candidates were encouraged to submit for them. 

The data collected by the annual MSP 501 program drives Channel Partners’s and Channel Futures’s market intelligence insights, creating robust data sets and data-based trend reports that support our editorial coverage, event programming, community and networking strategies and educational offerings. It serves as a lynchpin to dozens of programs and initiatives. 

Simplex-IT Recognized as Elite Company with Weatherhead 100 Award

Northeast Ohio tech company celebrates major regional award for 2019

December 12, 2019; Stow, OH – Simplex-IT, a Managed Service Provider in IT support based in Stow, has been recognized as one of northeast Ohio’s fastest growing companies by Weatherhead 100. The company received the prestigious Weatherhead 100 Upstart award which honors companies celebrating large growth in net sales over the last five years.

Each year, the Weatherhead 100 showcases an elite group of companies who set a high standard of leadership, growth, and success for the northeast Ohio region. Founded in 1988, the list of companies that have been recognized by the Weatherhead 100 is a who’s whose list of businesses in the area.

The Weatherhead 100 Upstart award is given to companies with $100,000 to $1 million of growth over a five-year period. Simplex-IT is proud to be winners of the Weatherhead 100 award as it re-enforces the incredible work the company’s employees have done since it opened in 2007.

“Over the years, Simplex-IT has received many awards and accolades, but the Weatherhead award holds a special place in our heart,” Bob Coppedge, CEO of Simplex-IT, said. “By far and away, it is the most prestigious award in the area for business excellence. We particularly enjoy being included in the same space as the other fantastic recipients.”

Simplex-IT is no stranger to Weatherhead awards. In 2016 and 2017, the Managed Service Provider won the Weatherhead 100 Upstart award as well. The Upstart award recognized Simplex-IT as a local business with no more than 15 employees or net sales of less than $15m during the year. Simplex-IT's Weatherhead 100 awards are important accolades in the company’s more than decade of work in the tech arena.

The Weatherhead 100 award ceremony took place on Thursday, December 12 in the Superior Ballroom at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. To learn more about the Weatherhead 100 award, please visit https://weatherhead.case.edu/.

Simplex-IT CEO Bob Coppedge Addressed Cleveland Accounting Show About the Dangers of The Dark Web

Longtime supporter of CPA event shared information on notorious Internet platform

November 15, 2018; Stow, Ohio – Simplex-IT CEO Bob Coppedge recently spoke to the annual Ohio Accounting Show in Cleveland about the notorious Dark Web. Coppedge addressed the gathered audience during the two-day event in October about the complexities, dangers, and cybersecurity risks involved with the Internet platform.

Attendees of the Ohio Society of CPAs event were also given a free copy of Coppedge’s acclaimed book and Amazon best-seller “A CEO's Survival Guide to Information Technology". Coppedge spoke for over an hour to the assembled audience as he informed them of the issues involving IT and business.

Simplex-IT, a Managed Service Provider in IT support, has supported the Cleveland Accounting Show for many years. Simplex-IT hosted a booth at this year’s event and greeted attendees throughout the two days. Thanks to the ample space provided by the IX Center, Simplex-IT was able to demonstrate a solid IT framework to visitors by playing giant Jenga. The Simplex-IT booth showed attendees just how an IT system works through the fun and interactive game. Everyone who passed by the company’s booth went away knowing far more about IT than they ever did before.

The Simplex-IT booth not only taught guests about IT framework, but it raffled off a gift basket containing a regular sized Jenga game to one lucky winner.

For more information on Simplex-IT, please visit the company’s website at www.Simplex-IT.com. To purchase Bob Coppedge’s acclaimed book, “A CEO's Survival Guide to Information Technology”, please visit Amazon.com.

About Simplex-IT:

Simplex-IT is a Managed Service Provider in IT support located in Stow, Ohio. Founded in 2007, Simplex-IT works with small and medium sized companies in the northeast Ohio area. The company specializes in managing IT allowing companies to focus on what matters most to their business growth.

About OSCPA:

The Ohio Society of CPAs partners with the accounting profession to advance the state of business so Ohio can enjoy a healthy and sustainable economic environment. With more than 100 years of experience, The Ohio Society of CPAs represents 85,000 CPAs and accounting professionals who are the strategic financial advisors to Ohio's leading businesses. We work with public, private and not-for-profit organizations of every size and sector, leading healthy exchanges between business leaders and policy makers to drive initiatives such as a fair and predictable tax environment in Ohio.

Simplex-IT Announces 8th Annual Geek Raffle 2018 Event

Annual charity event to take place at Malted Meeple and raise money for Hattie Larlham

November 13, 2018; Stow, Ohio; Simplex-IT, a Managed Service Provider in IT support, has officially announced its 8th Annual Geek Raffle event will take place on Wednesday, December 12th from 11:30am - 1:30pm at The Malted Meeple. This annual charity event was started in 2011 by Simplex-IT to benefit Hattie Larlham.  It is free to attend and provides lunch to those in attendance. Individuals are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets for the “geeky” prizes selected by Simplex-IT employees. The IT company matches the amount raised during the Geek Raffle and donates it to Hattie Larlham.

Attendees can enter the Geek Raffle for a mere $1 per ticket or $5 for six tickets. The money raised goes to support Hattie Larlham’s programs and services to support people with developmental disabilities. Hattie Larlham’s employees work around the clock to provide care to children and adults. The nonprofit organization includes residential services, medical services, work training services, respite and in-home care and camp and play programs. Simplex-IT has long been a supporter of the local charity through its donations.

The 2017 Geek Raffle raised over $300 in raffle ticket sales. Simplex-IT matched the amount and more by donating $500. The Ohio tech company donated a total of $800 to the Hattie Larlham organization. The Malted Meeple has been the Geek Raffle’s hosts for the past two years and have donated time, service, and free soft drinks in the past. This year’s event is sure to be another fantastic raffle courtesy of the unique meeting place.

For the past 8 years, the Geek Raffle’s items have all been selected by Simplex-IT's tech team and each has a “geeky” theme. Guests can expect an assortment of prizes from Sci-Fi to computer technology. Last year’s favorites included a Dr. Who tree topper and a Star Trek throw blanket. Simplex-IT's techs are sure to outdo themselves this year.

The Geek Raffle will start at 11:30 a.m. It is free to attend, but guests should reserve a place as space is limited. Individuals planning to attend can keep up to date with the Geek Raffle news and prize announcements through Simplex-IT's Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

Simplex-IT Honors Four Local Non-Profit Organizations at Cleveland GiveCamp 2018

IT firm presented third annual Craze eCool memorial award at weekend-long charity event 

July 24, 2018; Stow, Ohio – Simplex-IT, a Managed Service Provider in IT support located in Stow, Ohio, presented the third annual Craze eCool memorial award to four lucky local non-profit organizations at this year’s Cleveland GiveCamp. The yearly non-profit event was held from July 20 to July 22.

This year’s winners of the Craze eCool award were Burten, Bell, Carr Development Inc; Clique Point Data Foundation; Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op; and Rubber City Theatre. Each group was awarded $500 as a part of the Craze eCool award.

Simplex-IT CEO Bob Coppedge co-presented the Craze eCool memorial award alongside the awards co-founder Jane Winik. The award was named after Andy Craze, who was a key figure in the GiveCamp project. Craze was an IT developer who donated his time to local non-profit groups. Following Craze's passing, Bob Coppedge, Andy’s partner Winik and Cleveland GiveCamp created the Craze eCool award in 2016. Each year it is given to some of the brightest and best non-profits in the northeast Ohio area.

Also recognized was Jim Evans who passed away earlier this year.  Jim was a well-known volunteer at GiveCamp, Greater Cleveland PC Users Group, Cleveland Computer Society and nationally through the Association of PC User Groups.

As it has done over the last eight years, the charity event based in Cleveland, Ohio provided technology professionals who donated their time to provide web solutions for non-profit groups. Thousands of dollars-worth of IT specialists' time was used by organizations free of charge during the weekend. Since the charity event started, millions of dollars worth of time has been donated to groups across the region.

Simplex-IT was a silver sponsor for the 2018 Cleveland GiveCamp. The services helped to alleviate the strains on non-profits' already stretched budget. Thanks to Cleveland GiveCamp and sponsoring organizations like Simplex-IT, groups were able to receive top-notch web development services for free.

Simplex-IT Announces Sponsorship of Long-Running Charity Event Cleveland GiveCamp

IT firm will present third annual Craze eCool memorial award to lucky non-profit organization 

July 17, 2018; Stow, Ohio; – Simplex-IT, a Managed Service Provider in IT support located in Stow, Ohio, has officially announced it will be a silver sponsor for this year's Cleveland GiveCamp on July 20 to July 22.

The long-running charity event based in Cleveland, Ohio provides technology professionals willing to donate their time to provide web solutions for non-profit organizations. The charity has provided hundreds of non-profit groups with millions of dollars-worth of IT specialists' time over the last eight years.

Groups donating time to Cleveland GiveCamp spend a weekend building websites and applications for non-profit groups. The services would normal cost non-profits thousands of dollars on their already stretched budgets. However, Cleveland GiveCamp gives organizations the chance to receive top-notch web developers and designers for no fee at all. It also enables IT companies to give back to the community using their expert knowledge and industry insight.

Simplex-IT has signed on as a silver sponsor for this year's Cleveland GiveCamp. The company is committed to charity work in the northeast Ohio area and Simplex-IT's silver sponsorship once again shows its dedication to helping others.

Along with sponsoring Cleveland GiveCamp, Simplex-IT will once again co-present the Craze eCool memorial award. The award was named after Andy Craze, who was a key figure in the GiveCamp project. Craze was also an IT developer who donated his time to non-profits. Following Craze's passing, the Simplex-IT team, Andy’s partner Jane Winik and Cleveland GiveCamp worked together to create the Craze eCool award. The award is presented to non-profit organizations participating in the weekend-long charity event.

In 2016, the award's first year, Empowering Youth Enabling Justice and Northeast Ohio Voter Advocates were presented with the award. Last year, the award was given to three organizations: Akron Blind Center, University Settlement, and Womankind Cleveland, OH. Each group was awarded $500 as a part of the Craze eCool award.

This year's event will kick off on July 20. Anyone interested learning about Cleveland GiveCamp can find out more at https://clevelandgivecamp.org/

Simplex-IT CEO Educates Political Leaders About Information Technology In DC Meeting

February 27, 2018. Stow, OH.

Information Technology has become a mainstay in the country, and political leaders showed good levels of interest by turning up to get some education at the annual “DC Fly-in” event sponsored by CompTIA.

Since inception, the CompTIA event has proven to be impactful year after year as testimonials from attendees suggest. There was a lengthy list of attendees at the event, including Simplex-IT CEO, Bob Coppedge, who featured as an Ohio representative alongside Carlton Ramsey (Past president of the Akron Chapter AITP).

Bob had an eventful day educating political leaders about Information Technology on the DC Fly-in event themed, "CHANCE in Tech Act of 2018". Topics discussed spanned across skilled workforce, nationwide broadband access and the future of Blockchains.

Simplex-IT CEO, Bob, gave what many called a powerful lecture about the needs of both the Tech industry (organizations that create, support and/or maintain IT products and services) and Tech Occupation (people with IT jobs but in non-IT organizations). In his insightful speech, Bob talked up the chances of bridging the skills gap that plagues young people who are out there trying to get a job.

The failings of internship programs and paid education were pointed out by Bob. The Simplex-IT CEO expressed his dissatisfaction about interns who are made to spend most of their time doing unnecessary meager tasks at their supposed places of experience. The necessity of paid education was also questioned by the passionate guy.

The event, “Chance in Tech Act in 2018”, had a major agenda of bringing back the previously effective concept where apprentices gain experiences in a company where they will go on to serve as full-time employees. It is a concept Bob calls, “a win-win relationship”.

New Book Simplifies Information Technology for Non-Technical CEO’s

STOW, OH (February 7, 2018) – CEO’s looking to improve their understanding of the Information Technology (IT) without becoming a geek now have a dynamic resource to help them following the launch of the new book, A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology.

Billed as a crotchety old geek’s road map to Information Technology, A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology, offers an insider’s perspective to the technology world and valuable information to help the non-technical CEO make better decisions. The book covers key concepts behind the impact that IT has on a business such as:

• Things to know about cyber security concerns

• Importance of training end users for cyber security

• Kinds of IT support to have for a company

• Knowing when IT is obsolete in a company

• Knowing if backups for a company is effective and up to date

• And more

 A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology was written by Bob Coppedge- the owner and CEO of Simplex-IT - a local and nationally award-winning Managed Service Provider in northeast Ohio. Coppedge has worn just about every hat in the IT business -from developer, data base analyst, consultant and IT Director to Chief Information Officer.

Questioned about the motivation for writing the book, he explained: “I wrote A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology out of the frustration I’d experience when talking about the challenges and problems that business owners have with their IT We IT folks have a reputation of being condescendingly arrogant, overbearing, and aloof with understanding the full atmosphere of the business.

Often times, CEOs don’t feel that they need or want to take the time to understand. These are conversations I’ve had over and over with CEOs, and I couldn’t find anything written from the perspective of the CEO trying to manage their IT problems, except to teach the CEO about IT.”

A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology is Coppedge’s debut book. But the manual is written in plain, simple language and understandable terms that the average CEO will quickly grasp. The author quickly reels in readers from the onset with wit and humor – making it the book not just informative, but also an entertaining read. Brimming with strategies and advice, CEO’s will find themselves returning to this survival guide time and again.

Initial sales and ranking of A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology indicate that there is a genuine need for this kind of resource. The book hit # 1 in Information Management and Business and Money categories within days of being launched.

One reader wrote: “I have read this great book twice! Such a clear, understandable need to know guide. Not just great for CEO's but anyone that doesn't speak "Geek" as a primary language!

A CEO’s Survival Guide to Information Technology is available in paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon for a retail price of $14.36 and $9.93, respectively. A portion of this book’s proceeds will go to Blast Glioblastoma, a non-profit organization seeking to raise money for brain tumor research.  For further details visit: http://www.simplex-it.com/bobsbook and http://a.co/0WYSiK1. 

Media Contact:  Patti Smerk

Email: bobsbook@Simplex-IT.com