Simplex-IT Named One of ChannelPro Network’s Top 20 MSPs for 2025

Recognition celebrates innovation, education, and community; not size or revenue

Stow, OH – August 2025 – Simplex-IT is proud to announce it has been named one of ChannelPro Network’s Top 20 Managed Service Providers for 2025. This recognition highlights MSPs that go beyond technical expertise to lead with purpose, educate their clients and peers, and make lasting contributions to their communities.

“These are not the biggest MSPs. They’re the ones making the biggest difference,” said Michael Siggins, president and publisher of The ChannelPro Network. “Our Top 20 list celebrates providers that lead with integrity, share knowledge freely, and are building businesses that create real value for clients and communities.”

Why Simplex-IT Was Selected

ChannelPro’s editors and Advisory Group of seasoned MSPs evaluated providers based on four key criteria:

• Educating clients and peers through thoughtful, actionable content

• Investing in certifications to stay ahead of technology’s rapid pace

• Developing innovative, client-first service offerings that evolve with SMB needs

• Prioritizing people—from fostering internal culture to supporting community initiatives

Simplex-IT’s education-first approach was a central reason for inclusion. Over the last three years, the company has produced:

• 700+ educational videos breaking down IT, security, and business tech topics into approachable, practical insights

• Dozens of in-depth blogs and a growing learning library of eBooks, white papers, and guides that answer common technology questions business owners face and provide deeper dives into IT strategy and best practices

• The Biz Tech Twists podcast, which pairs humor and real-world advice on marketing, IT, and business leadership

• Regular free educational webinars and events open to anyone, where business leaders can learn about emerging technologies and IT best practices

• Hands-on training events not only for Simplex-IT’s internal technicians, but also for co-managed clients and their internal IT staff, ensuring teams have the knowledge and confidence to excel

• A long-standing certification policy that both pays for and encourages employees to pursue ongoing professional certifications, reinforcing Simplex-IT’s commitment to continuous learning and sharing for staff and clients alike

This library of content reflects Simplex-IT’s philosophy of “explaining, not just fixing” empowering clients to understand the “why” behind their IT strategy. 

A Culture of Impact

Beyond its content, Simplex-IT is recognized for pioneering the Co-Managed IT Services (CoMITs) model, which gives internal IT teams a true partner instead of a replacement. The company also invests heavily in certifications for its team to stay ahead of evolving security and cloud trends.

In the community, CEO Bob Coppedge a.k.a. the “Crotchety Old Geek” has long been a leader in Cleveland GiveCamp, donating IT expertise to nonprofits that would otherwise lack access to advanced technology solutions.

What This Award Means

“This recognition is proof that how we show up matters,” said Patti Smerk, COO of Simplex-IT. “Our focus on curiosity, accountability, kindness, and doing the right thing is noticed, not just by our clients, but now by the broader IT industry. It shows that educating, innovating, and serving with purpose makes an impact.” 

About Simplex-IT

Founded in 2007, Simplex-IT provides Managed IT and Co-Managed IT Services to small and mid-sized businesses across Northeast Ohio and beyond. Through education, transparency, and community involvement, Simplex-IT simplifies IT without oversimplifying the challenges business leaders face.

About ChannelPro Network’s Top 20 MSPs

ChannelPro Network is a leading media source for IT solution providers and MSPs. Its annual Top 20 MSPs list honors providers that lead with purpose, innovation, and impact independent of size or financial contribution.

Simplex-IT Joins Cleveland Cavaliers Small Business Partner Program

Simplex-IT, a leading Managed IT and Co-Managed IT services provider in Northeast Ohio, is proud to announce its participation as a Small Business Partner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, through Eleven Sports Media’s new Small Business Partner Program.

Launched by the Cleveland Cavaliers, in collaboration with Eleven Sports Media, the Small Business Partner Program is designed to elevate and support the growth of local small and medium-sized businesses. The program provides unique opportunities for Simplex-IT to engage with Cavaliers fans and the broader Northeast Ohio community through enhanced branding, digital exposure, and in-arena features throughout the NBA season.

“This partnership is about more than just basketball, it’s about being part of something bigger in Northeast Ohio,” said Patti Smerk, COO of Simplex-IT. “As a local business, we’re excited to connect with the community in a bold new way while continuing to simplify IT for organizations that need trusted support.”

As part of the program, Simplex-IT will be featured in targeted promotions and activations, further strengthening its brand presence and commitment to helping local businesses thrive through smarter technology.

“We’ve always believed in doing IT differently,” added Bob Coppedge, CEO of Simplex-IT. “Being included in this initiative aligns with our mission to support other growing organizations across the region, whether it’s with IT strategy or just sharing a courtside moment.”

From Stow to the stadium, Simplex-IT’s mission remains the same: cut through the noise, eliminate the tech headaches, and make IT simple again. Being part of the Cavaliers’ program is one more way the company is investing in the region it calls home.

Simplex-IT Celebrates 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 Award Recognition

Leading IT Firm Earns Prestigious Honor as One of the World's Top Managed Service Providers for the Tenth Time 

 Stow, OH, June 24, 2024 – Simplex-IT is proud to announce its recognition in the 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 list, marking the tenth time the company has received this significant achievement. This award, acknowledged as one of the most prestigious in the global technology industry, highlights Simplex-IT's continuous dedication to innovation, excellence, and superior customer service.  

The Channel Futures MSP 501 award is the foremost accolade for managed service providers worldwide. Each year, thousands of IT firms from across the globe apply for this esteemed recognition. The competition is fierce, as companies are evaluated based on their technical talent, growth-oriented business models, and strategic partnerships with leading vendors and tech suppliers. Simplex-IT's inclusion in this year's list underscores its status as a market leader in providing top-notch managed services to demanding customers around the world.  

"Receiving the Channel Futures MSP 501 award for the tenth time is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team," said Bob Coppedge, CEO of Simplex-IT. "This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative IT solutions that drive success for our clients. We are honored to be counted among the best in the industry, year after year." 

Patti Smerk, Simplex-IT's COO, shared her excitement about the award: "We're thrilled to be recognized in the 2024 Channel Futures MSP 501 list for the tenth time! This milestone is a testament to our team's hard work and the trust our clients place in us. It's been an amazing journey, and we couldn't have done it without our fantastic clients and dedicated team. Here’s to more success and innovation ahead!"  

In its 17th year, the Channel Futures MSP 501 list uses a comprehensive methodology to evaluate and rank applicants. The process considers various factors, including annual revenue, profit margins, growth, innovation, and recurring revenue. The 2024 list highlights impressive overall revenue, recurring revenue, and profit growth within the managed services sector, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry.  

Simplex-IT's consistent presence in the MSP 501 rankings demonstrates the company's relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Since its founding in 2007, Simplex-IT has grown into a top-ranked managed service provider, known for maximizing clients' IT capabilities through cutting-edge and effective services.  

The Channel Futures MSP 501 award not only acknowledges Simplex-IT's current success but also sets a benchmark for its future endeavors. The recognition serves as motivation for the company to continue striving for excellence and delivering the best possible IT solutions to its clients.  

"Winning this award ten times is fantastic," added Coppedge. "It’s evidence of our ongoing commitment to be the best managed service provider possible."   

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.