Strategic Acquisition Enhances Bluewave’s Market Presence and Client Advocacy in the Region

Parsippany, N.J., May 29th, 2024 – Bluewave Technology Group (“Bluewave”), a leading technology advisory and sourcing company focused on strategic growth, is pleased to announce its acquisition of ForesTel, a respected telecommunications advisory firm based in West Linn, Oregon. The financial details of the transaction remain confidential. This acquisition marks Bluewave’s first entry into the Pacific Northwest, expanding its market presence.

Founded in 1989, ForesTel began as a reseller of long distance, frame relay, and DIA circuits. In 2003, the company transitioned to an agent model, providing impartial telecom solutions to clients throughout the greater Portland area. Today, with a strong client base of over 700 active customers, ForesTel is recognized as a leading technology advisory firm in the region. Under the leadership of Dennis Allen, President and Owner, ForesTel has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, ensuring seamless business operations for its clients.

“With 35 years of strategic advisory expertise and a strong reputation in the Portland area for client care, ForesTel not only extends our reach in the U.S. but also enhances our dedication to client advocacy,” said Seth Penland, Founder and CEO of Bluewave. He expressed his enthusiasm for this strategic move and the value it brings to Bluewave’s offerings.

Dennis Allen, President and Owner of ForesTel, emphasized the significance of embracing technological advancements. “For the past 35 years, ForesTel has driven sustained growth by prioritizing customer experience and fostering an environment where exceptional interactions are the norm. We are thrilled to join forces with Bluewave, enhancing our customer experience by providing our clients with more technology resources and supplier advocacy.”

This acquisition reinforces Bluewave’s commitment to excellence and positions the company for future growth and enhanced service delivery.

About Bluewave Technology Group

Bluewave is an advisory and sourcing partner transforming how companies acquire and manage technology solutions. Our team of technology experts and analysts, leveraging our proven approach, guides businesses of all sizes to make well-informed technology decisions. Specializing in modernizing the IT and telecom infrastructure, Bluewave partners with proven cloud, colocation, network, mobility, security, and CX providers to develop the best solution while maximizing technology investments and ensuring long-term success.

About ForesTel

Founded in 1989, ForesTel is a leading telecommunications solutions provider. Evolving with the industry, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including Voice, Data, Cloud, Colo, and Security. We serve over 700 commercial clients across North America and internationally and focus on crafting tailored solutions to meet your needs. In a sector where customer service often falls short, ForesTel stands out by delivering accessible, personalized, and expert service. Our team brings over 100 years of combined experience in telecommunications, ensuring exceptional problem resolution and support.

Press Contact

press@bluewave.net

Bluewave Strengthens Corporate Development Team with Key Appointments

Parsippany, N.J. – March 7, 2024 – Bluewave Technology Group (Bluewave), a leading nationwide technology advisory and sourcing company committed to strategic growth, announces the addition of two seasoned professionals to its ranks: Steven Meeker as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and industry luminary Craig Schlagbaum as an independent Strategic Advisor. In their new capacities, Meeker will spearhead our mergers and acquisitions (M&A) sourcing strategy, and Schlagbaum will support both M&A and key strategic initiatives bolstering Bluewave’s presence in the technology advisory sector.

Bluewave has embarked on an ambitious growth trajectory in recent years, acquiring fourteen strategic advisory firms and consolidating its brand to offer over 7000 clients a unified and client-focused experience. With a combined experience of over 40 years, Meeker and Schlagbaum bring invaluable expertise and insights that will further propel Bluewave’s mission.

“We are thrilled to welcome Steven to our team. His extensive background in M&A and a passion for empowering business owners will undoubtedly drive our corporate development initiatives to new heights,” remarked Seth Penland, Founder and CEO of Bluewave. “In addition to having Steven lead our M&A sourcing efforts, we now have Craig’s guidance and support in our M&A strategy and strategic initiatives,” added Penland. “Craig is a respected figure in the channel, having pioneered the telecom industry’s indirect distribution model. His wealth of experience will be instrumental in identifying advisors who are personally ready to transition and become part of the Bluewave platform.”

Meeker arrives at Bluewave with 15 years of M&A experience, assisting over 40 entrepreneurial business owners in raising capital, scaling operations, and navigating successful exits. Meeker has held several executive roles, including Chief Strategy Officer at Dealer Socket, leading M&A and the integration for multiple acquired business units, and, most recently, Chief Operating Officer at Vision Dealer Solutions, where he played a pivotal role in driving operational excellence.

Before joining Bluewave, Schlagbaum served as Senior Vice President and Indirect Channel Chief at Comcast Business, overseeing a billion-dollar business, and leading a team of over 150 indirect channel colleagues. With a distinguished career spanning companies such as Ingram Micro, Sony, IBM, Level 3, and Comcast Business, Schlagbaum has consistently delivered award-winning channel programs, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer.

The addition of Meeker and Schlagbaum underscores Bluewave’s commitment to strategic growth and innovation, positioning the company for continued success in the dynamic technology advisory landscape.

About Bluewave Technology Group

Bluewave is an advisory and sourcing partner transforming how companies acquire and manage technology solutions. Our team of technology experts and analysts, leveraging our proven approach, guides businesses of all sizes to make well-informed technology decisions. Specializing in modernizing the IT and telecom infrastructure, Bluewave partners with proven cloud, colocation, network, mobility, security, and CX providers to develop the best solution while maximizing technology investments and ensuring long-term success.

Media Contacts

Lisa Guillaume, press@bluewave.net

Bluewave Technology Group Congratulates Four Leaders Named to the 2024 Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101

PARSIPPANY, N.J.– (March 5, 2024) — Bluewave Technology Group proudly announces that Paul Weiss, Lisa Kwiatkowski, Steven Blumberg, and John Anderson, have earned coveted spots on the 2024 Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101. These respected individuals are being recognized for their outstanding contributions in the technology advisory channel. They will be honored at the Channel Partners Conference & Expo, March 11-14 in Las Vegas.

The 101 honorees represent the best and brightest individuals in the technology advisory channel. This is a peer nominated award that Channel Futures created to recognize partners who deliver technology solutions to clients on a variety of technologies, including connectivity, data center, customer experience, unified communications, and cybersecurity. Honorees stood out for their business success and innovation, advocacy and thought leadership in the channel, and their commitment to customer experience.

Paul Weiss, Bluewave’s Managing Partner and VP of Solution Advisory, stands out for his client-focused approach, honed during his tenure at Helm Partners before Bluewave’s acquisition in 2022. He excels at identifying organizational needs swiftly and advocating for tailored CX, AI, and CCaaS solutions that deliver optimal value. Paul’s influence extends beyond Bluewave as he actively mentors new providers in the CX/AI space, facilitating connections for their success. His commitment to technology advancement is evident in his active participation in advisory boards, where he shapes product positioning, roadmaps, and industry feedback, showcasing his dedication to lifelong learning and knowledge sharing.

Lisa Kwiatkowski, Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Bluewave, brings over 17 years of telecom industry expertise, focused on client success at Helm Partners before joining Bluewave. Lisa’s leadership is marked by her unwavering commitment to fostering talent and achieving client outcomes. Leading the client-centric Account Director team, she emphasizes the importance of unbiased agency models and focus on outcomes. Lisa’s dedication to talent development and client success underscores her pivotal role in Bluewave’s continued growth and innovation.

Steven Blumberg, Bluewave’s Director of Revenue Operations, plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless sales and client operations. Responsible for vital functions such as our platform for quoting, client relationships, and partner relations, Steven sets the gold standard for operational excellence. His hands-on approach in building Bluewave’s quote-to-cash system empowers our teams with invaluable insights backed by data. Steven’s commitment to maintaining strong partner relationships and ensuring seamless business transactions underscores his strategic vision and unwavering dedication to Bluewave’s success.

John Anderson, an advisor and brand ambassador at Bluewave, brings a wealth of industry experience and leadership to the table. Formerly a co-owner of Resource Communications Group, acquired by Bluewave in 2023, John’s expertise lies in building rich client experiences through comprehensive telecom management services. Active in the Nashville technology community, his role as a board member of the Greater Nashville Technology Council underscores his commitment to industry advancement and innovation. With a passion for fostering connections, John continues to be a driving force in Bluewave’s success story.

“We’re truly honored to see four outstanding members of the Bluewave team recognized for their contributions in advancing the channel,” said Lisa Guillaume, Chief Marketing Officer at Bluewave. “Paul, Lisa, Steven, and John lead by example, seamlessly collaborating with partners to ensure our clients achieve the most impactful outcomes from their technology investments. Their dedication sets a standard not only within Bluewave but across the entire industry.”

About Bluewave Technology Group

Bluewave is an advisory and sourcing partner transforming how companies acquire and manage technology solutions. Our team of technology experts and analysts, leveraging our proven approach, guides businesses of all sizes to make well-informed technology decisions. Specializing in modernizing the IT and telecom infrastructure, Bluewave partners with proven cloud, colocation, network, mobility, security, and CX providers to develop the best solution while maximizing technology investments and ensuring long-term success.

About Channel Futures

Channel Futures is a media and events destination for the information and communication technologies (ICT) channel community. We provide information, perspective and connection for the entire channel ecosystem, including solution providers (SPs), managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), cloud service providers (CSPs), value-added resellers (VARs) and distributors, technology solutions brokerages, subagents and agents, as well as leading technology vendor partners and communication providers.

Media Contacts

Lisa Guillaume, press@bluewave.net

Strengthening Client-Centric Technology Advisory Services with Presence in the Nashville Metro Area

PARSIPPANY, N.J.– (October 19, 2023) – Bluewave Technology Group (“Bluewave”), a leading nationwide technology advisory and sourcing company dedicated to fostering strategic growth, announces its successful acquisition of Resource Communication Group (“RCG”). Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, RCG is a highly regarded telecommunications advisory agency with a track record of excellence in providing comprehensive telecom lifecycle management services. The financial terms of this transaction have been kept confidential. This strategic milestone marks Bluewave’s fifth acquisition this year, expanding its presence into the Nashville metro area.

Founded in 2004 and later acquired by John Anderson, Rich Brown, and Kara Rickvalsky in 2018, RCG has been at the forefront of providing medium-sized enterprises with a full-function, outsourced telecom team. Under their leadership, RCG developed a comprehensive suite of telecom services, encompassing solutioning, contracting, implementation, expense management, and optimization. Fifty percent of their clients have a tenure of over 15 years, a testament to RCG’s commitment to delivering expert management of telecom and communication services. In 2019, RCG gained national recognition by being included in the annual Inc. 5000 list, a prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Anderson, Brown, and Rickvalsky, each possessing over 25 years of telecom experience, have been instrumental in RCG’s continued success and reputation for excellence.

Kara Rickvalsky, Partner and Owner of RCG explained, “Now, being part of Bluewave is a significant step in our commitment to enhancing client-centric technology advisory services. John, Rich, and I are passionate about extending specialized support to IT teams. Bluewave shares our belief that clients benefit from collaborative partnerships in developing and managing solutions to achieve defined outcomes. We are excited to unite with Bluewave, offering our clients and team members enhanced opportunities within a nationwide, growing organization.”

“We are delighted to welcome RCG to Bluewave,” said Seth Penland, Founder and CEO of Bluewave. “This strategic integration reinforces our position as a leading technology advisory and sourcing company and enhances our ability to provide clients with top-tier technology lifecycle management services. We look forward to combining our expertise and resources to provide excellent service to our clients and help them achieve their technology goals and measurable business outcomes.”

About Bluewave Technology Group

Bluewave is an advisory and sourcing partner transforming how companies acquire and manage technology solutions. Our team of technology experts and analysts, leveraging our proven approach, guides businesses of all sizes to make well-informed technology decisions. Specializing in modernizing the IT and telecom infrastructure, Bluewave partners with proven cloud, colocation, network, mobility, security, and CX providers to develop the best solution while maximizing technology investments and ensuring long-term success.

About RCG

We bring unique clarity to a complex industry through our consulting, design/engineer expertise, centralized procurement, process implementation, project management, expense management, and escalation resolution. We help our clients navigate the messy and problematic world of telecommunications, and our goal is to allow our clients to repurpose time, resources, and focus from the difficult-to-consume, costly, and typically non-strategic world of telecom.

Media contacts

Lisa Guillaume
press@bluewave.net

Technology Executive with a Proven Track Record of Leading Global Technology Strategy and Solutions Joins Bluewave

PARSIPPANY, N.J.– (October 4, 2023) – Bluewave Technology Group (“Bluewave”), a visionary and customer-centric technology advisory and sourcing company dedicated to fostering strategic growth, announces the strategic addition of Kevin Cartwright as Vice President of Solution Advisory. Cartwright enhances Bluewave with a track record of driving organizational financial performance and technology practice development, reinforcing the commitment to ensuring client technology decisions yield optimum returns.

Cartwright brings a wealth of knowledge to Bluewave with over 20 years of experience in sales and consulting leadership in the global system integrator and channel ecosystem, developing client technology strategy and business transformation focused on business-driven outcomes. Cartwright most recently served as Associate Vice President of Presales and Solutions at Cognizant, leading the North American Cloud, Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity business unit. Prior to Cognizant, Cartwright held leadership positions in sales and presales with IBM, Capgemini, Verizon, and Microsoft’s Enterprise and Partner Group.

“CIOs are overwhelmed with point solutions, hundreds of vendor options, and pressures to drive innovation while protecting the enterprise,” expressed Kevin Cartwright, Bluewave’s new Vice President of Solution Advisory. “I chose Bluewave because their approach aligns with my belief in empowering CIOs to achieve their goals through strategic buying decisions and collaborative partnerships. I am excited to lead this amazing team of strategists and technologists who prioritize client business goals above all else, ensuring our clients truly realize the value of their technology investments.”

“Focusing on integrity, putting the client first, strategic positioning, and understanding clients’ desired business outcomes, Kevin is the perfect leader for our Solution Advisory team,” says Wayne Dietrich, Chief Operating Officer of Bluewave Technology Group. “Kevin is poised to lead the epicenter of our approach as we continue to emphasize outcomes over products with our clients through combining technology expertise with business acumen.”

About Bluewave Technology Group

Bluewave is an advisory and sourcing partner transforming how companies acquire and manage technology solutions. Our team of technology experts and analysts, leveraging our proven approach, guides businesses of all sizes to make well-informed technology decisions. Specializing in modernizing the IT and telecom infrastructure, Bluewave partners with proven cloud, colocation, network, mobility, security, and CX providers to develop the best solution while maximizing technology investments and ensuring long-term success.

Media contacts

Lisa Guillaume
press@bluewave.net

September 14, 2023: By Stephen P. Schmidt – Reporter, Louisville Business First

You can say the waves keep on crashing — but in a good way for the Louisville tech scene.

Earlier today, Bluewave Technology Group announced that it had acquired JIL Communications Inc., a telecommunications advisory agency based out of Louisville, for an undisclosed amount, according to a news release.

It marks the third acquisition for Bluewave — a technology and advisory sourcing company headquartered out of Parsippany, New Jersey — in the Louisville metro area since November 2022, when it acquired Virtual Telecomm.

Three months after the Virtual Telecomm deal, Bluewave added SinglePoint Communications Group to its portfolio in February 2023.

I attended the first company event for all of its Louisville associates and their business partners at Churchill Downs during “Thurby” in May. At the time, Bluewave employed approximately 20 people in Louisville, most of whom have offices in Virtual Telecomm’s offices in Jeffersontown at 3410 Office Pointe Place.

The JIL acquisition is the fourth for Bluewave in 2023 alone.

“Bringing 24 years of strategic advisory experience and key healthcare clients, JIL boosts not only our presence but also strengthens our team in Kentucky,” said Bluewave Founder and CEO Seth Penland in the release. “With the inclusion of the JIL team, we further enhance Bluewave’s technical excellence and operational capabilities. Our focus on culture and clients is sharpened by uniting former Virtual Telecomm, former SinglePoint Solutions, and now JIL teams in Louisville.”

JIL was founded in 1999 by Charlie Booth, who is also its president and CEO. The company has more than 350 customers with a focus in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors, according to the release.

The firm specializes in designing large fiber networks while placing an emphasis on using data centers, cloud technology and contact center solutions.

“As technology evolves at an unprecedented pace and complexity increases, our clients require expert advisory across solution suites including cloud, network, [customer experience], and cybersecurity,” Booth said in the release. “Bluewave’s team of experts possesses the acumen to devise technology roadmaps and deliver optimal outcomes for our clients. It’s remarkable to witness my team becoming part of a thriving leader in our field.”

JIL has a team of six employees, according to its website. At the time of the SinglePoint merger, Bluewave had approximately 140 employees and more than 6,000 clients, placing it as one of the top three or four largest technology groups in its field.

About Bluewave Technology Group

Bluewave is a premier technology advisory and lifecycle management company with a comprehensive approach to optimizing clients’ ability to grow revenue, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. Bluewave streamlines the technology buying and management process for businesses of all sizes across the United States with four key services: Technology Evaluation, Strategic Sourcing, Expense Management, and Operations Support. Specializing in modernizing the IT and telecom infrastructure, Bluewave partners with proven cloud, network, security, and collaboration service providers to develop the best solution while maximizing the clients’ technology investment. Learn more at Bluewave.net.

Media contacts

Lisa Guillaume
press@bluewave.net