iSymplify Owners Lorie Burkemper and Brad Burkemper Join as Managing Partners at Bluewave

Parsippany, N.J., November 21, 2022 – Bluewave Technology Group (“Bluewave”), a strategic, high-growth technology advisory and lifecycle management company, today announced that it has acquired iSymplify, a cloud and telecom advisory agency. This is the sixth acquisition for Bluewave in the past 12 months and marks another expansion milestone for the company as it now has offices in five cities across the U.S., with nearly 100 employees offering technology lifecycle management services.

Serving the cloud technology industry since 2008, Brad and Lorie Burkemper founded iSymplify with ambitions of helping business clients migrate to the cloud with the best solutions and providers available. Seeing first-hand the difficulties their clients had tracking down inventory, proposals, contract expiration dates, and billing issues, iSymplify was formed to streamline the account lifecycle when procuring technology.

Almost 15 years later, iSymplify serves mid-market and enterprise clients nationwide and has a team of experienced and respected technical advisors. Important in the greater St. Louis community, they grew the company into an industry-leading firm and have ensured successful deployments of 15,000+ cloud-ready network nodes and over 50,000 cloud seats. In addition, iSymplify has received numerous community and partner awards. Lorie has been recognized as one of St. Louis’ Top Women Business owners and co-founded the group Women in Tech Connect – St. Louis.

As part of the acquisition, iSymplify’s owners, Lorie Burkemper and Brad Burkemper will join as Managing Partners at Bluewave. The iSymplify team will also join the company and continue providing first-class IT advisory services to the expansive suite of clients.

Driving business growth today demands specialized advisory and consulting resources with the technical knowledge to deliver meaningful client innovation and experience to scale operations. iSymplify’s philosophy for its clients and technical expertise provide even further scale and capabilities that complement Bluewave’s well-established service portfolio and ever-expanding geographic presence. Together, this acquisition bolsters the combined portfolio of services that accelerates innovation and automation at scale for clients.

“Our goal is to help businesses scale their operations efficiently and effectively while seizing innovation with the guidance of our best-in-class industry advisors,” said Seth Penland, Founder and CEO of Bluewave. “We are excited to welcome the iSymplify team and expand our presence in the greater St. Louis area. Together, our joint resources expand our capabilities and emphasize our commitment to clients who need first-class technology advisory services.”

“After almost 15 years of growth, we considered many options to expand our capabilities and better support our clients’ evolving technology needs,” said Lorie Burkemper, Founder and President of iSymplify. “Joining like-minded Bluewave allows us to further invest in our team and clients around solution consulting, expense management, and high-touch account management, as well as gain access to more robust processes and systems to provide clients with better insights and data to drive the best technology decisions.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Bluewave has partnered with Columbia Capital, a sector-focused investment firm with investments in enterprise IT, digital infrastructure, and mobility, to build a national technology advisory services provider.

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.

About iSymplify

iSymplify is a St. Louis-based cloud and telecom advisory agency that delivers telecommunications, cloud services, unified communications, and contact centers. The company serves its clients by providing exceptional customer service throughout the entire lifecycle of cloud-based technology projects. The company’s goal is to achieve business outcomes that grow its clients’ business, provide business efficiencies and savings, and to have fun doing it!

Media contacts

Lisa Guillaume
press@bluewave.net

Virtual Telecomm owners Mark White, Michael White, and Jason Hulsewede will be equity partners in client-focused, premier IT advisory firm

Parsippany, N.J., November 1, 2022 – Bluewave Technology Group (“Bluewave”), a strategic, high-growth technology advisory and lifecycle management company, today announced that it has acquired Virtual Telecomm, a technology advisory and IT transformation agency. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This is the fifth acquisition within the past 12 months for Bluewave, and further builds upon the company’s growth strategy with the recent capital raised.

Virtual Telecomm provides forward-thinking solutions to companies seeking value and scalability by guiding them through the technology buying process. Founded in 2004 by Mark White and joined later by business partners Michael White in 2006 and Jason Hulsewede in 2010, the team grew the company into a leading network and communication transformation agency for mid-sized enterprises. The award-winning company has served as an important cornerstone of the Louisville community. It ranked top ten Best Places to Work in the Greater Louisville area for the past three years and is an official partner and Internet provider of Louisville City Football Club.

As part of the acquisition, Virtual Telecomm’s Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Mark White; Vice President of Partnerships, Michael White; and President, Jason Hulsewede will join Bluewave as Ambassadors and equity partners, continuing to focus on client success and Bluewave’s growth. The Virtual Telecomm team will join the company and continue providing strategic IT advisory services and excellent support to the expanded client base.

“Mark, Michael, and Jason have created a great company. Their vision aligns with Bluewave’s purpose: to help companies purchase and manage technology in a better way that optimizes their business outcomes,” said Seth Penland, Founder, and CEO of Bluewave. “We are excited to welcome the Virtual Telecomm team and have their leadership team’s guidance going forward as we build upon the strong foundation established in Louisville.”

This acquisition further strengthens Bluewave’s position as a technology lifecycle management provider. As clients’ needs and expectations change and the emergence of new technology disrupts business operations, the competitive insight to acquire the best solution providers to navigate the changing industry dynamics and rapid development cycle becomes a necessity. With Virtual Telecomm, Bluewave can accelerate the company’s go-to-market strategy with top talent capable of exceeding client expectations.

“We believe that there has never been a more important time for companies to have the right solutions to compete in today’s economy,” said Mark White, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Virtual Telecomm. “We are excited to join forces with the ever-growing Bluewave team, who shares our values and believes in the continued investment across the company to ensure our customers have the best experience and ultimately achieve the best outcomes from their IT investments.”

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.

About Virtual Telecomm

Since 2004, Virtual Telecomm has supplied forward-thinking solutions and infrastructure to companies seeking value and scalability. As your point of contact for multiple carrier options for phone, internet, and private data services, we save your company time and money by selecting unbiased and perfect-fit solutions based on your unique needs.

Media contacts

Lisa Guillaume
press@bluewave.net

Congratulations to Bluewave Technology Group CEO and founder, Seth Penland, for earning a spot on the Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101 list.

Channel Futures created the award to recognize partners who deliver technology solutions to customers through an agent-based model. Honorees stood out for their business success and innovation, advocacy and thought leadership in the channel, and commitment to the customer experience.

This award honors 101 top executives who deliver technology solutions to customers through an agent-based model. Honorees stood out for their business success and innovation, their advocacy and thought leadership in the channel and their commitment to the customer experience.

Recipients of the Channel Futures Technology Advisor 101 represent the best and brightest individuals in the technology advisory channel.

About Bluewave Technology Group

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 https://bluewave.net/

Media contacts

press@bluewave.net

PARSIPPANY, N.J.– (June 10, 2022) – Bluewave Technology Group (“Bluewave”), an innovative, high-growth technology advisory and lifecycle management company, today announced that AOTMP® Insights featured Linda Jeffries, Bluewave’s Vice President of Operations, as an inspiring female leader in its June 2022 Women in Technology feature.

“The AOTMP is an organization that’s dedicated to helping telecom, mobility, and technology professionals drive the entire industry forward. Linda’s expertise in this field is unmatched, and we congratulate her on being profiled in the Women in Technology feature. She is a valued member of the Bluewave team, and her leadership is recognized throughout our company and our clients. We look forward to working alongside her as she leads us through many exciting projects today and new endeavors coming soon,” said Seth Penland, CEO of Bluewave.

AOTMP Insights is the editorial publication of the AOTMP global organization that is focused on empowering professionals in the dynamic $4+ trillion telecom, mobility, and IT management industry. Jeffries is featured in the June 2022 issue of AOTMP Insights that profiles seven categories of women in technology that are inspiring the industry.

At Bluewave, Jeffries’ focus is on creating an excellent client experience, optimizing client technology spending, and ensuring a smooth transition for clients when adding or upgrading service installations. She oversees Bluewave’s Technology Expense Management teams and maintains revenue responsibility for the Operations department to meet company goals and results.

She manages her departments with a purposeful intent to recognize her teams’ accomplishments often. “I strive to be an inspirational leader for my team and Bluewave by demonstrating integrity, teamwork, and a high degree of communication. I like to be the first person to praise my team and others for a job well done while also giving immediate feedback so that we can all improve together,” Jeffries noted.

Jeffries has more than twenty years of experience in the industry and has been actively involved in the AOTMP and its Fixed & Mobile Telecom Management Conferences in the past. She credits her passion for telecom and collaboration as the driver behind her strong career.

“It is essential to have contagious and positive energy when working with clients and partners. Growing and nurturing relationships are a big part of who I am. A highly-engaged team means clients know we care, and the team knows they are adding value,” Jeffries said.

“Now that most people are remote, I believe coaching, enhancing individual communication skills and genuine caring about each other are front and center to personal well-being and the team’s success,” she added.

While Jeffries provides unwavering support for every member of her team, she believes that mentorship is an important part of supporting and advancing the careers of women in technology. She explained, “I have mentored and encouraged many women over the years to push for more and show up with hard work and dedication. All women can attain their goals with the right mentors, great opportunities, and encouragement. I believe in equality in the workplace and have advocated for women to advance their careers. As a woman leader in my company, I hope to create opportunities for my team and encourage women to break the barriers.”

When asked what advice she would give to girls and women pursuing a career in technology, she offered, “I would encourage women to be their own advocates and follow those they admire, set good examples for themselves, and find a mentor that will boost their growth and pursuit in technology. Never stop learning. Talk to everyone you meet. Don’t be intimidated. Collaborate with team members and be a team player. Have an unpreceded work ethic and go above and beyond to show your dedication and passion for what you do. I have also found that clear and concise communication and knowing your audience are critical.”

About Bluewave Technology Group

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.

Media contacts

press@bluewave.net