Premier Networx – The Augusta IT Guys
4332 Wheeler Road #105, Augusta, GA 30907 - (706) 426-6313 - https://augustaitguys.com/
Premier Networx is an award winning, outsourced IT managed services provider. Premier Networx provides enterprise-quality IT support to small and medium-sized organizations across the greater Augusta area.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I would get phone calls and still do sometimes that the provider someone is using is not reliable or overcharging for services. In 2013, I decided to start my own company to provide excellent, fast IT support that was reasonably priced for small to medium sized businesses.
What inspires your work and what sets you apart from everyone else?
I enjoy being touted as the “hero” lol. To be able to fix someone’s issues is what inspires me every single day. Our employees go above and beyond to make sure that our customers needs are met. We all love being technology hero’s!
What is your background and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
I started in the technology field in the late 90’s after graduating with an electrical engineering scholarship. Electronics have always fascinated me and computers were becoming more prevalent in businesses. I didn’t finish school and instead took up telephone systems as a trade. As business telephone systems and computers merged my field of expertise broaden. I relied on my business relationships, like the one with my banker Charles Bennett, to help advise me on the things I didn’t know from the business aspect. Having a good round table lunch with a great support group of business leaders is always a plus!
What has been your biggest success to date?
Our biggest success was hiring our 25th employee this year and a close second is making the INC. 5000 list of fastest growing companies 3 years in a row! This will be shadowed by an announcement here soon though….ssshhhhhhh it’s a secret.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is our fast paced growth. Trying to keep up with the pace of growth has been a challenge especially on the employment side. We have quadrupled our size in 3 years so making sure we have the right butts in the right seats has challenged us.
Which small businesses are you inspired by?
I am inspired by Ivey Residential. Matt and Mark Ivey have both been doing something they love and their service to the community is unparalleled in most businesses. The Ivey’s have really given back to the community and they’ve been rewarded with huge success.
If you could go back to the beginning knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently?
I’m not sure that I would have done anything much different than I did. I know how that sounds but I am very thankful I experienced certain pitfalls early on. My business was young and able to recover from non-informed decisions I made. Nothing detrimental to the business of course but set backs that caused lost time or revenue.
What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start their own business?
Find a great business support group. Listen to what others have learned and experienced. If you think you know everything, your business will not prosper or unfortunately not make it past the 2-3 year mark. This goes for someone who hasn’t received a formal education all the way to folks with MBA’s. Get involved with the community. Give back when you can, either with time or monetary donations.
Chad Harpley
President and CEO