John Ahlberg, CEO and Founder, Waident Technology Solutions
John’s Contact Info: 630-547-7000 or jahlberg@waident.com
MidwestHR: What are the products and/or services that your company provides?
John Ahlberg: We provide small and mid-sized business with a virtual technology department. Simply put, we act as a complete IT department, giving smaller companies big-company support, including a responsive helpdesk, comprehensive technology management, and strategic, future-oriented guidance.
MHR: What are your company vitals?
JA: Location(s) – Chicago and Kansas City
JA: Number of years in business – 7
JA: Number of employees – 12
MHR: Who does your company specialize in working with? Do you have a niche market?
JA: Our clients are small to mid-sized companies that value technology as a growth enabler. Our biggest footprint is in the commercial real estate, finance, healthcare and professional services industries.
MHR: What sets your company apart from your competition?
JA: Our people first philosophy. Some IT departments (both internal and outsourced) view their job as beginning and ending at the computer. We see technology as the means to a business end. We make it our business to understand our clients’ business needs, so people are made more productive through their technology.
MHR: What are the best ways for people to receive information/updates from your company (i.e. website, blog, twitter, etc)?
JA: Sign up for our email newsletter. It’s the most un-newsletter (and helpful!) newsletter you’ll receive — promise! Sign up on our website at www.waident.com
MHR: What do you personally love about your job?
JA: I get a charge out of helping others. Whether its answering a user’s question, helping a client develop a technology plan, or removing barriers for my employees, I like solving problems and making a difference.
MHR: What is one thing about you that most people don’t know?
JA: Back in college, I went duckpin bowling with Pen & Teller.
MHR: What is your favorite…?
JA: Book – I read too many books to pick just one!
JA: Movie – Spaceballs, Matrix, Sleeper, This is Spinal Tap, too many good movies to list….
JA: Type of Music – Ska
JA: Food – Toss-up between all kinds of seafood and Chinese food
MHR: Away from work, what do you do for fun?
JA: I love hanging out with my kids, wife, and family. In my spare time, I golf, scuba dive, geocache, cook, or read a good book.
MHR: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
JA: Australia. I’ve never been there and the vastness and biodiversity look extremely intriguing. I’d love to take a month and travel with the family to fully experience the country.
