Who Is CIT?
Computer Integration Technologies, Inc., is a technology solutions organization based in Woodbury, Minnesota. Our comprehensive service offerings include:
- Hardware products and services
- Software development and products
- Managed services
- Custom courseware and application training
- Low-voltage cabling
- Project management and business analysis
Leadership (click on individual links for biography information)
The CIT Story
Computer Integration Technologies, Inc., (CIT) was founded in 1992 by Chris Taylor and Mark Wagner. The idea to form CIT was born out of several conversations between the two—beginning when Chris was out to lunch with the owner of the company he was working for at the time—and Mark was their waiter. Eventually, on the dock of Chris’s parent’s house on Lake Demontreville in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, the two decided to start a company based on PC connectivity. They were both in their mid-twenties, single and energetic. For the next two years, neither took a paycheck and they both worked 12-hour days.
In May of 1992, CIT leased office space for the first time—a small 600 square-foot office space furnished with three desks and a small conference room. By this time, CIT had hired its first employee, Jeff Syata. Company duties were spread out between the three—Chris and Jeff worked in a sales capacity, while Mark completed the services in the field.
Within the first few years, Chris and Mark began to find CIT’s niche in the Twin Cities technology marketplace. They focused on small- and medium-sized companies in the less-saturated east side of the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. CIT’s typical customers were medium-sized manufacturers who needed technology services more than hardware sales. This became the cornerstone of how CIT does business. “Our differentiator in the marketplace is how we looked at our customer’s technology needs from a total value perspective. Buying more hardware isn’t going to fix every problem. We help our clients ensure that they are getting the most from their technology by using it to the fullest extent. By focusing on service, our customers were happiest.”
Within the first five years of its founding, CIT had grown to 25 employees and $5 million in revenue. Clients were hiring CIT to purchase their new technology equipment, but also were utilizing CIT technicians to supplement their overworked IT staff or to outsource their entire IT function.
Between 1996 and 2000, CIT acquired two small companies whose expertise added software/web development and application training to the repertoire of services offered. A low-voltage cabling division was added, as well.
Throughout this time, businesses and technology providers were gearing up for Y2K—and what was feared when the year 2000 rolled around. Even though Y2K ended up being a declared “non-event," the technology bubble was about to burst. Many dot-com and other technology providers went out of business in the few years following Y2K. CIT proved its longevity and dedication during this time. Even though many customers’ IT budgets were low and businesses were doing less, they still needed CIT to provide network maintenance and support. By utilizing CIT to extend the life of their technology, CIT remained strong, while many other providers went under.
CIT’s conservative approach and the checks and balances system that Chris and Mark employ has sustained CIT from 1992 until today. “Our initial startup risk, coupled with our conservative way of thinking is how CIT has stood the test of time,” says Mark.
Today, CIT employs more than 65 people and has over 400 customers that are located throughout the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. They are still located in Woodbury, but now own a 20,000 square-foot office space and warehouse. Manufacturing is no longer the “typical” customer industry—a wide variety of industries are now represented, such as healthcare, professional services and local government. CIT’s comprehensive service offerings include hardware, software services, training, cabling, project management and managed services. 2005 revenues grew to more than $13 million. “We still focus on solid, long-term growth. We want to keep our good customers happy, whichever way the market turns. By keeping an eye on that goal, CIT will be around for years to come,” says Chris.
CIT Leadership
Christopher J. Taylor
President/Chief Executive Officer
Christopher Taylor has served as CIT’s President and Chief Executive Officer since co-founding the organization in 1992. Prior to founding CIT, Chris worked as a salesperson and sales manager at PC Express in Bloomington from 1987 to 1992.
Chris holds a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a major in business administration and an emphasis on information technologies.
Mark Wagner
Vice President
Mark Wagner has served as CIT’s Vice President since co-founding the organization in 1992. Prior to founding CIT, Mark worked at Extron, a manufacturer of electronic environmental controls and variable speed motor controls. From 1987 to 1992, Mark was employed by PC Express as a Technical Salesperson.
Mark graduated from Dunwoody Technical Institute as a Certified Electronic Technician and received a two-year degree in applied sciences from Normandale Community College and the University of Minnesota.
William T. Lehner
Chief Financial Officer/Chief Information Officer
Bill Lehner joined CIT in 1999 as Chief Financial Officer/Chief Information Officer and partner. In addition to his role at CIT, Bill also serves as IT Director for a regional hospital/clinic since 2004 and as CIO at a East Suburban bank since 2006. Prior to joining CIT, Bill worked 10 years for the City of Woodbury as the Finance/ IT Director, as a Public Accountant for Schrier, Kosbab, Cornell, Kahler & Co., CPA’s and as the CFO for United Pump, Inc and Suburban Sports, Inc.
Bill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in both Finance and Organizational Development from the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul Minnesota.
Kyle Etter
Vice President/Chief Technical Officer
Kyle joined CIT in 1993 as Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. Currently, Kyle is responsible for managing a group of field engineers, as well as staying abreast of new technologies and changes in existing ones, in order for CIT to present clients with the best options available for their technology needs.
Prior to joining CIT, Kyle worked for PC Express in a Network and Sales Management capacity. Kyle attended Mankato State University.
Michael Albrecht
Sales and Marketing Manager
Mike joined CIT in 2000. He is responsible for overseeing the sales and marketing teams, including pre- and post-sales support and marketing. Prior to his work at CIT, Mike was employed as Sales and Operations Manager at Enstar and Vice President of Sales at Vicom.
Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and business administration from Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota.
Eric Frydenlund
Senior Technical Services Manager
Eric joined CIT in 1994 as a Network Engineer, then as Senior Technical Services Manager. Eric is actively involved evaluating, designing and implementing network infrastructure and technology solutions. Prior to his work at CIT, Eric was employed by PC Express and Young America Corporation as a LAN Administrator.
Eric holds a technical degree in computer science from Minneapolis Technical College.
Mark Sellner
Production Manager
Mark joined CIT in 1995. He is responsible for running the production center, which consists of all hardware and component purchases, assembly and configuration of customer orders and new product evaluation. Prior to his work at CIT, Mark was employed by NTX and PC Express in similar production and purchasing capacities.
Mark holds a 2-year degree from Normandale Community College.
Kevin Reilly
Senior Sales Engineer
Kevin joined CIT in 2001. He is responsible for a wide variety of duties with a group of clients that includes sales, technical services and account management. Prior to his work at CIT, Kevin was owner/operator of Foresight Information Technologies, Inc.
Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and information systems from St. Cloud State University.