How Emtek Got Started
Emtek Solutions was originally named E & M Technology and incorporated in Delaware because of that state’s low business taxes. We started in 2006. But in 2009, I changed the name and structure. I brought our business registration back to Montgomery County, where I have lived since emigrating from Liberia in 1996.
We are a managed IT services provider. Our services range from supporting an on-site IT department, running a company’s entire IT infrastructure, and executing short-term project work such as wire running and terminating jacks. Other times companies hire us to upgrade network equipment and other one-off projects.
Most of our clients have been local: small businesses in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and other parts of the DMV. They have been nonprofits (churches, Christian schools, and other private schools), financial institutions, medical offices, and other IT firms that subcontract to us. Our only government experience to date has been a contract with the State of New Jersey to upgrade the infrastructure at the convention center in Atlantic City.
Big Goals in 2023
Among our new initiatives: In 2021, I restructured the business to focus on cloud migration and security – coaching clients in best practices for small businesses and helping them secure their IT operations. And I recently registered a new cyber security consulting company in MoCo. The new offer is a “virtual CIO” service for small businesses – that have the same needs as larger businesses but don’t yet want (or need) full-time IT departments.
At the moment, I am seeking grants and capital to help us continue with the management company that has been supporting our marketing and business development and whose support with backend processes helps us offer more specialized services to clients. That’s been worthwhile; I’m seeking resources so we can keep them.
Resources used in Montgomery County
We’re in the State of Maryland’s Small Business Reserve program (SBR) and part of various county contracting programs. We have applied to the Maryland Master Contracting system called CATS+. Additionally, we’ve been active with the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce and have participated in some of the Maryland Business Center programs.
Fun Times in MoCo
Raising our children in Montgomery County (both are currently students at Montgomery Blair High School), we have enjoyed the Gaithersburg Fair. We’re also big fans of the Downtown Silver Spring scene – we are frequent restaurant and event visitors.
Advice for Startups
Marketing marketing marketing. My strongest advice is to have a good marketing strategy in place. For many small businesses, the biggest challenge is finding clients – but I’ve found that if you give good service, clients will stay with you. But getting new clients will always be a big part of the job. So…marketing! Make it a focus from the start, and never stop.
And slow roll your business growth. Keep your day job to help you with cash flow until the business can fully support you.
