Solomon Luke founded Strategia Solutions in 1989 to offer cutting-edge technology solutions to small businesses, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, and the Federal Government. Today, the company is expanding into European markets and offering more Managed Services Provider (MSP) and cloud-based services to small businesses.
The Foray Into Information Technology
I got exposed to technology when I was promoted to a new job at a company called ISS (Institutional Shareholders Services). Suddenly, I was in a position to learn SQL queries, databases, and web-based applications.
In the new job, I was very fortunate to have an excellent mentor/manager named Sergio Schuchner. Sergio helped me understand operational and data reporting metrics and software development.
I also became very good friends with a software developer at ISS named Fang Ju. Fang taught me a lot about HTML, how Java coding worked, and the many Java libraries that are associated with it. Apart from Java coding he taught me about scripts and stored procedures. At the same time, we are both avid sports fans so the relationship blossomed.
Apart from Fang and Sergio, two personal friends, Jim Doyle and Andre Bennett would later encourage me to initiate the startup documents for my company. After both Jim and Andre told me the paperwork required to file with the Department of Assessments was not difficult and that I could do it myself without a lawyer, I was on my way.
Starting Up Strategia Solutions
I started my business to make a difference in the lives of small business owners, build relationships, and extend my circle of influence. I saw an opportunity to use my corporate skills and experience to offer something unique and valuable to small business customers who required technology solutions.
We serve many small businesses, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, and the Federal Government. We serve customers in several different ways.
For instance, we create visually stunning and functionally robust platforms tailored to our customers’ business needs. From sleek and responsive designs to seamless user experiences, we bring their ideas to life in the digital realm. In the dynamic world of web-based applications, we harness the latest technologies to build solutions that empower business processes. Our team is adept at creating applications that streamline operations, enhance user interactions, facilitate turning ideas into products, and in other ways help businesses propel themselves forward.
Additionally, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media is crucial for modern businesses. Our social media management services not only establish, but also amplify, our clients’ online presence. We curate engaging content, foster meaningful connections, and implement strategies that drive growth across platforms.
We try to go beyond being service providers to be partners in our clients’ digital success. We like to be highly collaborative, and our deep understanding of technology positions us as a one-stop destination for comprehensive digital solutions. We see ourselves as the architects of our customers’ online journey, and we help them come up with new ideas, get noticed, and keep growing over time.
What’s New at Strategia Solutions
In 2024, we are focusing on a couple of initiatives: expanding into European markets and being a Managed Services Provider (MSP). Our Chief Operating Officer, Hasan Shahid, found an opportunity to partner with a United Kingdom firm that would facilitate growth in both the UK market and extend our footprints to other European sectors.
Right now, we offer Managed Service Provider (MSP) services for clients in Philadelphia, and they’ve been highly successful. But I think we can do even more by using cloud services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud for small businesses. A lot of small businesses are still using old-fashioned ways to store and get their data, and they’re missing out on the benefits of cloud technology. I believe Strategia Solution can play a big role in helping them upgrade and make the most of these cloud services.
We are always looking for introductions to small and medium-sized businesses that need web-based applications and cloud-based services. Also, I would like to meet companies in related industries that could benefit from collaboration.
Close Ties to Montgomery County
I have been in Montgomery County since 1989 and currently reside in Rockville. Both my children attended middle school and high school in the County, and I am a graduate of the University of Maryland, University College, having earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at College Park.
Strategia Solutions has benefitted from membership in organizations like the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) and the Montgomery County Black Collective (MoCo Collective). I’ve been able to attract customers through both networks. Customers that came through the MoCo Collective have been in the initial stages of their business and need technology consulting, particularly around website development, social media marketing, e-mail configuration, and document management. As a direct result of the need for small minority-owned businesses to better leverage technology services, both organizations have helped to grow my firm’s customer base.
I love the game of soccer and in the past would play pickup games at the Germantown Soccerplex. I was born in Trinidad and Tobago and was always an avid soccer player. After I migrated to the U.S. in June 1989, I played pick-up games in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia; in addition, I participated in non-professional club team play for several clubs in the DMV area. In some cases, on Fridays at my old job (Institutional Shareholders Services) several co-workers would gather to play soccer at the Germantown Soccerplex. Later on, my son would also play at the Soccerplex, but by then I would simply team up with groups who wanted to play for fun since I no longer play competitively.
What I’ve Learned About Business
I think the first advice I would give someone starting a business would be to stay persistent and resilient. Entrepreneurship often involves facing challenges and setbacks. Stay persistent, remain resilient, and learn from both your successes and failures. Seeking regular feedback from customers, employees, and mentors is also helpful. Business owners can use this information to refine their products, services, and business processes.