Many small businesses in growth mode struggle to advance the processes and systems crucial to evolving into a much larger and more profitable venture. Scaling a business is a significant, whole-system, transformational change, which requires the introduction of new partnerships, systems, policies, and procedures.
Take the example of Tunnel Hill Partners, which was embarking on a long-term growth phase without much preparation for the technology needs associated with it. Based in New York, Tunnel Hill Partners is the largest waste-by-rail company in the country, with transfer stations in Long Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio. The company specializes in a range of affiliate services such as waste transfer, container transloading, landfill disposal, recycling, and beneficial reuse services. In July of 2013, a private investment firm assumed ownership of Tunnel Hill Partners and began positioning the waste management company for expansion.
Aware of the need to update its technology infrastructure, one of the first steps the company took was to find a strategic technology partner that could manage and transform the fast-growing waste transfer company’s IT system. Tunnel Hill Partners had to improve productivity and efficiency to increase profits and drive growth. More than that, the company needed internal resources to remain focused on growing the business, rather than troubleshooting IT issues, which is one of many reasons CMIT Solutions of East and West Nassau was brought on to help.
Finding the Right Partner
Larry Schweitzer, president of CMIT Solutions of East and West Nassau, sought out a meeting with the company as part of his ongoing local marketing and sales program. The timing could not have been better. Little did he know Tunnel Hill Partners was preparing for a major acquisition.
Larry demonstrated the benefits of working with CMIT Solutions, and soon after his office was brought onboard to update and configure the company’s hardware systems. In the months following, Tunnel Hill Partners was sold to a new ownership group, which was looking to grow the business throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Before long, the new owners had hired CMIT Solutions to fully manage the company’s technology systems and support.
Prior to partnering with CMIT Solutions, Tunnel Hill Partners used a local “break-fix” provider to troubleshoot technology issues. In an environment where technology needs to be up and running at all times to support the dynamic nature of the business, preventing downtime has always been an important priority. However, in planning for future growth, Tunnel Hill Partners now needed a strategic technology partner that understood the company’s vision.
Preparing for Long-Term Growth
CMIT Solutions developed a project timeline for Tunnel Hill Partners, which included the conversion to a new software provider, the installation of a VoIP phone system, the transition to hosted exchange email, and a number of other technology system updates. Each of the changes served to enhance communication between Tunnel Hill Partners’ new and existing sites.
In opening new transfer stations, CMIT Solutions assisted with setting up phone, Internet, and systems connectivity, as well as all other technology needs. Tunnel Hill Partners was especially impressed with CMIT Solutions’ expansive national network of franchise partners, whose offices were more than willing to serve as on-site support when launching new locations.
Following the acquisition of new sites in Ohio and two in Massachusetts, Larry brought in Anil Vadhi from CMIT Solutions of Northwest Columbus and Larry Kerrigan with CMIT Solutions of Cambridge, respectively, to provide on-site support. The franchise locations ensured the new operating entities were up and running quickly and efficiently, helping Tunnel Hill Partners save time and money. A major differentiator, the CMIT Solutions franchise system continues to provide reassurance for the company as it explores additional markets to open new locations.
In addition to CMIT Solutions being technologically skilled, Tunnel Hill Partners appreciates the IT provider’s professionalism and rapid response time. Larry and his team of technicians are always on-call to troubleshoot and resolve IT issues before they become a problem.
TJ Patton, regional controller for Tunnel Hill Partners and a key contact at the company for CMIT Solutions, now fully appreciates having a valued business partner that is available to offer advice and share best practices. Furthermore, he has a strategic technology advisor that can handle every aspect of the business’ IT systems and support, so he can focus on achieving core company objectives.
Looking Ahead
With CMIT Solutions’ help, Tunnel Hill Partners was able to scale up and extend its business through a critical growth phase. By leveraging technology to grow the business, Tunnel Hill Partners has built an infrastructure to support its expansion for months and years to come.
Now, TJ and Tunnel Hill Partners are poised to move ahead on a number of other projects, including expanding into new markets throughout the country. No matter which direction the company heads, TJ and his colleagues feel confident knowing that CMIT Solutions of East and West Nassau is ready to support them every step of the way.