Applied Tech and Platte River Networks Merge to Form ‘MSP Superpower’

Applied Tech and Platte River Networks have merged to become, in their words, an “MSP superpower” throughout Wisconsin, the Denver metropolitan area and across the U.S. Both companies were on the 2022 MSP 501 list, with Applied Tech at No. 243, and Platte River at  No. 68. Platte River Networks will adopt the Applied Tech brand in early 2023. 

The combined company will boast key short- and long-term gains for employees, customers, and prospects.

Merger Benefits

• A more diverse team of 150-people located in 23 states working to secure and manage their clients’ IT infrastructure and staff.
• A broader and deeper reach into the SMB market nationwide with the support of key partners and vendors.
• More than 100 talented technology engineers, specialists and technicians.   
• A dedicated, in-house cybersecurity team led by a chief security officer (CSO).

Both companies have been serving customers, respectively, for more than 20 years. The combined talent of the two companies will bring greater specialization and technology expertise. It will also deliver the resources needed for growth-minded businesses both locally and nationally. 

Applied Tech’s Daniel Petersen

“Both of our organizations have gone through a similar journey as MSPs,” Daniel Petersen, president of Applied Tech, told Channel Futures. “We recognized that there was so much more that we could do together faster. Could we have gotten to this place on our own at some point in the future? Of course we could have. But recognizing what we could do together is what made this all possible. It’s all about breadth, depth and scale. It’s about the ability to be able to offer more to our customers and to our team, than we can alone. This is about taking two great organizations and putting them together. We are making something that is just much more than what either of them could have been by themselves.”

Coming Together

Ingram Micro’s Kirk Robinson

“It’s inspiring to see two regionally focused MSP leaders come together to elevate the experience and business value they deliver,” said Kirk Robinson, executive vice president and president, North America, Ingram Micro. “We congratulate Platte River Networks on their proven success. [We] give cheers to the continued achievements of the new and expanded team at Applied Tech.”

According to Grand View Research, the managed services market is expected to exceed USD $730 billion by 2030. Platte River Networks co-founders Brent Allshouse (CEO) and Treve Suazo (chief visionary officer) laud the timing of the merger. They call it a “perfect opportunity” for both companies and customers. 

“Bringing together Platte River Networks and Applied Tech creates an MSP superpower and a strategic IT powerhouse for our customers and partners,” said the two. 

As part of the merger, Allshouse and Suazo join Applied Tech’s 2022/2023 advisory board.  

Shared Goals

“Platte River Networks is the right growth partner at the right time for Applied Tech,” added Petersen. “The synergies between the two companies are easy to see and include a shared goal of delivering an exceptional experience for everyone — our customers, our staff, and our partners.”

Platte River Networks’ David DeCamillis

“This merger is a win for everyone,” noted David DeCamillis, who now serves as vice president of sales and marketing for Applied Tech. “Our teams are working as one to successfully manage IT and cybersecurity for our clients and continue to serve our industry by sharing our expertise and experiences throughout the IT ecosystem.”