It’s hard to believe, but 28 years ago, I was unemployed for the first time since the month after graduating high school. It was December, and I’d just stepped away from my role at Sherwin-Williams to join a friend’s IT services business. But as I dug into what a 1099 arrangement really meant, I saw a different path. A fork in the road appeared—one of those moments that shape the future in ways we can’t yet see. Managed Solutions officially came to life in January of the following year, starting a journey that would bring personal and professional rewards beyond anything I could have envisioned at the time.
As we near the close of 2024 and look toward the new year, the metaphor of a fork in the road feels especially fitting. It’s been a popular theme recently as many people renew their hope and enthusiasm for the possibilities ahead.
As Managed Solutions nears the 30-year milestone around the corner in 2026, there’s much to unpack. More than anything, I feel deeply grateful. To the customers who’ve trusted us, the employees who’ve brought their best, the vendors who’ve partnered with us, and the countless connections made along the way—all of them have shaped this journey.
Organizations such as SVMA, SME, Bill Gaines and Grow Manufacturing, Rotary, and the leadership programs I’ve had the privilege to join have all left a lasting impact on me. Conferences like SOBCon weren’t just professional events; they were moments of growth, where I met people who pushed me to think bigger. And my family? They’ve been there every step of the way, through every challenge and victory.
In 2013, I faced another fork in the road: shifting focus entirely to Smart Manufacturing. Once again, my IT customers, friends, and family offered nothing but encouragement and support.
Today, I’m lucky to work with an incredible team and serve amazing customers. My CIMCO family—many of whom have become great friends—and our CIMCO Solution Provider partners who continue to inspire us, making what we do not just possible but rewarding. The camaraderie along the way has been an unexpected gift.
Communities like my informal Gemba Chat group continue to be a source of interesting, informative, and helpful perspectives. My latest addition, an AI group (name TBD!), challenges my thinking, keeping me sharp and curious while also helping to prepare for the future.
I look forward to sharing more about the human side of this journey to break up the largely technical content that we love to share with you all here.
Here’s to what’s next—more partnerships, more milestones, and more moments to appreciate. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, a healthy and Happy New Year, and great things in 2025!
– Joe Hackman, CEO & Founder, Managed Solutions Inc.
