ACCESS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Access Systems

Keeping Offices Connected – Since 1986

WAUKEE, IA, February 9, 2016 – It all began as an idea in 1986 at Drake University, and today is one of the most experienced technology companies in the Midwest.

While a student at Drake University, Greg Ryman and some other top programmers started Access Customer Programming. As the business expanded, the team decided to change the name to Access Systems, combining all of the services under one name.

Ryman was proud of the progress made, and the services provided, by Access Systems. However, he had another goal for his career – to become an FBI Special Agent. The time seemed right for his career change, but he also wanted to ensure that Access would continue.

At the same time, Shane Sloan was also looking to change careers. He decided that he wanted to get into business for himself, and control his own destiny. The timing couldn’t have been better for both Ryman and Sloan. Sloan found Access through a business broker, and as Ryman went through the interview process of potential buyers, a match was made in 2005.

Since then, Access has moved its headquarters to Waukee, Iowa, made nine acquisitions, four organic openings, and added over 130 employees. In 2014, the Waukee headquarters expanded and moved to a state-of-the-art, 45,000 square foot facility, where the Network Operations Center (NOC) was expanded, and is expected to double in 2016. Since 2005, Access has added telecommunication and print to its product offering, as well as become an authorized Sharp, Ricoh, and Konica Minolta dealer.

Most extraordinary of all, Access Systems has maintained double-digit growth every year since 2005, averaging 36% year-over-year growth. This growth is not slowing down, as it set a new record in 2015, ending with 44% growth over the previous year. When asked what has been his biggest challenge as a business owner, Sloan said, “continuing to recruit and find top talent to fill all of the different jobs that have been created due to our growth.” However, one of Access’s greatest successes has been maintaining an extremely low turnover. “It really goes to show how our culture supports our employees, and allows our employees to grow and move up through the company,” said Sloan. Access is a company to keep your eye on as it expands river-to-river in Iowa, and beyond.