LightBox Systems: Illuminating Technology Solutions with Small-Town Values

From a Living Room Startup to Multi-State IT Excellence

When Josh Hansen and his partners first laid out their business plan on card tables in his living room back in 2017, they had a simple vision: bring enterprise-level IT expertise to organizations that needed it, while maintaining the personal touch that defines small-town service. Today, that vision has evolved into LightBox Systems, a comprehensive IT solutions provider that's experiencing remarkable growth while staying true to its founding principles.

Small-Town Roots, Big-Time Expertise

"We started from nothing, we started from scratch, no customers, just a hope and a dream," Hansen recalls. With 25 years of IT experience under his belt, Hansen gathered what he describes as "two of the smartest guys I knew" – Steven Riley and Joseph Zang – to launch LightBox Systems. Riley now heads up the project division, while Zang leads the technical side of operations.

What began in that living room has grown into an 18-employee operation spanning three states, with offices in Harlan, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska; and Moultrie, Georgia. The company has achieved at least 25% year-over-year growth since its founding, serving a diverse client base across multiple states.

A Different Approach to IT

LightBox Systems stands out in the IT landscape for its comprehensive service model. "One of the big misconceptions is that for all their existence, they've always had to rely on a different person for a different thing," Hansen explains. "The guy who worked on our doors definitely wouldn't work on our servers, or the guy who put up our wireless, he's definitely not putting up our projection screen."

This fragmented approach to IT services is exactly what LightBox Systems set out to change. The company has built a team capable of handling everything from cybersecurity and cloud solutions to physical security systems and infrastructure projects. This one-stop-shop approach, combined with their commitment to customer service, has proven especially valuable for their education sector clients, who make up about half of their business.

Technology with a Human Touch

Despite their growth, LightBox Systems maintains a distinctly personal approach to service. "We're definitely customer-focused, probably to a fault for our bottom line, but that's okay," Hansen says with a laugh. "We'd rather get the job done right for our neighbors. These are people we see every day, so we want to make sure they're taken care of."

This commitment to personal service extends to their hiring practices. Beyond technical expertise, LightBox Systems seeks out team members who can communicate effectively with clients – a rare combination in the IT world. "As a bonus, and this is something we've been very fortunate with, is finding techs that can actually communicate with another person on a personal level, which doesn't happen very often," Hansen notes.

Comprehensive Solutions for Modern Challenges

LightBox Systems offers a full range of IT services, including:

• Complete network infrastructure design and implementation
• Cybersecurity solutions and training
• Physical security systems (cameras, door entry)
• Cloud services and Microsoft 365 implementation
• VoIP phone systems
• IT consulting and managed services

For schools, they've become particularly known for their security solutions, both physical and digital. They even offer scholarships to students interested in pursuing IT careers, demonstrating their commitment to fostering the next generation of tech talent.

Looking to the Future

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, LightBox Systems stays ahead of the curve while maintaining their commitment to personalized service. "We just had this conversation last week with my partners," Hansen shares. "We said, no matter how big we get, we've got to keep who we are right now. We can't change that formula. We're always going to take care of the customer first."

Want to learn how LightBox Systems can help secure and optimize your organization's technology? Visit them online at their website, call their live answering service at 800-344-7089, or stop by one of their locations in Harlan, IA; Omaha, NE; or Moultrie, GA. Connect with them on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on the latest technology solutions and security tips.