Washington, DC – November 14, 2024 – IT Nation, a global community of over 400,000 members, including thought leaders, industry pioneers, and IT ecosystem experts, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the inaugural 2024 Torch Awards at IT Nation Connect, ConnectWise’s signature event dedicated to uniting the MSP community for education, inspiration, and collaboration. The Torch Awards spotlight individuals, organizations, and media professionals whose dedication, innovation, and commitment have reshaped and advanced the IT channel community.
“We created the Torch Awards to celebrate those who are not only contributing to the IT channel’s growth but are also transforming it,” said Gregg Lalle, SVP & GM of IT Nation. “This year’s honorees embody the passion, dedication, and forward-thinking spirit that drive progress in our industry. It is a privilege to honor these trailblazers who continue to inspire and lead our community.”
The 2024 IT Nation Torch Award Honorees are:
Partner Excellence Award: Abraham Garver, Managing Director at FOCUS Investment Banking, was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the IT Nation and ConnectWise communities, consistently driving value and supporting partners’ growth. Through his commitment to the “Go-Giver” philosophy, Abraham encourages peers to join Evolve groups and has guided numerous members through successful transactions, embodying IT Nation’s “Wise Together, Rise Together” mission.
“To Gregg Lalle and each of us associated with The IT Nation, this is an honor of a lifetime. My love for our community is immeasurable,” shared Garver on LinkedIn. “Arlin Sorensen, Nancy, Laurie Sorensen, Peter Sorensen and Bob Burg’s examples of how to serve others in the ‘marketplace’ has been lifechanging. Below is a photo of our mentors together, last Thursday. Please join me in thanking them for their example!”
Abraham Garver and Gregg Lalle at The 2024 IT Nation Torch Award Ceremony (Photo credit: NIBA Photography)
Community of the Year Award: CompTIA – As a nonprofit trade association, CompTIA stands out for its relentless dedication to certification, cybersecurity partnerships, and Trustmark boot camps, setting a gold standard for knowledge-sharing and member support.
Evolve Partner of the Year Awards:
- North America: First Column Enterprises – This DC-based provider embodies the “Go-Giver” mentality, consistently meeting top-tier performance metrics while pursuing ambitious growth.
- EMEA: Fusion Technology Solutions – Based in Essex, UK, Fusion Technology Solutions is celebrated for its client-centric approach and staunch advocacy for the Evolve program.
- APAC: Xyber Solutions – Focused on the Australian mining sector, Xyber Solutions is recognized for its operational maturity, community support, and outstanding financial growth.
Pete Sorensen, Bob Burg, Nancy Sorensen, Arlin and Laurie Sorensen at IT Nation Connect 2024 (Photo credit: NIBA Photography)
PitchIT 2024 Champion Award: Senteon – This cybersecurity leader has integrated seamlessly with the ConnectWise ecosystem, delivering solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and profitability for IT Nation members.
Media Excellence Award: Rich Freeman, founder of Channelholic – Freeman’s journalism goes beyond standard reporting, offering insightful and accessible stories that capture the evolving IT landscape, helping audiences stay informed and engaged.
About IT Nation
IT Nation fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture grounded in the Go-Giver philosophy, empowering MSPs and IT vendors worldwide. Through education, goal-setting tools, and growth frameworks, IT Nation’s mission, “Wise Together, Rise Together,” fuels innovation and celebrates success across the community. Discover more at connectwise.com/theitnation.
About FOCUS Investment Banking’s MSP Team
FOCUS’ Managed Service Provider (MSP) Team, one of North America’s most dynamic and accomplished, has successfully orchestrated transactions with 76 parties in the past five years alone, propelling 12 MSPs into new platforms for private equity sponsors. The team specializes in equity sale processes for MSPs with EBITDA ranging from $2.5 million to $30 million. FOCUS’ proven track record reflects its commitment to achieving outstanding outcomes for both clients and their transaction partners. *These testimonials may not be representative of the experience of all clients; testimonials are not a guarantee of future performance or success. Discover more at https://focusbankers.com/msp/.
About ‘The Go-Giver’ – A Little Story about a Powerful Business Idea
Since the book’s publication the term “go-giver” has become shorthand for a defining set of values embraced by millions of people around the world. Discover more at https://thegogiver.com/the-go-giver/
*These testimonials may not be representative of the experience of all clients; testimonials are not a guarantee of future performance or success.
