Vibrant Technologies - Behind the Music

Today, tech reseller Vibrant Technologies is known as an industry-leader in the used IT hardware marketplace, but initially they had to rise up in the ranks from humble beginnings. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at how Vibrant began and where its going from here.

(Vibrant Technologies resells new and used Servers, Storage and Networking Hardware.)

Complementary Founders:

In late 1998, Dave Larson was the top sales rep and VP of sales at a Minnesota IT reseller with many ideas on how he could offer a better customer experience to his clients. Jennifer VanDerHorst had experience in sales and customer service with an innovative company, MECC (creators of popular educational computer games like The Oregon Trail and Number Munchers). She was looking for an opportunity to start and run a business of her own, where she could bring her natural marketing and employee development abilities.

Having known one another since college at the University of Minnesota, Larson and VanDerHorst formed a business plan and started Vibrant Technologies in December of 1998. The plan included the basic tenants of providing quality used IT hardware at deep discounts off of list pricing to corporations and resellers.

As CEO, Mrs. VanDerHorst would set the vision and messaging for the company while developing a workplace where employees would be empowered, respected and part of a community.

As President, Mr. Larson brought his experience in identifying and closing sales and the ability to nurture and support new salespeople. Their complementary skills would be the key to growing this firm to where it is today as one of the Twin Cities fastest growing businesses.

From the Basement to 1000 Square

The operation began in temporary quarters in Larson's grandfather's finished basement in South Minneapolis. Initial efforts focused on connecting with clients and suppliers to set up Vibrant's network and began scouting locations, eventually settling into a 1000 sq ft space in the Eagan Business Center where they set up a sales office. Warehouse space and technical detail was outsourced to Vital Technical in Bloomington.

Larson hired two recent graduates from the University of Minnesota to be Vibrant's first sales reps. Ted VanDerHorst (Jennifer's younger brother) and Corey Donovan. Ted would move on to a career in medicine, but Donovan remains with the company to this day as VP of Marketing and Business Development. Gary Crandall soon came on as CFO having previously been CFO of Agribank in St. Paul, MN. Crandall is now retired but still consults with the company.

With successful sales and the addition of new sales reps, Vibrant moved into a 3000 sq ft facility in the same building. It was now full steam ahead with one year surpassing the next in revenue. Vibrant could now offer a very wide array of products with expert product manager specializing in a vertical product line.

Vibrant Technologies Headquarters (2005-Present)

Vibrant is now in a much higher profile space in Minnetonka, MN, with a 10,000 sq ft warehouse and professional refurb tech center. With 30 employees on staff, expert technicians and sales reps, they focus on providing the best quality in the industry. VanDerHorst continues to set the vision and build the community with fun events and inter-office communication. Larson has pushed his sales force to reach clients worldwide, with over 25% of total revenue coming from overseas sales.

Vibrant's clients love the company's responsiveness, dedication to quality and positive attitude of each person they work with. It's the quality of the employees and their relationships with their clients that will propel this tech firm to continued growth.