More than a decade ago, John Horton started Technology Innovations Inc., a small two-person operation. At about that same time, Ryan McCoy was running a three-man business by the name of Layer 3 Inc.
Just six months after meeting, the duo merged and in early 2004 formed Layer 3 Technology to offer computer network design, installation and services, along with computer hardware and software products.
“As we learned of each other, we started kind of using each other for help when we needed it,” Horton says. “We felt like we both had our own strengths in the areas that we were kind of focusing on, and coming together, we thought we would be a better full-service firm.”
Horton and McCoy now are approaching eight years in partnership. Both owners work in sales and support.
Once Layer 3 Technology was formed, the owners discovered increased buying power, client growth and enhanced customer service, Horton says.
McCoy notes the company has experienced steady revenue growth, though the owners declined to disclose dollar figures.
“We’ve been increasing between 10 percent and 15 percent for the last 10 years straight,” McCoy says.
Among roughly 100 clients are Integrity Home Care – which is Layer 3’s largest account – F&H Food Equipment Co. and Edmonds Dental Prosthetics, a client of six years.
Marita Pemberton, a certified public accountant at Edmonds Dental, says Layer 3 provides computer networking and troubleshooting – and the team can address some issues quickly without sending members on site. “I like the remote access that they have with our company,” Pemberton says, noting the effectiveness and convenience it provides.
The top three brands that Layer 3 works with are Hewlett-Packard, Cisco and Microsoft, Horton says. With eight full-time employees, McCoy says Layer 3 handles installation, configuration and management of products such as Cisco’s small-business line of virtual private network routers and switches, voice and conferencing systems, and security and surveillance systems. Software options include anti-virus protection and McAfee e-mail and Web security solutions, according to Layer3.biz.
A newer product, Hewlett-Packard’s LCD flat-panel display with touch-screen features, is gaining popularity among schools and in presentation rooms in lieu of Smart boards, Horton says. He’s also seen them pop up in kiosks and lobbies of commercial buildings.
The company moved in April to 2020 W. Vista St., Ste. 108.
Horton adds that the company has been experiencing a positive trend amid the economic woes of late.
“We are seeing an uptick here in the last couple months of people kind of cutting loose the money now,” Horton says.
