YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
A second-generation leader of Pearson-Kelly Technology, Chelsey Bode operates a managed service provider that works with clients’ chief information officers and information technology directors to complement existing tech.
With her father, Mike Kelly, Bode and the team at Pearson-Kelly Technology’s niche is to work alongside IT professionals rather than replace their jobs.
“As president, it’s my job to make sure we live up to those expectations from a people and service standpoint. It’s my job to model for the rest of my team what I think a trusted consultant looks like,” Bode says. “For us, that looks like transparent, frequent and consistent communication combined with expert analysis and insight.
“It keeps the IT directors we work with every day, their business owners and our team on the same page and moving towards the same goals.”
Nick Lofaro, chief information officer at Guaranty Bank, has worked with Bode since 2009. He says her approach to the managed service provider business makes her more than a vendor. For instance, Bode has helped Lofaro’s banking teams implement double-digit percentage reductions in printer maintenance and consumable and paper costs. Bode also helped Guaranty Bank win a bid, outside of cost, for electronic faxing.
“I have had many vendors in my 25 years of experience, but Chelsey goes beyond that by providing products and services that she stands behind for the betterment of her clients,” Lofaro says. “Her knowledge of the products that Pearson-Kelly Technology provides is far beyond the scope of most managed service providers.”
Bode says Pearson-Kelly operates with the belief that every project must represent success in the areas of technology, business and culture.
To hone her craft, Bode is involved in a number of industry organizations, including the Copier Dealer Association and the Business Technology Association. She even leads a peer group called IPG in partnership with a managed service provider president in Idaho.
“The group allows us to share best practices and find innovative solutions to the issues plaguing businesses in our industry,” Bode says “It has been so successful that we’re launching a supplementary group for our respective marketing departments.”
Outside of the office, community service is a passion for Bode.
She’s sat on the boards of nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks and Good Samaritan Boys Ranch, and she’s been active with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks and Harmony House.
“I continue to try to model for my kids and my team at Pearson-Kelly the value of being involved in our community,” Bode says.
Missouri State University’s science building, built in 1971 and formerly called Temple Hall, is being reconstructed and updated.
