Marco

Marco Technologies provides comprehensive business technology services, encompassing IT, voice, print, and security solutions. Specializing in managed services, hosted/cloud services, and general business IT support, the company acts as a complete technology partner. It integrates various technologies to enhance client operational efficiency and address diverse enterprise needs.

Founded in 1973 by Gary Marsden and Dave Marquardt, Marco originated as a small typewriter shop in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The company’s name is a portmanteau of their last names. This initial venture laid the groundwork for a significant expansion, evolving from office equipment into the broad technology services it delivers today.

Marco serves a wide range of organizations requiring robust, integrated technology infrastructure. The company’s vision centers on empowering businesses by simplifying complex technology landscapes and providing reliable, scalable solutions. Marco aims to be an essential extension of its clients' teams, ensuring systems support strategic objectives and enable future growth.

High-Level Overview

Marco Technologies is a leading U.S.-based technology services company specializing in business IT services, cloud and managed services, telecom carrier services, copiers/printers, phone systems, document management, and audio/video systems.[1][2][3][4] Headquartered in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with over 1,100 employees across 15 states, Marco serves more than 32,000 customers nationwide, generating approximately $268 million in annual revenue as of 2024.[1][2][3][4] The company emphasizes comprehensive support from planning and installation to ongoing managed services, earning high employee satisfaction with 89% rating it a great place to work compared to 57% at typical U.S. firms.[1]

Marco positions itself as a one-stop provider for modern business technology needs, including IT security, voice solutions, print management, and Microsoft optimization, helping organizations streamline operations and reduce costs like telecom overcharges.[4][5]

Origin Story

Marco was founded in 1973 in St. Cloud, Minnesota, by Gary Marsden and Dave Marquardt (origin of the "Mar" in Marco) as a simple typewriter and office supply shop.[2][3][4] The company evolved significantly: by 1987, it consolidated offices and grew to 83 employees; in 1997, it repositioned as a full technology provider; and by 2008, it launched managed print and IT services.[4] Key milestones include a 2012 move to a larger headquarters with 431 employees across five states, Doug Albregts becoming CEO in 2021 amid expansion to 12 states and over 1,200 employees, and celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 with offices in 15 states.[4] Today, led by Chairman Jeff Gau, Marco has transformed into a national player with over 650 certified engineers.[1][2][4]

Core Differentiators

• Comprehensive One-Source Solutions: Marco handles end-to-end voice, data, video, print, IT, and security needs, from design to support, leveraging partnerships with industry leaders for innovation.[4]
• Managed Services Expertise: Specializes in cloud/hosted services, managed IT/print, telecom auditing (addressing 85% invoice error rates per Gartner), and Microsoft assessments to optimize costs and risks.[2][4][5]
• Customer-Centric Approach: Conducts monthly satisfaction surveys since 1994; clients praise proactive printer management, thorough cloud onboarding, and tailored pricing.[1][4][5]
• Strong Workplace Culture: 89% employee approval rate, higher retention (51% above average), and recognition for people-focused leadership and community commitment.[1]
• Proven Scale and Network: 50+ years experience, 32,000+ customers, nationwide reach with 1,100+ staff including certified experts.[1][2][3][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Marco rides the trend of businesses seeking integrated, managed technology stacks amid rising cloud adoption, cybersecurity threats, and hybrid work demands, providing essential infrastructure for Midwest and national SMBs and enterprises.[1][2][4][5] Its timing aligns with post-pandemic shifts to remote/hybrid operations, where reliable IT, telecom, and print management prevent downtime and cut hidden costs like carrier overbilling.[5] Market forces favoring Marco include demand for outsourced IT (reducing in-house burdens) and vendor consolidation, positioning it against competitors like Loffler Companies and Pacific Office Automation.[2] By enabling efficient tech ecosystems, Marco influences regional startup and business growth through scalable services that support expansion without heavy capital investment.[4]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Marco's future looks robust, with potential to expand managed security and AI-driven IT optimization amid evolving regulations and edge computing trends.[4][5] As businesses prioritize cost efficiency and resilience, Marco's nationwide footprint and engineer depth will likely drive revenue growth beyond $268 million, possibly through acquisitions or deeper Microsoft/cloud integrations.[2][3][5] Its influence may grow by shaping SMB tech adoption, evolving from office supplies roots to a pivotal enabler of digital transformation—simplifying technology as it has for over 50 years.[4]