The Master Solutions Story

March 22, 2016, saw Master Solutions turn 20 years old. Over the past months, I have found myself thinking about the events, opportunities, and technology of the past 20 years. I decided to take this chance to share the Master Solutions Story with you and how the company has evolved over the years to become the name you know and trust technology solutions today.

Before I start let me take a moment to personally invite you to our 20th Anniversary open house on Tuesday, October 25. Come anytime between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM to meet the staff, enjoy some food, and reminisce about technology over the past 20 years. I hope you can join us!

Master Solutions was incorporated on March 22nd, 1996. During 1996, Tickle Me Elmo sold 1 Million dolls, while two college kids, Larry and Sergey began collaboration on an Internet search engine later to be called Google, and I was in my home office, starting a one-man software development company called Master Solutions, Inc.

My first two projects were each a couple of years in length involving the development and maintenance of computer programs. The work was plentiful, but I was frequently concerned about where I would find the next project.

During these early years, people would ask me if I could help them network their computers, install a new printer, or build a server. Saying yes to these opportunities allowed me to learn the concepts of computer networks and IT for small businesses. As my final software project wrapped up, I realized I had successfully built a clientele of small and medium size companies that needed IT support.

1996 to 2001 saw the Internet take off like a balloon filled with helium. The NASDAQ grew from approximately 900 points to over 5,000 points. The Internet was becoming a real place to do business or at least the investors thought so. Later in 2001, while much of the technology world was picking up the pieces after the bursting of the “Technology Bubble”, Master Solutions was evolving from a software development firm to an IT support company and hired its first technician. During this change in business focus, I spent much time working to help clients build efficient and stable technology environments.

2004 saw the introduction of Facebook, Skype, and Bluetooth devices. Master Solutions moved into our first office and soon afterward added the neighboring space to double our size. New remote access software allowed us to connect to our client's computers remotely rather than traveling on-site to resolve issues, significantly improving our support options.

2007 saw the launch of the first iPhone, with 1 million of them sold within 74 days, and without an app store! About this same time, we began testing remote network management software to monitor our client's equipment and resolve issues before they became critical. These tools allowed us to create our proactive support services.

By 2009 the Internet was in full swing - 450 million people were using Facebook, sharing family pictures with each other. 2009 also saw Master Solutions launch our MasterCare service. With this new service option, we began to think differently about how we supported customers. Instead of waiting for a client to call with a problem, we would proactively monitor their equipment and notify them when we found potential issues. With the success of MasterCare, we outgrew our office in Lombard and moved to our current Oakbrook Terrace location in 2010.

We saw MasterCare subscribers grow from 2010 through 2015 along with the expansion of our company. We were able to enlarge our office to its current size allowing us to spread out and better care for our customers. During this time, we also were able to concentrate on the business side of Master Solutions by developing and implementing processes and documenting procedures to improve internal efficiencies.

In 2016 Master Solutions merged with Qmora, Inc, a technology company with similar technology ideologies and services. We also began to develop a business consulting program, offering CIO services and to our clients.

We have seen many changes in technology over the last 20 years, from the advent of the World Wide Web to mobile phones evolving to very powerful computers. Master Solutions has been there helping people stay productive and adapt to the changes in technology. The team at Master Solutions is looking forward to the next 20 years of “Providing Innovative Solutions that Empower People.”