Marco Technologies is a big name in the technology services field.
So big, that the 50-year-old company is involved with numerous Quad Cities region companies and organizations. Its services in business information technology, cybersecurity and much more are provided to banks, schools, manufacturers and others in the public and private sectors.
“I’m trying to think of a company we’re not involved with,” said Leslie Sampson, technology sales advisor for Marco, during a visit to the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce office at 331 W. Third St., Davenport, on Wednesday morning, July 19.
Marco officials were in Davenport as part of a 50th anniversary celebration of the company’s beginnings. The techy company, which has many Quad Cities customers, but no traditional office site in the community, was honored by business leaders for all the work it does with local companies. (Marco, which is based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, has an office in Cedar Rapids.)
“Marco has been at the forefront of technology every step of the way,” said LaDrina Wilson, CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber, before presenting Marco officials with a plaque to honor the company’s 50 years in business. About 20 people from the business community attended the brief ceremony.
During the Wednesday event, people were told about the company’s history and growth in the past several years. The company “started with two guys selling typewriters and office furniture” and has grown to include 1,200 employees and more than 21,000 clients across the nation, said Kevin Dirks, sales manager for Marco.
Marco’s beginnings go back to 1973 when Gary Marsden and Dave Marquardt bought the business. (The company name comes from the first three letters in their last names.) By 1987, it had 87 employees and in 1997 Marco repositioned itself as a technology company, according to the company’s website.
In the past several years, Marco has continued to grow. For instance, this spring, the company bought Karpinski’s Office Systems, based in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. The deal was effective May 12. That company has sold office equipment and supplies since its establishment in 1995.
In addition to business IT services, Marcos also offers cloud services, cybersecurity, copiers and printers, connectivity services, audio visual systems and more.
“It’s been a great run, and we’re looking forward to more growth,” Mr. Dirks said.
