Applied Connective Technologies Acquires Connecting Point

Columbus, NE— May 2023 — Applied Connective Technologies (ACT) of Albion, Columbus and Norfolk acquired Connecting Point of Columbus on May 1st, 2023.

 

Though it may be news to the business community, this development was far from sudden according to Applied Connective President Ed Knott and Connecting Point Owner Tony Kresha, as they say they’d discussed this possibility several times in the past. It wasn’t until recently, however, that both parties finally felt the time was right.

 

Connecting Point opened its doors in Columbus in 1985, and the business has evolved significantly over the years to meet the needs of its customers. Now, the team is looking forward to a bright future as they pivot into a broader offering with Applied Connective. Tony Kresha, Connecting Point’s founder and long-time owner, along with his coworker Ron Leimser will continue to serve Connecting Point business customers as they’ve been welcomed onto the Applied Connective team, both accepting positions on the IT department.

 

“This acquisition comes about following years of mutual respect, and both of our teams are thrilled to share this news,” says Applied Connective President Ed Knott. “Tony and Ron should be proud of the work they’ve done serving this community for the past several decades and the legacy Connecting Point leaves behind. We’re excited to welcome them aboard.”

 

“We feel this transition will benefit Connecting Point customers and the Columbus community at large,” says Kresha. “Applied Connective is very customer-focused, and with experts in every facet of technology, we’re now able to offer our business customers countless services from IT and cyber security to IP phone systems, surveillance systems, door access control, audio/video solutions, low-voltage cabling and managed services among many others that we couldn’t before. We’ll be a one-stop shop for every technical solution a business may need.”

 

Applied Connective, which now employs 51 full-time staff in various facets of technology, is headquartered in Albion with locations in Norfolk and Columbus (most recently at Parkway Plaza) and has now moved its Columbus-based staff into the Connecting Point building many locals know and recognize on the south side of west 23rd Street.

 

Adds Knott, “We’ve been partnering with Columbus area businesses since our inception in 2004, but we’ve always felt we flew under the radar a bit here. The acquisition of Connecting Point and the addition of Tony and Ron onto our team will be a great opportunity for us to reintroduce ourselves to Columbus and hopefully help businesses get a better understanding of all that we offer.”

 

 

Applied Connective is a Nebraska-based managed technology services provider (MTSP) trusted by hundreds of businesses and organizations for cutting-edge technology solutions to make them more secure, efficient, productive, and profitable. Employing the regional experts in virtually every facet of technology—from professional managed IT, cyber security, and phone/voice services to cutting-edge physical security, infrastructure and audio/video solutions—ACT is unique in its ability to be a one-stop shop for all technology needs. Applied Connective is proud to serve partners from our offices in Albion, Columbus and Norfolk.

 

Kory Bourek

IT Support Specialist

Kyle Oldenkamp

Relationship Manager

Shelby James

IT Support Specialist in the Panhandle

Mandy Luettel

Director of Growth & Development

Noah Burwell

IT Support Specialist

Chase Gragg

IT Support Specialist

Vaughn Finkral

IT Support Specialist

Ron Leimser

IT Support Specialist

Jill Petsche

IT Support Specialist

Nevan Hoffman

IT Support Specialist

Lacey Henn

Administrative Assistant

Andrew Grupp

IT Support Specialist

Heath Murray

IT Support Specialist

Will Frey

AVS Technician

Konnor Gibson

IT Systems Specialist

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned soup
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned stew
  • Canned fish
  • Canned chicken
  • Canned beans
  • Whole grain pasta
  • Whole grain cereals
  • Rice
  • Applesauce
  • Instant mashed potatoes
  • Powdered milk
  • Boxed meals
  • Cooking oils
  • Crackers
  • Granola bars
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Detergent
  • Hand soap
  • And any other food, hygiene, or household product that is unused, unopened, and unexpired.

Kenley Silhacek

Senior IT Systems Engineer

Mason Uhing

IT Support Specialist

Faith Nunn

IT Support Specialist

Kara Frey

Administrative Assistant

Brandi Lueninghoener

IT Support Specialist

“Lakeview Community Schools has enjoyed our partnership with Applied Connective. They have been incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and cooperative as we have worked together. Applied Connective has provided a team-like atmosphere in their service!”

Aaron Plas, Superintendent

Lakeview Community Schools

“We have been very pleased with their communication, efficiency, and customer service over the course of the last few years. We would highly recommend ACT to any other schools out there looking for a reliable partner for your technology needs.”

Brandon Detlefsen, Technology Director

Central City Public Schools

“Their service is always reliable and timely, and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. Our needs are their #1 priority! Boone Central is beyond grateful to have top-of-the line technology services and customer support.”

Nicole Hardwick, Superintendent

Boone Central Public Schools

“They’ve been with us every step of the way as we implemented phone systems, security cameras, and keypad doors. Their customer service is second to none, and their business knowledge is outstanding.”

Ronda Weber, Technology Coordinator

Burwell Public School

Applied Connective did an amazing job with our school security cameras. They were very professional and easy to work with. [They’re] patient with our questions and quickly respond when we need some direction. The cameras work great and are very easy to access. Thank you for a job well done!”

Amy Sokol, Principal

St. Anthony's School

Lance Bain

Voice Technician

Brigitte Burbach

HR Manager

Clay Anderson

IT Support Specialist

Brandon Petersen

Relationship Manager & IT Engineer

Relationship Manager/IT Engineer – I work side by side with our clients to ensure they are receiving the best value from our products and services, offer insights to improve their workflows, and resolve any issues that may arise as fast as possible.

Logan Niewohner

IT Systems Specialist

Justin Borgmann

Level 1 IT Technician

As a level 1 IT Technician, I assist customers in their daily IT needs, and respond to any issues that may arise.

Bryce Molt

Level 1 IT Technician

As a Level 1 IT Technician, I provide general help desk support for clients.

Weston Ray

Warehouse

Casey Schalk

AVS Technician

My role as a general technician at Applied Connective is primarily to work with the AVS crew to install and configure surveillance, internet, security, and voice technologies.

Grady Higgins

IT Support Specialist

Eric Beckman

AVS Project Foreman

Kris Wright

General Technician

My role as General Technician includes installation and troubleshooting of door access and camera security systems.

Mikki Mangus

General Accountant

Some of my duties as General Accountant include payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable and reconciliation. I am happy that I am part of the Applied Connective Team.

Heidi Kahlo

IT Technician

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Eric Petsche

General Technician

My role as a general technician at Applied Connective is primarily to work with the AVS crew to install and configure surveillance, security, Internet, and voice technologies.

Kelsi Funk

IT Systems Specialist

Chase Thieman

AVS Technician

My role as an AVS technician at Applied Connective is to work with the AVS team to install and configure surveillance, security, internet, and voice technologies.

Cody Banzhaf

IT Manager

Eric Henn

Voice Technician

My job is to do whatever Ed tells me to. Just kidding…sort of. I am part of the voice group.

Alex Herstedt

Telecom / IT Technician

As a Telecom/IT Technician, I work with traditional and hosted phone systems.

Scott Whaley

Level 2 IT Technician

I’m part of the IT team at Applied Connective, so my days are spent setting up new PCs for customers; troubleshooting broken PCs, printers, etc., and installing new hardware.  

Jessi Larson

Creative & Marketing

I’m in charge of creative content development and marketing here at Applied Connective—advertising, design, copywriting, website management, PR, and social media as well as coordinating philanthropy efforts.

Matt Childress

Relationship Manager

Sara Rasmussen

IT Service Manager

Nathan Niewohner

IT Project Manager

Justin Niewohner

AVS Project Manager

I install surveillance, security, Internet, phone, and audio systems to fit our customers’ needs.

Ryan Robinson

AVS Service Technician

I provide and coordinate technical services and support for infrastructure, access control, surveillance, and audio/video solutions.

Jarod Dendinger

VP of Business Development

My role here at Applied Connective centers on business development, so that involves assisting our team in focusing on value-added processes as well as leveraging technology to provide solutions for our business partners that support them in continued success and growth.

Will Zoucha

VP of Operations

Ed Knott

President

As President at Applied Connective, I am responsible for organizational direction and general oversight of all product/service areas.