Five Nines Technology Group, a Top 100 Vertical Market MSP, has transitioned its CEO role from Nick Bock to James Bowen, the company confirmed in an open letter to customers. Bowen now leads the company, and Bock is exiting the firm as part of a planned transition between the two entrepreneurs.
Bock and Bowen co-founded the company in 2006 as a 50-50 partnership. Bock was CEO. Bowen ran technology. A leadership transition was part of a long-term succession plan that the duo discussed in recent years.
According to Bowen:
"As Five Nines grew and prospered, we engaged Leadership Resources (a great local strategic resource for business) for strategic planning. During these discussions Nick and I identified that one day, years out, Nick’s goal was to either move on to other interests and opportunities, or retire. We also discovered that Five Nines is and likely always will be my life’s work and passion."
Fast forward to present day, and the time for that leadership transition has arrived.
On A Personal Note
This story is especially personal for me. Both Bock and Bowen have helped to shaped my views about entrepreneurship, life priorities, and business leadership. Around the 2012 timeframe, Bock and I took a road trip from San Francisco to an IT conference in Los Angeles. Our conversations focused mostly on my own recent company sale, and his long-term personal and business goals.
Yada, yada, yada.
The big next step has arrived for both Bock and Bowen. I wish them both all the best, and congratulate the Five Nines Technology Group team for its journey so far. Based on my coverage and knowledge of the company, Five Nines' status as a leading MSP is indisputable.