CompTIA Honors Mike Brogan With Lifetime Achievement Award

Past President and Owner of Erb’s Technology Solutions in Cedar Rapids Recognized for Ongoing Contributions to IT Channel Community, Vendor Partners and Future Leaders #AMM15

Celebrating exceptional leadership and humanitarianism, CompTIA recently recognized IT services pioneer Mike Brogan with the IT association’s 2015 “Lifetime Achievement Award.” CompTIA’s CEO Todd Thibodeaux presented Brogan with the honor at the association’s Annual Member Meeting here this week.

“Mike is a well-respected IT services pioneer and true channel ambassador who has built a successful career and exceptional company by staying focused on building meaningful relationships, giving back to his community, peers and future leaders, and delivering exceptional service and technical expertise to small businesses,” said Thibodeaux. “We are pleased to honor his legacy and applaud his efforts and continued passion for making the IT channel a strategic business partner, and a great place to build a career.”

With more than 40 years of experience in the IT industry, Brogan is widely recognized as one of the North American IT channel’s leading authorities on how small and midsize businesses can use IT to gain competitive advantage. His company, Erb’s Technology Solutions (ETS Connect) has been a preferred information technology provider in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community and surrounding areas since 1961.

As owner, president and now chairman of the board for Erb’s, Brogan has served on several industry councils including the HP Advisory Council, HTG8 Peer Group, HTG Leadership Council, Lenovo Dealer Advisory Council, Lexmark Dealer Advisory Council, and is past president and member of the Synnex Varnex Advisory Board. He is an active member of the CompTIA Advisory Board and member of the Kirkwood Community College Technology Advisory Council and Hall Perrine Cancer Foundation Advisory Council. He is also a longtime member of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Leadership for Five Seasons, and Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation.

“Mike’s done it right from the start – consistently giving back to the industry throughout his career and now in his retirement,” said Frank Vitagliano, member of the CompTIA Board of Directors and vice president, global channels strategy and programs, DELL. “Erb’s success is grounded by Mike’s vision for building an IT services business that knows the ins and outs of technology and cares about its customers, its partners and the community.”

“Mike has been a mentor to so many in the IT industry and his advocacy for CompTIA’s Future Leaders and Channel Changers is testimony to his character and commitment to the IT channel’s continued success,” said Dan Wensley, member of the CompTIA Board of Directors and president and founder, Plan27.

On a personal note, Brogan and his wife of 40 years have raised two daughters and are self-proclaimed “avid Iowa Hawkeye fans.” A lifelong state resident, Brogan graduated from Columbus High School in Waterloo and obtained his degree from the University of Northern Iowa. In the early 70’s he served as a professional caddie on the PGA tour.

“The IT industry has inspired so many and so much,” says Brogan. “Thank you to CompTIA for this award and for honoring Erb’s success, as well as my own. It’s a privilege to share this honor with my wife and best friend Mary Beth and say thank you to an industry and a community that means the world to us.”

Brogan is the fifth person honored with the CompTIA Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to individuals who have and continue to make positive contributions to the IT industry, the IT channel and local communities nationwide. Previous honorees include Gary Gillam, Xerox Corporation; Vic Melfa, The Training Associates; Dave Smith, CompuCom Systems, Inc.; and John Venator, former president and CEO of CompTIA.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s IT industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications and public policy advocacy.