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History
C-Forward began in Fort Thomas, Kentucky with a big idea – to bring “Big Business” IT solutions to small businesses in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.
Prior to starting C-Forward, in 1999, founder Brent Cooper had worked for large organizations and realized small businesses were not being offered the same quality network services or state of the art IT solutions that large businesses enjoyed. He wanted to change that. In the first years the company was able to assist clients in developing their computer networks to an extent they had never before experienced. In addition to creating reliable networks, C-Forward provided customers with secure firewalls, e-mail, database, and remote access solutions.
C-Forward’s “can do” attitude and troubleshooting tenacity built customer loyalty. Satisfied C-Forward customers spread the word about the great service and this word-of-mouth marketing enabled the company to achieve an average of 50% growth, each year, during its first three years in business. Tremendous growth and outstanding quality work propelled them toward earning their first award in 2003, the ”Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Small Business Success Award”. This was the first of many awards they would receive, and the exposure from the recognition continued to drive future growth.
Mission
Through a personal, proactive and reliable approach that is constantly and measurably improving, C-Forward strives for long term customer and employee retention.
- Personal – To understand our client and employee needs by providing a healthy, friendly and fun atmosphere.
- Proactive – Through quality procedures, testing and monitoring we are able to implement quality solutions utilizing strategic partnerships and leading edge technologies.
- Reliable – We are there when our customers and employees need us.
Vision
To provide quality, cost effective and innovative Information Technology Services that help our employees, customers and community succeed.
1999
C-Forward founded
C-Forward began in Fort Thomas, Kentucky with a big idea – to bring “Big Business” IT solutions to small businesses in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.
2000
Logo Change
The C-Forward logo was changed to the logo used today. An official Service Mark was acquired for C-Forward Information Technologies, Inc.
2003
Headquarters moved
In mid 2003 C-Forward moved its headquarters to 5 West 5th Street in Covington, KY. The new offices provided a strategic central location for quick IT response throughout the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.
2005
Simple Office Support software
In 2005 C-Forward began using SimpleOfficeSupport software to provide centralized computer network management for customers. Inventory, automation, and security all controlled from one location.
2008
Phone solutions
In 2008 C-Forward began offering phone solutions. In 2015, C-Forward formed partnerships with various firms to offer VOIP phone solutions.
2011
Brent Cooper becomes Chairman of the Board for the NKY Chamber of Commerce.
In 2011 Brent Cooper was elected Interim Chair of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the second youngest person to ever serve in that role.
2012
Building color change
In 2012 C-Forward decided to make a dramatic change and painted our building to the more contemporary color of Tan.
2015
Lexington, KY expansion
In 2015, C-Forward opens office in Lexington, KY.
2017
Brian Ruschman is announced as President of C-Forward.
In 2017, Brent Cooper became the President of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of C-Forward. Brian Ruschman was appointed President of C-Forward.
2019
C-Forward brings excitement to Covington location with one-of-a-kind mural
C-Forward Information Technology revealed a new mural that was painted on the back of their building located on Fifth Street. The mural features over 25 unique Northern Kentucky-themed references, tributes, and landmarks.
Making IT All Work Together
Over the years, one of C-Forward’s specialties has been the ability to combine multiple vendors and multiple solutions into one cohesive and productive computer network. As technology has changed over the years, C-Forward has adapted. With ongoing training and the adoption of new technologies, C-Forward is always on the leading edge of technology.
C-Forward Growth
C-Forward celebrates 25 years in business this year. They have continued to average 22% growth per year. C-Forward has been named an Emerging 30 business by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 5 times, one of North America’s top Managed Services Providers 10 times, one of the world’s premier Managed Service Providers by Channel Futures 501 and a NKY Chamber Business Impact Finalist in 2020. C-Forward’s growth continues today as our support capabilities expand.
How Did C-Forward Get Its Name?
Many people have asked this question over the years. Does the “C” in C-Forward stand for Cooper (C-Forward’s Founder)? No, the “C” in C-Forward actually stands for Computer. When the company was created in early 1999, it was apparent that the Information Technology (IT) business was always going to be in a state of flux. Change was going to be a fact of life. Computing in the future wasn’t going to look like computing of the past. In the 1980s personal computers worked off of floppy disks. In the 1990s, Novell servers were in use in 80% of the networks in the U.S., but by 1999, Microsoft had taken over. Things change. So when picking a name, the idea was to pick something that people would remember, but also something that would fit with the ever changing world of computing. After sending out a number of possible company names to friends and family, the majority of people liked the name “C-Forward” with the slogan: “Helping you Look Forward to the Future!”. As it turned out, C-Forward has been a great name! As the IT path has changed over the years, C-Forward has adapted and helped it’s customers navigate the way.