SilverTrain, Inc., the recently formed information technology (IT) professional services firm with headquarters in Milwaukee, has raised $1.3 million in venture capital to support its growth plans. The capital funding was received from individual private investors, often referred to as "angel" investors.
"We are very pleased with the reception and support we received from investors, especially in these difficult economic times," said Michael E. Harris, co-founder and chairman of SilverTrain. "Our goal is to reward our angel investors very well for their willingness to take a risk and for having the vision to see the potential of building SilverTrain from a one office operation into a national company."
SilverTrain provides a range of services in IT planning, operations and management. "Our vision is to be the preeminent IT services firm in the world, offering the market an alternative to the large IT consulting firms and IT staffing companies," said Harris. "We believe there is plenty of room in the crowded IT services space for a fairly priced, high quality partner."
SilverTrain is the result of a collaboration between Harris and Robert V. Carlson, the president, chief executive officer and co-founder of SilverTrain. Harris was formerly chairman and CEO of Jefferson Wells International, the professional services firm headquartered in Milwaukee. He founded Jefferson Wells (originally known as AuditForce) in late 1995 and led its growth to 25 offices and 1,600 employees in five years. Jefferson Wells was sold to Manpower in 2001. Carlson previously led the IT Services division at MSX International of Auburn Hills, Michigan and was the former chief operating officer at Alternative Resources Corp., an IT services company in Barrington, Ill.
SilverTrain provides a suite of IT services including consulting, special projects, managed services and interim IT management to large, medium and small organizations. It offers customized service solutions based on the needs and circumstances of clients. The firm intends to expand across America during the next five years with plans to open 25 offices and employ 1,500 IT professionals by the year 2006.
April 12, 2002 Small Business Times, Milwaukee
