Integration Partners' commitment to delivering best-in-class customer service seems to be paying off. The networking and communications solution provider in 2013 reported an annual revenue of $106 million, up from $86 million in 2012 and $74 million in 2011.

The company this year was also a finalist in the service category for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year 2014 Award in the New England Region.

Xydias said Integration Partners' customer service strategy is also distinguished by a unique set of customer appreciation events. Two years ago, for instance, the company started hosting its annual Pinewood Derby. Participating customers receive a kit to build a small wooden race car, and then meet with fellow customers and Integration Partners employees to race them on six lanes of 40-foot aluminum track.

The idea, Xydias said, is that the derby can spark longer and deeper customer relationships than those formed at more traditional (and more forgettable) customer meetings. He said Integration Partners has more events like this up its sleeve.

"Nobody is going to do the types of things we are going to do," he said.

Lastly, Young-Kroeger said its Integration Partners' ability to effectively communicate with customers in all lines of business – not just the technical folks – that sets it apart.

"We have a distinct ability to speak at all levels of the organization and speak to what their needs are from a very strategic level, to a very technical level, to a very contractual level," she said.

Integration Partners is ranked No. 187 on CRN's 2014 Solution Provider 500 list, up from No. 202 in 2013.

Image courtesy of audiolucistore, CC BY 2.0, cropped from original