30 Best CEOs of the Year 2020 30 Best CEOs of the Year 2020 | Page 34

Robert Hessel, Source 1 Solutions Inc CEO: ‘Our Mission is to Partner with Truly Great Companies to Expand Technical Capabilities and Geographical Reach’ “We expanded our operations in 2012 by opening European locations, with an increased focus on expanding globally.” S ecurity is one of the fastest- growing industries of the 21st century, given the rampant increase in threats to businesses globally. All major and minor companies need to protect their data from fraudulent activities in order to ensure privacy of sensitive information. Global security companies are on the rise, coming up with new ways of tackling security problems and providing their clients with a sense of safety and security. Source 1 Solutions is one such global services company that provides IT solutions to its clients all over the world. Founded by Robert Hessel in 2011, the company has been providing high-tech solutions to businesses worldwide. Source 1 currently provide sits services to over 500 hospitals, major retailers, global shipping companies, and four global banks in 96 countries. Major companies like Orange Business Services, Verizon Wireless, Vodafone, and several other global service providers Source 1 Solutions was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Clearwater FL. In Conversation with Robert Hessel, Source 1 Solutions CEO What was the idea behind the setup of Source 1 Solutions? It was created with the vision of a services-only firm specializing in expanding clients’ technical capabilities and geographical reach. Can you brief us about the history of your company? We established Source 1 Solutions in 2011 focused on IT, Security and International parts delivery. We expanded our operations in 2012 by opening European locations, with an increased focus on expanding globally. By 2016, we had standardized internal operations utilizing International standards for business delivery. From 2017- 2018, we focused on moving all global technology system operations to Clearwater, Florida. Currently, we are opening a new office in Ireland to serve as the European Headquarter. What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them? The biggest hurdle for any privately funded company is cash flow. To overcome this challenge without any outside investment is imperative to focus on the core strengths and profitability of the company. What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage to overcome the same? My greatest fear is in balancing; being present in the day to day but not getting pulled back into the routine operation. It is key for a CEO to focus on vital tasks of the company in order to see into the future to adjust strategy as the global market and economy shifts. ‘It is difficult to start a venture, but far more difficult to maintain it’. How would you and your team interpret this saying? The challenges that a company faces in the start-up days are similar as the company grows. What makes a great small “Our vision is to keep cities safe so that people thrive.” 34