Terry Howerton, 34

CEO, FastRoot Technologies

Chairman, Illinois Technology Association

 

Terry HowertonThe best advances in technology don’t just evolve, they leap forward, usually from “disruptive” ideas that break the status quo and cause real innovation. Since arriving in Chicago in late 2001, Terry Howerton, founder and CEO of FastRoot, has been a positive, disruptive force in the Chicago technology community and one of its most vocal advocates.

 

Now, as Chairman of the Illinois Technology Association, Howerton champions the interests of more than 400 local companies. He shook up the community and guided the efforts of dozens of local leaders to launch the ITA and craft a long-term mission that places the tech group among the most influential in the country.

 

In a region where early stage capital is hesitant, Howerton instead served as a founding board member of the IT Executive Exchange, and has built bridges to connect hundreds of local CIO’s from the area’s largest companies with small vendors here. “Chicagoland is home to more midmarket IT buyers than any city in the world. Connecting entrepreneurs with those buyers can have a dramatic impact on the region’s economy… it’s the best sort of early stage capital,” Howerton argues.

 

A lifelong entrepreneur that started his first business at 15, Howerton is a passionate spokesman for a new generation of tech entrepreneurs that are launching and building real, successful businesses in Chicago. Many, like FastRoot, avoid the trappings of venture capital in favor of great customer relationships.

 

It’s working well with FastRoot, which is out in front of what many expect to be the next big boom for information technology, the transformation of software into software-as-a-service (SaaS). Howerton has steadily built his company – including two regional data centers and a staff of more than 50, into a leading SaaS enablement firm that’s gaining national attention.

 

More than 100 technology executives a week flood through Howerton’s downtown office and conference facility, dubbed TechNexus, using the space to meet, collaborate and as a launch pad to grow and expand technology businesses.

 

“I’m very proud of the efforts of the ITA… the community has enthusiastically coalesced around to help our member companies grow stronger, and build tangible collaboration into the genetic makeup of this tech community,” explains Howerton. 

 


About FastRoot

FastRoot is an innovator of on-demand software and computing with products and services driving the evolution of software as a service (SaaS) and Web Operations Management. Business and venture partners use FastRoot to plan, build and deliver on-demand solutions and web operations. Our product development engine, unique hosting infrastructure and extraordinary managed services enable SaaS products and web-native applications for ISVs, e-business and the enterprise.

With Chicago headquarters and two private datacenters in the region, software labs in Europe and experts working with clients throughout the United States, FastRoot provides the unique hosting infrastructure, innovative product development and expertly managed services for ISVs, e-business and the enterprise.

 

About Terry Howerton

·         Lifelong entrepreneur, starting first successful business at the age of 15

·         CEO, FastRoot, founded in 2002, now a successful and rapidly growing Chicago company that’s turned away venture capital and focused on innovative services and solid customer relationships

·         International entrepreneur that’s launched successful businesses in Eastern Europe

·         Chairman of ITA, and a very vocal advocate for building a collaborative tech community in the region;

·         Board of Directors, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

·         Board of Directors, IT Executive Exchange, a group of hundreds of local CIOs, focused on connecting buyers and vendors in the community

·         Serves as advisor or board member of more than half a dozen early stage ventures

 

Terry Howerton at IT Executive Exchange
Terry Howerton at ITA
Terry Howerton
Terry Howerton at Chicago Tribune
Terry Howerton on Software Tax
Terry Howerton on CityLIGHTS
Terry Howerton on Tech Job Growth
Terry Howerton testimony to Illinois House
Terry Howerton in Sun Times
Terry Howerton on ITA CityLIGHTS
Terry Howerton on Latte
Terry Howerton on TechNexus in SunTimes
Terry Howerton on Growing Companies in SunTimes
Terry Howerton on Tech Group Launch
Terry Howerton on Offshoring Panel
Terry Howerton on ITA Chairman's Dinner
Terry Howerton on TechNexus launch in Chicago Tribune
Terry Howerton on ITA Growth
Terry Howerton in Tribune about United and Terry Howerton and Terry Howerton in SunTimes

Terry Howerton on facebook

Terry Howerton on LinkedIn