Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted IT Partner for Managed Services & Cybersecurity
Network Center has been a trusted IT solutions provider in the Upper Midwest since 1986. As a 100% employee-owned company, we combine over 35 years of industry experience with a consultative approach to deliver tailored technology solutions. Our team of certified professionals specializes in managed services, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and strategic consulting, serving 600+ clients across 12 states.With a 98% customer retention rate and 75% of staff holding advanced certifications, we prioritize proactive support and responsible innovation. Our employee ownership model ensures every team member shares in our clients' success, maintaining a 58% staff longevity rate. We offer flexible service plans like FlexCare to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from SMBs to enterprise organizations.
Services
Managed Services
Security
Collaboration
Network Infrastructure
Consulting Services
Cybersecurity
Wireless Solutions
Data Analytics
Business Continuity
Cloud Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in IT solutions
- Our team consists of certified experts with extensive experience
- We offer a consultative approach tailored to your business needs
- We maintain a 98% customer retention rate without long-term contracts
- As a 100% employee-owned company, your success is our success
What people say
Great service
Timely manner
Quickest vendors
Dedicated support
Relentless work
Services
Managed Services
Our managed services provide continuous IT infrastructure monitoring and maintenance. We handle system updates, security patches, and performance optimization to ensure business continuity. With 24/7 support and proactive issue resolution, clients benefit from reduced downtime and predictable IT costs through our FlexCare plans.
Cybersecurity
Comprehensive cybersecurity services protect against evolving threats through network assessments, penetration testing, and real-time threat monitoring. We implement security frameworks tailored to industry regulations, including compliance management for financial and healthcare sectors. Our approach combines advanced technology with staff training to create multi-layered defense systems.
Network Infrastructure
We design and maintain scalable network infrastructures that support business growth. Services include wired/wireless network implementation, cloud integration, and data center optimization. Our solutions ensure reliable connectivity across multiple locations while maintaining strict security protocols and performance standards for enterprise operations.
Consulting Services
Strategic IT consulting helps organizations align technology with business goals. We conduct technology assessments, develop digital transformation roadmaps, and provide implementation guidance. Our consultants specialize in industry-specific solutions for education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors to improve operational efficiency and future-readiness.
Wireless Solutions
Custom wireless network solutions ensure seamless connectivity across campuses and facilities. We design, implement, and support enterprise-grade WiFi systems with advanced security features. Our solutions include wireless infrastructure for educational institutions, real-time location tracking for healthcare, and industrial connectivity for manufacturing environments.
People
Ben Carlsrud
President
Ben Carlsrud leads Network Center's strategic direction as President, leveraging his extensive IT industry experience. He implemented the company's employee stock ownership plan in 2015, strengthening the culture of shared success. Ben emphasizes customer relationships and responsible innovation in technology solutions.
Mark McQuillan
Controller
Mark McQuillan manages financial operations at Network Center, ensuring fiscal responsibility while supporting growth initiatives. As a key member of the leadership team, he maintains financial transparency and accountability aligned with the company's employee-owned values.
Steve Stenerson
Vice President of Sales
Steve Stenerson leads sales operations, connecting clients with tailored IT solutions. With deep industry knowledge, he builds strategic partnerships that align technology capabilities with business objectives across multiple sectors including finance and professional services.
Todd Bortke
Vice President of Operations
Todd Bortke oversees daily operations, ensuring efficient service delivery across Network Center's service areas. He focuses on maintaining high technical standards while optimizing processes to improve client satisfaction and operational effectiveness.
Jason Carlson
Vice President of Services
Jason Carlson directs service delivery, managing teams of certified IT professionals. He ensures technical excellence in managed services, cybersecurity, and infrastructure projects while maintaining the company's commitment to proactive, customer-centric support.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We serve education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services sectors with tailored IT solutions developed through decades of industry-specific experience.
How are you different from other IT providers?
As a 100% employee-owned company, our team's success is tied to client outcomes. We combine 35+ years of experience with 75% staff certification rates and a 98% retention record.
Do you offer 24/7 support?
While we don't provide 24/7 services, our team responds promptly to critical issues and offers flexible support plans through our FlexCare service options.
What service areas do you cover?
We operate from Fargo, ND; Grand Forks, ND; and St. Cloud, MN, serving 12 Upper Midwest states with local expertise and regional understanding.
How do you handle cybersecurity threats?
Our comprehensive approach includes network assessments, penetration testing, real-time monitoring, and staff training to create multi-layered defense systems against evolving cyber threats.
Can you help with IT planning?
Yes, our FlexCare plans provide access to IT resources for strategic planning, budgeting, and technology roadmap development tailored to your business needs.
Reviews (2)
Tammy Adams
Oct 27, 2021
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One Network Center IT specialist misrepresents his credentials online. He has claimed to have earned a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance from Excelsior College. This degree is not even available at said college, and this specialist does not actually hold any kind of higher level education degree. I would think twice before trust them with your company.
Megan Birner
Mar 04, 2021
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Network Center has managed the IT for our organization for over 3 years. They have done a fantastic job taking care of us, and we always enjoy working with them!