Lisa Nichols, Technology Partners

Lisa Nichols
TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS
Website: www.technologypartners.net
Industry: IT staffing and solutions

Education: BS in accounting, Murray State University

Family: my husband, Greg Nichols; my son, Jordan; my daughters, Ally and Paige; and my grandson, Sawyer

What is your mission?
My daily mission is to make a difference in the lives of every person I encounter, no matter how big or small the impact.

What was your first job?  
Fashion model for Jean’s Boutique in Paducah, Ky.

What led you to your industry?      
My husband, Greg, was an IT consultant back in the early 90s. His experiences with consulting firms drove us to launch Technology Partners and create a system for IT professionals to get the pay and career control they deserve. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this month, it’s so rewarding to hear from people who didn’t even work for us that we made a real impact on the staffing industry and their careers just by introducing our transparent-margin model into the St. Louis market.

What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?  
Moving from generalists to specialists within the company. Our new system allows each of our employees to really own their area and be the company expert in that role.

How do you try to differentiate your business from others in your industry?

Our fixed-margin, transparent business model sets us apart from the industry average by delivering better value to our clients while giving our consultants better pay. This transparency has fostered true partnerships with both clients and consultants, many starting with Technology Partners’ founding 20 years ago.  

What’s the hardest part of your job?
To work on the business – and not just in it – requires intentional planning!

What’s the best part?
Helping people find their dream jobs, thereby not only affecting their lives but also the lives of their families.

What best advice would you share with new entrepreneurs?
Network with other entrepreneurs and people in your industry, and learn, learn, learn!  

What’s your favorite place in St. Louis?
Our house in Wentzville that overlooks a small, quiet lake. I also love the Boathouse at Forest Park, Stages St. Louis, the City Museum, our fabulous zoo and Grant’s Farm.

What book is on your nightstand?
There are actually 10 books on my nightstand! Right now I’m reading “The Ultimate Question: Driving Good Profits and True Growth” by Fred Reichheld and “All In” by Mark Batterson.

What has made you successful in your industry and in St. Louis?
I’m blessed to have such a complete partner in my husband, Greg, who is also co-founder and president of Technology Partners. Leveraging our individual strengths and being able to lean on one another has driven our business and success the last 20 years.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Hang with my family – Greg, Jordan, Paige, Ally and adorable grandson Sawyer – doing anything from fishing to theater, reading, playing board and card games, hiking, and the list goes on. It doesn’t really matter the activity; it is just being together. n