Empowering Businesses with Next-Gen Technologies and Services
We live in the age of continuous technological advancements, where digital innovations are reshaping industries, business models, and customer expectations at a blistering pace. It’s no longer sufficient for businesses to rely solely on traditional information technologies and business processes. To succeed in this digital era, organizations must be proactive in leveraging the latest technologies to drive growth, efficiency, and innovation.
In this dynamic environment, a select number of companies stand out as trailblazers, driving innovation and modernization to new heights. Among them, Blue Mantis has excelled as a leading strategic digital technology services provider with a 30-year history of growth and IT services industry leadership. At the heart of this success story is company President Josh Dinneen, whose visionary leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and insatiable appetite for identifying new growth drivers in the tech services industry have propelled Blue Mantis’s expansion as more and more clients embark on their digital transformation journeys.
Today, Blue Mantis (formerly known as GreenPages) is a strategic partner for businesses aiming to apply next-generation technologies to solve critical business problems. With a solutions portfolio encompassing cybersecurity, cloud services, managed services, and data center modernization, the company helps clients not only adapt but flourish in an era defined by automation and continuous innovation.
Josh’s commitment to ensuring clients’ success is evident in every facet of Blue Mantis’s operations. Since being hired as Chief Revenue Officer by CEO Ron Dupler and now as President, the company has broadened its technology footprint and deepened its expertise in high-growth segments. It doesn’t just provide services; it offers strategic guidance that paves the way for clients to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape and achieve real growth. With a growing client base spanning various industries and encompassing more than 1,500 leading mid-market and enterprise organizations in the U.S., its impact is significant.
What differentiates Blue Mantis is not just its expansive portfolio but its deep and growing team of IT professionals and their technical acumen. With deep-rooted expertise in cybersecurity and cloud technologies, the company offers comprehensive infrastructure solutions that serve as the backbone of modern businesses. In an era where agility, efficiency, and data protection are paramount, Blue Mantis delivers solutions that empower companies to achieve tangible and measurable business outcomes. From enhancing customer experiences to fortifying defenses against advanced cyber threats, from realizing cost reductions through technology stack modernization to fostering innovation, Blue Mantis is the north star guiding and advising organizations, allowing them to flourish in the digitally-driven economy.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Blue Mantis Approach
Blue Mantis has a clear and ambitious goal – to be a leading digital technology services provider for forward-thinking mid-size and enterprise organizations worldwide. They have a proven track record for staying ahead of the curve and understanding the significant technological shifts that are reshaping businesses in all industries. This allows them to develop strategies that don’t just look good on paper but actually drive revenue and profitability for customers.
As a top-tier digital technology strategy firm, Blue Mantis truly understands their clients. The company has a deep understanding of what these businesses need now and in the future. It serves as a trusted advisor, assisting businesses in harnessing the opportunities offered by emerging technologies. This isn’t just a vision; it’s a reality grounded in the fact that enterprises need to do more with fewer resources, all while keeping up with the need for more speed and efficiency. It’s about being adaptable and always ready to tackle what’s next.
This need for adaptability comes from the massive shifts occurring across the IT supply chain:
- The consumption and delivery of IT services are undergoing profound changes due to digital transformation.
- There is a rapid migration of workloads and business services from client-owned infrastructure to public cloud infrastructure.
- The focus is shifting from physical infrastructure to service platforms in terms of technology architecture and integration.
- Both solution providers and corporate IT staff are transitioning from being builders to brokers of services.
Businesses find themselves in a rapidly changing environment, and they require a partner like Blue Mantis, who has the experience and track record in guiding clients through the complex maze of technology implementation and deployment.
Empowering Enterprises
Blue Mantis serves the needs of medium-sized and large enterprises with a wide array of specialized services. Its offerings span crucial areas of concern for business leaders, such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, managed services, modern workspaces, carrier services, networking, and data center modernization. The key differentiator for Blue Mantis lies in their comprehensive methodology, which acts as the bedrock of digital preparedness for its clients. Through this structured approach, Blue Mantis thoroughly evaluates, upgrades, and oversees various aspects of a company’s digital transformation to ensure optimal performance.
One of Blue Mantis’ unique strengths is its extensive industry experience of over 30 years. This wealth of knowledge enables it to not only recognize but fully grasp the transformative tech trends that are reshaping the business world. This expertise is translated into effective revenue-generating strategies designed specifically for each client. By deeply understanding each client’s distinct business requirements and future objectives, Blue Mantis guides and advises them toward the best solutions, ensuring a tailored fit. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to delivering business outcomes and value, focusing on what truly matters instead of imposing unnecessary services.
Visionary Leader and Growth Catalyst
Josh Dinneen is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and enthusiastic tech advocate with two decades of success in the technology services industry. He’s adept at developing strategies, managing operations, and driving the company’s revenue growth as the President of Blue Mantis. His role also involves crucial aspects like corporate development (mergers and acquisitions), strategic planning, investments, and fostering innovation. Josh is the driving force behind aligning departments that generate revenue, overseeing administrative functions, and evolving the product portfolio. He’s also actively engaged in building strategic partnerships.
Josh’s journey includes founding Norwell Technology Group (NTG) in 2015, a highly successful IT and Security Advisory firm, where he served as the President and CEO. The remarkable success of NTG led to its acquisition by GreenPages, which rebranded as Blue Mantis in July 2023. Josh has held several leadership roles within the company since then, including President of Strategic Services, President of Sales and Marketing, and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). His impactful contributions led to his appointment as the President of Blue Mantis in 2023.
Prior to NTG, Josh held influential senior executive positions at well-known technology firms. He has excelled in managing mergers and acquisitions and driving growth strategies throughout his career. His expertise lies in transforming service delivery and operations to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
Dinneen’s commitment extends beyond his professional achievements. He’s actively involved in multiple Boards of Directors and Advisory Boards, and he’s passionate about philanthropic and charitable initiatives. This commitment to making a positive impact on his community is rooted in his previous service in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Guided by Five Core Values
At the heart of Blue Mantis’ ongoing success are five core values that shape their approach:
We are Always There.
We are an extension of our client teams. More than a vendor. We are at all times personable, familiar, compassionate, and, above all, reliable.
We are Obsessively Thorough.
Overthinking is not a problem for us. We are hired because we put security first, imagining the rarest scenario and planning for its inevitable arrival.
We are Experts Without Excess.
We bring an unmatched depth of knowledge and experience to each client and project. We do not bring anything unnecessary, like bloated solutions or inflated egos.
We are Judgment-free.
Many clients are opening up their cluttered closets to us and asking for help cleaning, organizing, or rescuing. Whether it’s a customer or co-worker, we don’t chastise, condescend, or pass judgment.
We are OneMantis
We are a synergy of parts, a patchwork of exceptional talent and innovative thinking. We are at our best when we are in sync – as individuals, as a team, and with our clients – flourishing together and being accountable together.
Enabling Future-ready Organizations
Blue Mantis firmly believes organizations that invest in digital readiness gain a significant advantage in shaping their future. Covering people, processes, and technology, this readiness positions them for success.
With seven robust practice areas and a growing team of skilled professionals, it serves as a visionary guide and trusted advisor to its clients. They assist in navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape, ensuring adaptability, evolution, and ultimately thriving in this dynamic environment.
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Cybersecurity Challenges
In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, the challenge of cybersecurity looms large over businesses in all sectors. The evolution of technology brings both opportunities and vulnerabilities, and organizations are reshaping their strategies to harness this potential while safeguarding against threats.
The emergence of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain adds another layer of complexity to the security puzzle. Managing and protecting these cutting-edge tools is crucial but challenging. The introduction of stringent data privacy regulations, such as Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), adds pressure on organizations to maintain transparency and compliance. Failing to protect personal data can lead to substantial penalties and harm to a company’s reputation.
Several significant security challenges further complicate this landscape:
- Cyberattacks: The rise of sophisticated cyberattacks, from ransomware to data breaches, threatens businesses, municipalities, and individuals. These attacks continue to grow in scale and complexity, making robust defenses a necessity.
- Cloud Security: As organizations embrace cloud-based services, ensuring the security of these platforms and the data they hold becomes paramount. The risk of misconfigurations, insider threats, and vulnerabilities must be carefully managed to prevent unauthorized access and data leaks.
- Insider Threats: Those with access to sensitive data, including employees, contractors, or business partners, can unintentionally or maliciously cause security breaches.
- AI/ML Security: The widespread adoption of AI and machine learning (ML) brings with it the need to secure AI models and training data, preventing adversarial attacks and data manipulation.
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Organizations heavily rely on third-party vendors and their vendors, creating a complex supply chain that hackers can exploit, making vulnerability assessment and control a significant challenge.
These security concerns are compounded by a global shortage of cybersecurity skills and the increased vulnerability introduced by remote working arrangements. The scale of these challenges can seem daunting.
Blue Mantis, like many forward-looking companies, is adapting its approach to meet these evolving threats that all organizations face. To fortify its internal security posture, Blue Mantis continuously invests in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that offer end-to-end protection against a broad range of threats, ensuring swift responses to incidents. It also partners with a select group of leading cybersecurity technology providers and helps clients implement and deploy these offerings to strengthen their cyber defense strategies. The company is also deeply involved in the GitOps space, helping clients navigate the intricacies of application and infrastructure automation, an area crucial for operational excellence. Automation, especially through deploying robotic process automation (RPA), is instrumental in driving efficiency gains.
Blue Mantis recognizes the importance of consolidating systems, automating processes, and investing in their talented workforce as part of their transformation journey. This approach enhances the company’s ability to succeed in an ever-changing digital landscape, particularly in the face of complex security challenges.
To overcome these challenges, Blue Mantis helps clients implement several strategies:
- Multi-Layered Security: Regular updates, advanced firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems must be incorporated into a comprehensive security framework to combat evolving cyber threats effectively.
- Data Protection: Robust encryption and stringent access controls are essential to safeguard sensitive data. Continuous monitoring ensures unauthorized access is prevented.
- Security Audits and Risk Assessments: Frequent security audits and risk evaluations are vital to identify vulnerabilities promptly. Regular testing and evaluation of security controls bolster defenses.
- Employee Training: All personnel, including contractors, should undergo mandatory cybersecurity training. Raising awareness of best practices and social engineering risks is crucial.
- Incident Response Plans: A well-defined strategy for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents must be in place. Regular reviews and updates ensure preparedness.
- Collaboration: Engaging with industry peers, cyber professionals, law enforcement, and government agencies enhances security. Leveraging the expertise of Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) can be advantageous.
- Security Testing: Regular security testing and tabletop exercises expose weaknesses, leading to continuous improvement in cybersecurity posture.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and proactive threat hunting enable the identification and mitigation of security threats before they escalate.
- Vendor Risk Management: Establishing a formal program to assess the security practices of third-party vendors is essential to minimize potential supply chain risks.
By implementing these proactive strategies, Blue Mantis improves the security posture of its clients, ensuring data protection and organizational resilience in the face of emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Valuable Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Josh’s experience in the tech industry has given him valuable insights that he generously shares with aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a forward-looking approach.
His advice includes the following key points:
- Stay Focused: It’s crucial not to be distracted by factors beyond your control. Keep your focus on the goals and vision of your organization, avoiding unnecessary detours.
- Continuous Improvement: Complacency is the enemy of progress. Keep striving to improve both the technology you offer and the talent within your organization. This commitment to growth is a driving force behind success.
- Business-aligned Offerings: Ensure that your products or services provide tangible value to businesses. Addressing cost optimization and delivering clear business outcomes is essential.
- Diversify Your Portfolio: Relying solely on one aspect of your business can be risky. Having a diverse range of products and services helps mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
- Fail Fast, Pivot Faster: Recognizing when something isn’t working is a skill. Be willing to let go of projects or products that aren’t gaining traction and pivot swiftly to more promising opportunities.
- Client-centric Approach: Honest conversations with clients are a lifeline for your business. Listen to their needs, feedback, and concerns, and be willing to make necessary adjustments based on their insights.
By internalizing these valuable tips, aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech industry can navigate the challenges, embrace growth, and increase their odds of achieving success. Josh’s wisdom provides a roadmap for a resilient and thriving tech entrepreneurial journey.
Growth-Driven Expansion
In response to increasing client demand, Blue Mantis is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy. The company, with a workforce of 382 professionals spread across the United States, Canada, and India, has witnessed substantial growth in key departments. Notably, the cybersecurity and FinOps teams have experienced a remarkable fivefold increase in just two years. Additionally, the cloud services team has more than doubled, and the GitOps team has impressively expanded tenfold.
To facilitate this growth, Blue Mantis has strategically established new operational hubs. This includes the corporate headquarters in Portsmouth, N.H., a Technology Innovation Center located in Pawtucket, R.I., and an office in Charlestown, Mass. Furthermore, the company has ventured into the international arena by inaugurating its first office in India, a move that was reinforced by the acquisition of Toronto-based Zanaris, enhancing its managed services capabilities.
In addition to achieving robust organic growth, exemplified by significant compound growth rates of 401 percent in cybersecurity, 62 percent in cloud subscription services, and 17 percent in managed services over three years, Blue Mantis has been actively involved in M&A activities. Recent acquisitions include Zanaris, an esteemed firm specializing in infrastructure automation, cloud, and DevOps services based in Toronto, and Arcas Risk Management, a Massachusetts-based firm focusing on cybersecurity, risk advisory, and compliance consulting services.
The augmentation of the management team has also played a pivotal role in this strategic journey. Terry Richardson, a seasoned executive with a commendable track record at industry giants like AMD, HPE, and EMC, assumed the position of Chief Revenue Officer in May. Several other notable appointments have been made over the past two years, including Jay Pasteris as CISO/CIO, Steven De Maayer as Chief Services Officer, and Steve Torres as COO/CFO.
With these well-planned and decisive moves, Blue Mantis is firmly poised to continue its trajectory of growth and expansion, aiming to deliver exceptional services to its ever-expanding clientele.
A Recognized Industry Leader
Blue Mantis consistently garners prestigious accolades from its technology partners and is recognized by esteemed IT channel media outlets. The company’s commitment to excellence and its ability to deliver top-tier solutions have been widely acknowledged.
A comprehensive list of these achievements can be found below:
“Security, security, security. It takes most of our energy and attention to make sure we can continue with our businesses in a secure environment without compromise. I have a very small IT team, and I can call on Blue Mantis for a wide variety of technical issues whether it’s security, cloud, or infrastructure.” – Ken Holmes – CIO, Madison Industries.
“We need to be able to get software into the hands of our agents as quickly as possible, which has a major impact on our bottom line and our revenue generation. We worked with Blue Mantis to transition to a co-located data center to improve our reliability and uptime, get our apps out there, and streamline the efforts of our developers.” Jason Parlins – Director of IT, Great Falls Marketing.
“Blue Mantis Managed Services is as critical a part of our IT department as anyone on our staff. We rely on them if we’re opening a new hotel or making major changes to hotel infrastructure. We look to them for expertise.” – Cliff Lazenby – IT Director, Ocean Properties.
