UCG Associate Success Story: Michael D. Powall, VP

As UCG approaches its 28-year anniversary in December, we’ve taken a look back at the people who helped shape and grow the company, and have gotten to know them through a series of interviews titled UCG Alumni Success Stories.

In this article, we are switching gears to highlight our longtime associate, Mike Powall. Many of you know Mike and have worked closely with him over the years. If you've not yet met, we are pleased to introduce Michael D. Powall, Vice President of UCG. Mike has been with the company since July 1993 when he was hired as a Systems Consultant. Twenty-two years later, he remains a major contributor to the success and growth of UCG.

A little background.

This story begins with two friends from Wickliffe, Ohio who went their separate ways after high school. Mike Powall went to Bluffton University, while Jim Kandrac attended Cleveland State University. Jim graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing; Mike graduated in 1986 with a Bachelors degree in Business.

In 1987 at 26 years old, Jim founded United Computer Group, Inc. Before long, this startup technology company began to take shape. As it gained momentum, Jim needed help and began to build his team. At the time, Mike was working for a UCG competitor, and he and Jim reunited while competing for a deal! Jim was impressed by Mike’s competitive spirit, extensive computer sales and leasing experience, can-do attitude, and admirable work ethic. Jim knew he would be a great fit and offered him an opportunity.

Fast-forward twenty-two years.

“Mike is truly a thoroughbred racehorse. He wins the short sprints and has always been it it for the long haul. He is dedicated to UCG and handles authority and his responsibilities like a true gentleman. Mike can be counted on 100% and has been a true friend and valued business associate for over 22 years.” 

                                                                                       - Jim Kandrac

                                                   Mike Powall

“I have truly been blessed to be part of the UCG team for the past 22 years. The company and I have grown tremendously throughout my tenure. It would not have happened without the support of Jim Kandrac. Jim has provided me with the tools and environment required to thrive and succeed.”

Mike Powall, VP UCG

Mike, where were you working prior to joining UCG, and what type of work were you doing?

I worked for five years with Leasing Dynamics Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio. I was responsible for leasing and selling IBM Systems Hardware and Software.

Can you describe how everything came together back in 1993 when you began discussions and joined Jim at UCG?

Jim and I actually became reacquainted competing against each other on a large System deal with a local Cleveland company. It was a very intense and challenging transaction with many players. Jim observed the way I competed and frequently asked if I would like to work for him. As fate would have it, after the deal was complete I ended up joining UCG. 

What was it like to work for UCG in those early years when the company was just six years old, but beginning to grow?

I had to start over in the business which was not easy. I was fortunate to have a great support staff at UCG plus valuable experience that was gained at Leasing Dynamics, thanks to my cousin Bob Delaney who introduced me to the successful Cleveland Company. With that great combination I was able to hit the ground running.

Please tell me about some of the responsibilities and tasks you were involved with initially as a Systems Consultant, and how your role evolved over the years.

I started out consulting and selling in specific accounts locally and in the surrounding Ohio states. I started small, selling computer peripheral products to my accounts. Eventually that led to Installation and sales of large systems.

And some of your greatest challenges?

The toughest challenge when I first came to UCG was starting over. I was not able to call on existing customers because of a non-compete agreement. With a lot of faith, the support of my wife, and hard work I was able to succeed.

What skills and experiences would an individual need to enter and excel in your specific industry?

A college education, hard work, and humility.

What do you envision for the company over the next five years?

I see our company continuing to grow. Since we began offering our VAULT 400 cloud backup and disaster recovery solution many years ago, we have proven that we can grow exponentially while adding resources as required.

What person/people, living or dead, do you admire most, and why?

I admire my Mother and Father the most because they brought me into this world. They provided me the personality, faith and work ethic to succeed in all facets of life.

Last but not least, can you share some of your most memorable moments at UCG over the past 22 years?

My most memorable moments at UCG happen with every transaction we complete with a new or existing client. It thrills me to offer a service, a system, software, or a solution that helps their company, and in turn helps UCG and enables me provide a very nice lifestyle for my family.

"I grew up in Wickliffe, Ohio in a family of nine; my parents, four brothers and two sisters. 

Without a clear objective yet in mind, I went to Lakeland Community College after graduating from Wickliffe High School in 1981. While working at my Father’s bar (Sonny’s Side of the Street), I graduated with an Associate degree in Applied Business and a Minor in Communications. I realized I still desired a higher education and wanted to play college football at any level.

After visiting multiple colleges in Ohio, I chose Bluffton College (now Bluffton University). I played football in my Junior and Senior year on a successful NAIA Division II football team. I credit the university, the football program, and the Head Coach, Carlin Carpenter, for believing in me and giving me a wonderful experience and most importantly, a quality faith-based education.

I reside in Highland Heights, Ohio with my beautiful wife Connie and my three children, Jake, Danielle and Hannah. Without them my life would not be complete.” – Mike Powall


Learn more about Mike Powall and Jim Kandrac.

Interview conducted by Francine Ciaccia, MoMo Companies Ltd.

UCG Alumni Success Stories: Interview with UCG's first employee, Shari Harris

One of the greatest benefits of LinkedIn and other social media platforms is that it gives us the opportunity to stay in touch and follow the​ success of individuals who began their careers at United Computer Group: our interns and alumni. These individuals joined UCG full of​ potential and energy. It wasn't long before they became strong contributors bringing fresh ideas and building client relationships, all the​ while learning business strategies that would eventually support their growth into successful careers.

As business owners, of course we would prefer to keep our best employees forever, like UCG VP Mike Powall with over 20 years, and 13+year veteran Vladimir Capitanov. Still, we encourage our employees to go after their dreams and find their true passion in life, whether​ here at UCG, in a different industry, or to enjoy retirement.

Please enjoy this interview with UCG's very first employee, Shari Harris, conducted by our marketing consultant, Francine Ciaccia, of MoMo Companies Ltd. Shari, thank you for contributing to the success of UCG! 

Shari Harris

“I still think about my years with UCG. I am so happy that Jim started so small and grew the business to be very successful. All his hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm really paid off. I was part of that and will always be thankful for the great experience! Thank you, Jim. It was terrific working with and for you!”  

Shari Harris, circa 1989

Shari, you have the distinct honor of being UCG’s very first employee! When and how did you meet Jim Kandrac, and how did it come to be that he offered you a position at UCG?

It was 1989, and I replied to an ad in the paper for a secretary at UCG. Jim called me to arrange an interview, and as we spoke, the job sounded very interesting and far beyond a typical secretarial position. It was in a field I was not familiar with, but it was an up and coming industry. I was lucky enough to be called and offered the job.

What was it like to work for UCG in those early years when the company was a startup?

I think that it’s really great to get paid to do a job that is fun and interesting.  This was definitely one of those jobs. We started in a large office space in Strongsville, Ohio with folding tables, an adding machine and a couple of phones. However, we were selling the current technology. Our office computer was a 386 that we daisy chained, had a dot matrix printer, and did backups on a 5¼ disk. (We're really going back in time here.) But again it was the current technology. Jim did the selling and I did the administrative stuff. We picked up used IBM computers, cleaned, tested, packed and shipped them all over the country.

We were on the “cutting edge” and it was a wild and exciting ride! As each new technology came out–PC, laser printers, emails, software–we were learning it and implementing it. We had a color laser printer that we used for mailings.  I learned to do newsletters to update our resellers, and then we did bulk emails overnight so the resellers received their newsletters immediately.  

Please tell me about some of the responsibilities and tasks you were involved with initially, and how your role evolved over the years.

As secretary and administrative “staff” I was responsible for correspondence, phones, accounts receivable and accounts payable. As we grew, I was able to upgrade my tasks and skills to include data entry, accounting, computer maintenance, and back up, learning new software, learning to program labels, etc.

Jim had a very good relationship with I-O Corporation in Utah. We were the reps for their printer boards that made the IBM computers able to print to Epson, Lexmark and HP printers.As we began to sell more and more printer boards, I was the connection with Tech Support. I-O’S Tech Support were great people to work with and they had top notch products. I learned an immense amount about printers and hardware. I was extremely lucky that Jim sent me to I-O Corp. in Utah multiple times and learn how the twinax/coax boards and remote controllers were manufactured and what to do if there were problems. It was very exciting to be able to solve our customers’ problems!

What did you enjoy most and what did you find most challenging during your 17 years at UCG?

Jim was a great person to work for. He had vision and was more than willing to share his strategy. He trained and worked with me so we could make that vision come to fruition. We did a little bit of everything, from picking up equipment and catching lunch at Slyman’s for corned beef sandwiches, to mailings, to installing printer boards, and anything in between. 

The most challenging part during these years was that I was not and am not a salesman. Still, Jim was able to teach me how to work effectively with resellers and customers. I was able to learn the product so well that it almost sold itself; I could speak intelligently about it and they actually purchased the products from me. I also had to learn to use Word and our accounting software as we grew and expanded. What a ride!

When you left UCG to retire, what was your most valuable take-away?

I really missed being on the cutting edge of technology and the high energy of the sales atmosphere. It was a very rare and special job that not many people have a chance to do; anything after that is rather dull. Jim really shared all his knowledge and drive to succeed.

Can you offer some advice for individuals looking to set or adjust their career path?  

If you’re going to do something every day it should be something that you enjoy and gives you the satisfaction of a job well done. Feeling successful in your job will also get you through bad days or dry spells. And, it is a bonus when you work with people who are just as focused and engaged.

Last but not least, please share some of your most memorable moments during your time at UCG.

I remember laughter. I remember that Jim was so excited that he called me as he drove Pam to the hospital for the birth of their daughter. I remember going to Salt Lake City and meeting the people I spoke with on the phone all the time. I remember all of us going to lunch and again, the laughter. I will always remember the people I worked with even if I don’t see them anymore. We had a great team and did some wonderful business.

Shari and Gary Harris, 2015

Shari and Gary have been married for 44 years and have two adult children. They enjoy traveling and are planning a trip to Washington DC this year. Next year they'll travel to Oregon and Washington State to celebrate their 45^th anniversary. 

They enjoy attending local music concerts in Cuyahoga Valley, Medina on the Square, Wolf Creek Winery and Sully’s Irish Pub.  Shari is an avid reader, and also loves to ride her bike on the Rail Trails. Shari and Gary are always looking for some new adventure or activity.  

Learn more about United Computer Group, Inc. and its Founder & President, James A. Kandrac.

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