Dave Aldridge, a hobbyist programmer, was quick to recognize the transformative potential of computers in business. He saw that while computers could handle complex and time-consuming tasks, most companies lacked the expertise to take advantage of them.

His solution was PreCursor, a program that added a user-friendly interface to computers. Instead of memorizing and typing complex commands, users could accomplish tasks with a simple click.

Dave introduced PreCursor to his network, and it was a hit—empowering non-technical workers to leverage computers for the first time. Encouraged by its success, he transformed his hobby into a business and founded The Aldridge Company.

Dave recruited his wife, Valerie, to help run his new software company. Valerie handled operations, while Dave focused on developing new products. Dave saw how people struggled with computers—their inefficiencies, complexities, and the need for simpler solutions. Driven to address these challenges, he created programs that turned highly-technical workflows into simple actions that anyone could perform.

Aldridge was on a hot streak, successfully launching new products and making computers more practical for everyday business use. However, things began to change in the early ‘90s as competition increased and Microsoft reshaped the industry, forcing Aldridge to make an important decision about its future.

Microsoft released a string of groundbreaking products that fundamentally changed how everyone worked with computers. As Windows 95 took off, Dave faced a critical decision—continue developing software and struggle to compete with Microsoft or focus on helping businesses make the most of Microsoft’s innovations. Ultimately, he decided that Aldridge wasn’t just a software company—Aldridge is about empowering businesses to accomplish more by leveraging the best technology, whatever that may be.

With this shift in mindset, Aldridge needed a new direction. Around the same time, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer brought the internet into the mainstream. Sensing its potential for business, Dave taught himself computer networking and positioned Aldridge for its first major pivot.

Dave’s intuition was right—businesses were eager to take advantage of the internet. But before they could fully embrace it, they needed networks that were fast and reliable.

While learning computer networking, Dave uncovered a flaw in early networks that frequently caused slowdowns and downtime. Recognizing an opportunity, he reached out to local businesses and offered to optimize their networks. His approach worked, and as demand grew, Aldridge shifted its focus from software to IT.

As Aldridge’s networking business grew, clients were eager to embrace email and launch their own websites—but they needed a reliable place to host their new tools. To meet their evolving needs, Aldridge opened its first data center, providing a one-stop shop for computer networking and hosting. This was a major shift for Aldridge, transforming client relationships from one-time transactions into ongoing partnerships built on recurring services. This shift not only deepened Aldridge’s client connections but also set the stage for the company’s next evolution.

As Aldridge’s client relationships grew, so did clients’ trust in the company. Aldridge had proven its ability to keep critical systems running, so when technology issues arose—even with systems it didn’t provide—clients turned to Aldridge for help. The company was no longer just a vendor but a trusted partner clients could rely on during a crisis. More and more hosting clients sought IT support, and Aldridge was always ready to assist—whether troubleshooting over the phone or sending a technician on-site to get them up and running again.

Aldridge leaned into the growing demand for IT support. The company built a dedicated support team and introduced what is now called break-fix IT support. The model was straightforward—clients only paid for help when something broke. It was a simple, reactive approach that fit the era, but it had a major flaw: no proactive IT management. Without regular maintenance and system upgrades, minor issues often spiraled into emergencies. Aldridge saw the need for a better way to deliver IT, one that prevented problems before they happened.

There was a better way to deliver IT, and one of Aldridge’s support technicians, Patrick Wiley, figured it out. His solution? A contract-based model—now known as Managed Services—where clients paid a flat monthly fee for unlimited support. The benefits were immediate: predictable costs for clients, financial stability for Aldridge, and a shared incentive to prevent problems rather than just react to them.

The shift to contract-based IT redefined Aldridge’s client relationships. The company now had to understand each client’s business—how their team worked, how they generated revenue, and their biggest risks—to design a comprehensive IT solution that kept their operations running smoothly. Aldridge gained deeper insight into clients’ businesses by engaging directly with their leadership, allowing the company to develop IT strategies that advanced company-wide initiatives and solved their biggest challenges.

This proactive approach built trust and positioned Aldridge as a true strategic partner to its clients. Managed Services not only improved IT delivery but also made Aldridge scalable, enabling Patrick and Dave to take the company to the next level.

Patrick and Dave moved quickly to grow Aldridge. Aldridge’s strategy-first IT model gained traction, drawing more businesses to the company for scalable, innovative technology solutions. To accelerate this momentum, Aldridge began acquiring other IT firms, broadening its reach and strengthening its capabilities. Each acquisition brought in skilled team members and experienced leaders who shared Aldridge’s mission. Many stayed on, continuing to serve the clients they had supported for years—now with the full backing of the Aldridge team.

Acquisitions have been key to Aldridge’s success, with 17 MSPs joining the company—each bringing a unique approach to managed services. These acquisitions provided invaluable insights into how different leaders tackled industry challenges, developed specialized offerings, and adapted to change. With each integration, Aldridge refined its strategy, shaping the way it supports clients and helps their businesses grow.

After three decades of leadership, Dave and Valerie decided it was time to step back from the business and enjoy retirement. They passed the reins to Patrick Wiley, confident he would carry forward the mission Dave started and lead Aldridge into its next chapter.

Under Patrick’s leadership, Aldridge has continued to help businesses navigate a rapidly changing technology landscape. Just as we guided companies through the rise of computers and the internet, we’ve helped them embrace the cloud, strengthen cybersecurity, and harness modern technology to grow. Through every major shift, we’ve kept our clients ahead of emerging risks while positioning them to seize new opportunities.

And while technology has changed, our mission has not. Even after 40 years, we’re still doing what Dave set out to do when he created PreCursor—helping people use technology to work smarter so their organizations can accomplish more. Along the way, we’ve built a culture of problem solvers—people who, like Dave, are passionate about using technology to overcome challenges. That shared drive has shaped Aldridge into what it is today: a team built on curiosity and a relentless commitment to client success.

Looking ahead, we’re continuing to grow and evolve, helping businesses embrace the future of technology. Whether you’re an IT provider looking to join forces, a problem-solver eager to support our mission, or a business seeking a forward-thinking partner to manage your IT and cybersecurity, there’s a place for you at Aldridge. If you’re building for the future, we want to work with you.