RCN Technologies: Inc. 5000 List Profile

Meet the most inspiring companies in 2020. If entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of an economy, consider Inc.’s ranking of 5,000 companies America’s circulatory system. The Inc. 5000 annual report looks at these fast-growing innovators and what they are doing that sets them apart. This year, fourteen Knoxville-area companies made the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America. The Knoxville Chamber has worked to build a profile for each of the businesses that have been nominated, learn more below.

1. A description of your company – how did you get started, what inspired your business?

After accelerating a few businesses, Jennifer and Geoff Yearack wanted to start a business that was “recession-proof”, so they started a technology company in Knoxville, Tenn. RCN Technologies (The acronym RCN stands for Ryan, Courtney, and Nick—their children’s names.) had humble beginnings in the basement of the Yearack’s home and the husband and wife team only planned on having around five employees. As business began to pickup and staff grew well over five, they decided to pursue growth and see where new opportunities and larger visions took them.

2.  What factors do you attribute to your growth last year?

RCN’s growth is due to the expertise and dedication of the staff to be a “Technology Ally” for customers to help them succeed, the strategic decisions of our leadership team, and our company-wide commitment to our signature “Expect More” (above-and-beyond) service to customers, partners, and vendors that choose to work with RCN. 

3. How do you see your company evolving and/or what are your plans to sustain that growth in the future?

Our team has begun research and development on many new technology solutions that solve common technology challenges very simply for our customers. New product releases this year include the Pop-up Network Kit Mark III, the Rolling Wi-Fi Kit, the Out-of-Band Management Kit, and more.

We also earned two Woman-Owned business certifications this week from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). With Jennifer leading as our majority owner and CEO, we’ve been one of the few woman-owned technology service firms in Knoxville since our founding. Now we have an independent certification of that, too. Our leadership team is constantly looking for ways to improve our operations and solutions, and there are many exciting plans on the horizon. 

4. Are there any aspects of operating in the Knoxville region that has been instrumental in your growth?

Our team and the service they provide has been instrumental to our success. While we have remote offices across the country, the majority of our team is located in our Knoxville headquarters, and the amazing people and talent in East Tennessee are a significant reason for our growth and our fantastic company culture. We’ve worked with great partners in our area on major projects, recruiting to accommodate growth, and in charitable programs, like our Laptop Adventure Program.

The rich fabric of the Happy Holler district in the downtown north area has created a distinctive backdrop for our beautiful, fully-renovated 100-year old historic building. We really enjoy seeing new neighbors and businesses develop in our neighborhood, like Axle Logistics’ major historic building renovation one block over. Lastly, we love connecting with some amazing people and businesses across our area (especially through the Introduction Knoxville program) and being a part of the future of Knoxville’s story of success.