Though it has operated largely under the radar for more than a decade, Electronic Knowledge Interchange (EKI), Chicago’s premier technology solutions provider, has done anything but go unnoticed by competitors, or major computer giants like Microsoft and IBM. But so has Killerspin, a global advocate and brand committed to driving awareness of the sport of table tennis, also based in the same city.

Interestingly enough, both companies are led by 47 year-old visionary entrepreneur Robert Blackwell, Jr., who founded both, and remains firmly at each ones’ helm as CEO. Acknowledged industry-wide as a leader in just over a decade since its founding, EKI provides award-winning technology solutions to a diversity of clientele, delivering integrated solutions that enhance business performance, increase productivity and thereby reduce costs.

With customer satisfaction as a core objective, EKI develops software applications that simplify business processes, link employees, partners and customers and that ultimately speed delivery of products and projects, accruing measurable business benefits. All of these are intangibles that enable clients to employ cutting-edge technology toward competitive advantage. Similarly, the innovative Killerspin stands atop its proverbial game, pushing for countries worldwide to embrace table tennis, its fitness benefits, its top athletes and four apparel and equipment brands — certainly interesting paths to have embarked upon for a young man then in his thirties.

“For EKI, it was apparent to me that there was a void to be filled in 1996,” states Blackwell. “The decision (to establish the company) was just based upon my cumulative experience. I thought that if we could create a company with the right culture, that could attract the right people and that had the right focus, then we could have a good company,” he adds. “I think that we’ve accomplished that — somewhat. But you never really get there. You just have to keep working hard and try to continually improve upon the value that you create for your employees and your customers.”

In 2006, Blackwell’s EKI was named by technology pioneer IBM as a Premier Business Partner, the highest status bestowed by IBM’s Business Partner Program in recognition of EKI’s heightened level of investment, skill and commitment to working with them. Later that same year, fellow entrepreneur Bill Gates came calling, awarding EKI the Microsoft Gold Certification, the highest level of partnership attainable by a lone independent professional solutions provider. Accolades such as these, plus others honoring Killerspin aside, Blackwell still isn’t resting on his laurels. His belief is that he has not yet built what he originally envisioned.

“I think we’re a good company, but one that needs to get better, and can get better,” he emphasizes. “We’ve got two good companies that more people need to know about, and accolades notwithstanding, our biggest challenge has been communicating. The company has not been very good at communicating about the work we’re doing or our successes, but I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve created opportunities for people to have a great life. We’ve given people a chance — no matter what their background is — to leverage their talents, integrity and passions to come and work with our company. And, if they’re performers, they can create great lives for themselves.”

Robert Blackwell, Jr. holds math and psychology degrees, plus a master’s degree in Entrepreneurial Studies, all from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He volunteers his time to do motivational speaking, while also making time to serve on the boards of such groups as After School Matters, The Belle Center, the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, The Mayor’s Council of Technology Advisors, The Metropolitan Planning Commission, Perspectives Charter School, the United States Association of Table Tennis and US Bank. Blackwell further is a member of The Alliance of Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs (ABLE), The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Chicago United and the Executive’s Club of Chicago.

SOURCE Electronic Knowledge Interchange

PICTURED: Honoree for MIB Entrepreneurial Award, Robert Blackwell speaks on stage during the 10th Annual Multicultural Prism Awards Gala at the Universal City Hilton Hotel on December 15, 2005 in Los Angeles, California.

(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)