Bluechip Infotech New Zealand celebrates 30th anniversary

Bluechip Infotech New Zealand marks its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of development and service in the IT distribution industry in New Zealand.

Founded by Managing Director Chris Fitzgerald, the company originally began as a small-scale operation designed to assist IT resellers. Over the years, Bluechip New Zealand, formerly known as Soft Solutions, has grown exponentially from its early days as a dining room idea to its current position as a notable distributor in New Zealand.

Chris Fitzgerald reflected on the company's growth, stating, "The core formula of growing a successful company is the ability to deliver consistently good service to our customers so they can run their business smoothly." The company has seen substantial growth, notably doubling its staff every two years, indicative of its commitment to both its workforce and its service delivery.

Celebrated milestones include the company's first $100,000 sales month in April 1997, progressing to the first million-dollar month in May 2007. Fitzgerald attributes much of this success to the dedicated team around him, including long-serving sales team members Aaron Bhashkar, Paul Leslie, and Megan Twentyman, and key management figures like Jason Gass, General Manager – Sales, and Arsh Singh, Sales Manager, who advanced from entry-level positions.

In 2022, the company underwent significant change by joining Bluechip Infotech Australia, facilitating expansion and diversifying hardware products. This strategic alignment led to its rebranding in 2023 as Bluechip Infotech New Zealand, although its foundational formula remained consistent despite these transformations.

Leadership at Bluechip Infotech, spearheaded by Chris Fitzgerald, emphasises maintaining direct personal relationships with customers as a cornerstone of their business model. "In an increasingly digital age, maintaining personal connections is crucial to retaining customer loyalty and proving value," Fitzgerald explained. This perspective underscores the importance of face-to-face interactions in an increasingly digital business environment.

Transformation and adaptation have been cornerstones of Bluechip New Zealand's strategy. Initially focusing on software distribution, the company broadened its horizons by representing brands with limited local visibility, eventually incorporating a wide array of hardware products following the introduction of the Grandstream phone range in 2012.

Bluechip's portfolio now includes over 20 hardware brands, extending beyond telecommunication peripherals to encompass surveillance technology, networking equipment, and more, maintaining a strong presence in the IT distribution sector.

Looking forward, the company plans to continue its investment in innovation and customer service. Future objectives include deepening its foothold in hardware offerings, integrating more vendors with unique solutions, and bolstering its role as a trusted advisor amidst rapid changes in vendor and threat landscapes.

To commemorate the 30-year milestone, Bluechip Infotech New Zealand has planned various celebratory events across the country, honouring the contributions of clients and partners that have played a pivotal role in the company's enduring success.