C-Forward celebrates its 25th anniversary and new ownership — its employees

By Judy Clabes
NKyTribune editor

Covington-based information technology company C-Forward celebrated its 25th anniversary Thursday with an open house and the announcement of new ownership — its employees.

Founder Brent Cooper made the announcement to a crowd of friends, relatives, colleagues, dignitaries, and supporters who joined him in celebration of the milestone.

C-Forward is a top-rated managed service provider IT firm Cooper has led to steady growth since its founding in 1999. The company has grown from three employees and $280,000 in revenues to 35 employees and over $8 million in revenue today.

More than a third of the employees have been with the company for more than a decade.

And now the employees own the company as it transitions to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) giving eligible employees a stake in the company’s future.

Cooper, who is also president and CEO of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, introduced the new owners with his characteristic flair — as the “new owners” joined him center stage.

“Today we are re-committing to this community for years to come,” he said. “What was true in 1999 is still true today — and we are looking forward to the future.”

Cooper will remain as CEO and Brian Ruschman will continue as president. Copper said the company’s structure will remain intact. But, as of Saturday at 6:30 a.m., C-Forward will become an employee-owned business.

“We’ve done a lot of good, and we’re not done yet,” Cooper said. “We’re going to continue to live our mission and vision — to provide quality, cost effective, and innovative I.T. solutions that help our employees, customers, and community succeed.”

In his remarks, Cooper outlined the company’s commitment to community, as examples that “small businesses like ours” can help play a big role. He cited helping make BLINK a reality, decorating bourbon barrels that line the city’s streets, leading the way for the Artswave campaign in NKY, supporting United Way, and creating initiatives to help the community’s homeless population.

He thanked all who “played some kind of role in our collective success. Through a culture of caring and a sense of place, we’re proud to be standing with you.”

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