Keith Coker of Green Cloud Technologies

May 1, 2020 thetechtribune

An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Keith Coker, the founder and CEO of Green Cloud Technologies, which was honored in our:

Tell us the origin story of Green Cloud Technologies – what problem were you trying to solve and why?

Green Cloud got its start in 2011 when a group who had worked together previously at Nuvox wanted to build a company that focused on the technology challenges of small to medium businesses. Through several iterations, we decided that enabling the managed service provider (MSP) community to offer cloud based services was the most effective way to reach that customer segment. By enabling the MSPs to offer enterprise grade services at affordable prices, small businesses would have access to the features and resiliency once reserved only for much larger enterprises. The solutions were a win for the end customer, the MSP, and ultimately Green Cloud.

What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?

The biggest hurdle we faced was earning the trust of the MSP community. The MSPs have spent years earning the trust of their customers and do not take lightly introducing a partner to those customers. They needed to have implicit trust in Green Cloud because our performance was a direct representation of them to their end customers. Green Cloud had to earn that trust over time through our unwavering support of the MSP community. Today, that trust comes quicker as we have developed a stellar reputation inside the community and new MSPs can rely on their peers to vouch for Green Cloud.

What does the future hold for Green Cloud?

Green Cloud plans to continue to add new MSP partners across the country. We have introduced a new line of security products to enable our MSPs, much like our original cloud products have.

What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in Greenville?

The local tech startup scene has grown over the last 10 years. Today, there are resources not previously available. As startups in Greenville continue to mature, it will create the ability for even more new ventures to thrive. Success breeds more success.

What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Perseverance is one of the most important characteristics of a successful entrepreneur. Rarely does a business follow the exact plan one lays out at the beginning. If it was easy to start a business, everyone would do it. There will be challenges and allowing yourself flexibility to adapt gives you the greatest chance of success.