The Think Room

Ten years ago, Olson was an agency of 15 people breaking new ground in the realm of brand engagement. We were set to lead the next wave of community building online and start using technology to make connections like never before. Only one thing stood in our way: our inability to make our computers work.

Enter Jeff Ward, the man who puts the "it" in IT. The walking epitome of an "IT Guy." Nerdy, brilliant and goateed, with the quiet confidence that he knows way more than you do (because he does, when it comes to such things as Linux operating systems). Combine all that with an inordinate understanding of where to download retro video games—Jeff brought it all. And just as Olson was about to blow up as an agency, Jeff was the one guy who could really help us light the fuse by telling us how to turn our computers on.

For 10 years, "Wardo" has been the point man on making Olson the Agency of the Future. And through all the crashes, glitches and user errors, no one could have done this job with a better attitude than Jeff. Even after listening to a decade of complaints about Lotus Notes, Jeff has never let his enthusiasm crash. And for that, we are all very grateful.

So when you get a chance, connect with the IT who made a lot of what we are doing possible. Email Jeff at jward@oco.com to thank him—if you can get that stupid pinwheel to stop spinning.