Gilroy Takes Top Spot at OnForce

OnForce, the online, IT services clearinghouse, appointed Kevin Gilroy president this week as the company prepares for its next round of development, sources said.

Gilroy, formerly the channel chief at Hewlett-Packard and recently OnForce's vice president and general manager, has taken over operational control of the company from Jeffrey Leventhal, OnForce founder, who is moving to chair the board of directors, Gilroy said.

OnForce operates as a clearinghouse for IT services, allowing users to put in a ticket for work to be done at a set price and allows service providers to bid on the ticket. OnForce charges $12 to submit a ticket.

Ninety-three percent of users classify themselves as VARs, and many have taken to working both ends of the program, according to the company.

The company is capping off half a year staffing and operational changes including a name change in January, as demand and interest in the business model accelerate, Gilroy said.

The company now claims 14,000 participants, up from 10,000 in September and triple the work force (now 48), he said.

"We believe in the platform Jeff did such great job building," Gilroy said. "It is acid tested. It's bullet proof. We're ready to hit the gas pedal, now."

OnForce is capitalizing on market trends such as varied service needs of VARs and Managed Services allowing smaller and smaller VARs to extend their coverage to new geographies, Gilroy said.

The company has hired several sales and marketing executives from high-end vendors such as Intel and Hewlett-Packard, and the company is directing resources at key verticals and sub-verticals where there is particular opportunity, Gilroy said.

Market acceptance has been particularly high in certain areas, some the staff never envisioned, Gilroy said.

Demand has been particularly high for VARs and AV service providers that can provide carpentry skills to fulfill digital signage and media center projects.