In this episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV, host Katie Bavoso speaks with Richard McKinnon, CEO of DVBE Technology Group, a company that helps implement automation in government organizations across the U.S. and Latin America.
A veteran’s journey into business leadership
Bavoso begins by acknowledging McKinnon’s 28 years of experience in technology and his service as a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman, a role that McKinnon cherishes despite retiring due to an injury.
Reflecting on his career, McKinnon shares that he initially thought his future would be dedicated to military service. However, an injury led him down a different path — one that allowed him to make an impact in the business world.
For McKinnon, what could have been a career-ending injury turned into a chance to serve others in a new capacity. “I thought I was going to do all my service in the military. I absolutely loved it, but I got injured. Out of that, I’ve been able to give over 3,000 veterans jobs in the process,” McKinnon says.
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Building a business rooted in diversity and service
When Bavoso asks McKinnon if his experience as a disabled veteran influenced his company’s name, he shares an exciting backstory. “I had my other company technical and management for almost 14 years before I started the web technology group, and I wanted to do something different, but I needed a unique name. So when I did it, I googled DVBE,” McKinnon says, explaining that the acronym was primarily associated with certifications for state and federal contracts.
Yet, it wasn’t flagged when he named his company DVBE Technology Group. In fact, “DVBE Technology Group was above everything on the internet,” McKinnon recalls, noting how it gave him an edge in search results for years. “I take pride in the fact that I’ve been a DVBE working for the state of California and the federal government for almost 24 years,” McKinnon remarks.
McKinnon’s identity as a veteran and his dedication to diversity have fueled his company’s growth, particularly in government contracts, where these certifications are valuable assets. He has forged partnerships with women-owned, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses, combining forces to create larger-scale opportunities within government contracts.
This strategic focus on diversity isn’t just about meeting quotas — it’s about enhancing his business’s reach and impact.
Automation as a solution to pandemic overinvestment
McKinnon explains that DVBE Technology Group has shifted focus over the years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially known for staffing services, the company has now turned its attention to automation. “So for years, I was always known strictly as a staffing company because we have provided top-quality engineers. We would also diversify in areas of risk management and compliance. But push came to shove, it was always staffing, and a lot of times it still is, but our focus on a lot of the stuff we do now is based on automation,” McKinnon says.
With tighter government budgets and a surplus of tech purchased during the pandemic, many organizations now need help streamlining operations. McKinnon notes that many of his clients overbought technology during the pandemic. Government agencies bought “licenses, hardware, software — you name it” in bulk.
The problem is that these organizations have bloated budgets and overlapping tools they don’t need. DVBE steps in to help them streamline operations through automation, AI, and digital transformation.
The post-pandemic landscape presents a cautionary tale for IT managers and decision-makers. The rapid shift to remote work led many to make hasty investments, and now the challenge is to optimize those resources. As McKinnon points out, automation is key to helping these organizations manage their tech investments efficiently. Businesses can learn from this by evaluating their investments and considering automation as a tool to achieve long-term sustainability.
Expanding beyond U.S. borders
McKinnon’s impact isn’t confined to the U.S. In fact, DVBE Technology Group has expanded its reach to Latin America with the formation of DVBE Technology Colombia. McKinnon’s wife, who holds dual citizenship, is the CEO of this branch, which has opened doors to remarkable opportunities. “I’ve spoken to Congress, had meetings with the Ministry of Defense, and met presidents from eight different countries,” McKinnon shares.
Expanding into international markets can open new doors, bring in fresh opportunities, and allow businesses to diversify their reach. It’s not just about replicating what works at home but about understanding new environments, adapting to different cultures, and finding common ground in global challenges.
Implementing automation for success: A real case
In her quest to uncover real-life applications of automation, Bavoso asks, “Could you walk me through a success story in which you implemented that technology, and what exactly did that solve for that office?”
McKinnon responds by sharing an example that highlights the efficiency of automation. He talks about starting a PLC, where they noticed the “automation sprawl” — offices with outdated processes that had accumulated various technologies without fully understanding or utilizing them. McKinnon says that through his automation process, he was able to replace six other renewal licenses and save the agency nearly $2.9 million in the first two years.
McKinnon highlights that many agencies still use 10- to 20-year-old technology. By implementing an overarching automation strategy, these organizations can modernize their processes without additional costs. As McKinnon points out, companies often face budget constraints, and by automating wisely, they can link to other parts of their ecosystem without further financial strain.
Global automation and training gaps
Bavoso probes further, asking McKinnon to share insights from his work in other regions. He notes that in Latin America, many organizations are behind the times in terms of technology. McKinnon emphasizes that while these organizations purchase new technology, “they don’t know how to use it.” This disconnect leads to wasted investments, as illustrated by one agency’s purchase of $6 million worth of drones — without anyone trained to operate them.
For McKinnon, a crucial part of his strategy is training employees to use the tools they have at their disposal. “The companies I work with, I make sure that they mandate that they train employees,” he states. This training is essential to ensure the technology remains viable and valuable in the long term. Businesses in any region can take this lesson to heart: The acquisition of technology must be paired with a commitment to skill development, or the investment costs go to waste.
Advice for vendors: Think bigger, think smarter
As the interview wraps up, Bavoso asks McKinnon what advice he would give to vendors looking to better support their customers.
“Think about the bigger picture about what you’re going to sell,” he advises, urging companies to consider the broader implications of their products. Vendors should understand how their solutions fit into the long-term strategies of the businesses they serve rather than pushing products for short-term gains.
Tune in to the video or podcast above for more insights from Katie Bavoso and DVBE Technology Group CEO, Richard McKinnon — and be sure to like and subscribe for future interviews with solution providers and thought leaders, plus special episodes and opportunities!
