At DataFast Networks, we have always believed that success is not defined by revenue or growth, but by the impact we have on the people and businesses in our community. That belief has guided us for over 25 years here in the Peoria and Glendale area, and today, we are proud to share that it has led to a meaningful milestone. DataFast Networks has been nominated for the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics.
Over the past quarter-century, we have worked through the constant challenges of the technology industry. It is a field where things change quickly, margins can be tight, and there is always something new to learn. Staying true to your values in that kind of environment is not always the easiest path, but for us it has always been the only path.
A Legacy Built on Accountability
My approach to leadership did not come from a textbook. It came from watching my father, a skilled machinist, lose his job after a stroke left him unable to perform at the same level. Despite his work ethic and character, he was treated as replaceable.
That experience stayed with me. It is why I built DataFast. I wanted to create a company where people are not treated as disposable and where doing the right thing is not optional.
That shows up in how we operate every day. We invest heavily in our team, including covering most of their health insurance, and we trust them to make decisions in the field. If something needs to be done for a client, they have the authority to handle it without waiting for approval.
Operationalizing Trust
We do not just talk about ethics. We build them into how we work. Our culture aligns with the Better Business Bureau’s standards for trust, especially transparency, responsiveness, and integrity.
Beyond the Office
Our commitment extends beyond our clients and into the community. We support local nonprofits, provide equipment and time for events, and work with students who are interested in technology through internships and mentorship.
Whether it is helping an organization make the most of its resources or giving a young person their first opportunity in the field, we see that as part of our responsibility.
What This Nomination Means
Being considered for the Torch Award means a lot to us because it reflects something we have worked toward for a long time. It shows that it is possible to build a business that endures by staying true to your values.
It is also a reflection of the clients and community that have trusted us over the years.
Final Thoughts
At DataFast, we measure success by how we help people. Trust is not something you say; it is something you earn over time.
We are grateful to be part of the Peoria community and look forward to continuing to serve it the same way we have for the past 25 years.
