Larry Schwartz is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Midnight Blue Technology Services. He founded Midnight Blue in 2005 after serving in multiple capacities within the technology community.
Larry started his career in sales early at the age of 13 selling newspaper subscriptions for multiple routes. At 16, he found himself selling at a ski and bike shop. For many years, Larry managed food establishments, developing a keen sense of good customer service and business practices. That business acumen made him the natural choice when multiple locations were seeking a turnaround manager.
When most recent college graduates were interviewing for jobs, Larry applied for a Venture Capital Grant from the Entrepreneurial Studies Program of Washington and Jefferson College, sponsored by Joe Hardy of 84 Lumber, and won. He started his own business. After successfully starting and running a small business, Larry was scouted to work for a technology company when a client learned of his strong background in both business and technology.
During his two year tenure at NetwoRx (USA OnRamp) Network Integration Company, they were able to shrink the sales force by 75% and increase the number of technical staff by 67% while maintaining profitability. Company realignment provided Larry with the opportunity to join one of the top 100 accounting and business advisory firms in the region, Alpern Rosenthal. Larry was a key player handling business development when the Technology Services Group of Alpern Rosenthal spun off to join Pittsburgh-based Red Square Systems.
While functioning in a business development role with Red Square Systems, Larry discovered a need for a different approach to information technology. His past experience as a business owner made him alert to the needs of small to midsize businesses. He knew that it is not about the technology, but how it impacts the business. He felt that technology should make the job of the business owner easier, and allow more efficent use of resources, allowing the small to midsize business owner to take better care of their clients. It is on that premise he founded Midnight Blue Technology Services.
Larry holds a B.A. in Economics from Washington and Jefferson College, located in Washington, PA. Originally from Philadelphia, Larry is a Pittsburgher by choice. When asked where he is from he will say “I’m not from here, but I got here as soon as I could.” A smart move he made over 20 years ago. When he is not solving business technology issues, Larry is an avid cyclist. He can be found traversing the roads of Western PA where he logs between 3,000 and 4,000 miles each year. He, with his wife Jessica, and son Eitan, resides in the Mt. Lebanon area of Pittsburgh’s South Hills.
