46Solutions Answers Most Asked Questions

Eblast from The Lane Report, September 15, 2021

There seems to be a new player in central Kentucky’s technology game, but, much like the 46 in their name, perception isn’t always reality.

46Solutions, owned by local electrical contractor, the Davis H. Elliot Company, has roots that date back 75+* years. 46Solutions Director, Wil Winstead, and Marketing Director, Crystal Newton, answer some of the most common questions about the technology company and the state of cybersecurity today.

Where does the 46 come from? 

Winstead: Our parent company, the Davis H. Elliot company (DHE), was founded in 1946.  Headquartered in Lexington, KY, the company employs more than 2,700+* employees in 20+* states and is a profitable ESOP. DHE, being a growing company, had a lot of technology needs and developed a well-equipped internal IT department. As the IT department grew, developing a team of various skillsets, we wanted to find new ways to utilize their skills. One of the visions of DHE was to diversify the company into other lines of business, including IT services. In 2019, DHE’s IT department officially changed its name to 46Solutions and began offering its services to central Kentucky businesses.  One of the largest cost centers for DHE, the department became a revenue-generating profit center contributing to the ESOP.

Is there a 47th solution?

Newton: Our name does not limit us; there are infinite solutions. We are an always-answer-yes company and seek out solutions to technology issues. Our team is given the tools, certification, and empowerment to get the job done, even if it’s not a directly offered service.

What services do you offer?

Newton: We have three primary services, but again, infinite technology solutions

Winstead: The first is Managed IT Services, which is everything that a regular IT department would do for a business: help desk, designing/installing/maintaining network systems, designing/installing/maintaining server systems, application development, and more.

The second is Cybersecurity, which is simply protecting yourself, your people, and your customers’ information systems and data from being compromised.

Newton: As the world has embraced a remote work model, with little or no network protection and more applications and data in the could than ever before, a great deal of new cyber threats has emerged. It’s a complicated business and best left to a professional who can truly ensure that all the I’s are dotted and T’s crossed.

Winstead: Last is Audio/Video Integration, which was born out of a client-need that we initially didn’t offer. We’ve developed a team of tenured industry professionals that offer business and home AV, including custom automation, whole house audio/video systems, custom home theaters, conference room design/installation, boardroom design/installation, digital signage, video walls, projectors, and TV installation for bars, restaurants, retails spaces and other businesses.

I thought you did video production and live events?

Newton: Common misconception. Our sister company, Studio46 Media, is the video production and live event company you are thinking of. Same as 46Solutions, Studio46 Media was also once an internal department of DHE.  They handled the internal communications, produced safety videos, HR videos, and such. And they still do, but under the Studio46 Media name, they can also contribute profit to the ESOP.

What makes 46Solutions different from your competition?

Newton: As an employee-owned company, our team has a personal stake in the business, motivating them to serve customers better and go the extra mile.  We have over 250 years of combined technology experience.  We’re very involved in the local community, with several of our team members on various boards of non-profit organizations. One of our principles is servant leadership, which means my boss focuses primarily on the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.

* Info has been updated to reflect current numbers as of July 2022.

Crystal Newton

Crystal Newton is the marketing manager for 46Solutions. Originally from Bardstown, Kentucky, Crystal is a graduate from Transylvania University. She is currently a Director on the Board of Bluegrass Crime Stoppers, a Rotarian, and chosen as Ambassador of the Year for Commerce Lexington in 2020. She enjoys bourbon, running, and spending time with her family.