Managed IT Services

Our Foundation

Discover the incredible story behind the mighty company Teal and uncover the secrets behind our managed IT services success.

Unlocking Synergy

Watch Teal’s leaders as they share insights into our transformative merger.

2000

TechGen Consulting founded in Minneapolis by Reid Johnston. 

2010

Aligned Technology Solutions cofounded by Gar Whaley and Don Sauer in an Alexandria, VA basement.

2016

TechGen received ISO 27001 certification.

“Very good company!!” – Linda H., Client

2018

TechGen released innovative help desk support Alexa skill app.

“Quick response time.” – DJ B., Client

2019

Leveraged EOS to enhance strategic execution.

Aligned ranked #3865 on Inc. 5000 for 1st time.

“Great firm, easy to work with and very responsive.” – Zac O., Client

2020

Aligned ranked #453 on Financial Times’ Fastest Growing Companies.

“They are knowledgeable, responsive, and very charismatic.” – Felix, Client

2021

“Great communication. Super fast service. Highly recommend TechGen!” – Angela T., Client

2022

TechGen ranked #4667 on Inc. 5000 for 1st time.

“Professional, efficient and reliable service. Kind and courteous.” – Aba J., Client

2023

Aligned received high cybersecurity rating from SecurityScorecard.

Aligned ranked #33 on MSP 501 for the 5th consecutive year.

Aligned received CompTIA’s Security Trustmark+.

TechGen and Aligned merged, forming the premier company of Teal.

Launched a formal Learning and Knowledge Management (LKM) program.

“Always great customer service.” – Doug S., Client

2024

Achieved remarkable NPS ratings, reinforcing our service obsession.

Ranked #2093 on Inc. 5000 for the 6th consecutive year.

“Provide great security.” – June S.

Implemented a proactive quality assurance process.

Named one of the world’s premier MSPs on the Channel Futures Next Generation list.

2025

Added a chat support feature for instant help desk assistance. 

Demonstrated security commitment with ISO 27001 certification.

“So responsive and helpful.” – Jeanne G.

Awarded Silver Stevie Award for exceptional customer service.

Teal

In 2023, Aligned Technology Solutions and TechGen merged to form the premier company of Teal. After years of collaboration through a peer group, the merger aimed to offer clients a more comprehensive range of solutions, increasing access to specialized security personnel, technology, and tools.

Aligned brought their successful cybersecurity team and expertise in complex compliance certifications like CMMC, while TechGen contributed their robust project and account management processes and strategic ISO-certified documentation.

This “merger of equals” allowed Teal to elevate their services, focusing on client care and using technology for good. The merger also increased Teal’s resources and talent, providing a more sophisticated, compelling offering that takes advantage of economies of scale.

TechGen Consulting Services

Minneapolis, MN

TechGen was founded on the unyielding belief that IT services should be stress-free. The company meticulously crafted personalized strategies that intimately aligned with their client’s business goals. Their team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals were committed to enhancing the lives of their clients through their vast expertise.

History:

TechGen Consulting, Inc. was formed by Reid Johnston in 2000 as a sole proprietorship, incorporating the company in 2002. Before starting TechGen, Reid worked as a web application developer.

A technology enthusiast from a very early age, Reid was dismantling (and rebuilding) computers before completing elementary school. He wanted to find a career where he could combine his passion for technology and building things with solving problems and helping people – this resulted in the creation of a 20+ year company, TechGen.

Aligned Technology Solutions Services

Alexandria, VA

Aligned was built on a belief that IT solutions start with understanding an organization’s needs, sustained by personal relationships with experts who championed excellence and adaptability. These professionals ensured that solutions evolved, were optimized, and contributed to fulfilling the client’s mission. Aligned recognized the emergence of compliance and cybersecurity concerns and invested accordingly in both training talent and shaping solutions.

History:

Gar Whaley and Don Sauer co-founded Aligned Technology Solutions. Whaley, with a rich background in the restaurant business, leveraged his understanding of computer systems to design IT solutions for local small businesses. Sauer, with close to 35 years of IT expertise gained from the U.S. Navy, public sector, and private enterprises, developed a diverse perspective on designing and deploying IT solutions.

The duo met at an organization and shared a vision to create an MSP that equally understood business goals, and IT needs. Whaley and Sauer, each 25+ year veterans in the Information Technology Teal Management field, have worked across small to large enterprises and privately held to publicly traded companies. United by a shared vision, they created Aligned Technology Solutions to be a truly human-focused IT company.

Don Sauer, Cofounder & CEO

Don Sauer

CEO

“We always look at technology through the lens of your business. We don’t just throw a bunch of tech at a challenge. We take the time and make the effort to identify a client’s real needs and customize implementations that will do the right job in a proven way.”

Gar Whaley, Cofounder & CRO

Gar Whaley

CRO

“The best IT solutions are built from the ground up, reflecting the business aspirations or organizational mission of our clients first. IT implementation at its best, for Teal, has zero interest in off-the-shelf fixes or short-term answers.”

Reid Johnston, Cofounder & CIO

Reid Johnston

CIO

Our clients choose to stay with us year after year because we provide them with true value – ultra-responsiveness, intentional excellence, specialized expertise, and a deep understanding of each client’s challenges. That’s how we give them the concierge care they deserve.

Get more information on Teal's Managed IT and Cybersecurity services.