KSM Consulting acquires Connect Think, expands applications business
Indianapolis-based management and consulting firm KSM Consulting (KSMC) has acquired Indianapolis app development firm Connect Think, expanding its business applications practice.
Connect Think develops web, mobile, and desktop applications for a wide range of businesses and non-profits. The firm also provides technology consulting to assess and strategize client IT needs, as well as enterprise software development and system integration services.
Connect Think launched in 2010, and has worked with clients such as the NCAA, the Indianapolis Zoo, and Tilson HR.
KSMC’s acquisition of Connect Think will greatly strengthen the firm’s business applications practice, which will now be headed by veteran KSMC consultant Ryan Achterberg.
“Our clients have been expressing a need for increased support, expansion, and optimization of their applications,” said Mark Caswell, CEO of KSMC. “Traditionally, we have directly offered software strategy, assessment, and selection services, but have partnered for app development and complex integration projects. Bringing on the Connect Think team allows us to fulfill all application needs for our clients.”
Connect Think’s three founders and five employees will join KSMC under Achterberg’s leadership. The firm plans to hire up to eight additional employees in the area of app development, integration, and management.
Ryan Achterberg, director of applications, was the second employee to join KSMC, arriving at the firm in 2008 as a senior consultant. He went on to serve as network services manager and chief of technology at the consultancy. Achterberg has deep expertise across technology advisory, software implementation, network design, and cloud solutions.
He joined the company from accounting firm Katz, Sapper & Miller, of which KSMC is an offshoot. Katz, Sapper & Miller sold a majority interest in KSMC to private equity firm Renovus Capital Partners in April. The Connect Think deal is the first transaction at the firm since its sale to Renovus.
In the wake of its sale, the company has struck out for both inorganic and organic growth. KSMC has welcomed 42 new employees this year, and has 22 open positions including the eight slated for the expanded applications practice.
The company also recently overhauled its leadership, appointing Mark Caswell as CEO, Natalie Litera as COO, and John Roach as CRO and EVP of data analytics.
