In the summer of 2024, the visionary behind FortisureIT, Mani Subramanian, introduced an idea that would fundamentally change the trajectory of our company: establishing a presence in India.

What began as a strategic necessity has evolved into something far more meaningful than we could have anticipated.

Over the past several months, we have built a team of nine young professionals that make up our FortisureIT team in India. What made this initiative exciting was never simply the opportunity to expand internationally. The goal was to build a team that reflected the same values that have guided us in Akron from the very beginning.

We were looking for people who were talented, motivated, humble, and willing to help build something larger than themselves. People who wanted to grow as leaders, contribute to their communities, and help create opportunities for others.

Last month, I finally had the opportunity to meet that team in person, and the experience exceeded every expectation I had.

For months, our interactions had been limited to video calls, Teams messages, and project discussions. Within a few days of arriving in Chennai, those virtual relationships became real ones.

I spent time with each team member individually, learning about their backgrounds, ambitions, and what motivates them. We talked about careers, family, leadership, technology, and the future of FortisureIT.

What stood out most was the pride.

I also quickly learned that nobody was going to let me leave India hungry.

Throughout the week, team members continuously introduced me to new foods, local favorites, and places they felt I needed to experience. They were genuinely invested in making sure my first visit to India was memorable, and their hospitality was unlike anything I have experienced before.

One of my favorite moments came on Labor Day.

Rather than spending the holiday separately, the team chose to spend the day together. We went to the mall, played games, bowled, shared meals, and simply enjoyed each other's company.

The people I had known for months through video calls and messages were no longer names on a screen located halfway around the world.

They were individuals with their own ambitions, perspectives, and stories, each playing an important role in shaping the future of our organization.

The relationships we had built virtually suddenly felt far more tangible.

A significant part of our success in India would not have been possible without our partners at Antal.

From the earliest stages of building our presence in India, Antal has played a critical role in helping us navigate hiring, culture, operations, and growth. Their team has not only provided us with office space but has also served as trusted advisors throughout the process.

What impressed me equally was the relationship that has developed between our team and the Antal team. Being in a shared office space, they spend most of the day in close proximity to one another. Since Antal has been our partner in recruiting our foundational team, each member has a close tie to the person who identified them as being the right fit for this opportunity. Over the last several months, what began as a professional partnership has evolved into genuine friendships.

After our week in Chennai, we traveled to Bangalore to spend time with another important partner, JAA & Associates.

Long before FortisureIT India became a reality, JAA was helping us understand what it would take to operate successfully in India. Today they continue to support us through legal, accounting, and business guidance that has been invaluable to our growth.

Beyond the business meetings, Bangalore gave us an opportunity to reflect on how many people have contributed to this journey along the way.

As impactful as the business side of the trip was, India itself left an equally strong impression on me.

Whether visiting churches, temples, beaches, or simply walking through the streets, I was constantly reminded of the richness of the culture and the pride people have in their communities.

Interestingly, five states were undergoing elections while I was there, including Tamil Nadu during our time in Chennai. There was a sense of energy and optimism in the air, a feeling that people were hopeful about the future and excited about the possibilities ahead.

In many ways, that feeling mirrored my own.

What excites me most is that this is only the beginning.

Over the coming months, FortisureIT India will take another important step forward as we begin the process of moving our operations from Chennai to Nagercoil.

Much like our decision to build FortisureIT in Akron rather than in larger technology hubs, this move reflects a core belief that has guided our organization from the beginning:

Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.

Nagercoil is home to several members of our team, and throughout my visit it became clear how passionate they are about creating opportunities in the communities where they grew up. What makes this decision especially meaningful is that it wasn't driven from the top down. It was driven by the team itself.

As we discussed the future of FortisureIT India, there was a shared belief that we could build something special in a region that is often overlooked despite having tremendous talent.

Today, we are actively working to secure office space and establish our permanent presence there. Tomorrow, I believe this same model can be replicated in other cities throughout India where talented people are looking for the same opportunity.

In many ways, the vision for Nagercoil reminds me of why FortisureIT was built in Akron.

We believe great companies don't have to be built in New York, Silicon Valley, Bangalore, or Chennai. They can be built anywhere passionate people are willing to invest in their communities and create opportunities for others.