Built to Simplify, Secured by Service
We Make Technology Make Sense—So Your Business Can Run Better
Most business owners don’t want to think about IT. They want the invoices to go out, the files to open, and the phones to work. When technology becomes something you have to manage, it’s already costing you more than it should.
We started Plus 1 Technology in 2005 to fix that specific problem for small and midsize businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania. Twenty-one years later we’re an 11-person team in Pottstown, and the job is still the same: make the technology quiet enough that you can get back to running the business.
How It All Started
Our story begins in 2005, when our founder worked at a financial institution that still ran on paper. Starting his IT journey at 17, he quickly saw technology’s power to transform business.
He saw firsthand how outdated processes created real barriers, and how the right technology could make a business stronger, faster, and more efficient. So, he started building databases to organize records, automate reporting, and streamline operations.
What began as a side hustle turned into a company with a clear mission: make technology accessible, understandable, and valuable for non-technical business owners. Today, Plus 1 Technolog helps companies across the U.S. implement IT systems that drive real process improvement, and real results.
Today, Plus 1 Technology helps companies across the U.S. implement IT systems that drive real process improvement, and real results.
Why we exist
There’s a version of an IT company that sells you hardware, closes tickets, and never asks what you’re actually trying to accomplish. That model works fine for the IT company.
We came at it from the other direction. There’s 50+ years of combined business operations experience across our team, which means before we recommend a tool we ask what the process around it looks like. Sometimes the answer is that you don’t need the software, you need to stop doing a thing three different ways.
Our mantra is do the right thing, and the test of that is whether we’ll tell you not to spend money. We do it regularly.
- We help eliminate recurring problems, not just patch them
- We build long-term relationships, not just contracts
- We support our clients with real people who actually answer the phone
- We align technology with business strategy, not the other way around
What Makes Us Different
Business first, technology second
We're not a group of technicians looking for something to install. We look at how your business actually runs, then work out where technology is helping and where it's in the way. That's why our AI and automation work usually starts with a process conversation, not a software demo.
You get to know all of us
You'll recognize voices on the phone. Nobody's account gets handed to a queue.
Proactive is a measurable thing, not a slogan
Every MSP says proactive. Here's ours, from a case study N-able published on our operation in March 2026: over three years we reduced the alert tickets that need a human to touch them by roughly 75%, and about 80% of our technicians' work now happens inside one environment instead of scattered across six tools. Fewer interruptions on our side means fewer on yours.
Read the N-able case study
We do the compliance work, not just the security work
Security and compliance aren't the same job. Passing an FTC Safeguards or HIPAA review means documentation, evidence, and a written plan someone can audit. We built that service on ControlMap, and ScalePad published how we did it.
Read the ScalePad partner story
How we got here
Marc Umstead founds Comp-U-Ship
2005
2007
Hire our First employee (Mike Ciano who is still with the company)
We move our office from 1,200sq. foot office to 2,500sq. ft location
2010
2012
We hire 2 more staff members
Rebrand the company as Plus 1 Technology and move to our current location in Pottstown
2020
2021
Compliance services launch
Company grows by 40% in a single year.
2023
2025
Launch our AI consulting division
N-able publishes a case study on our operation.
2026
Who runs Plus 1
Marc Umstead
Founder and CEO
Marc started Plus 1 Technology in 2005 and has spent 20+ years in technology. He describes himself as a technologist who thinks like an operator, which in practice means he’s the person who’ll ask about your billing workflow before he asks about your server.
He writes for the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants on technology and security for accounting firms, and speaks on AI adoption, process improvement, and practical tech strategy. He’s spoken on a cybersecurity panel at N-able Empower in Fort Lauderdale and on AI adoption at the AI Summit.
Mike Ciano
Director of Operations
Mike has been with Plus 1 Technology in some capacity since the start in 2005. With a BS in Computer Science from Penn State, he worked at Sperry/Unisys (Office Systems Group), Synergis (Software Development focused on AutoCAD), US Healthcare/Aetna (Provider Access, Employer Enrollment, Y2K Oversight, IT Infrastructure).
After work he can usually be found with family and friends cooking up a storm with 18 grandkids–not often all together! Likes traveling up and down the east coast with goals of seeing more of the west coast. Already been to most of Europe including graduating HS in London, England.
Zach Christman
Support Specialist
I’m Zach, I have about 4 years of experience in the tech industry with an emphasis on hardware repair and software troubleshooting. I first found my interest in technology when I started playing video games and it ended up becoming a major aspect of my life. It grew from being a hobby into seeking a career in the field and refining my knowledge through certifications. I’m always looking for a way to make a positive change through tech.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing and collecting retro games, watching horror movies, and hiking. Some of my favorite games include LittleBigPlanet and Silent Hill.
Adam Willow
Support Specialist
Adam is an IT Specialist here at Plus1 Technology. Adam has served in a variety of roles during his 7 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity including IT support, web application security, incident response, and data loss prevention. Adam is a graduate of Penn State University and outside of work enjoys e-bike riding, skiing, video games, and volunteering for local park service events.
Alex Gordon
Support Specialist
Technology has been a part of my life since childhood, starting with Windows 3.1 and growing into a lifelong passion. After joining my high school’s Tech Club, I pursued opportunities throughout the technology industry, working in local computer shops, retail technology environments, and computer manufacturing. These experiences helped build a strong foundation in both the technical and customer service sides of IT. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, reading, and playing computer games, which help me stay curious, engaged, and always learning.
Charlotte Herring
Onboarding and Vendor Manager
Charlotte’s tech journey began in 2020 with a tool called WalkMe, helping end users navigate their online payment portals with onscreen guidance and one-click support resources during a time when making in-person transactions wasn’t an option. In the years since, this journey has wandered through many areas of the MSP world by way of documentation, knowledgebase management, and vendor and client onboarding to continue to help bridge the gap between the end user and the technology in front of them.
In her spare time, Charlotte can usually be found listening to music and working on a craft project, hanging out with her pets, and supporting her local library.
Jessica Peaden
AI Implementation Engineer
I’m Jessica Peaden, an AI Implementation Engineer and Certified Project Manager who turns complicated ideas into practical systems people actually use. I design AI agents, client portals, automated workflows, and connected technology environments, working hands-on with Microsoft 365, Azure, SharePoint, ClickUp, Zapier, HubSpot, and GitHub while staying software-neutral so every organization gets the solution that fits its goals. Before technology, I spent more than a decade in insurance, sales, leadership, and business operations, including owning my own small business, which taught me to look past the tools to the people, processes, and budgets behind them. Outside of work, you’ll find me reading, traveling, at the beach with my family, or testing a new AI idea.
Nate Herr
Project Engineer
My interest in technology started in high school, messing around with computers until something clicked, and it stuck well enough that I went on to earn my Associate of Science in Computer Science and now, a project engineer here at Plus 1 Technology, always learning new things and new ways to help our clients. I always like to work on personal computer/technology projects to expand my knowledge, which is probably why I’m the go-to “computer guy” for my family and friends. I also like to collect rare and hard-to-find liquor and pour a glass from time to time. My other big interest is music where I’ve been playing drums in some capacity since 4th grade and still practice at home whenever I can with an electronic kit to keep the neighborly complaints to a minimum.
Scott Taney
VOIP Specialist
I have not always been in the I.T. world, as I left healthcare 12 years ago to try something new. I am the VoIP specialist, among other rolls here at Plus1 Tech.
I am a movie buff and love all genres, though Horror is my ultimate favorite. Be it good, bad, or in-between, if it is horror, I will give it a shot, though there are limits. LOL
Other than movies, I am a video game geek, especially when it has to do with Legend of Zelda, my favorite gaming series. I have 2 dogs (Mokuba and Tuffy) and a cat (Gibby).
John McCloskey
Deployment Specialist
John has been with Plus 1 Technology since 2020 but has been deeply involved in the technology space since 2010. After cutting his teeth working for a small, single person IT firm John continued to hone his IT skills and knowledge on his own until joining Plus 1.
John’s work as a Deployment Specialist has him working to create newer, faster, and better ways to configure client PC’s to meet their individual needs. This includes leveraging Microsoft Intune, Entra ID, and A.I. tools to ensure your new PC’s replacements can be as seamless as possible.
Outside of work John can be found traveling, hiking, spending time with family, and keeping up with the latest in tech news and trends across the world.
Who we work with
We support businesses with 5 to 400 employees. While many of our clients are in the southeastern Pennsylvania market we work with firms across the country.
Locally we work across Pottstown, Reading, King of Prussia, Norristown, Phoenixville, and Allentown.
Where We Work
Plus 1 Technology is headquartered in Pottstown, PA and proudly serves businesses across southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.
We have deep roots in our local community and actively support clients in:
- Reading
- King of Prussia
- Pottstown
- Norristown
- Phoenixville
- Allentown
While we focus locally, our reach is national, especially through our trusted network of accounting firm partners. No matter where you are, we’re ready to bring our process-first, people-focused IT solutions to your business.
What our clients say
5.0 stars across 128 Google reviews.
The themes that come up most: issues get resolved the first time, we catch problems before clients do, and we’re honest about what’s worth spending money on.
Broker, Chris James Hector Realty
President, Top Shelf Closets
Tri-County Contracting Corp
VP of Marketing, Iron Key Properties
Owner, Andrew Hoff Agency
Owner, Wrigley’s Business Products
CFO, Children and Teen Dental Group
President, Limerick Financial Group
Owner, Patriot Pest Solutions
Chief of Police, Royersford Police Department
Finance, Proto-Cast
Owner, Lamastra Group
COO, Steelway Cellar Doors
Owner, Sign-A-Rama Limerick
President, Titanium Finishing Company
President, Titanium Finishing Company
Dr. Evan Frank
Director Information Systems, Hammond Group
President, Reliant at Home Care
President, JMG Rinks
Wolpert Schreiber McDonnell PC
CEO, Rolling Rock Building Stone
Agent, Landstar
General Manager, Patriot Land Transfer
Want to talk?
Start with a conversation. We’ll ask what’s not working, look at what you’ve got, and tell you honestly whether we’re the right fit.