Our Story
RackSolutions began with two engineers in a garage, united by the belief that there's always a better way to solve a problem. Tony Norman, an electrical engineer, and Bob Mimlitch, a mechanical engineer, met early in their careers while mentoring students on a local high school robotics team. They quickly discovered a shared passion for creative problem-solving, engineering, and challenging conventional thinking. What started as a simple belief grew into a company built on innovation, quality, and exceptional customer service.
Challenging Convention Since Day One
Tony and Bob never believed that "we've always done it this way" was a good enough reason to stop looking for better solutions. Instead, they embraced creative thinking, hands-on experimentation, and rapid prototyping to solve complex challenges. That same philosophy continues to guide RackSolutions today. We believe that hard work, dedication, and a willingness to think differently are the foundation of innovative products and lasting customer relationships.
Our First Solution
Our reputation for solving challenging rackmount problems began in 1999 when Yahoo! was preparing to broadcast the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, one of the largest internet streaming events of its time. Yahoo! had ordered Dell servers and 2-post racks, only to discover that the servers required 4-post mounting. When Tony and Bob learned about the compatibility issue, they designed, built, and presented a prototype of the first 2-post conversion bracket that same day. Yahoo! ordered the brackets, marking the beginning of a long-standing partnership and establishing the resourceful approach that continues to define RackSolutions.
Helping Industry Leaders put "Square Pegs, in Round Holes" since 1999
In-House Engineering and Manufacturing
Great ideas deserve to become great products. In 2005, we built our own manufacturing facility next to our headquarters in Greenville, Texas, bringing engineering and manufacturing closer together. Our engineers can create a design in the morning and see a prototype later that same day. By keeping design and manufacturing closely connected, we can accelerate development, maintain high quality standards, and deliver reliable solutions to our customers.
From the Garage to the Globe
The story of Innovation First International (IFI), the parent company of RackSolutions, began in Tony's garage in Greenville, Texas. From these humble beginnings, IFI grew into a global organization with more than 300 employees and multiple offices worldwide. Over the years, we've continued to expand our reach, develop new solutions, and serve customers around the world. Despite our growth, our commitment to creative problem-solving remains unchanged.
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Solutions Beyond the Rack
Our expertise extends beyond the data center. Over the years, we've expanded into new industries, developed new product lines, and helped launch several spin-off companies. No matter the industry, our commitment to tackling complex challenges remains the same.
Still Driven by Our Founders
Tony and Bob remain actively involved in the company they founded, preserving the values and culture that have shaped RackSolutions over the years. As we continue to grow, their commitment to innovation, quality, and exceptional customer service remains at the heart of everything we do. From our first prototype to the solutions we create today, one thing hasn't changed: we're always looking for a better way to solve your challenges.
