Arlin Sorensen – Founder and CEO

The path of Arlin Sorensen’s career transitions from one of mankind’s very earliest occupations to an industry that’s almost synonymous with the modern age. Having grown up on a family farm near Harlan, Iowa, Arlin graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Farm Operations, and in 1977 — with his wife, Nancy — began farming. Then in 1982, Arlin purchased his first computer (an Apple II+) for use in his operation and the farm boy was permanently smitten by the technology bug.

Arlin’s first foray into information technology for a living was as a consultant. (This experience would prove invaluable as he developed an abiding interest in sharing best practices among IT solution providers.) By 1985, he had moved into the retail side of the industry and then in 1990, Arlin and his brother Brad formed Sorensen’s Computer Connection, Inc. (SCCI).

A merger between SCCI and Connecting Point Joplin (Missouri) in 2002, gave rise to Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS). With additional acquisitions and mergers in 2003, 2006 and 2010, HTS now has seven offices in five states (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma) and more than 75 employees. Under Arlin’s leadership, HTS delivers the full spectrum of IT solutions (including networking, document imaging, managed services, e-marketing, GPS-based precision agriculture and telephony) to businesses and organizations in America’s farm belt.

While HTS was in the process of growing into the company it is today, Arlin had already founded Heartland Technology Group (HTG) in 2000 to become a vibrant community of IT solution providers, fostering business as well as personal growth through business improvement, accountability and life-work excellence. Reflecting Arlin’s interest in building and enhancing relationships through sharing and mutual support, HTG is now comprised of 270 member companies throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Finally, even as he directs HTG and HTS from his techno-farm home in his hometown, Arlin still counts on Nancy as well as their active membership with the First Baptist Church of Harlan to stay balanced, productive and optimistic. But life is really about enjoying their four grandkids, their children and creating a lasting legacy.