Arlin Sorensen

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 the 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), a full service IT solution provider offering networking, document imaging, managed services, e-marketing, GPS-based precision agriculture and telephony. Under Arlin’s leadership, the company experienced significant growth both organically as well as through mergers and acquisitions that took place between 2003 and 2010. In 2013, Arlin led the sale of HTS to WesTel Systems, a Remsen, Iowa-based telecom and computer services company, so that he could once again focus on consulting.

Yet even as he was building HTS into one of the IT channel’s most respected technology services companies, Arlin felt compelled to share his business successes and experiences with others. In 2000, he formed HTG Peer Groups (HTG), 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 more than 270 member companies throughout the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Arlin’s latest endeavor is Heartland Leadership Group (HLG), a leadership coaching and consulting company serving the IT industry in the United States and Australia. HLG’s approach is around executive coaching as the foundation, supported by targeted consulting, and undergirded by content that can help drive companies forward.

Finally, even as he directs HTG and HLG 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.