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Case Study

Keeping Projects Moving with Proactive IT & Security

Learn how a 90-year-old construction leader replaced reactive IT with a trusted technology partner - reducing downtime, strengthening cybersecurity, and empowering teams across every job site.

 

About Ellis Construction

Founded in 1932, Ellis Construction began in a leased quarry in Ellis, Wisconsin, supplying stone for churches, schools, and homes. That commitment to craftsmanship and community laid the groundwork for what would become one of Central and Northern Wisconsin’s most respected general contractors.

Today, Ellis Construction is a full-service design-build and general contracting firm located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The company serves clients throughout Stevens Point, Wausau, Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, and surrounding communities, specializing in K-12 education, municipal, manufacturing, and other commercial construction projects.

  • The Challenge

    Ellis Construction manages complex, long-term projects where coordination, communication, and timing are critical. Clients rely on the Ellis team to guide them through every phase of construction, from pre-construction planning and budgeting to municipal negotiations and on-site execution, often over the course of months or years.

    Behind the scenes, however, their technology environment was creating friction. IT support operated in a reactive, “break-fix” model, addressing issues only after they disrupted work. These unplanned outages and delays cost valuable time and created frustration for team members trying to meet deadlines and keep projects on track.

    At the same time, cybersecurity expectations were rising. Construction is inherently about risk management, both in the field and in the office, and Ellis carried significant cyber insurance with strict requirements. Their existing IT approach made it difficult to confidently meet those standards or plan proactively for future risks.

    “We needed a partner that could provide robust security to meet those very stringent cyber insurance requirements,” said Erik Carlson, President of Ellis Construction.

  • The Solution

    Ellis Construction decided it was time to approach IT the same way they approach construction - by partnering with experts. Rather than hiring costly internal specialists, they looked for an IT provider that could act as an extension of their team to deliver consistent support, proactive problem-solving, and long-term strategic guidance.

    A key priority was moving away from one-off interactions with different technicians toward a dedicated, team-based support model. Ellis wanted a partner that understood their business, their people, and the pace of construction work to enable faster resolutions and better collaboration.

    Locknet stood out during the evaluation process, particularly for its deep experience in highly regulated industries like banking. That background gave Ellis confidence that Locknet could deliver the robust security required to meet cyber insurance demands while also improving day-to-day performance. The result was a proactive IT partnership designed to keep people productive and projects moving.

    “Our relationship with Locknet is really one of a team member. They provide us with the solutions we need to keep our people and projects moving, along with the peace of mind and security so I can sleep at night,” said Erik Carlson, President of Ellis Construction.

Results & Impact

Stronger Technology. Smoother Projects. Greater Peace of Mind.

By shifting from reactive IT support to a proactive, security-focused partnership, Ellis Construction transformed how technology supports their business by removing obstacles, reducing risk, and empowering teams across the organization.

  • Reduced Downtime Across Teams

    Proactive monitoring and faster response times minimized disruptions, allowing staff and equipment to keep pace with demanding project schedules.

  • Improved Cybersecurity Posture

    Enhanced security measures now align with strict cyber insurance requirements, protecting sensitive data and reducing organizational risk.

  • A True Extension of the Team

    Dedicated IT support functions as part of the Ellis team, fostering stronger relationships, clearer communication, and quicker problem resolution.

  • Vector

    Cost-Effective Access to Specialized Expertise

    Ellis gains ongoing access to up-to-date IT and security expertise without the expense of building and maintaining those capabilities internally.

“We look to experts outside of our firm just like we do with our trade partners. Our employees don’t do electrical or plumbing work, and IT is no different. We simply can’t bring on that level of internal expertise for the dollar amount we can pay Locknet, and in return we get experts who stay current with trends and software at a fraction of the cost.”

Erik
President, Ellis Construction

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