Patrick Flesch began his career working for a Fortune 500 technology company and joined Gordon Flesch Company as a sales representative in 2006. In 2012, he was named Vice President of Sales; in 2018, he was named president and in November 2022, he rose to the ranks of CEO. Today, Flesch represents part of the third generation of Flesch family leadership.
The Gordon Flesch Company is one of the largest independent providers of office technology solutions in the nation. Family-owned since 1956, the firm employs more than 650 people throughout 31 offices in the Midwest, with their corporate office in Madison, Wisconsin.
“The simple fact that I have the privilege to work for a family business started by my grandfather gives me all the passion I need to do my job to the best of my ability,” said Flesch. “Every day I walk through the door, I remind myself that when your name is on the door, your reputation is on the line.”
In order to stay grounded as a leader, Flesch said he stays engaged with the sales teams and participates in sales opportunities. “I came up in the sales ranks and have walked a mile in their shoes,” he said. “I think that gives me credibility as the leader of the company and I always try to do what is right for the company.”
Making vital decisions was a challenge when COVID hit the business hard in 2020, resulting in a 65 percent decline in recurring revenue stream of service clicks. “However, our sales team responded with passion and stayed active with their accounts,” said Flesch.
As a result, when the pandemic eased, the company as ready to pounce and saw growth percentages of 5 percent in 2021, 7 percent in 2022 and 22 percent in 2023. “We landed at an all-time high top-line revenue in 2023 and are laser focused on continued growth,” said Flesch. “Above all else, it is our people that make the difference and I truly believe that the quality of our people is a key differentiator for our company.”
Under Flesch’s leadership, the firm has acquired seven companies, partnered with the Milwaukee Bucks, partnered with the Green Bay Packers and is the nation’s largest independent dealership of Canon office technology. Flesch, himself, has earned ENX Magazine’s Elite Dealer Award and named to Deloitte’s Wisconsin 75 List. He also received the Milestone Achievement Award from Conway Center for Family Business.
For his many accomplishments and his commitment to upholding the family name and business, Flesch has been named a titan.
