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Julian Pretto
Tech Entrepreneur
Professional Background
Julian Pretto is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and founder of multiple successful technology companies, including opX, GEEKUR, and ChicagoMicro. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as an influential figure in the tech industry, primarily through his ability to build and brand tech solutions that resonate with a wide audience. As a two-time Microsoft Partner of the Year and Synnex Partner of the Year, Julian exemplifies leadership and innovation in the field of technology distribution and service provision. With a career that has spanned decades and multiple sectors within tech, he is deeply engaged in the Internet of Things (IoT), distribution models, IT services, and virtual reality (VR).
Julian’s passion for technology started early in life, as evidenced by his entrepreneurial spirit at the young age of nine, shoveling snow door-to-door in Chicago. This early venture laid the groundwork for his lifelong fascination with technology and entrepreneurship. His career journey includes founding groundbreaking companies, bootstrapping multimillion-dollar enterprises, and contributing significantly to building billion-dollar sales organizations. He thoroughly believes in the concept of service, humility, and building strong relationships, emphasizing the importance of community both in business and personal ventures.
Education and Achievements
While Julian humorously notes that he studied for his Master's degree at the School of Hard Knocks, his education comes from real-world experiences that have taught him invaluable lessons. Throughout his career, he has played key roles in mergers and acquisitions, taking on responsibilities as an equity partner and maintaining impactful roles in reputable companies.
In addition to founding GEEKUR, Julian has consulted for opX LLC, served as a partner at Netrix, and has held multiple positions at notable firms such as CDW and Blue Byte GmbH. His expertise not only spans software and IT hardware markets but also encompasses sales strategies and management, demonstrating his well-rounded skills in the tech landscape.
Notable Achievements
- Founder of opX, GEEKUR, and ChicagoMicro: Julian has successfully established these brands within the tech community, focusing on innovation and high-quality service delivery.
- Two-time Microsoft Partner of the Year: This recognition underscores Julian’s excellence in providing technology solutions and insights that significantly contribute to Microsoft’s ecosystem.
- Synnex Partner of the Year: Further highlighting his impact, Julian’s leadership earned him this prestigious title, showcasing his ability to drive growth in technology distribution.
- Pioneering Ventures in Video Gaming and IT: Julian’s first company focused on video gaming, underscoring his long-standing passion for technology, which began with early gaming classics like Defender and Pac Man.
- Mergers and Acquisitions Expertise: His experience in M&A showcases his understanding of the tech landscape and strategic growth, enabling him to guide others in nurturing successful business ventures.
- Mentorship Roles: Julian takes pride in advising emerging entrepreneurs and startups, contributing his knowledge and experience to help them grow and succeed in the tech market. His belief in shaping future generations is evident in his desire for his children and their peers to witness and be inspired by his journey.
Julian’s mantra—"People really do hear you smile"—is a testament to his approach to business and life, making him a beloved figure among clients, employees, and peers alike. He embodies a philosophy of support and collaboration, inviting those in technology fields to connect and discuss innovative ideas. With a wealth of experience and a bright outlook on the future, Julian continues to thrive as a leader in technology, always on the lookout for the next big opportunity to innovate and inspire. Julian's primary areas of interest include IoT, technology distribution, security, cloud services, storage, and VR, and he welcomes any collaboration opportunities. His rich history in the industry, from foundational roles with early gaming giants like Atari to strategic positions at leading tech firms, serves as a testament to his enduring influence in the tech world. As he looks forward to future projects, Julian remains deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and generating impactful solutions within technology.
