Missouri company expands reach to Northwest Arkansas

Pearson-Kelly Technology from Springfield, Mo., completed a purchase on Sept. 1, to enter the Northwest Arkansas marketplace.

According to a press release Pearson-Kelly Rogers has acquired Digital Printing Solutions Inc. No financial details were disclosed.

Both companies offer similar services in the copier and printer technology. Pearson-Kelly offers managed IT services as well as telephone systems, surveillance cameras and telephone systems.

DPS, which was founded in 1999, is rebranding to Pearson-Kelly Technology. It will maintain its Rogers location at 4104 S. Honeysuckle Lane.

“I could not be more excited to watch Pearson-Kelly grow and serve the businesses of Northwest Arkansas,” Pearson-Kelly owner and CEO Chelsey Bode said. “With PKT’s commitment to pioneering tech solutions and DPS’ mastery in print management, our organizations are united with the goal to bring exceptional service to businesses in Missouri and Arkansas.”

DPS CEO Michael Gower said it wasn’t easy selecting an acquisition partner, but he is confident Pearson-Kelley is the right choice.

“We are extremely excited to stay working hand in hand serving the Northwest Arkansas communities with continued top-notch support,” he said.

Mike Kelly, Bode’s father, co-founded the business in 2004 and became the sole owner in 2011. Bode Kelly joined the company as its sixth employee in 2007. Four years later, she became a partner and president. The father and daughter duo managed the business from 2011 until 2021. Pearson-Kelly expanded its service offerings and added a new Joplin, Mo. office during this 10-year period.

After several years of succession planning, Bode became the company’s sole owner in October 2021.

DPS had eight employees. After the acquisition, Pearson-Kelly now employs 52 people.

Bode declined to disclose the total revenue. She said DPS’s 2022 revenue was about 18% of Pearson-Kelly’s revenue total that year.