When you first meet Robert and Gary (cofounders of BizXcel) you might think them an unlikely pair – ill-suited to run a business together.

Gary is a flamboyant, outgoing and an all-around friendly guy. The one you go to when you want to have a good time or just to sit and talk with. A real people person. Robert is quiet and reserved. He’s the type of person you know you can count on to do what’s right, who will always give you the facts and only the facts. Loyal and dependent.

Truly the odd couple.

So how does it work?

How have they come together to create an internationally known company with dozens upon dozens of satisfied clients?

Let me tell you the story. And it’s not just any dry, boring business story.

It’s a... um... love story. Yes, the love story of Art and Science.

On a blustery, fall day or was it a hot, summer day? No matter, on a day in 2007, Gary and Robert combined their respective, yet distinct talents to take business to new heights.

Something happened that day that is rare indeed in the world of business (no, the printer did not un-jam itself). An I.T. firm and a training company joined forces to create a “total solutions” company providing organizations with a full arsenal of products and services to meet all their needs.

But, let’s backtrack; before it was love Gary and Robert advanced through the business world, alone, building their respective companies.

Both were extremely successful – Gary’s training and consulting business was thriving under his philosophy that every person and organization is unique and therefore the solution must also be unique. Comfortable in a classroom on-site with 15-20 people or on a stage in front of 1500, Gary’s energy, personality and expertise were duly noted and sought after by companies. He was even recognized in Canadian Business magazine.

Robert took on the project management world with a focus on information technology solutions. Building a team of experienced and innovative developers and specialists, his projects were the subject of Microsoft case studies and were highlighted in IT Business magazine and The Globe and Mail.

While both companies were growing exponentially in their respective fields, both Gary and Robert knew something was missing. They were increasingly noticing clients’ inability to find a company that could offer them a wide range of services to meet their needs.

Then, in 2005, Gary and Robert, the Art and Science of the business world met.

No, it wasn’t love at first sight. They played hard to get, afraid to commit and relinquish full control of their own successful businesses; however they were intrigued with the idea of a partnership. So for the next few years they flirted with the idea.

At first, they worked together on a few projects, feeling each other out to see if they would be the right fit. As the next couple of years went by, they found themselves teaming up on more and more projects with impressive results.

The more they worked together, the more they knew it was fate. They were a match, able to provide both sides of the puzzle that had been eluding clients.

In 2007, they made it official. A partnership was formed between Gary’s Volition Alliance Group and Robert’s WoodRidge Data Solutions. They became BizXcel, operating under the new mission to generate greatness by inspiring people, creating innovative solutions and fostering dynamic organizations.

Gary and Robert. Art and Science. Love and Business. Finally, a solutions-based company you can call on to meet all of your organization’s needs. Well, almost all, unfortunately, the only thing they can’t do is teach your printer to un-jam itself. But there’s still hope for another miracle.

The End