Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Jim Williams came from humble yet supportive beginnings becoming a successful entrepreneur who would create the opportunity and means to give back.
Starting in the telecom industry over 30 years ago, in 1981 as one of the original founders of a start-up business in 1981 named TIE Communications was labelled one of Canada's fastest growing telecom equipment manufacturers. TIE grew from a start-up with under 10 employees into a $150 million a year public company in 5 years. Tie was sold in 1988, and Jim stayed on as Vice President of sales until January 1992, when he left to found Williams Telecommunications Corp in February 1992.
Jim is currently President and CEO of Williams Telecommunications, Dakota Technologies, Frontrunner Network Systems and recently ICS Telecom.
Williams Telecommunications Corp, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, is recognized as the premier independent worldwide distributor of telecommunications equipment and supplier of information and customer service. Williams houses the country's leading state-of-the-art telecom repair facility and warehousing complex, which has the most extensive new and remanufactured inventory available in the industry. Under Jim's leadership, Williams Telecom has become a trusted industry expert for up to date information and expertise on equipment value as his commitment to quality and outstanding service is second to none. His hard-earned reputation for reliability and integrity instilled the necessary reputation and brand equity that was, and still is the hallmark of Williams Telecommunications Corp.
In 1998, Williams purchased Dakota Technologies based in Mississauga, Ontario, a factory repair and remanufacturing facility for telecommunications products. Dakota has developed a world-class state-of-the-art facility featuring advanced technology at every workstation. With both through-hole and double-sided PCB build and test equipment, its engineers and support staff possess the tools that make outsourcing repairs a much easier decision.
In 2008, Williams purchased Frontrunner Network Systems based in Rochester, New York, a former division of the Rochester Telecom Company that was founded in 1978. Jim quickly turned the struggling company around and has increased business significantly with his dedicated team. Frontrunner has over 6 offices in New York State and Chicago, providing business communication and IP security equipment and services to enterprise, as well as medium and small business clients across the Northeast and Midwest. Their comprehensive solutions combine products from industry leading Unified Communications, Wi-Fi, IP Physical Security, IP Access Control, Data, Video and Mass Messaging manufacturers. They encompass all facets of design, installation, maintenance and monitoring services - everything customers need to operate their mission-critical networks at peak efficiency.
In July 2013, Williams purchased ICS Telecom based in Rochester, New York, ICS Telecom was founded in 1976, and has been under the original ownership until this purchase. ICS Telecom has 2 offices in New York State and provides business communication solutions to over 4500 customers in Upstate New York. ICS Telecom has evolved as a leader in offering comprehensive voice, data, and network services providing unmatched integration and customer implementation.
A noted philanthropist and active member of the community, Jim inspires other business leaders to view corporate social responsibility not as an obligation, but an opportunity to realize their potential for giving back. Jim has generously donated not only financially to Foundations throughout North America but he has also participated in fund-raising events by contributing his time for a wide variety of successful events that have not only raised awareness but also tens of millions of dollars Respected for his principles and passion, Jim has received wide recognition not only for his philanthropic efforts but his business and leadership skills as well.
In addition, he has served as a director on the Credit Valley Hospital Foundation, and currently serves on the board of the JYD Children's Charity.
As well as his charitable contributions, Jim is also involved in many trade and industry associations including the YPO – Young Presidents Organization, WPO – World Presidents Organization, CITA – the Canadian Independent Telecom Associates and NATD – the North American Telecom Dealers.
Jim's drive to succeed has enabled him to live out his passion for fine cars; he is a well-known premier car collector. Jim also uses his collection in a positive way - to generate revenue for worthy causes such as the Rally for Kids with Cancer.