JON STEVENS CIO of CDW

How long at current company: Eight years this spring

Career accomplishment I'm most proud of: To pick one is hard, but I'd have to say it was the integration of Micro Warehouse in 2002-2003. This was the largest acquisition for CDW at the time and my first integration as CIO of the company.

Most important career influencer: No single person has influenced me more than the CDW executive committee and my team here in IT. At CDW, everything we do revolves around the customer and both of these groups have taught me the value of teamwork and what this means for the customer.

Decision I wish I could do over: I'm not a person who has a lot of regrets. I would just say I wish I had arrived at CDW earlier.

The next big thing for my business will be ... to transition our business model from just product sales to looking at more of the advanced technology solution. In addition, we're looking to grow our business nationally.

Advice for future CIOs: Get to know your business and spend more time understanding and working with your business partners rather than just managing the technology. At the end of the day, technology is an enabler for the people, the process, and ultimately the customer.

IT budget (approximate): About $85 million

Size of IT team: 270

Top three initiatives:

• Evolve CDW's traditional business model to meet our customers' need for one point of contact for advanced tech products and services.
• Continue to shift toward uniting our products and services to provide one complete technology solution to our customers.
• Enhance our Web site to include advancements in search and browse capabilities as well as the ability to compare product information. Also improve the process that takes Web site visitors from product consideration to end purchase.

How I measure IT effectiveness: We look at the answers to these questions: How are we serving our customers? How are we working and collaborating with customers? What's the quality of the products and services being delivered? How are we doing in sales?

Colleges/degrees: University of Dayton, BS in computer information systems management

Favorite presidential candidate: Abraham Lincoln

Favorite leisure activity: Spending time with my wife and three kids, who are all under the age of 12

If I weren't a CIO, I'd be ... leading a business unit somewhere.