How We Stay Lean to Keep Schools First – Especially in Uncertain Times

With recent industry shifts and news of layoffs at some major EdTech companies, we’ve had a district ask us, “How are you holding up?”

The honest answer? Things have been steady –  and we’re really grateful for that. It’s taken a lot of quiet planning and intentional choices behind the scenes. From the start, we’ve been thoughtful about how we grow and spend, leaning into a frugal approach that helps us stay flexible and focused on what matters most.

We’re not the loudest company in the room, but we’ve found strength in being consistent and focused. It’s easy to look around and compare, especially in a fast-moving industry –  but we’ve stayed true to what works for us: sustainability, adaptability, and building real relationships with the schools we serve.

Here’s how that mindset helps us keep costs low and support strong, especially in uncertain times.

We All Wear Multiple Hats

The person managing parts orders is also a relationship manager. Our marketing lead works directly with customers, too. Our salespeople might be helping with repairs. This flexibility keeps payroll lean and collaboration high.

We Rarely Go Big – But When We Do, It’s with Purpose

You won’t find us sponsoring every conference or throwing frequent parties. Most of the time, we keep things low-key – partly because of budget, and partly because we’re introverts. You don’t want to see us at a rooftop party, trust me. But every once in a while, we go all in. Like that time we gave away a cruise and hosted an afterparty at HECC. It’s not because it was expected, but because we genuinely wanted to celebrate the people who make this work so rewarding.

We Bid Out Every Part

Every order goes through multiple vendors – domestic and overseas – to make sure we’re getting the best pricing. We pass those savings on to schools rather than padding our margins.

We Only Order What We Need

Instead of sitting on large amounts of inventory, we place orders based on what schools actually need. This means fewer storage costs, less waste, and the ability to adapt quickly when devices or part needs shift.

We Reuse and Repurpose Parts

When a device can’t be saved, we salvage whatever we can. Good screens, trackpads, and even screws often get a second life. It’s better for the environment and your budget.

We Split Booth Costs with Trusted Partners

Instead of going solo, we share our space with other vendors we trust. It’s good for the budget and good for the industry. Collaboration beats competition every time.

We Don’t Wine and Dine

We’re not the steakhouse type. We’d rather bring you coffee, swing by with snacks, or just be the ones who pick up the phone when you call. Sometimes that looks like sharing a fun experience together – like the Underground Tour in Seattle, which turned out to be one of those small but unforgettable moments we still laugh about. It’s not about glitz – it’s about connection. And to us, that’s what really matters.

We Don’t Hire Quickly

Every hire is intentional, and we’re slow to hire. We think about what a role really needs, how it aligns with our values, and whether we’re growing for the right reasons – not just for the sake of growth.

We Keep Travel Costs Reasonable

Ever wonder why we’re always staying at the hotel across the street vs the conference hotel? When we attend events or visit districts, we stay somewhere clean, safe, and affordable. We just do what’s needed to get the job done.

We Rely on Honest, Not Flashy, Marketing

Marketing is not a large focus. We invest in relationships, referrals, and thoughtful content that helps schools make educated choices.

We Keep Pricing Simple and Transparent

No surprise fees. No confusing tiers. Just honest pricing and helpful people behind it.

We’re Frugal on Purpose

We regularly audit our expenses against our budgets, looking closely at where money is going and where we can save. Every month, we review what’s working and what could be done more efficiently. No one here gets rewarded for spending more – in fact, we value the kind of thinking that helps us stay lean. Our team is encouraged to speak up when something doesn’t feel necessary, and those conversations are part of how we operate.

Tariffs may rise. The market may shift. Competitors may come and go. But we’re here for the long haul, not the spotlight. We’ll keep running lean, staying honest, and doing what’s best for schools – because that’s what matters most.