Thriving Technology Company EKI Consulting, and Table Tennis Company Killerspin Stand Alone As Successful, Non-Traditional Business Enterprises for Young CEO

CHICAGO, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Though it has operated largely under the radar for more than a decade, Electronic Knowledge Interchange (EKI), Chicago's premier technology solutions provider, has done anything but go unnoticed by competitors, or major computer giants like Microsoft and IBM. But so has Killerspin, a global advocate and brand committed to driving awareness of the sport of table tennis, also based in the same city.

Interestingly enough, both companies are led by 47 year-old visionary entrepreneur Robert Blackwell, Jr., who founded both, and remains firmly at each ones' helm as CEO. Acknowledged industry-wide as a leader in just over a decade since its founding, EKI provides award-winning technology solutions to a diversity of clientele, delivering integrated solutions that enhance business performance, increase productivity and thereby reduce costs.

With customer satisfaction as a core objective, EKI develops software applications that simplify business processes, link employees, partners and customers and that ultimately speed delivery of products and projects, accruing measurable business benefits. All of these are intangibles that enable clients to employ cutting-edge technology toward competitive advantage. Similarly, the innovative Killerspin stands atop its proverbial game, pushing for countries worldwide to embrace table tennis, its fitness benefits, its top athletes and four apparel and equipment brands -- certainly interesting paths to have embarked upon for a young man then in his thirties.

'For EKI, it was apparent to me that there was a void to be filled in 1996,' states Blackwell. 'The decision (to establish the company) was just based upon my cumulative experience. I thought that if we could create a company with the right culture, that could attract the right people and that had the right focus, then we could have a good company,' he adds. 'I think that we've accomplished that -- somewhat. But you never really get there. You just have to keep working hard and try to continually improve upon the value that you create for your employees and your customers.'

In 2006, Blackwell's EKI was named by technology pioneer IBM as a Premier Business Partner, the highest status bestowed by IBM's Business Partner Program in recognition of EKI's heightened level of investment, skill and commitment to working with them.