OXEN Technology Chronological History Timeline

1982

Arlin Sorensen purchases an Apple II Plus computer to manage farm accounting, crop yields, and inventory, laying the foundation for what would become OXEN Technology.

Actual computer shown.
1985

Arlin Sorensen establishes Sorensen's Computer Connection, Inc. (SCCI) in Harlan, Iowa.

Bill and Jane Owens Cage establish Connecting Point in Joplin, Missouri.

Two independent technology companies begin serving businesses across their respective regions.
1995
Connie Arentson joins SCCI as a technician.

Following the death of Bill Cage, Jane Cage assumes sole ownership and leadership of Connecting Point.
1997
SCCI grows to approximately $4 million in annual revenue, becoming a leading regional technology provider in western Iowa.
2000
Arlin Sorensen launches HTG Peer Groups, a business benchmarking and peer collaboration framework that later evolves into ConnectWise IT Nation Evolve.
January 2003
Sorensen's Computer Connection and Connecting Point merge to form Heartland Technology Solutions (HTS).

Arlin Sorensen becomes CEO and Jane Cage becomes COO.
2003
HTS acquires Beacon Micro of Ames, Iowa, expanding its geographic footprint and strengthening operations in central Iowa.
2003-2012
HTS expands throughout Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

Builds expertise across Microsoft, Cisco, HP, Novell, and SonicWall technologies.

Evolves from computer sales into systems integration, managed services, hosting, IP telephony, and precision agriculture solutions.
2009
Connie Arentson is promoted to President of Heartland Technology Solutions, overseeing daily operations and service delivery.
May 22, 2011
The devastating Joplin EF5 tornado strikes southwest Missouri.

HTS leadership and the Joplin office play a significant role in community recovery efforts.

Jane Cage leads the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team (CART) and helps guide the long-term rebuilding strategy for Joplin.
January 2, 2013
WesTel Systems acquires Heartland Technology Solutions.

Operations transition under West Iowa Technology LLC.

Fifty-seven employees transfer into the new organization.

Connie Arentson remains President and Bob Gannon becomes CEO.
2013-2015
Leadership focuses on standardizing managed IT services, infrastructure management, and operational processes across the organization.
Late 2015
Leadership initiates a comprehensive rebranding effort to unify multiple historical brands and locations under a single identity.
May 25, 2016
Heartland Technology Solutions officially becomes OXEN Technology.

The OXEN brand is launched to reflect strength, reliability, teamwork, and Midwestern values.

Branch operations, service delivery, and customer experience are unified under one company identity.
2016-2024
OXEN accelerates its transformation from a traditional MSP to a cloud-focused technology partner.

Expands Microsoft Azure services, centralized management, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity offerings.

Continues regional growth across the Midwest.
2024
OXEN advances a cybersecurity-first strategy centered on managed security, compliance, threat detection, incident response, and vCISO consulting.

The OXEN Operate framework becomes a cornerstone service platform.
December 2, 2024
Heather Lantz is appointed President of OXEN Technology by Chairman Luke Harvey.

Leadership begins a new phase of growth focused on cybersecurity, compliance, operational excellence, and EOS-driven scalability.
2025-Present
OXEN expands managed cybersecurity offerings including:
- vCISO Services
- Compliance Consulting
- Incident Response Planning
- Zero Trust Security Strategies
- Managed Detection & Response
- Critical Infrastructure Security Programs
May 27, 2026
OXEN celebrates significant investment in southwest Missouri with dual ribbon cuttings in partnership with the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and Webb City Chamber of Commerce.

The Joplin operation is recognized as a regional cybersecurity center of excellence.

The company marks its relocation to a modern facility at 1531 West 32nd Street, Joplin, Missouri while maintaining its longstanding presence in the community.
Today
OXEN Technology operates as a leading Cybersecurity Partner and Managed Service Provider (MSP) serving organizations across the United States.

The company combines managed IT, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance, and strategic advisory services while remaining anchored by its historic operations in Harlan, Iowa and Joplin, Missouri.