Our Story so Far

NKOL was founded in 1996 with a simple mission: to provide reliable, accessible support for all home computer needs. In the early days, the company focused on helping individual users navigate the rapidly growing world of personal computing—offering everything from hardware setup to virus removal and software troubleshooting. As demand for more advanced solutions grew, so did NKOL’s capabilities.

Between 1996 and 1999, NKOL evolved from a home tech resource into a full-service IT provider, shifting its focus to serve the expanding technology needs of small and medium-sized businesses across the greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. This transition included the introduction of networking solutions, server installations, and more robust business support services, laying the foundation for the company’s future in managed IT.

In 2001, NKOL brought on Ben Hanks to handle service calls and support client relationships. With his strong technical skills and commitment to customer service, Ben quickly became an essential part of the company’s growth. His dedication to quality and trust-based client interactions helped shape the culture of NKOL as a service-first organization.

By 2006, Ben Hanks acquired the company, bringing a fresh vision and long-term strategy to continue expanding NKOL’s footprint in the business technology space. Under his leadership, the company expanded its service offerings to include cybersecurity, network management, web hosting, and enterprise IT solutions.

In January 2019, David Gautraud—who had been a key contributor to NKOL since 2003—officially became a full partner alongside Ben. David brought years of hands-on experience and technical expertise, further strengthening the leadership team and enhancing the company’s ability to serve more complex business environments.

Today, NKOL continues to thrive as a trusted IT partner to organizations across a diverse range of industries. Our team supports clients in sectors such as law, finance, government, education, faith-based organizations and more, providing customized technology solutions that help them operate securely and efficiently.

We pride ourselves on staying ahead of the technology curve while never losing sight of what matters most: personal, honest, and dependable service. Whether you’re a small business looking to modernize your infrastructure or a large organization seeking reliable IT management, we invite you to contact us to learn more about what NKOL can do for your business.