Leadership comes in many forms, but few CEOs embody it with the literal height and flair of being a competitive pole vaulter. For Vintage IT Services, headquartered in Austin, Texas, the bar isn’t just high—it’s constantly rising, and CEO and Founder Laurie Felker Jones is clearing it with both grace and grit.
In a world where tech leadership is often defined by spreadsheets and boardroom buzzwords, Laurie’s story is refreshingly different. She’s not just managing a thriving IT services company; she’s also an elite-level pole vaulter who trains, competes, and inspires in equal measure. This blog explores the remarkable intersection of athletic discipline, business acumen, and community involvement that defines the leadership culture at Vintage IT Services.
The Athlete Behind the CEO
For Laurie, pole vaulting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle that fuels her leadership philosophy. The sport demands explosive energy, mental focus, resilience, and trust in the process. These are the same traits that have helped Vintage IT Services grow into one of Central Texas’ most respected managed service providers.
Balancing a rigorous training schedule with running a full-service IT firm isn’t easy. But as Laurie puts it, “Pole vaulting clears my mind. It resets my priorities. The same clarity I get from launching into the sky with a fiberglass pole, I bring back to my team, my business, and our clients.”
This athletic mindset has proven invaluable in shaping Vintage IT’s culture: one of discipline, drive, and never settling for the status quo.
From Basement Start-up to Industry Leader
Vintage IT Services was founded in 2001, and under Laurie’s leadership, it has grown from a small start-up to a trusted partner for businesses across the state. Specializing in managed IT services, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and help desk support, the company has built its reputation on reliability, performance, and trust.
The business landscape has shifted dramatically over the past two decades—especially in the tech world—but Vintage has kept pace by focusing on one key principle: personal connection.
“IT services can become cold and transactional,” Laurie explains. “We don’t want that. We want every client to feel that we are an extension of their business.”
That mindset is reflected in their high customer retention rates and long-standing relationships across industries such as legal, finance, real estate, and healthcare.
A Culture of Grit and Grace
Much like a pole vaulter must sprint with speed, plant the pole with precision, and soar with courage, Vintage IT’s team operates with that same blend of intensity and coordination. The company culture embraces continuous learning, accountability, and community.
Staff are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, to pursue challenges, and to embrace resilience when things get tough—a philosophy directly inspired by Laurie’s own journey in athletics.
This isn’t just talk. Employees often cite the work environment at Vintage IT as both inspiring and empowering. With leadership that literally walks the walk (or vaults the vault), it’s no surprise the company has built a team of motivated and mission-driven professionals.
Women in Tech and Sports
Laurie’s visibility as both a tech CEO and female athlete offers representation in two spaces that are still male-dominated. She’s not only shattering glass ceilings but clearing them with a 14-foot fiberglass pole.
Vintage IT is a certified Woman-Owned Business and takes pride in mentoring and supporting women across its team and client base. Laurie’s example opens doors for others who might not see themselves in traditional tech roles or executive positions.
“The courage it takes to vault over a bar translates to business,” Laurie shares. “Sometimes you’re unsure, sometimes you’re off-balance, but you commit anyway. That’s how growth happens.”
Community at the Core
Outside the office and off the track, Laurie is deeply involved in her local community. From volunteering with youth organizations to supporting local entrepreneurship, she exemplifies servant leadership.
This ethos is embedded in Vintage IT’s operations. The company frequently participates in local events, supports charitable causes, and offers pro-bono services to non-profits in need of IT support.
Their client relationships extend beyond technology—they become partnerships built on shared values and collective success.
The Future Looks High
With Laurie at the helm, the future of Vintage IT Services is looking as bright as a Texas sky. Her dual commitment to excellence in athletics and excellence in service delivery keeps the company agile, ambitious, and ahead of the curve.
As cyber threats grow and cloud technologies evolve, companies need partners who are grounded yet forward-looking. Vintage IT embodies this balance. They’re not just solving IT problems—they’re helping clients thrive in an increasingly digital world.
And just like in pole vaulting, it’s not about where you start—it’s how high you’re willing to go.
About Vintage IT Services
Based in Austin, Vintage IT Services provides comprehensive technology solutions for businesses across Texas. Services include:
- Managed IT Services
- Cybersecurity Solutions
- Cloud Hosting & Backup
- Disaster Recovery Planning
- 24/7 Help Desk Support
Whether you’re a growing small business or a well-established enterprise, Vintage IT tailors its services to meet your needs with professionalism and care.
Final Thoughts
Laurie Felker Jones is more than just a CEO—she’s a competitor, a role model, and a relentless optimist who lives her values. Her pole vaulting journey is more than a sport; it’s a metaphor for the company she leads and the standard she sets.
With heart, hustle, and a little bit of altitude, Vintage IT Services continues to reach new heights.Ready to work with a technology partner who understands how to lift your business off the ground? Get in touch with Vintage IT Services today.