Pete’s Perspective On Navigating Success

We caught up with Pete Rhodes – Former Business Unit Leader of Cunninghams Epos Group, currently with Hellenic Systems Ltd, to talk about his career progression, navigating success at Jonas, our ABCs, and more!

What was your career background prior to joining Jonas?

Before Jonas acquired the business, I had been with Cunninghams for eight years starting out as a support engineer. Over time, I worked my way up through supervisory roles in the implementations department. By the time of the acquisition, I was a department manager, overseeing the daily activities of our support and installation engineers. This involved making sure the teams ran smoothly, managing their workload, and ensuring we delivered high-quality service to our clients.

Can you describe your career progression since joining the team?

Since Jonas acquired the business in 2014, I’ve had the opportunity to progress through several roles. I was first promoted to Professional Services Manager, and not long after, I became Operations Manager as we acquired two similar businesses—Fashion Master and Epos group. As Operations Manager, I was responsible for overseeing the Professional Services and Support teams across all three companies as we began integrating them under the name Cunninghams Epos Group. In 2020, I transitioned from Operations Manager to Managing Director of the business, a role that significantly shaped my professional development. Leading the company through a period of rapid growth and change not only deepened my understanding of managing complex operations but also strengthened my leadership skills. The leadership experience I gained as Managing Director set the stage for my next challenge in 2024 when I moved to Hellenic Systems Ltd, where I now serve as Business Unit Leader, responsible for driving the business forward and sharing Jonas best practices.

What has been a particularly memorable achievement you’ve had at Jonas?

In 2017, I had the privilege of participating in the Jonas Leadership Course, a pivotal program designed to cultivate the next generation of Business Unit Leaders and Managing Directors across the group. The course was instrumental in preparing me for the demands of leadership, particularly in a rapidly growing company driven by acquisition. I truly believe that without the structured mentorship, strategic insights, and leadership development I gained through this program, I wouldn’t have progressed to the role of Managing Director at Cunninghams as quickly as I did. It provided me with a solid foundation to take on significant leadership responsibilities and ultimately transition to my current position as Business Unit Leader at Hellenic.

Another highlight of my journey with Jonas has been attending events like JSU and Jonas GROWs over the past decade. These gatherings bring together business leaders from around the world in Canada, offering a unique opportunity to share knowledge, best practices, and insights. The exposure to global perspectives, combined with the networking opportunities, has been invaluable. It’s a chance to learn from others’ experiences, address challenges collectively, and foster innovation. The collaborative spirit at these events has reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and they’ve played a significant role in my professional development.

How has Jonas helped you continue to develop your career path?

As mentioned earlier, the growth driven by acquisitions at Jonas has presented many opportunities, not only for lateral career moves but also for upward mobility. The dynamic nature of an acquisition-driven environment means that new roles, responsibilities, and challenges are constantly emerging, allowing employees to grow alongside Jonas. This unique structure offers a dual path for development: while some opportunities may involve broadening one’s skill set by moving sideways into different departments or business units, others allow for significant vertical progression into leadership roles.

In essence, Jonas’s acquisition strategy not only fuels the company’s growth but also ensures that its employees are continuously presented with new avenues for professional development. This creates a vibrant and ambitious workplace where hard work and initiative are met with tangible career progression opportunities.

What’s the most interesting lesson you have learned from working in VMS?

One of the most interesting lessons I’ve learned from working with VMS companies is just how transferable the knowledge and experience gained across different businesses and verticals can be. I’ve had the opportunity to work in four distinct businesses, spanning two very different verticals, and while each has its unique challenges and characteristics, the core principles of running a Jonas business remain consistent. This is largely due to the “playbook” we’ve created within Jonas, a guide that is continuously evolving and being refined by shared experiences and best practices.

What stands out most to me is the value of this collective knowledge. In Jonas, you’re never alone in navigating challenges or finding new ways to innovate. It’s like running your own business but with the power of a vast network behind you. If I’m facing a new opportunity or problem, there’s always someone in the group who has encountered something similar and can offer advice or inspiration.

In your opinion, what makes Jonas a great home for vertical market software companies? 

Jonas is a great home for VMS companies because of its long-term approach to growth and investment. We don’t just acquire businesses—we buy to hold forever. This philosophy ensures that every business we acquire is given the resources and support it needs to thrive over the long haul. We invest not only in the products but also in our people, helping to create a better working environment with improved benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. For me, this commitment to continuous improvement and creating value for both employees and clients is what makes Jonas stand out. There’s a strong focus on long-term sustainability, which allows businesses to operate with a future-oriented mindset.

How does Jonas set up acquired companies for success? 

Jonas ensures the success of acquired companies by taking a data-driven approach to decision-making. We analyze key metrics to identify opportunities for growth and improvement, which enables us to make informed decisions. Beyond data, we focus on empowering people within each business, encouraging innovation, and investing in talent to drive success. Jonas operates under a decentralized model, allowing each business to retain its own identity. This autonomy gives companies the flexibility to make decisions that best suit their markets while still having the backing of a global group that provides guidance and best practices.

What would you say to a business owner who is thinking of selling? 

IF you want to ensure that your company continues to grow and reach the next level, Jonas is the perfect place. We have a proven track record of nurturing acquired businesses, not just maintaining them but actively helping them evolve and improve. By joining Jonas, your company will benefit from the wealth of experience and resources we offer, while retaining the unique qualities that made it successful in the first place. If you’re seeking to preserve the legacy of your business and see it continue to prosper, Jonas provides the ideal environment to achieve that.

What gets you excited about Jonas’ future?

The sheer scale and pace of our growth mean that there will always be opportunities to step up, take on greater responsibilities, and shape the future of not just one business but many. It’s not just about personal growth but about being part of something much larger, contributing to the sustained success of a global organization that’s continuously expanding and evolving.

If you own a software business, we would love to learn more about your company. Feel free to reach out and learn more.

Thank you, Pete, for sharing your story with us. Looking for a successful career like Pete’s? Learn how you can join the family at Jonas Software by clicking the button below

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