Technology Leadership Backed by Real-World Experience

Meet Lee Thornton

Founder & Principal Consultant

Technology strategist and former vCIO advising hundreds of businesses on technology, strategy, and growth.

Experience at a Glance

  • Over 20 years of technology leadership
  • Began entrepreneurial journey at age 15, building custom computers and providing technology services
  • Corporate trainer teaching A+, Network+, CCNA and Microsoft Certifications
  • Over 15 years in the managed services industry
  • Strategic advisor to hundreds of business as a vCIO
  • Former CTO for multiple financial services organizations

My career in technology began at age 15, when I launched my first business building custom computers and providing mobile PC repair for local clients in my hometown.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work inside hundreds of organizations, helping leadership teams align technology decisions with real business goals, strengthen security, and build more reliable operations.

More than two decades later, that same passion for helping organizations use technology more effectively continues to drive the work we do at ESGTEC.

Why I Started ESGTEC

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with a wide range of organizations and leadership teams. One thing became consistently clear: technology plays a critical role in growth, security, and day-to-day operations, but many businesses do not receive the strategic guidance they truly need.

Too often, IT is delivered reactively. Problems get fixed, but there is not enough focus on long-term planning, business alignment, or using technology as a tool to improve how the organization operates.

That is the gap ESGTEC was created to fill.

I started ESGTEC to provide businesses with more than routine IT support. My goal was to build a company centered on long-term partnership, thoughtful planning, and technology leadership that helps organizations move forward with confidence.

At ESGTEC, we believe technology should do more than keep a business running. It should help the business grow, adapt, and succeed.

Outside of work, my greatest priority is spending time with my wife, Kristen, and my daughter, Adisyn. We love traveling together and making memories as a family. They are at the center of everything I do.

Beyond family, I’m fortunate to have a close circle of friends who feel more like family as well.

When I have time for hobbies, I enjoy being outdoors. Golf is one of my favorite ways to relax, unplug, and spend time outside.

Another passion of mine is aviation. Becoming a private pilot at age 41 was a lifelong goal and one of my proudest accomplishments. When time allows, I enjoy flying general aviation aircraft and continuing to learn more about aviation.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help businesses align technology with their goals through dependable IT services, thoughtful strategy, and trusted long-term partnership.

Strategic Technology Guidance

We work with leadership teams to align technology decisions with business goals, strengthen security, and support long-term growth.

 

Trusted Long-Term Partnership

We believe strong IT relationships are built on responsiveness, transparency, and planning that evolves with the business.

Our Vision for the Future

Our Vision

Our vision is to help businesses move beyond simply maintaining technology and start using it as a true strategic advantage.

We believe organizations of every size deserve access to the kind of technology leadership, planning, and partnership that has traditionally been reserved for larger enterprises.

By combining dependable IT management with thoughtful strategy and long-term partnership, ESGTEC helps businesses build technology environments that support growth, strengthen security, and adapt to an increasingly digital world.

The Principles That Guide Our Work

Partnership First

We believe the best results come from strong relationships. We work closely with the organizations we support, taking the time to understand their goals, challenges, and long-term vision so technology decisions truly support the business.

Reliability and Accountability

Clients should be able to depend on their technology partner. We take ownership, follow through, and focus on delivering dependable service, clear communication, and consistent results.

Strategic Thinking

Technology should support business goals, not distract from them. We help organizations make informed decisions that improve efficiency, strengthen security, and support long-term growth.

Transparency and Trust

Strong partnerships are built on honesty and clarity. We communicate openly, make practical recommendations, and work to earn trust through consistency and follow-through.

Continuous Improvement

Technology and business needs are always evolving. We believe in continually refining systems, processes, and strategies so organizations can stay secure, efficient, and prepared for what comes next.

Let's Elevate Your IT Strategy

Ready to take your IT operations to the next level? Contact us today to explore how ESGTEC can provide the strategic leadership and reliable services your business needs to thrive.