January 19, 2003

To Whom It May Concern:

Mike Strand and I have known each other for close to 15 years. I first met Mike when he was renting a 10 by 10 booth for his fledgling company, The Computer Connection. He was a bright, funny guy with an easy laugh and a clear vision for a product badly needed in the Auto. ID market. He also had the quiet determination and savvy necessary to make that product succeed but, more importantly, he was able to identify other ancillary products and cross-marketing opportunities that turned his vision from a one-note melody to a full symphony of products and services that became StrandWare, a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Despite his success, Mike remains Mike. There is no ego to him; I have never heard the words, “Sorry, that’s not my job” come out of his mouth. He is loyal to his people. He will do whatever it takes to make an idea he believes in work. When land needed to be cleared for the new StrandWare headquarters, Mike drove the bulldozer. 

I’m proud to call Mike both a colleague and a friend. He will bring great experience to any company looking for a bright spark, a logical, analytical mind, and a great sense of fun.

Best regards,

Christy Paxton 
Editor-in-Chief 
Builders Exchange – The Magazine
christy@bxmagazine.com