James McAssey, Brave River Solutions Inc. co-founder and president
PBN Leaders & Achievers 2023
James McAssey
Brave River Solutions Inc.
Co-founder and president
WHEN ASKED TO DESCRIBE his leadership style, Brave River Solutions Inc. co-founder and President James McAssey keeps it very simplistic.
“I try to treat everybody the way I would want to be treated,” he said. “I lead by example.”
The Warwick-based technology solutions firm offers various services, including digital marketing, web and software development, information technology managed services and project consulting.
Brave River serves a diverse range of nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including law and accounting firms, real estate companies and manufacturers. Most organizations Brave River serves are based in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts.
Founded in 2000, the 30-employee company currently serves 300 clients, McAssey said. Soon, the company will serve its 1,000th client since the company’s inception close to a quarter century ago.
McAssey is proud of these longstanding client relationships, which have been built on a foundation of excellent customer service.
“We’re a services company, so the most important thing [we serve] is our people and what they do on a daily basis. Our clients trust us,” he said.
Relationships are also something McAssey keeps at the forefront while interviewing candidates for open positions. He prefers being the first person from the company to interview applicants to help set the right tone, he said.
McAssey grew up in Rhode Island and entered the field as a programmer after graduating from Bryant University in 1986 – then known as Bryant College. Over the years, he has seen a many changes in the technology industry. Much of Brave River’s success relies on staying on top of what is new. For example, McAssey mentioned the importance of advising clients on the latest web accessibility guidelines, which help ensure that those who have disabilities can obtain information online.
As an IT service provider, being well-versed on the latest issues in cybersecurity and online privacy in order to advise clients is essential, McAssey said.
“When I look at my role and the successful things we’ve done here, it’s about assembling the right team and choosing leaders that can be experts in their area,” he said. “We’re a very collaborative team.”
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