When there’s significant change at the core executive level of a dealership, the degree of transition difficulty can sometimes depend upon how involved the previous regime was in the selling/account acquisition realm. Popularity must also be taken into account. Is the outgoing leader a known quantity, maybe highly respected and admired, or perhaps even beloved?
Michael Lepper knows the size of shoe he has to fill as the first-year CEO of Impact Networking. Frank Cucco, who transitioned from CEO/partner to board member/partner at the start of 2025, is not an easy act to follow. Plus, his notoriety extends well past the Chicago market his dealership calls home. Under Cucco’s regime, Impact recognized the value and potential managed IT offered its business. As IT’s share of the Impact business pie surpasses 50% and annual revenue exceeds $200 million, it puts a serious onus on Lepper to keep Impact ahead of the curve.
In this installment of Two-Minute Drill, Lepper explains how his experience and qualifications best equip him to ensure Impact Networking remains an industry trendsetter and innovator. He’s also tasked with spearheading the dealership’s next generation and the face of the company.
Congratulations on the appointment. What would you say has best prepared you to take on this position?
Lepper: Thank you! My 14 years in sales made me a well-rounded individual. I learned a ton from the grit and grind of knocking on doors in 2010, meeting with executives when selling multi-million-dollar solutions, and everything in between. I spent quite a bit of time with Frank Cucco, Dan Meyer and Tom Pieters, along with the rest of the Impact leadership team and many other great leaders from other organizations. I like to think I’m a sponge and every opportunity is a learning opportunity. I have a lot to learn, but situational awareness and understanding people and culture has always been a natural trait of mine, so between that and the great people I’ve learned from throughout my career, I’m excited to take on this challenge.
You’ve taken on the CEO role during the height of digital transformation and the emergence of AI. What will be the key to staying on the cutting edge of technology while still addressing the more traditional office needs?
Lepper: No better time to be in the managed services business! Technology will take us to new heights, AI is a major disruptor, and we have to continue to leverage these tools to grow. The key is to stay educated, but the most important thing within that is to implement a handful of things instead of trying to boil the ocean with a laundry list of ideas and getting nothing done.
You have big shoes to fill. What are the most important lessons/insights that Frank Cucco imparted on you?
Lepper: Frank is a great person. He came in every day with a great attitude and always wanted to take care of the people. We are very similar in that regard. He’s a visionary and is always stayed on the cutting edge. Growth and scale was always top of mind. Also, love what you do and you will never work a day in life.
What are your goals for the first 12 months?
Lepper: Get out to every office twice to meet with the people and understand what is working and what isn’t. Obviously, hit budget! Drive necessary change in sales and service delivery to stay cutting edge. And take care of our employees and customers.
