<48HD> ‘Family First’
The dynamic duo recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the IT technology and management company they founded together after Page Moon’s previous company was shutting down during the dot com crash.
“An opportunity presented to us when we were able to buy assets out of that previous company,” said Elizabeth Moon, who serves as CEO of Focus Data Solutions. “That allowed us to start Focus Data Solutions
The two met while students at the University of Virginia and took the plunge to start their own business when their daughter was born.
“We started out as a broadcast email company working primarily with political organizations,” said company CIO Page Moon. “We then transitioned into what I like to do, which is help companies run their networks.”
“We would not be the company we are without being part of the larger community.
— Focus Data Solutions CEO Elizabeth Moon
The company has grown into an award-winning services provider, matching individual business goals with technology and management services.
“Working with a spouse is always challenging,” Elizabeth Moon said. “We work in very separate areas of the business. As our staff will attest to, Page’s office is on the third floor and mine is on the first floor and that is what guarantees a successful business partnership.”
Both Page and Elizabeth Moon are actively involved in the local community, serving on nonprofit boards such as First Night Alexandria and Elizabeth Moon is a past board chair for the Chamber of Commerce.
Page Moon is a Navy veteran and served on the city’s IT Commission. Both have been actively involved as parents with St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School with Page Moon serving on the Board of Governors.
“We would not be the company we are without being part of the larger community,” Elizabeth Moon said. “We are very proud of that aspect and our family first company culture.”
Amanda Chandler has worked at Focus Data Solutions for 11 years and agrees.
“Working for the Moons, family definitely comes first,” Chandler said. “They make sure that the staff gets the proper training and resources that we need for professional development. They put a lot of energy into making this a great workplace with the core principles of collaborate, trust and communicate instilled in us every day.”
The company has grown to 18 employees, something Page Moon sees as a success.
“We have been in business for 20 years and been profitable every year,” he said. “We’ve had an opportunity to build our team and I take a great deal of pride that we are providing for them as well as for ourselves.”
Each had their own advice for others looking to start their own business.
“Join the Chamber and get involved in the community,” Page Moon said. “You may not necessarily walk into the first Business After Hours event and land a client but you’re going to gain lifetime friends and acquaintances in the business community that can help you grow your business.”
Elizabeth Moon’s advice: “Have a really good lawyer, a really good accountant and a really good mentor to help you. We were lucky in all those respects.”