Exciting Times for Equinox

Since 1996, David West has overseen all sales and marketing initiatives for Equinox Information Systems, serving as their EVP. His experience working closely with hundreds of customers combined with collaborative efforts across the entire Equinox team to develop solutions and innovations to address business challenges in all sectors of telecom made him the perfect choice to step up as their new CEO.

In September 1986, Byron Middendorf and Wayne Lowe founded Equinox Information Systems based on a simple but powerful desire to create a great place to work. Their mantra of ‘family first’ and singular focus on what really matters paved the way for bringing that mission to life. They actively fostered this environment and invested in people to ensure the mission is as true today as when they initially founded the company.

One person in whom they invested is David West. In 1996, just as he was completing his MBA work at Vanderbilt and formulating the next step in his career, David contacted Byron and asked to have lunch together. After the meal ended, Byron told Wayne they must hire David. Although they weren’t recruiting for any position, David’s intelligence, ability to listen, and articulate communication skills impressed the two founders and earned him an offer as their head salesperson. David’s impact on the company and its success has been evident every day since he accepted that offer.

Having devoted almost 4 decades of his professional life to creating a great place to work, Wayne Lowe well earned his retirement and started that new chapter of his life in 2023. After overseeing that transition, Byron began shepherding the business in an exciting new direction. July 31, 2024, saw that direction come to fruition as Equinox changed ownership. Valsoft’s acquisition of Equinox marks a thrilling new chapter for both companies. Valsoft has acquired almost one hundred software companies in their history, and ours is the first organization in telecom. This union strengthens our position in the market, allows for future product expansions, and further enhances Equinox’s ability to help our customers grow. We are thrilled to embark on this journey together with Valsoft.

The acquisition also marked the beginning of Byron’s transition to retirement as well as David West’s new role as Equinox CEO. As Byron explained, “The most rewarding aspect of my time at Equinox is being witness to the transformation of our employees over their careers here. David West joined us in 1996 fresh from Vanderbilt’s MBA program. What a joy to see where his passion, intelligence, and work ethic have taken Equinox. I could not be happier, prouder, or more confident in putting the reins of Equinox into his very capable hands. Our future has never been brighter!”

David reflected on these events by saying, “I’m honored to step into this new role and gratefully acknowledge Byron and Wayne for making this opportunity possible. They built an amazing foundation of trust and friendship with employees, customers, and partners alike. I pledge to uphold the standards they established as I work with the current Equinox team, new Valsoft partners, and existing customers to achieve new heights of success.”

David’s focus on sales and strategic planning will serve him well as he takes the helm of Equinox. Before beginning his career at Equinox, David obtained a BA in Political Science from Wheaton College (IL) and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. He also spent 5 years in the publishing industry with roles in sales and project management. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two adult daughters, earning splat points at Orange Theory Fitness, and serving his parish as Treasurer at St. Bartholomew's Church.

We are eager to begin this new venture with Valsoft, enthusiastically endorse David in his new leadership role, and humbled to have you all on this journey with us!

About the Author

Amy Oldham is the Director, Corporate Communications at Equinox Information Systems, where she creates and maintains the company’s technical documentation and all other customer-facing publications. Amy is also responsible for the company’s newsletter, email campaigns, press releases, and social media presence. When not writing, Amy enjoys spending time with her amazing husband and awesome adult son, playing tennis, attending Dave Matthews Band concerts, and swimming.

To learn more about Equinox, its products, and staff, visit www.equinoxis.com or call (615) 612-1200.