30 Years of Vision: Celebrating the One and Only Garritt Grandberg
Milestone | Visionary Services, Inc.
30 Years of Vision: Celebrating the One and Only Garritt Grandberg
We all gathered this week on Wednesday to celebrate Garritt and his legacy here at Visionary. Some milestones are measured in numbers. Thirty years at Visionary is measured in something far more meaningful: the people shaped, the problems solved, and the countless moments that quietly made this company what it is today.
| 30 Years at Visionary | 1995 Started as an intern | 1996 Joined Visionary full time | ∞ People impacted |
Meet Garritt
A Three-Decade Journey at Visionary
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Garritt Grandberg Executive Advisor, Technology & Engineering
Garritt grew up in south-central Iowa and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Dubuque. He joined Visionary as an intern in 1995 and came on full time in 1996. And the rest, as they say, is Visionary history. |
| 🎮 Game development hobbyist |
🎬 Movie enthusiast |
❤ Devoted husband & dad of three |
In his own words
Thirty years, thousands of small moments
"Thirty years is a strange thing to try to summarize because it really doesn't feel like one big accomplishment or milestone to me. It feels more like thousands of small moments, solving problems, working through challenges, helping people where I could, and getting to do it alongside a lot of genuinely good people."
"When I look back, the part I value most isn't necessarily what was built or fixed, but the relationships and experiences along the way. I've always believed we're shaped by the people around us, and I've been fortunate to work with people who challenged me, supported me, made me laugh, and helped me grow both professionally and personally."
Garritt offered special thanks to David Safris for taking a chance on him as an intern back in 1995, an opportunity that, in his words, "turned into a lifetime of friendships, experiences, and rewards."
A word from the founder
From David Safris, Founder & Former President of Visionary
"Thirty years ago, we were a small team with modest equipment and a lot of ambition. What I could not have anticipated then was how much Garritt would come to mean to this company and to me personally." "Beyond the remarkable technical contributions he has made over the decades, Garritt has been a trusted partner and a steadfast friend. There were countless moments along the way, over lunch, working through a difficult problem, where his steady presence and thoughtful perspective made all the difference. Even when we did not have the answer, we always found a way forward together." "Looking back on thirty years of technology change, business growth, and everything in between, I can say with certainty: there is no way I could have navigated it all, personally or professionally, without Garritt by my side. We built something truly remarkable together, and I am deeply grateful for every year of it." "Garritt, I hope I have expressed my gratitude along the way, but if not, let me say it clearly now: thank you. For your loyalty, your friendship, and for taking a chance on this journey alongside me all those years ago." David Safris, Founder & Former President, Visionary Services |
A little perspective
What the world looked like when Garritt started
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1995 — Garritt joins VSi as an intern An intern walks into a small company headed by David Safris. An immediate connection forms. Nobody knows it yet, but this is the start of something lasting. |
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1996 — Garritt joins full time After graduating from the University of Dubuque, Garritt comes on board full time. The rest, as they say, is Visionary history. |
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Pop culture The world was watching aliens blow up the White House in Independence Day, dodging tornadoes in Twister, and Tom Cruise was hanging from wires in Mission: Impossible. |
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Technology Dial-up internet was considered fast. Floppy disks were cutting edge. Desktop apps ruled the world, until Garritt helped Visionary move beyond them. |
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Then & now — Nick "Through every reorg, every 'reply all' catastrophe, and every pot of questionable break room coffee, Garritt has been here. Thirty years is not a number. It's a legacy." |
What the team is saying
Voices from across Visionary
"There are so many great things I could say about Garritt, it's hard to narrow it down to just a few words. He has been such an important part of my professional journey and has supported me in countless ways." "No matter how busy he is, he always makes time to help, explain, and offer thoughtful advice, never once making anyone feel like a burden for asking. He is selfless and genuinely wants everyone around him to succeed." "His positive attitude is unwavering, his dedication unmatched, and his sense of humor always perfectly timed. He's truly one of the best." Kelsy Sinnwell, Vice President, Visionary Services |
"His sense of humor always makes me laugh. He is so easy-going, and also incredibly knowledgeable." |
"Without a doubt the most kind person I have encountered in the working world. His patience and willingness to teach are fundamental to Visionary's culture." |
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"Always calm under pressure. His 'service with a smile' attitude has had a lasting impact on employees across the organization." |
"Through every reorg, every 'reply all' catastrophe, and every pot of questionable break room coffee, Garritt has been here. Thirty years is not a number. It's a legacy." |
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"Garritt is a role model for all Visionaries. His legacy is legendary but he stays humble and down to earth. I can't imagine Visionary without him." |
"Garritt has a rare gift for making everyone around him feel supported. He is generous with his time, genuine in his care for the people he works with, and a truly bright presence at Visionary every single day." |
| Congratulations, Garritt 🎉
Thirty years of showing up, doing the work, and making Visionary the company it is today. Thank you for everything you've built, taught, and made us laugh about along the way. Here's to many more. |
