Stephen Klenert

Bio:

Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Atlantic Metro Communications. Started in the hosting / telecom industry over 10 years ago. I've built up and sold many companies. Nothing makes me happier than designing and deploying technology infrastructure solutions for growing companies based in NYC.

• Title: Chief Strategy Officer, Atlantic Metro Communications
• Age: 27
• Location: SoHo
• Contact: @klenert

You’ve had numerous engagements in the internet infrastructure space, recently transitioning from CEO to Chief Strategy Officer of Atlantic Metro Communications. Could you tell us a bit more about that decision?

Many people have asked me this question, and its difficult to answer. After five plus years of starting and running several technology companies simultaneously,  I realized that both my personal growth and company growth was hitting a plateau.
Being the entrepreneur that I am, I've always wanted to be in charge, do all the work, and have all the vision for the company. There comes a point where that type of attitude will hinder the growth of the company.

I was very fortunate to have personally realized this was a downfall in my operations, and I began to seek someone who had the experience that I was lacking to assist me in growing my businesses to the next level.

Its been about 90 days since I transitioned my role, and I could not be happier with my choice. I now have time to truly help my great team execute on the visions that I have for our companies.

You co-founded DOTQUAD in 2008, a joint venture between Stainless Code and Atlantic Metro Communications that offers DNS services. Tell us more about how the idea of DOTQUAD came about?

Atlantic Metro has always provided hosted DNS services for its managed hosting, colocation, and Internet Access clients. Clients would have to contact us to make any changes to their DNS zones. A customer of our Stainless Code was making frequent DNS changes for projects it was working on with its clients. During a meeting we discussed how we could make an easy to use GUI for our robust DNS infrastructure. They loved the idea and we started development a few months later.

Our offering is very unique with many features that other DNS companies do not offer. We were one of the first to offer IPv6 support globally via a managed DNS services.  

You’ve both founded startups and lead growth tech companies like Atlantic Metro Communications. Any advice for other co-founders as they grow their companies?

Stick to your vision, but be flexible in your operations.

On your blog, The Real Internet JUNKIE, you recommended a HighPoint Bistro dinner with complimentary Fuzzy Handcuffs for Valentine’s Day. What did you do for Valentine’s Day?

I had a wonderful dinner with my girlfriend at Highpoint Bistro which is owned by a very good friend of mine.