Les Olson Company partners with UBTech to provide scholarships for IT students
By Lezlee E. Whiting
Students who enroll in one of three IT programs at Uintah Basin Technical College will be the beneficiaries of a new scholarship donated by Les Olson Company.
“The Matt Olson Memorial Scholarship will make scholarships available annually,” said Les Olson Company CEO, James Olson.
Les Olson Company offers office technology products and managed IT services. The 64-year old family-owned business has offices throughout Utah and Las Vegas. Pictured left to right: James Olson, Les Olson Company CEO; Jim Olson, Les Olson Company CEO Emeritus (James and Matt’s father); and the late Matt Olson, Les Olson Chief Technology Officer.
“UBTech is honored to partner with Les Olson Company in providing students pursuing a career in the IT field with this scholarship opportunity. UBTech has certification opportunities for students in the fields of Security Technician, Network Technician, and IT Support Technician,” said UBTech President Aaron K. Weight.
“Les Olson is a great company that cares deeply about the communities they serve.”
Les Olson Company offers office technology products and managed IT services. The 64-year old family-owned business has offices throughout Utah and Las Vegas.
The company’s UBTech IT scholarship in memory of Matt Olson is one of three they currently fund throughout the state. “Since his passing this is how we honor Matt – donating to scholarships in his name and supporting students pursuing careers in the IT field,” said Olson.
Matt is James’ younger brother by three years. James characterized Matt as “a brilliant individual with a strong mechanical and technical mind, always quick on his feet.” Someone who loved computers, gaming and “all those nerdy things that kids like to do.” He was a snowmobile enthusiast and loved the outdoors, his brother detailed.
“Matt suffered from depression, fighting the disease until it claimed his life in 2018,” Olson said. He left behind his wife, three sons, and a grandchild.
Like his brother and cousins, Matt started in the family-owned business as a youngster, sweeping floors and pulling weeds, working his way up to become the Chief Technology Officer at Les Olson Company.
Matt managed the IT and software solutions departments at Les Olson Company, guiding the company’s specialized technology offerings.
UBTech and Les Olson Company are pleased to announce The Matt Olson Memorial Scholarship to benefit Information Technology students at UBTech. This scholarship in memory of Matt Olson (pictured above) who passed away due to suicide. Matt managed the IT and software solutions departments at Les Olson Company, guiding the company’s specialized technology offerings.
“He knew that offering managed IT services and hardware would complement our business model really, really well. He and Keith Adams built that department from nothing. Now we have 60 people from sales, service, and support in our IT division,” said Les Olson Company Marketing Director, Scot Olson.
“Matt envisioned the future and he knew as a business we needed to develop an IT presence – from Logan to Las Vegas. Not only a presence but to become experts in IT!” said James Olson.
UBTech President Aaron Weight’s long-time friendship with Scot Olson, paved the way for the IT scholarship and the college’s partnership with Les Olson Company. Les Olson has provided their services in the Uintah Basin for decades.
“Weight helped the company open doors and foster new relationships, further boosting Les Olson’s presence in the Uintah Basin,” said Scot Olson.
“A lot of people now know us as an IT company but that has only been for the past few years – in the state of Utah, we are the largest copier and printer dealer,” said James Olson.
“Les Olson Company is always looking for good IT technicians, sales engineers and support members and offers opportunities to live in the Uintah Basin and work remotely,” said James Olson.
Pictured left to right: the late Matt Olson, Les Olson Chief Technology Officer; Lisa Thaller, Les Olson Chief Business Officer and Board Chair; James Olson, Les Olson Company CEO.
The company has a proud record of employee longevity because of their culture of caring for their employees.
“Don’t ever take the human out of the job. That is at the core here. We believe in stepping up as a company to make sure people are taken care of,” said James Olson.
In addition to giving to higher education, Les Olson Company supports their communities by supporting several agencies, programs and treatment facilities that provide help to people who are in need of mental and behavioral health support.
“We hope we make a difference,” James Olson said.
