Next Gear Solutions Recognized as ‘Innovator to Watch’

The Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation boasts with the announcement of Oxford-based company Next Gear Solutions, Inc. recently named among five Mississippi companies to be recognized with the “Innovator to Watch Award” at the Mississippi Innovators Hall of Fame Awards Gala.  The black tie reception and dinner, hosted by Innovate Mississippi, was held at the Country Club of Jackson and was attended by more than 400 political, economic development, and business leaders from around the state.

Next Gear Solutions, headquartered in Oxford, MS, is a leading job management software company designed for the restoration contracting industry.  Since 2009 when the company launched its comprehensive software platform known as DASH, it continues to boldly rival the largest competitor franchise’s in the industry and even acquired its chief competitor, ClientRunner in early 2016.  

Next Gear Solutions was founded by Garret Gray, who serves as its president and chief executive officer and is renowned as an industry leader in technology development, process improvement, marketing campaign development and quality improvement.  

“The entire team at Next Gear Solutions is honored that Innovate Mississippi has recognized us as an Innovator to Watch, and Thursday night’s event was a humbling experience as we gathered with other Mississippi businesses and leaders who are impacting not only our state but also the entire world from right here in Mississippi,” said Gray.  “This event was the perfect showcase for what Mississippians can accomplish and inspired me to strive for higher heights as we attempt to follow in the footsteps of some great individuals and companies. Next Gear sincerely appreciates the honor and is excited about the growth we can be a part of bringing to both Oxford and Mississippi.”

With momentum at an all-time high, Next Gear Solutions’ dedicated team of professionals and innovative technology solutions have led to its incredible growth, with services and clients spanning across not only Mississippi but throughout the United States and into Australia, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.  

“No small town in Mississippi has the concentration of new start-ups and 2^nd stage growth companies that Oxford has currently, so it was no surprise to have Oxford play such a prominent role in the event,” said Tony Jeff, Innovate Mississippi President & CEO.  “We were proud to have FNC spin-off Mortgage Trade as the title sponsor and to honor Oxford’s Next Gear Solutions as an Innovator to Watch.”

Former Chancellor Khayat introduces the 2016 Robert Khayat Legend Award winner. (Photo Rosie Vassallo)

Former Chancellor Khayat, a former Legend Award winner himself, introduced the 2016 Legend Award winner.

Among attendees were Oxford’s tech startup FNC, Inc., The University of Mississippi, and Gala presenting sponsor mTrade, LLC.  Speakers included Dr. Bill Rayburn, Chief Executive Officer of mTrade, and former University of Mississippi Chancellor, Robert Khayat, who presented the Legend Award to Joe F. Sanderson, Jr. of Sanderson Farms, Inc.

by Rosie Vassallo. For more information, she may be reached at rosie@oxfordms.com.

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