Employee Spotlight: Celebrating 24 Years of Ben Coan at Odyssey

As Odyssey Information Services celebrates 25 years in business, we’re proud to spotlight one of our longest-tenured and most respected team members, Ben Coan. For the past 24 years, Ben has played a pivotal role in shaping Odyssey’s growth and success through his

unwavering dedication, industry knowledge, and people-first approach to business development.

Ben during his early days at the Odyssey office

Ben is known for his ability to adapt and lead through evolving market conditions. Colleagues describe him as authentic, reliable, and a mentor to many. His natural leadership, strong client relationships, and ability to uncover business opportunities have helped expand our RMS services and make him a trusted face of Odyssey.

Q&A with Ben Coan: Reflections on 24 Years at Odyssey

Q: What do you enjoy most about working here, or in your role specifically?

Ben: I’ve placed hundreds of people over the years, and what I enjoy most is helping people make a positive change for themselves and their families. Hearing the excitement in someone’s voice when they’re offered their dream job, a role closer to family, or one that simply pays better is incredibly fulfilling.

Q: In your opinion, what sets Odyssey apart from other IT staffing and recruiting companies?

Ben: Our tenured team is truly special. Many of us have worked together for years, and we’ve had the privilege of supporting several clients as a cohesive unit. While understanding a client’s technology stack is important, what really sets us apart is the time we invest in learning their culture—something that makes a big difference in long-term success.

Q: 2025 marks Odyssey’s 25th anniversary. What do you believe has been the key factor behind our long-term success?

Ben: It comes down to our tenured team, leadership that reinvests in the company, and above all, operating with honesty and integrity.

Ben and Odyssey Team at the Tandem 50th Reunion

Q: Can you share a memorable story or milestone from your time at Odyssey?Ben: One that stands out is the recent 50th reunion of the Tandem community. Our team hosted a very successful event that included a history museum, a dinner celebration, and showcased the founder, Jimmy Treybig. It was a meaningful event not just for me, but for many members of the Tandem community who participated.

Q: What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve received, or that you would give to someone just starting out?

Ben: Set personal goals, write them down, and keep them where you can see them daily. Those visible reminders push you to make one more call, send one more email, put in that extra effort.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

Ben: I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to work at Odyssey. I’ve been able to raise a family, maintain a healthy work/life balance, and work alongside some of the most talented IT professionals in the world. A big thank you to Jon Hibbs and Todd Kirkby for always supporting me and having my back.

What Ben’s Colleagues Say

Jon Hibbs, CEO, Odyssey Information Services

"Ben’s experience makes him a go-to mentor for newer employees, passing down values, best practices, and organizational history. He has consistently demonstrated adaptability and forward-thinking in response to industry changes, ensuring he remains a valuable asset to both clients and the organization. Ben’s approach to communication and collaboration has played a pivotal role in driving successful outcomes in business development by fostering clarity, trust, and strategic alignment."

Todd Kirkby, CIO, Odyssey Information Services

"Ben has always added an element of fun and positivity to our OIS family. He has a nice level of technical comprehension which has enabled him to move into a leadership role with our RMS services. He is someone who requires little, or more accurately, no supervision when dealing with customers on important projects. We are really lucky to have Ben in our OIS family."

Shelley Casino, Director of Recruiting, Odyssey Information Services

"I’ve known Ben for over 20 years, and during that time, I’ve seen him demonstrate unwavering persistence in building and evolving his sales portfolio. His deep knowledge of the IT industry, combined with his ability to adapt as the market shifts, makes him a valuable asset in any organization. Ben has a strong talent for uncovering new business opportunities and delivering the right candidates with precision. What sets him apart is his authenticity—he shows up as his true self, and clients genuinely appreciate that. Reliable, trustworthy, and results-driven, Ben is someone you can count on."

Rudy Ramirez, Senior Recruiter, Odyssey Information Services

"Ben’s dedication and perseverance have been proven since he got here. He started at zero, built his business portfolio of clients, and then hit rock bottom after the market shift in the early 2000s. He was able to rebuild from the ground up again and become a leader of our Sales Team and build out our RMS Portfolio. He is the epitome of perseverance in this tough industry. He stayed the course and leads by example."

Justin Mrsny, Sr. Business Development Manager, Odyssey Information Services

"Ben has been a key contributor to Odyssey's success over the years. He consistently represents the company with professionalism and integrity, and his personable nature makes him a favorite among customers. I've learned a great deal from Ben and continue to do so. It's a pleasure working alongside him."

Steve Donaldson, VP of Professional Services, Odyssey Information Services

"I have worked with Ben for over 20 years. I have seen him mature to be an excellent business development manager with outstanding communication skills with clients and technical delivery teams."

Thank you, Ben, for your resilience, leadership, and the lasting impact you’ve made over the past 24 years. Your journey continues to inspire all of us at Odyssey.