The Company History of JEM
In 1979, James Edward Miller decided it was time to take a risk, make his dream come true and formed JEM Computers, Inc. He bought out the franchise he and his partner started and sub-leased a 300 square foot office in Royal Oak, Michigan. The main focus was to sell back-up media and printer ribbons to Fortune 1000 companies.
In three short years, business was booming. A company that started with two employees and two product lines had more than tripled. The business had become a solid company. In 1988, Jim knew he had achieved his dream of owning a successful small business therefore incorporating JEM.
In the years to follow, the company grew considerably. New customer relationships became the focus as well as the addition of several products. The company began offering services such as raised floor cleaning and tape degaussing/destruction. Today, there are very few computer related products that we cannot obtain.
In October 2000, Jim’s daughter Jami joined the team and focused on learning everything about the business and how it thrived. It did not take long for her to be able to step into her father’s shoes. Jim retired in 2001 and left the day to day operations of the business he built to Jami. Shortly after Jami took over, her sister Kelly started working in the finance department. A few years later, Jami’s other sister Denise also joined the company as a sales support representative. Family is clearly an important factor in JEM’s success today.
In 2012, after over 30 years in business, JEM Computers, Inc. changed their name to JEM Tech Group. Consequently, the old name led prospective customers to think that the company was in the business of selling computers. Rather, JEM specializes in products and services for mission critical environments. When deciding how to re-brand JEM, Jami wanted to keep her father’s initials (James Edward Miller) in the name. With help from her staff, JEM Tech Group was born.
In the last 21 years JEM has quadrupled in size, in terms of employees and annual sales. They added an office in New York and plan to expand throughout the United States. No matter how large the company becomes, the personal customer service that derives from the roots of a family-owned business will always be a vital part of JEM.
Key Points of Our History
– Over 40 years’ IT experience specializing in mission critical environments
– National WBE Certified since 2004 and State of NY since 2015
– 22 years of consistent annual sales growth
– University of Michigan Strategic Supplier since March 2006 (SciQuest)
– Ariba Enabled Supplier since 2005
– Consultative approach effectively bridges the gap between Facilities and IT departments within any organization
– Skilled knowledgeable staff for all product installation
– State of Michigan MiDEAL contract for power and cooling, awarded in 2018
– GSA contract, awarded in 2018
Achievements
2024
– Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awardee for 50 Companies to Watch
– Great Lakes Women’s Business Council’s WBE Role Model/Mentor of the Year
2022
– Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awardee for PTAC Best Small Business
2021
– Featured in Small Business Association of Michigan’s Focus publication, September/October
– Appeared on the Michigan Business Network Podcast with Jennifer Deamud
2020
– Featured in Michigan Women’s Marketplace’s WElead Article
– Appeared on the Chameleon Chats Podcast, Episode #18
2019
– JEM celebrated 40 years in business
2018
– Participated on the 1st Annual Great Lakes Women’s Business Council Symposium Panel
– Featured in Crains: Why family companies should consider family employment policies
2017
– Corp! Magazine’s Salute to Diversity Winner
– Macomb Business Awards Efficiency Expert Category Winner
2016
– Corp! Magazine’s DiSciTech, Digital, Science & Technology Award Honoree (Honoree in 2014, 2015)
2015
– SBA Emerging Leaders Graduate and Ambassador
– Best of MichBusiness Winner for Technology
– Macomb Business Awards Finalist for Efficiency Expert (Finalist in 2014)
2014
– Winner, NAWBO Greater Detroit Top 10 Business Women Owner Rainmaker Award (Finalist in 2013 and 2011)
2013
– Winner, Michigan 101 Best and Brightest Sustainable Companies™
– Winner of Crain’s Salute to Entrepreneurs — $5.1-$20 million category
– Winner of Eaton SMB PowerAdvantage Partner of the Year— West
2012
– Panelist for Urban Rebound Detroit
– Winner U.S. SBA Michigan Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year
– Diverse Supplier (WBE) Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Corporate Procurement
2011
– Top Women Owned Business Finalist Grand Rapids Business Journal
– NAWBO Greater Detroit Top 10 Women Business Owner Rainmaker Runner-Up
2010
– Presented at ADP’s Global Procurement Quarterly Meeting and featured in Diversity/Careers magazine article on the partnership between ADP and JEM Tech Group
2009
– JEM President, Jami M. Moore, inducted into Crain’s 40 Executives under 40
– Finalist for Ernst & Young Central Great Lakes Entrepreneur of the Year
– Keynote Speaker at a Women’s Leadership Great Lakes Conference
– Finalist for 2009 Top Women Owned Business in Michigan
2008
– Recognized by SBA and Senator Levin as “Growing” Business in this Economic State
2005 – 2012
– Named to the Top 100 Women Owned and Diversity Owned Businesses
Organizations
7 X 24 Exchange Southeast Michigan Chapter
– Founding Board Member in 2011, Vice President Membership
AFCOM
– Corporate Member since 2005, Current Board Member and Vice President Membership
Michigan Council of Women in Technology
– Member since 2005 and active with Volunteer for Mentoring and Membership Programs
Women’s Business Enterprise Council-Great Lakes
– Committee Member for Women Owned Certification since 2009
Community
– Big Brothers Big Sisters
– Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
– Michigan Humane Society
– St. Jude Children’s Hospital
– Friends of Foster Kids
