We Are Family
As you talk to Brett and Amy Passmore, Owners of Enstep Technology Solutions, two words stand out the most – family and friends.
Brett and Amy have been married for 18 years. Their daughter, Kirsten, has her own office at the company’s headquarters. And to top it all off, their life-long friends from high school, Kelly and Eric, are part of their team as well. Eric, Enstep’s Operational Manager, double dated with Brett and Amy on their first date many years ago.
As you can imagine, their office atmosphere is friendly and laid back with a comfortable family vibe. But, don’t let that fool you, they are hard-working professionals who run a successful and thriving IT company located in Houston, Texas.
They are dedicated to their business and serving their clients’ IT needs. But, it’s important to them that their team members, who are a big part of their extended family, are happy as well. It’s not unusual to see one of their employees’ children walking down the hallway or hanging out with Kirsten in her kid friendly office.
Family is the cornerstone of their success and ultimately the reason why they started Enstep in the first place.
How It All Started
Their story is inspiring and unlike many in the business world today. Although their journey has had a few bumps in the road, they have never given up on their faith, love, and family.
It started many years ago when Brett was working for an IT consulting company. Eric was also working there at the same time. Brett’s boss had taken him under his wing, and because of that, he and Amy developed a friendship with his boss and wife.
One night at dinner, Brett’s boss and his wife asked them a question that would change their lives forever. They knew how much Brett and Amy loved children and how close they were to their nieces and nephews, so they asked the young couple had they ever considered adoption.
A Baby Girl
One thing leads to another, and eventually Brett and Amy started the adoption process. Thankfully the company helped them pay for a large portion of it.
Amy and Brett were blessed with a five month old, 8 pound baby girl. Although there were some complications due to Kirsten being born premature, that did not deter them from making her part of their family.
Soon after the adoption, Brett lost his job because the consulting company he was working for went bankrupt. It wasn’t just a tough time for the country’s economy but for their family as well. They had a baby, piles of hospital bills, and a new house.
The IT market was flooded at that time because of the collapse of Enron, so Brett and his friend decided to start a company. The first Enstep was born.
Also during this time, they were having to take Kirsten to specialists where she was undergoing tests. At the age of 2, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.
Because of mounting hospital bills and a harsh economy, Brett had to sell their client list to a competing company and he went to work for them as well.
Enstep Was Born – Again
Brett worked for that company for about five years as they slowly climbed out of debt. He eventually accepted a position as an IT director for a different company. He stayed there for a while, but after many long nights of praying and thoughtful consideration, they decided Brett would go back to work for himself. The second Enstep was born.
By the end of 2010, they were officially a corporation, and today Enstep Technology Solutions is a successful and expanding IT service provider. They currently have 12 employees and will be looking to hire more in the future.
Kirsten Is Growing Up
Kirsten is officially a teenager now, and she has grown into a beautiful and smart young lady. She also glows with a warm, friendly spirit. And, like all kids her age, she likes to have fun, enjoys playing computer games, and loves reading.
She proudly served as Little Miss Wheelchair Texas for 2013. She traveled around the state speaking at schools and different events. She can walk with assistance but most of the time she is in a wheelchair. Her mom says Kirsten impacts people, and when you meet her, you can see why. Through her participation in this program, she has inspired and helped other children.
She is very interested in government, politics and aspires to be a politician one day. She sings in the Heaven Sent choir and is a member of a leadership training program called Teen Pact. She also attends a barrier free camp each summer, where she has learned to climb a 30 foot rock wall.
Through the years she has made many great friends. They hang out, go to parties, shopping at the mall, and have fun just like every other teenager in Texas.
Amy and Brett are proud of their daughter and their business. They love their family, team members, and their clients. You can tell they have put their heart and soul into their company and the family they have built there. Amy explains it well, “It’s not a job to us, it’s our life.”