By Angeles Ponpa
PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill.– (25 News) – A technology company in Central Illinois was recently recognized as a leader among the nation’s fast-growing IT providers.
Pearl Technology in Peoria Heights was named to the 2026 CRN Fast Growth 150 list, which highlights technology solution providers across North America, including integrators, managed service providers, value-added resellers and IT consultants.
Pearl Technology has seen a growing demand for artificial intelligence in Central Illinois and helps businesses implement the technology, including major companies such as Caterpillar.
Anthony Mini, president of Pearl Technology, said what sets the company apart and helped earn it a spot on the list is its step-by-step methodology.
“We’re vendor agnostic, if you will,” Mini said.
“We come in and we really just have a process, more so than a specific technology, and it’s a proven process that works to have a program, have a strategy, understand where you’re at, where you’re going, so that everyone in the company, from the leadership to the front lines, knows how they’re using the technology.”
Pearl Technology has provided technology and IT services to businesses for more than 35 years.
Mini said some companies can find AI intimidating when they are just getting started, but that is where Pearl Technology can help bridge the gap and make employees and employers more comfortable using it.
“We call it AI fluency. But just the ability to train an organization to become comfortable with it. Know what it can and what it cannot. That, in and of itself, can enable an organization to become more fluid and opens up the doors to opportunity,” Mini said.
One growing obstacle Pearl Technology has seen among companies that may not have policies governing their use of AI is what is known as “shadow AI.” The term refers to AI tools employees use without the knowledge or approval of their employer or organization.
“What happens is if an organization has approved AI tools but those tools don’t suffice, like they don’t get the work done, people have a tendency to start using these other tools, and that’s where the data starts to leave the organization,” Mini said.
Mini said those outside tools may not have the same security protections, potentially putting company data at risk. Pearl Technology works with businesses to identify those gaps and determine how employees can get the capabilities they need through approved AI systems while putting protections in place to prevent sensitive data from leaving the organization.
In addition to their award and work with businesses, the company also hosts opportunities for community members to get hands-on experience with the technology they work with. Their next event, 2026 Central Illinois Cyber & AV Technology Showcase, will be held Monday, Sept. 28 at 12 p.m. at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
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