By Michaela Drinkwater
Rising from the Ground Up:
Teddy Halikias’ journey from working in a pizza shop to becoming Vice President of Delivery at F2OnSite is an inspiring story of perseverance, growth, and leadership. His story is a perfect example of how embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to incredible success.
Teddy’s dream was never to be in IT. His heart was actually set on opening his own restaurant in the Boston area. “That was always the goal,” he says, reflecting on his early days making pizzas.
But life had other plans. When an opportunity came up work in recruiting, he decided to take a chance. “I was always into technology and naturally gravitated to the IT recruiting space,” Teddy recalls. That one decision changed everything. Those early connections in the tech world opened doors, and eventually led Teddy to F2OnSite, where he’s been a key part of the team since 2015.
At F2OnSite, Teddy’s drive and dedication helped him move up the ranks quickly. He now leads a team of over 600 technical and onsite employees, playing a big role in the company’s success. One of his greatest achievements is being there for customers, especially during their toughest moments. “F2 prides itself on being the partner customers call when something is going poorly with one of our competitors,” he explains. “We have won more projects by coming on in the 11th hour when everything has gone south and saving the project.”
From ‘Doer’ to Leader
One of the biggest challenges for Teddy was going from being a “doer” to a manager. “I always felt like I could do it better if I just did it myself,” he admits. Letting go of control and trusting others was hard at first, but it eventually became one of his greatest strengths. “Leadership is much more personal. It’s about connecting with people and helping them achieve their own personal and career goals,” he says.
Teddy’s hands-on experience in recruiting has helped shape his leadership role. He understands the challenges his team faces because he’s been in their shoes. “Having that recruiter experience has helped me manage others in a more effective way,” he shares.
Navigating Challenges and Leading Through Adversity
Teddy has helped guide his team through some tough times. He remembers one particularly challenging project that involved the installation of cutting-edge equipment at over 1,000 retail locations—none of the team members had previous experience with the technology. “Everything that could go wrong, did,” Teddy recalls. But instead of panicking, he stayed calm and focused, addressing one issue at a time, and guiding his team through the chaos. In the end, the project came in on time and under budget. “That large complex and wickedly intricate project really set the stage for F2 being known as a reliable and trusted partner for our customers.”
Balancing It All
Despite his demanding role, Teddy makes sure to prioritize a healthy work-life balance. “My wife is a nurse who works several different shifts, and we have two small kids so It can be tough,” he admits. But he finds balance by hitting the gym and staying active, going to a Patriots’ game, and carving out some time for a weekend getaway or ski trip to help him recharge.
Looking Ahead: Leadership in a Changing Industry
Teddy’s adaptability has contributed to his success in the fast-evolving IT industry. He knows the industry is constantly changing, and there is a growing demand for faster and more cost-effective solutions. By staying informed on the latest developments and trends, especially in data center services, access point expansions, and outsourced desktop/deskside support, he has helped position F2OnSite as a leader in the field.
For anyone looking to follow in his footsteps, Teddy’s advice is simple: “Never stop learning. Surround yourself with the best people and then trust your team.” This mindset is what’s driven Teddy’s success and will continue to guide him as he leads F2OnSite into the future.
Teddy Halikias’ journey is all about hard work, resilience, and becoming a passionate leader. He shows us that success isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about inspiring others and leading with purpose and vision. From pizza to AI data centers, his journey has just begun.
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