GSI's logo consists of a forward-looking bird, an American Robin, standing atop the letters gsi. The company has received numerous comments and questions over the years about the logo's significance – most expressing a curiosity more than a compliment. Much like the company itself, the logo is different from what is normal in the technology space. It is not the stylized globe, sphere, or amorphous shape common with most IT companies, nor does it contain slanted letters, a modernized button, or a sleek outline of some type. It's a green and orange bird for heaven's sake, one which surprisingly does say a little bit about GSI the company.
First the bird. We are not sure whether we picked the bird and then discovered its tie to our founder, or whether we picked the bird based upon our founder's name, but either way, the robin atop our logo does match the first name of our company founder, Robin Greenhagen. Mr. Greenhagen started the company in 1996 with a passionate vision and a well used credit card. From those humble beginnings, GSI has matured into a premiere provider of managed hosting services to some of the largest companies in the world. Not only is Robin the founder of the company, he is also its foundation. Many of the company's values, guiding principles and culture come from Mr. Greenhagen, and without his steadfast parentage over the past two decades, the company would not have achieved the success that it has accomplished.
But it's a robin! It's not an eagle, falcon or some other raptor that communicates dominance over its environment. It's a robin – a harmless migratory songbird credited as the harbinger of spring, the first to sing at dawn, and the last to speak as evening sets in. Robins are the quintessential early birds – industrious, bold and dedicated to the pursuit of today's sustenance. They often feed in flocks, are ever vigilant in watching for predators, and communicate with one another using a large repertoire of songs, alerts and calls. Robins are nimble, happy, friendly, hard working and their song is always cheery.
And what's with the colors? Realizing that most of the IT world is blue and red, GSI chose a different path. We believe our choice of green is soothing and it represents solid competence. Orange communicates optimism and produces sensations of brightness and warmth. Orange also represents creativity and an easy-going attitude toward life.
Why the lowercase letters? Our actual legal name is GreenSoft Solutions, Inc., hence the initials gsi. Lowercase letters were used but in a bolded font, the combination of which is to communicate strength and courage tempered with approachability and collaboration. The letters are closely positioned to convey integration and partnership.
So yes, our unorthodox logo does have an underlying theme. Our desire is to have our logo communicate that GSI is a forward-looking company, an industrious and hard-working team of IT professionals that is ever vigilant and committed to providing our clients with the highest in managed services. And like the American Robin, GSI strives to be a friendly and collaborative partner, ever active and flexible in our pursuit of exceeding client expectations.
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