CAREERS AT WCA
Value Beyond Technology Since 1979
From a kitchen table in Southwick to a regional technology leader — four decades of growth, built on relationships and reliability.
- Founded November 1979
THE BEGINNING
From a Kitchen Table to an 85,000 SQ FT. Facility
Whalley Computer Associates, Inc. was founded by John Whalley, a mathematics teacher who later started solely teaching computer science at Agawam High School. During his tenure, he independently developed and implemented the school's computer science curriculum. As parents learned about the skills their children were acquiring in Whalley's classes, they began seeking his expertise to help integrate computers into their own businesses. The Town of Agawam also asked for his assistance in designing their own computer system.
In response, Whalley began teaching computer courses to parents and supplying the hardware needed to apply their new skills. These early engagements marked a pivotal shift in his career, leading him to work as a part-time programming consultant. He subsequently acquired a small software firm and began serving clients from his home. In November 1979, Whalley officially founded Whalley Computer Associates, Inc. (WCA), working from his kitchen table in Southwick, Massachusetts.
John Whalley at his early home office setup
THE TIMELINE
Four Decades of Continued Growth
Scroll through the milestones that shaped Whalley Computer Associates.
Moved from the home office to a commercial storefront in Southwick, MA - quickly expanding to a larger facility in Gristmill Plaza, also in Southwick, MA.
- John left teaching to focus on growing WCA full-time.
- Secured major clients like Northwest Utilities, United Technologies, GE, and Cigna.
- Developed custom software for schools and businesses, fueling growth.
Added first full-time repair technician; moved to fourth Southwick location.
Open second location in Milford, MA.
- Began servicing colleges and universities starting with some of the premiere colleges in New England.
- Opened a new location in Torrington, CT to acquire certifications to sell IBM (resulted in partnership with Lenovo) and Compaq (now HP) products.
Partnership with EMC Corporation began; WCA’s largest customer.
- Moved from a small storefront to our newly built 62,500 sq. ft. state-of-the-art headquarters at One Whalley Way, Southwick, MA.
Y2K
Exponential growth due to skyrocketing demand for technology products in volume – organic growth due to strategic direction.
Expanded One Whalley Way location due to growing business demand.
Celebrated our 40th anniversary.
- Michael T. Sheil named company President by John and Kathy Whalley, led the charge for our new facility on Hudson Drive, and guided the company through the COVID-19 pandemic
- Rolled out Fortinet products across a Fortune 500 customer
Established and grew our managed services team and started offering staff augmentation
Celebrated the grand opening of our brand new 85,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility at 18 Hudson Drive, Southwick, MA.
225+ employees, two business locations, serving 20,000+ customers.
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