On 1 November 2018, HPE announced that Marco had been named a Platinum Partner, which is the highest level of designation.
The recognition signifies that Marco is well-qualified to dramatically increase business innovation while reducing costs for an organisation. Marco is one of only 89 of businesses in the nation to be named a Platinum Partner.
Amber Schoenherr, Marco’s Vendor Relations Manager, explained the process for earning the Platinum level: “We trained eight sales people and two technicians to meet the training requirements. Marco’s growth initiative allowed us to hit the revenue requirements. We spend a lot of time in training and certifications, and when we see our efforts pay off and hit revenue goals, it is worth it.”
Holly Thompson, Partner Business Manager, spoke about partnership: “Platinum partners, like Marco, have demonstrated an expertise in HPE solutions by attaining HPE’s highest levels of certifications across the entire portfolio. The Platinum status demonstrates Marco’s important investment in HPE. We look to partners like Marco to jointly serve our customers in their digital transformation journeys.”
Reaching the Platinum level included training Marco’s staff to offer customers more specialised expertise. “It sets us apart from our competitors. We couldn’t get the award alone without technology advisors and technicians who took time to attain certifications,” Schoenherr said. 
Technology advisors (sales representatives) and technicians have become Gold Storage Specialists, Gold Networking Specialists, Gold Server Specialists and Gold ServiceOne Specialists through HPE. Plus, they received the highest level of technical certification: Master Accredited Systems Engineer (MASE).
Marco staff had to take exams to earn these certifications. “It builds their knowledge base, so it shows Marco believes continued knowledge is important; we want to stay updated on new solutions and offerings,” Schoenherr said.
Marco and HPE have been partners for over twenty years. Marco states, “To continue as an HPE Platinum partner, we will strive to reach the revenue and training/certification goals each year.”
Schoenherr added that Marco takes partnerships seriously and always tries to attain the highest level of certifications and credibility. “Our hard work definitely pays off, and our staff members, partners and customers receive the advantages of recognitions like this,” Schoenherr concluded.
