About Fortified Data
For over a decade, Fortified Data has provided superior database managed services and database maintenance to clients and partners all around the world. As a full-stack IT partner focused exclusively on data, we build engagements based on business value delivered. We focus on providing optimal service for our customers by also making database management so simple that our clients forget their databases are there.
Our Vision
To be the preeminent data partner.
Our Mission
To be the preferred expert to elevate data engagements, as we transform technology environments.
Who Is Fortified Data
Your experts in everything data
Fortified Data’s Beginning
Our Team
Fortified Data’s national team of industry-leading database experts, strategic thought leaders, and senior staff brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of navigating critical situations, empowering organizations with the insight and expertise needed to handle complex challenges with confidence and precision
Our Expertise
Our team specializes in database management, database optimization, cloud migration, data modernization, and performance tuning, combining deep technical expertise with strategic insight, that stays current and looking to the future, to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performing data solutions.
Our Experience
We manage over 1,000 databases across 1,000 environments, and have successfully completed over 20,000 database projects, working closely with our clients as strategic partners to optimize performance, ensure reliability, and align data management with their business goals.
Leadership
Ben Debow
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Ben DeBow is an active member of the technology community. With his strong belief in creating relationships and supporting others, he has actively worked on providing results to clients to provide them with the end result that the client may have not even had known they needed. Over the years, Ben has presented at multiple industry thought leadership events and aspires to educate others on data to expand the technological community and provide knowledge to those seeking to discover hidden talents within the field.
As founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fortified Data, Ben DeBow guides the team of Fortified Data under the core values of giving back, maintaining curiosity, driving towards results, being respectful, and having fun. Ben founded Fortified Data in January 2002 with a vision to provide clients with innovative ways to discover the value of their data and scale their data systems to meet their business goals and objectives.
Ben is an experienced consultant who has advised clients of all sizes around the world on scaling and designing their mission-critical applications. With his unique technical expertise, he has been helping clients meet their business and technical goals while reducing risk and based on this experience, his vision is to incorporate these unique experiences services that Fortified Data offers to clients around the world.
Chad Timms
President
Chad Timms is developing a long-term vision for growing the business while managing strategic operations. He brings a wealth of global organizational skills in data management, agile processes, product planning, product strategy, and business development to Fortified Data. As a transactional leader, Chad sets goals and objectives, that measure performance with KPI’s and communicates with the team in a collaborative and constructive manner.
Prior to Fortified Data, he was Portfolio Director at SITA, a prominent IT company in the air transport industry, where he led a global team specializing in product development, data management, and integration platforms. Timms was also previously the President of Com-Net Software, where he led the day-to-day strategic operations, product, and financial teams for the business unit.
Outside of work, Chad devotes time to the Humane Society, Alzheimer’s Association, and Leukemia Society.
Andrea Kaercher
Director of People and Strategy
Andrea Kaercher is the People and Strategy powerhouse at Fortified Data, where she’s on a mission to build a culture that’s as value-driven as it is growth-focused—and maybe even a little bit fun along the way. With a Master of Science, a Bachelor’s in Education, and over 15 years of corporate facilitation under her belt, Andrea brings serious expertise (and a whole lot of energy) to her role. Known for creating impactful leadership and relationship-building programs, she’s passionate about developing people, fostering talent, and making the Fortified Data experience something you want to write home about.
Andrea doesn’t just lead with strategy; she leads with heart. She’s the go-to for championing Fortified Data’s values, and her motto is as bold as she is: “Never let your fear decide your fate.” When she’s not keeping the team inspired and on track, she’s bringing her signature warmth, creativity, and maybe even a little “out-there” thinking to all she does.
Before joining Fortified Data, Andrea was already making waves in the world of corporate facilitation and team-building, and she’s never looked back since. Outside of work, she’s an outdoors enthusiast with a knack for environmental causes, serving as Board Chair for her local YMCA camp to help kids experience the joy of campfire stories and marshmallow roasts (without the tech!). Passionate, approachable, and always up for a challenge, Andrea has a knack for bringing out the best in everyone around her—one laugh, one lesson, and one fearless decision at a time.
Chance Fultz
Chief Operations Officer
Chance Fultz, Chief Operations Officer, ensures Fortified Data is properly engaging with and delivering top-shelf products and services to our clients as well as the broader market. He brings more than 25 years’ experience in delivering information management solutions to global clients with a keen focus on market and product strategy, business development, go-to market, and client relations. He is responsible for generating a results-driven culture that stays true to the Fortified Data vision of being the preeminent data partner in the market.
A graduate of Franklin University with a BS in Information Technology and an MBA with a focus on Leadership, Chance has led multiple IT solution providers in the IoT and aviation industries. He is a former Microsoft employee that focused on improving solution performance for Fortune 200 clients.
Chance is active in his local community, volunteering at recreation centers, supporting youth athletics, as well as traveling and staying current on emerging technology trends and innovations.
John Young
Manager of Managed Services
As Manager of Managed Services at Fortified Data, John Young leads a team of engineers delivering proactive, high-impact database solutions that drive performance, stability, and client success. With a hands-on approach to enterprise-scale systems, John ensures optimized environments across platforms—prioritizing high availability, security, and operational excellence. His leadership is rooted in decades of experience designing resilient, low-latency architectures and building collaborative, high-performing teams.
John holds both a BS and MS in Computer Science from Missouri University of Science & Technology, with a focus in Intelligent Systems, including AI, Robotics, and Graphics. Prior to joining Fortified Data, he held senior roles in global technology organizations, gaining deep expertise across technologies such as Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, NoSQL, and cloud-native platforms. Outside of work, John is a dedicated Scout leader, avid camper, and passionate about mentoring youth and giving back through community service.
Robert Pape
Head of Sales
Robert Pape is the solution-focused sales leader at Fortified Data, specializing in connecting clients with the right data solutions for their unique challenges. With a “We win as a team” philosophy, he combines direct, results-focused leadership with genuine support for his team. His mission is driving Fortified Data’s market penetration while ensuring every client interaction is built on authenticity rather than just technique.
Robert’s sales expertise was forged through two defining experiences: working as an in-store counselor in college, where he discovered his passion for guiding customers to solutions, and later excelling in sales as a business owner. His problem-solving approach centers on asking the right questions to fully understand each challenge before proposing solutions. Known by colleagues as self-motivated and personable, he operates under the belief that “every ‘no’ gets me closer to the right ‘yes.’”
Robert brings his positive attitude and authentic approach to every interaction, guided by his core belief that “authenticity beats technique every time—people can sense when you genuinely care about solving their problems versus just making a sale.” Beyond his professional drive, he’s passionate about education and skill development, believing in continuous learning and growth. Whether connecting prospects with solutions or mentoring his team, Robert’s approach is always genuine, strategic, and focused on collective success.