Melissa Stratos is Director of Sales and Business Development at Ideal Integrations Inc., which provides clients with customized technology services and infrastructure around the world. In response to the ever-changing technology landscape, Ideal offers both on-premise and cloud-based infrastructure, network monitoring with a 24-7 network operations center and recently founded a cyber-security division called Blue Bastion.

Stratos grew up in northern Pennsylvania and graduated from Point Park University with a degree in political science and a plan to become an attorney, Stratos got involved in sales after graduation and, upon finding success almost immediately, never looked back. During 10-plus years in technology sales, Stratos worked with Ideal as a partner, finally joining the organization as a department head in 2017.

Throughout her career, Stratos has had the opportunity to travel and meet and network with customers, colleagues and business partners, forming a support system that stretches across the United States and around the world. “Most recently, I have had the opportunity to work beside my husband and collaborate and grow Ideal Integrations and Blue Bastion, bringing both of our unique backgrounds and experiences together, along with the rest of our team, to be the best that we can be.”

Founded in 2003 by Michael Stratos, Ideal has been recognized multiple times as one of the region’s “Fastest Growing Private Companies,” by the Pittsburgh Business Times, was most recently recognized on the list of “Best Places to Work” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and has been listed on the Inc 5000. The Pittsburgh-based company has 70 employees.

Community work is very important to Stratos, her family and the company. They support Victory Family Church, Pressley Ridge, Auberle, Renewal, Invision and Toys for Tots, among others.

Stratos describes herself as someone with a never-ending desire to succeed and win. “Throughout my career, I’ve learned that achieving success requires collaboration and surrounding myself with others who are also driven to succeed,” she said. “I pride myself on the ability to bring that combination together to create an amazing team to work with and achieve the goals that we set forth within our company.”

What is the best advice Stratos ever received? “Don’t be afraid of failure, but always fail forward. Never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and will push you to do and be better each and every day.”

For more than 10 years, Pittsburgh Magazine has spotlighted exceptional businesswomen within our pages and at quarterly networking events. Join us Feb. 25  for a vibrant conversation with our four inspiring honorees and keynote speaker, Dorothy Andreas, Founder of Streamline Success LLC, who will discuss how following your instincts can make or break your business. Click here to register.

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