Philadelphia Business Journal recently recognized Lawrence A. James, BS information systems '02, president and CEO of Connexus Technology, with a 2018 Minority Business Leader Award. James was honored among 24 honorees at an Aug. 16 reception at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel.
The awards, sponsored by Wells Fargo, recognize top minority business leaders based on their demonstrated success over the past 12 to 18 months, and considers their professional accomplishments, community leadership, philanthropy and awards and milestones as they have impacted the Philadelphia-area business community.
Co-founded by James with BS computer science alumnus Christopher Holland ‘02 in 2003, the Philadelphia-based Connexus Technology provides organizations in various industries with cutting edge software, top notch IT personnel and business intelligence solutions. The company’s aim is to create a better patient experience by connecting health care organizations with software tools to increase clinical and operational performance.
In an interview with Philadelphia Business Journal, James names Paul "Mel" Baiada '82, '85, managing partner of BaseCamp Ventures LLC and Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship advisory council member as integral to Connexus Technology’s growth and success. “No matter the challenges I’ve faced as an entrepreneur since starting Connexus Technology in 2003, [Mel] has always been there to encourage me to never give up and keep pushing forward,” he said. As part of their Baiada Institute membership, Connexus benefited from entrepreneurship events and the ability to work with other Baiada companies and like-minded entrepreneurs, providing a place to vet ideas, opportunities and strategies.
James is a recipient of the 2007 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2008 Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Innovation Business of the Year Award, and the 2014 40 Under 40 Award and 2012 Healthcare Consultant of the Year Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal. He also earned a place in the Drexel University’s 40 Under 40 in 2014. He currently serves on the executive committee of the Small Business Board of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.
In addition to James’ accomplishments and leadership roles in the tech field, he is also committed to community service. James is an ordained minister, and leads group of parishioners to work at a ministry for prison inmates, and he provides internships to students from underserved populations.