FastRoot Executive Management Team

Terry Howerton, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

A lifelong entrepreneur, Terry started his first successful business at the age of 15.  He has launched and built a series of successful ventures, all high-tech based or heavily leveraging technology. His companies have included consumer catalog businesses, book, magazine and web portal ventures, ISP’s and hosting companies, software products and consulting firms.

This entrepreneurial drive led to the creation of FastRoot in 2001.  As CEO, Terry has steadily built the FastRoot into a nationally recognized operations management company for on-demand businesses.

Terry passionately represents a new generation of tech entrepreneurs who are launching and building successful businesses in Chicago. As founding Chairman of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA), Terry champions the interests of more than 400 local companies. He united dozens of local leaders to launch the ITA, based on a long-term mission that places the group among the nation's most influential technology associations. Terry also serves on the boards of area start-ups, emerging companies and non-profits.

Lewis Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lewis “Lewie” Mitchell has spent his 25+ year career in high technology taking people and organizations to new levels of success. Lewie has served and led companies ranging from the Fortune 500 to pre-IPO startups in general management as well as directly managing operations, finance, sales, marketing, product development, and professional services.

Since joining FastRoot in 2006 as Chief Operating Officer, Lewie has driven business and corporate development, while helping to guide its transformation into a leader of the on-demand software industry.

After starting his career with some of the largest high technology companies in the world - Xerox, Harris Corporation, and Dun & Bradstreet - Lewie switched to the world of startups and emerging technology companies … and has never looked back.

In the 4 years prior to joining FastRoot, Lewie executed a management buyout, turned around a lagging division (which then sold for more than 2X revenue - $35M), and grew and positioned another division for sale. Prior to those successes, Lewie helped prepare New York based enterprise software company Mobius Management Systems for a successful IPO by leading various sales efforts (helping to more than triple its revenue - from $20M to $70M) and serving in senior management as VP Vertical Markets, VP Americas, and VP World Wide Sales Operations.

Lewie credits three influential mentors for his success. In keeping with their advice, Lewie developed a management style based on respect for the individual, the achievement of realistic and mutually agreed upon goals, and a dedication to helping people grow.