When RJ Young Technology Solutions spun off Velocity1 as a subsidiary earlier this year, President AJ Baggott knew he needed a bigger space for Nashville’s premier biz tech networking event. He found what he was looking for at Luke Combs’ Category 10, a three-story (plus rooftop) bar, restaurant, live music, and entertainment venue located downtown at the bustling intersection of 2nd and Broadway.
On June 1st, amid the cowboy hats, cowgirl boots, and “honky-tonk” country music themes, there were serious tech discussions being had at the dealership’s third annual Tech Connect® event. Co-hosted this year by RJ Young and Velocity1, whose combined annual revenues now add up to approximately $200 million, Baggott reported, Tech Connect was an evening of high-impact connections, education, and fun. From the cutting-edge vendor showcases to the meaningful conversations on the floor, the energy was electric. More than 800 people congregated to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
An aerial view of the Category 10 floor at Tech Connect 2026, which more than 800 people attended.
Focused on the future of business tech, the night was packed with vendor/sponsor exhibits, great food, and fun activities, including a special appearance by NFL football legend Delanie Walker, a Pro Bowl tight end for the Tennessee Titans. Of course, there was live music in Music City: a high-energy set from multi-platinum country music artists Big & Rich. Tech Connect’s musical entertainment was sponsored by Ricoh Americas.
New LinkedIn headshots were photographed by Canon USA. Tech Connect 2026 featured no fewer than 25 event sponsors: Adaptive, Arctic Wolf, Axis Communications, BlueStar, Climb, Brother USA, DocuWare, the Greater Nashville Technology Council, HP, Intermedia Intelligent Communications, Lexmark, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, RISO Inc., Rochester Software Associates, Ruckus Networks, TEDxNashville, Sophos, Verkada, ViewSonic, Xerox, Yealink, and Zebra. Ramp Business Corp. hosted a dinner at The Twelve Thirty Club. Sitting next to Joe McHale, one of Ramp’s enterprise account executives, I learned more about how the fast-growing, American multinational “fintech” company’s corporate charge cards, expense management platform, and bill-payment software offerings work. Earlier in the evening, select VIPs imbibed in a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey-tasting experience.
When in Nashville, there will be Tennessee whiskey!
RJ Young and Velocity1
It was about five months ago when RJ Young introduced Velocity1, an information technology organization delivering solutions in managed IT services, cybersecurity, expense automation, business communications, and physical security. Velocity1 is a wholly owned subsidiary of RJ Young and is built upon the legacy of service that has defined the dealer’s 71-year history. “Same core values; new levels of speed,” is how the spinoff was described.
“We built this intentionally,” noted John Lierley, VP of sales for Velocity1, “around real customer problems with best-in-class partners and a team that knows how to sell consultatively, not transactionally.” As a dedicated technology solutions practice, Velocity1 is focused on helping organizations reduce risk, modernize operations, and make smarter decisions across cybersecurity, SaaS, and physical security.
John Lierley (left), sales VP for Velocity1, listens to Ramp’s Joe McHale, an enterprise account executive, talk about fintech benefits at the Twelve Thirty Club dinner.
RJ Young’s Chief Marketing Officer Kamron Kunce added: “Velocity1 started as a business concept by AJ Baggott and [COO] Brantley Pearce. The goal was simple but ambitious … make technology easier for organizations so they can focus on running and growing their business. The name ‘Velocity1’ comes from aviation, which represents the speed a plane needs to take off,” explained Kunce. “It’s the point where momentum and commitment meet, and where real action happens. That idea matched perfectly with what we set out to build: a technology partner that brings clarity, confidence, and movement forward. The promise is simple: make technology less overwhelming and more useful.”
At Tech Connect, the two companies joined forces to give back to their local communities. One standout moment was when the Make-A-Wish Foundation was presented with a $50,000 donation raised by employees. Also, the Innovative Educator Award celebrated teachers making a meaningful impact through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to enhancing the learning experience for students. RJ Young/Velocity1 thanked the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association and congratulated this year’s honorees:
- Derrick Frazier – Hardin County High School
- Susan Strasinger – Hillsboro High School
- Alex Jeffries – Mt. Juliet High School
Learn more about these educators: https://info.rjyoung.com/tssaa-award-winners
“When networking meets innovation with the backdrop of Music City, special things happen,” Baggott concluded. “We’re already amped up for Tech Connect 2027!”
Tech Connect Photo Gallery:
HONKY TONK: Multi-platinum country music artists Big & Rich played an energetic set, courtesy of Ricoh.
The event was all about mingling and making connections.
Rooftop view of downtown Nashville.
The Tech Connect exhibit floor got busier as the event progressed into the early evening.
Canon USA was taking headshots for attendees. Chief Editor Mark Vruno’s is on his LinkedIn profile.
Another rooftop view of Broadway Street as the sun begins to set.
RJ Young/Velocity1 mobile billboards hyped Tech Event on the days leading up to June 1.
