Michael B. Ferguson of Groundswell Technology
Rooted in a lifelong passion for innovation, leadership, and family, Michael B. Ferguson has built a career and personal life defined by impact and connection. From guiding youth on the golf course to creating opportunities for foster students through charitable initiatives, his dedication to service shines as brightly as his professional achievements. Today, as the driving force behind Groundswell Technology Group, Ferguson continues to merge creativity and strategy, delivering groundbreaking solutions in the IT and telecom industries while maintaining his role as a devoted father and community builder.
Michael B. Ferguson – Technology Leader, Father, and Community Builder
Michael B. Ferguson is a technology executive, entrepreneur, and dedicated father whose career and personal life reflect a rare blend of innovation, leadership, and community service. As the President and CEO of Groundswell Technology Group (GTG), Ferguson has spent nearly a decade shaping solutions at the intersection of telecom and IT procurement, providing agents and representatives with innovative tools to serve their customers more effectively. His work has helped transform how businesses source, manage, and recycle critical IT and networking equipment, making GTG a respected name across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Michael B Ferguson’s foundation for leadership and innovation began in San Mateo, California, where he attended Junipero Serra High School. He graduated in 1987, carrying forward a strong sense of discipline and teamwork that would later shape his professional career and volunteer efforts. He went on to pursue higher education at San Diego State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance in 1991. During his time at San Diego State, Michael B Ferguson was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, an experience that fostered camaraderie, leadership skills, and an early passion for community involvement.
Career in Technology and Business
Ferguson’s professional journey spans more than two decades in the technology sector, where he has consistently built innovative business models and developed high-level procurement strategies. His career is marked by a drive to make IT equipment more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for companies and organizations.
Before launching his own company, Michael B Ferguson served as Senior Buyer and Head of the Purchasing Division at PacketBase from 2014 to 2016. PacketBase, founded in 2006, specialized in asset recovery, IT equipment, and environmental solutions, providing services to Fortune 500 companies and data centers. In his role, Ferguson was responsible for not only sourcing and purchasing technology but also forging strategic partnerships that expanded the company’s reach and capabilities. His expertise in procurement, asset recovery, and lifecycle management gave him a unique perspective on the technology industry’s needs.
In August 2016, Michael Ferguson founded Groundswell Technology Group, where he continues to serve as President and CEO. GTG pioneered the Channel’s First Membership Procurement Platform for Telecom and IT agents and representatives, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to reduce costs, streamline procurement, and enhance customer service. GTG provides access to leading telecom equipment manufacturers—including Polycom, Yealink, Cisco, Avaya, Mitel, Plantronics, and Jabra—as well as IT and networking equipment from Cisco, Juniper, Dell, and HP.
What sets GTG apart is its holistic approach. Beyond offering new and refurbished equipment, the company provides discounted pricing, commissions for agents, advanced provisioning services, and shipment tracking, while maintaining robust quote histories for clients. Ferguson also introduced GTG’s buyback program, which allows customers to replace outdated equipment, receive fair market value, and ensure secure data destruction. At the heart of these efforts is GTG’s “Command Center,” a complimentary lifecycle management portal that provides inventory and ticket management services. Through these innovations, Ferguson has created a platform that empowers agents and customers alike, demonstrating his commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and customer success.
Michael B. Ferguson also lent his expertise as an Advisor to SurgCX from 2020 to 2022. SurgCX, like GTG, operated as a commission-based equipment portal for telecom agents, further showcasing his reputation as a trusted voice in procurement innovation.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
While his career has been defined by technological innovation, Ferguson’s personal life reflects his deep dedication to family and community. He has consistently sought opportunities to give back, often leveraging his professional expertise to serve educational and charitable organizations.
One of his earliest volunteer roles was as President of the SB Dad’s Group and Chairman of the School Auction at St. Brigid School in San Francisco. Elected in 2015, Ferguson oversaw a fundraising group that generated approximately $100,000 for the school in a single year. Under his leadership, the funds were used to purchase iPads, Chromebooks, and Dell laptops, ensuring students had access to the latest technology. Ferguson managed a team of 60 to 70 volunteers for the school’s largest fundraiser, “The Taste of SF,” demonstrating his ability to inspire collaboration and maximize impact.
In 2018, Michael B. Ferguson launched another community initiative close to his heart: the “Oh What a Night” Father/Daughter Dance and Charity Event at the St. Francis Yacht Club. This annual event supports the Guardian Scholars Program, which helps current and former foster youth achieve college degrees, stable housing, and meaningful careers. By founding and organizing this event, Ferguson combined his love of fatherhood with his commitment to creating opportunities for underserved youth.
He has also served as the Head Golf Coach at St. Hilary Catholic Church & School since 2019, where he fosters mentorship and skill-building among young athletes. His passion for golf and leadership qualities have made him a valued coach and role model in his community.
Personal Life and Passions
Beyond business and community work, Michael B. Ferguson is a devoted father. His daughter, who shares his love of golf, is a standout athlete. She is the captain of the Marin Catholic High School golf team, a top golfer in the MCAL League, and an aspiring collegiate golfer. Ferguson’s support for her journey reflects his deep commitment to fatherhood, which remains at the center of his identity.
His passions—golf, technology, and fatherhood—intersect in meaningful ways, guiding both his professional innovation and personal commitments.
A Legacy of Innovation and Service
Michael B. Ferguson’s life and career illustrate how professional success can be paired with a strong sense of community, mentorship, and family. From leading Groundswell Technology Group in pioneering procurement platforms to coaching youth golf and organizing charity events, he has built a life defined by innovation, leadership, and compassion. Whether helping companies streamline their technology needs or empowering young people through education and athletics, Ferguson exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking entrepreneur and a dedicated father.
The story of Michael B. Ferguson is one of continuous growth, balancing the demands of a competitive industry with the responsibilities of family life and the rewards of giving back. In all aspects of his journey, Ferguson demonstrates that true leadership extends far beyond the boardroom, into the lives and communities one helps to shape.