As Bit-Wizards celebrates its silver anniversary, the Managed IT Services company is proud to share a meaningful milestone it’s reached beyond the technological achievements made over the last 25 years.
Since its founding in 2000, company co-founders Vince Mayfield and Louis Erickson have purposefully woven philanthropy into their business’s DNA, which has led to over $3 million in contributions, including time, money, and in-kind support, to over 50 nonprofit organizations in Northwest Florida.
“My mother was the director of a Catholic Charities member agency and had me volunteering early, from helping Vietnamese refugees at Eglin in 1975 to providing shelter for those in need using our own home,” Mayfield recalls. “Louis and I both came from modest beginnings, but we were given what matters most—faith, values, and a sense of purpose. We naturally felt the responsibility to give back as our company grew.”
Before Bit-Wizards formally launched, both men embraced the idea that success should be shared and that building community was as important as building software.
Raised in Okaloosa County, the founders developed a strong sense of service from giving back at a young age alongside their families. Those early experiences shaped their mindsets, guiding the company’s long-term vision and laying the groundwork for what has come to fruition today.
In 2021, Bit-Wizards established its philanthropic legacy by launching the Be the Magic Foundation, named after one of the company’s core values. The foundation supports four key areas: youth development, individuals with special needs, animal welfare, and broader community development.
Since its inception, Be the Magic has backed local organizations, including the Gulf Coast Council of Scouting America and Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS); for nonprofit Fresh Start for Children and Families, the Wizards annually purchase, wrap, and deliver complete wish-lists for children, creating meaningful holiday experiences for families in need.
“Bit-Wizards and Be the Magic have always been about more than signing a check or having our logos at a sponsored event–we want to play an active role in creating positive change for those in our community,” said Caroline McCoy, Bit-Wizards chief operating officer and Be the Magic Foundation board member. “We support causes that our people can support with intention, and we’ll continue the Foundation’s legacy of contributing to initiatives where we can truly make an impact.”
For Bit-Wizards, The Magic Behind 25 Years of Giving Back isn’t just a celebration of its past; it’s a commitment for the future. For local charity organizations interested in creating a little extra magic, visit Request a Donation.
