# Peter Helander

> Peter Edward Helander (1960-2026) co-founded Heartland Business Systems and led the Wisconsin technology services business from its formation in 1992 until his retirement in October 2025. His career spanned label software, regional expansion, acquisitions and investment partnerships. He studied agriculture and agricultural economics and supported community organizations through practical technology donations.

- **Role:** Technology entrepreneur and former business executive
- **Organizations:** Heartland Business Systems, Heartland Label Printers, Heartland Technology Group, Avastone Technologies, Alferi Communications
- **From:** Green Bay, United States
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, University of Arizona
- **Known for:** Led HBS from 1992 until retirement in October 2025., Led acquisitions that expanded HBS networking, cybersecurity and managed services capabilities., Received Post-Crescent Media CEO/Executive of the Year recognition, documented in an HBS article dated December 2019.

## Career timeline

- **1960** — Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 25.
- **1985** — Co-authored a published study of commercial bank lending and nonmetropolitan economic activity with David L. Barkley.
- **late 1980s** — Created label software for grocery and meatpacking industries at Alferi Communications.
- **1992** — Heartland Business Systems formed with Helander as President and CEO.
- **1994** — A 2022 company account records his acquisition and rebranding of Alferi Communications as HBS.
- **2004** — HBS added Avastone Technologies and expanded its software capabilities.
- **2011** — Appointed Ben Turner managing director of HBS while retaining strategic development responsibilities.
- **2016** — Announced the consolidation of Avastone Technologies into HBS.
- **2017** — Appointed Larry Boettger Chief Information Security Officer.
- **2021** — HBS agreed to acquire certain assets of The NetGuys.
- **2022** — HBS partnered with A&M Capital Opportunities and announced an agreement to acquire Pratum.
- **2023** — HBS acquired Midwest Computech.
- **2025** — Retired as CEO in October; Jimmy Buddenberg succeeded him as GenNx360 acquired HBS.
- **2026** — Died on March 16; his family requested contributions toward a planned STEM education foundation in his name.

## Achievements

- Led HBS from 1992 until retirement in October 2025.
- Led acquisitions that expanded HBS networking, cybersecurity and managed services capabilities.
- Received Post-Crescent Media CEO/Executive of the Year recognition, documented in an HBS article dated December 2019.
- Co-authored a 1985 paper with David L. Barkley in The Review of Regional Studies.
- At his retirement, HBS reported 675+ full-time employees, 400+ certified engineers and 3,200+ customers.

## Latest updates

- **2026-03** — Died March 16, 2026. His family requested contributions toward a foundation to be formed in his name supporting STEM education.
- **2025-10** — Retired as HBS CEO as GenNx360 acquired the company; Jimmy Buddenberg became CEO.

## Links

- Website: https://www.hbs.net/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phelander

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/peter-helander
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23