In 2026, Primary Systems marks a remarkable milestone—50 years of service, growth, and innovation. From humble beginnings as TEL-Vi Communications in 1976 to becoming a leading clinical communications and healthcare technology integrator, our story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and commitment to excellence.

The company was founded in 1976 by Richard Potts and Robert Julius, boyhood friends who shared not only a vision for business, but also a lifelong bond of service and camaraderie. Both proudly served more than 25 years in the Missouri Air National Guard, where they learned the values of discipline, integrity, and teamwork. They were also skilled IBEW electricians, bringing unmatched expertise and craftsmanship to their work.

Like many entrepreneurial ventures, TEL-Vi Communications started small—its first office was run out of Bob Julius’s home. But what the company lacked in resources, it more than made up for with determination and vision. Richard and Robert were instrumental in building the structured cabling industry in the St. Louis region, helping hospitals, businesses, and institutions lay the critical infrastructure that would support the communications systems of the future. Their pioneering efforts set the standard for quality and reliability at a time when the field was just beginning to take shape.

In 2004, TEL-Vi sold its structured cabling business to Guarantee Electric. With this transition, the company sharpened its focus on healthcare technology and renamed itself Primary Systems, Inc. This strategic shift laid the groundwork for the company’s next chapter of growth, positioning it as a specialized integrator of clinical communications and life safety systems.

The journey has since been defined by bold decisions and visionary leadership. Just two years later, in 2006, current President and CEO Steve Potts acquired the company, charting a course for sustained growth. What began with a focus on telecommunications has evolved into a company that now plays a vital role in improving hospital operations, patient safety, and clinical workflows across the region.

Over five decades, Primary Systems has grown not only in size and capability, but also in influence. We are proud to serve as trusted partners to some of the largest healthcare systems in the Midwest, providing life safety systems, clinical communication platforms, and workflow solutions that help caregivers deliver better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.

Growth has remained a constant theme. In just the past six years, Primary Systems has completed three acquisitions, strengthening its expertise, expanding service capabilities, and extending its reach across the Midwest. This growth has been marked by new offices and operations in Oklahoma, Illinois, and Indiana, expanding our footprint beyond Missouri and reinforcing our position as a trusted partner throughout the region.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our people. Our team—past and present—has built a culture of innovation, professionalism, and trust. Their expertise and passion fuel our ability to meet the ever-changing needs of the healthcare industry.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead. The future of healthcare technology is being shaped by AI, advanced analytics, and connected systems—and Primary Systems is committed to leading the way. We will continue to invest in our employees, expand our capabilities, and deliver solutions that help our customers succeed.

To our employees, customers, and partners: thank you for being part of our story. The past 50 years have been extraordinary—and the best is yet to come.