Although a small business might have a bevy of technology, it often
lacks the support needed to keep it running strong. That's where
Concerto Networks comes in. Based in San
Diego, with franchises in several states, the company makes SMB tech
support a breeze. Ray Hivoral, founder and CEO, chats about technology,
management, and his sweet job.
How did Concerto Networks get started?
Concerto Networks was launched in 2002 in response to an unmet need for
professional, consistent-quality computer and IT solutions for small-
and medium-sized businesses.
What got you personally interested in doing this work?
I experienced two things that made me realize the opportunity for
Concerto Networks. First, I had spent some frustrating time struggling
through technology troubles at home and at work and was unable to find
reliable help anywhere. Second, at the time, I was working for a small
company that couldn't afford a full-time IT department. We depended on a
local "IT guy" who was difficult to track down and inconsistent in his
work. I knew that if this was happening to me and the company I worked
for, it was probably happening everywhere, leaving a wide-open
opportunity to change the way SMBs manage their technology.
Why do you feel there's a need for what you provide?
The number of SMBs has grown tremendously over the last few years and is
continuing to grow. These businesses rely on advanced technology, just
as large corporations do, to compete in their industries. But unlike
larger companies, SMBs may not have the ability to maintain full-time
ITdepartments to keep everything running smoothly. Concerto Networks
provides this growing market with consistent quality, corporate-style IT
support and management at a cost that suits SMB budgets.
At the same time, Concerto Networks is providing a unique business
opportunity to the growing number of technology professionals ready to
serve SMBs as part of a nationally-branded, professional technology
solutions company. Each Concerto Networks franchisee is equipped with
comprehensive training, marketing tools, back-office support and
partnerships with leading technology providers, all so they can enjoy
the pride of business ownership with minimized start-up and operational
expenses.
What kind of challenges does your company face?
Keeping up with the rapid pace at which technology changes and advances
is a significant challenge for any company providing these kinds of
services. I always say there's no such thing as a "technology guru"
because no one person can know all there is to know about technology. As
a franchise though, Concerto Networks is an integrated network with a
larger pool of resources to help stay up to date and provide excellent
service. Everyone in the network, including the franchisees, the
corporate office and all of our partners and providers, adds to a
centralized knowledge base for all to use. This is a key component of
the business model.
The opportunity to mentor an entire network of entrepreneurs. I always
dreamed of starting a business myself, but I couldn't have made it to
this point in my life without the help of several key mentors along the
way. Now, with Concerto Networks, I have the chance to mentor business
owners and professionals every day, watching and helping them on their
own paths to grow their businesses and create their own legacies. Plus,
I have the fortune of learning unique things from each individual in the
network as well. I believe it's the people we surround ourselves with
that sweeten our lives and our work. Concerto Networks has become a
complete family and support system for everyone involved. That's what
makes my job sweet.
do you know a Southern California company we should cover? Let us know about it.
Send your local profile candidates to dan@computeruser.com.
