Smaller businesses have many of the same technology needs as larger
corporations: fast communication, great storage, and streamlined
operations. But, with limited budgets, it's not always feasible to hire
a full-time guru. That's where CM IT Solutions shines.
With franchises across the country, including the Twin Cities area, the firm
is a one-stop shop for SMBs. Linda Burzynski, the company's CEO,
explains it all.
How did CM IT get started?
The brand name CM IT Solutions was first launched to the public on
January 2004. The beginning of our organization however, began in 1997
when the company was franchised and focused only on the residential
market. Over the years the demand shifted dramatically to the small to
medium sized business as our clientele. Thus the rebranding to a more
appropriate name to better represent our growing clientele.
What got you personally interested in doing this work?
I was recruited in the summer of 2000 by Mike Maples, the former senior
executive vice president of Microsoft. He was looking for someone with
franchising expertise to relaunch the company. Because of Mike's
background, he has keen insight to the growing demand for IT support and
services. I saw a natural fit with my background in franchising to help
grow a dynamic organization that could eventually become the IT solution
provider to the SMB market.
Why do you feel there's a need for what you provide?
Most small business owners do not have the resources to address all of
their IT needs inhouse. Yet, technology can become a huge opportunity to
the bottom line of their business when used correctly.
Currently, no one has organized a professional approach to really
address this need. There are a lot of independent contractors and
consultants, but few who take the "one stop" holistic approach that we
embrace at CM IT. Each CM IT Solutions franchise, has a reputable team
of IT experts to work with business owners in a very affordable way to
solve IT concerns.
We do it all: troubleshooting, training, networking, virus protection,
installations, Web design and hosting, and much more. The niche filled
by IBM and EDS to the Fortune 1000 businesses is similar to our
approach; however, our niche is in taking a similar approach to the
small and medium sized business market.
Why do you think the company is growing so quickly, and how are you
dealing with the challenges of growth?
Not only is there a demand for our services, there are also many
qualified executives who have been part of corporate America who desire
to run their own business Many of our franchisees have vast experiences
in the business word and are now enjoying the opportunity of building
their own CM IT Solutions franchise. In dealing with our growth, we have
specific goals. Our first goal is to cover major metropolitan markets in
United States. We plan to have 500 locations within the next three years
and have planned for the additional resources to support our growth
throughout this expansion. Once we penetrate the United States market,
then we'll begin expanding internationally.
What do you like best about what you do?
I am extremely blessed to work with the amazing people CM IT Solutions
attracts. You'll not find a better group of people to work with, and I
am referring to our entire organization: the home office team, the
franchisees, our alliance partners, and shareholders. We are all excited
about what we're doing and very dedicated to our future as CM IT
Solutions becomes the IT solution provider to the SMB market.
do you know a Texas company we should cover? Let us know about it.
Send your local profile candidates to emillard@computeruser.com.
