1 – Q) Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
A) AtNetPlus is a dynamic and forward-thinking IT services company in Stow, Ohio. Established in 1998, we have been dedicated to serving the business community of Northeast Ohio with a comprehensive range of reliable and innovative IT solutions.
At our core, AtNetPlus is all about empowering businesses through technology. We provide tailored solutions that help our clients navigate the complexities of the modern tech landscape, ensuring they can operate efficiently and effectively. Our services include Managed & Co-Managed IT Services, Cybersecurity, AI Automation, and Data Backup and Recovery, among others.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction and our collaborative approach. By building solid relationships with our clients, we gain a deep understanding of their unique challenges and goals, allowing us to deliver solutions that truly make a difference. Our team of experts is passionate about technology and dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve and provide the best possible service.
With our roots firmly planted in Northeast Ohio, we are proud to contribute to the success of local businesses and look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and growth.
2 – Q) Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
A) After high school, I studied and worked as a carpenter, with aspirations to get a degree in construction management. In college, my interest in computers grew and I switched majors to MIS (Management Information Systems). However, a temporary job rolling out Windows 95 with IBM, changed the course of my life when they offered me a permanent position, and I decided to drop out of college to pursue my career with IBM. A few years later, the entrepreneurial spark that my father (a small business owner) instilled in me caused me to start AtNetPlus with my business partner.
3 – Q) What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
A) Our journey began in 1998 when we recognized a growing need for reliable business IT solutions in Northeast Ohio. At the time, many local businesses struggled with the rapidly evolving technology landscape and lacked the expertise to leverage IT effectively for growth and efficiency.
Driven by a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction, we saw an opportunity to make a significant impact.
Our vision was clear: to create a company that provided top-notch IT services and served as a trusted partner to businesses, helping them confidently navigate the complexities of technology. This vision led us to establish AtNetPlus, with a mission to empower businesses through technology.
We’ve focused on building solid relationships with our clients, understanding their unique challenges, and delivering tailored solutions that drive success. Our inspiration has always been rooted in the belief that technology can be a powerful enabler for any business when effectively managed. This belief continues to drive us as we look toward the future, constantly seeking new ways to innovate and improve our services.
Our commitment to continuous improvement, open communication, and a collaborative approach ensures that we stay aligned with our clients’ goals and adapt to their evolving needs. We’re proud of our journey and are excited about the future as we continue to empower businesses through cutting-edge technology solutions.
4 – Q) What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
A)
- When I asked my dad what he thought of me quitting a good job at IBM to start this business his advice was “If you don’t try it, you will always wonder ‘what if?’”.
- Always keep learning through having a great mentor, reading and learning from peers whenever possible.
- Don’t be afraid of failure. To fail means that you tried.
5 – Q) What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
A)
- Discipline
- Persistence
- Curiosity
6 – Q) How many hours do you work a day on average?
A) As the business has grown, I had to become comfortable with a different way to measure the “work” hours I put in since so much of what I do may not be considered work by traditional definitions. For example, meeting with people for lunch or dinner, learning about industry trends or even just clearing my desk and freeing my mind to ponder. Some of my best ideas and strategies have come from those activities.
7 – Q) To what do you most attribute your success?
A) My career success can be attributed to a combination of mentorship, a willingness to take calculated risks, and a guiding philosophy that emphasizes perseverance and problem-solving.
Becoming a business owner was likely inevitable for me, largely due to the profound influence of my father, who has owned and operated several businesses for over 50 years. His entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication have been a continuous source of inspiration and mentorship throughout my journey. I sought his advice when contemplating leaving the security of a job at IBM to start my own business. He said, “If you don’t try, you will always wonder ‘what if?’”. Those words were pivotal in my decision to co-found AtNetPlus in 1998 with Jim Laber.
This advice has driven my overall outlook, pushing me to consistently explore new ways to assist our clients in solving their business challenges with technology. Another philosophy that has significantly shaped my approach comes from a plaque that hangs over my father’s desk, which reads, “He who really wants to do something finds a way. He who doesn’t finds an excuse.” I have a similar plaque with the exact quote hanging in my office as a daily reminder of what it takes to succeed.
These values—taking risks, seeking solutions, and never making excuses—are the foundation of my business approach. They underpin my commitment to continuous improvement and my dedication to empowering our clients through innovative technology solutions.
With our roots firmly planted in Northeast Ohio, we are proud to contribute to the success of local businesses and look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and growth.
8 – Q) How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
A) At AtNetPlus, our most successful form of marketing is undoubtedly client referrals. Our clients are pivotal in driving our growth by sharing their positive experiences and the tangible benefits our services have brought to their businesses. This word-of-mouth marketing is invaluable, as it comes from trusted sources who have firsthand experience with our solutions.
Client satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and tailored solutions that address each business’s unique challenges. When our clients see significant improvements in their operations, efficiency, and overall business outcomes, they are naturally inclined to share these success stories with their peers and networks.
Maintaining strong client relationships is essential to this process. We prioritize open communication, responsiveness, and continuous improvement in all our interactions. By fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring our clients feel valued and supported, we encourage them to share their positive experiences with others.
9 – Q) Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
A) As a service based business, there is a low barrier of entry from a cash perspective. I scraped together $400 to buy a very low end computer to do my initial work on. The rest was putting in the time and effort.
10 – Q) What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
A) Persistence. Try something, fail, and then learn from that failure before trying again. Keep doing that until you get it right. All the while staying true to who you are and your values.
11 – Q) Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
A) Looking ahead to the next 5 to 10 years, I envision both myself and AtNetPlus continuing on a path of growth, innovation, and excellence. Our core mission will remain steadfast: to solve our clients’ business challenges through cutting-edge technology solutions. However, our approach will evolve as we expand our service offerings and embrace emerging technologies.
In the coming years, I see AtNetPlus leading the charge in cybersecurity, and AI-driven solutions. We aim to be at the forefront of these advancements, providing our clients with the tools they need to stay competitive and secure in an ever-changing digital landscape. This commitment to innovation will help our clients and drive our own growth and success.
Maintaining a strong company culture is paramount. As we grow, we will continue to prioritize open communication, teamwork, and continuous improvement. These values have been the bedrock of our success and will remain central to our operations. I am deeply committed to fostering a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and empowered.
On a personal level, I aspire to further my role as a leader and mentor within the industry. Sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over nearly three decades in technology is a priority for me. I want to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and technologists, much like my father did for me. His guidance and the philosophies he imparted—about taking risks, finding solutions, and never making excuses—will continue to guide my journey.
In summary, the future for AtNetPlus is bright. We are poised to embrace new challenges and opportunities, driven by a commitment to our clients and a passion for technological innovation. I look forward to leading our team through this exciting period of growth and transformation while staying true to the values that have brought us this far.
12 – Q) Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
A) My father’s business. He owned and operated bowling alleys, nightclubs, restaurants, trophy and awards businesses and liquor stores for over 50 years. He has an incredible work ethic, amazing business instincts and natural people skills. He successfully grew and then eventually sold those businesses so he could retire, never sacrificing his integrity or identity.
13 – Q) How important have good employees been to your success?
A) AtNetPlus’s success is deeply rooted in the quality and dedication of our employees. Good employees are not just important—they are essential to our growth, innovation, and ability to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Our team’s expertise, creativity, and unwavering commitment form the backbone of everything we achieve.
A skilled and dedicated team drives innovation by continuously seeking new solutions and improvements that keep us at the forefront of our industry. Their ability to think critically and creatively allows us to tackle complex challenges and provide cutting-edge technology solutions that meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.
Delivering exceptional service is another cornerstone of our success, and it hinges on having employees who are not only proficient in their roles but also passionate about helping our clients. Our team’s personalized attention and care ensure that we build solid and lasting relationships with our clients, fostering trust and loyalty that are vital for long-term success.
Fostering a positive company culture is equally crucial. When employees feel valued and motivated, they are more productive and engaged. Our priority is creating an environment where team members can thrive, grow, and feel a sense of belonging. We invest in employee development through continuous learning opportunities, training programs, and career advancement paths, recognizing that our team’s growth directly impacts the company’s success.
14 – Q) How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
A) Probably too long many times. My same drive to have persistence makes me hold on too long sometimes.
15 – Q) What motivates you?
A) I don’t follow or participate in most sports. My business is my sport and how I am competitive. Learning and improving my business to be better every day is motivating for me.
16 – Q) What are your ideals?
A) Building a successful business that aligns with my personal values.
17 – Q) How do you generate new ideas?
A) Talking to people and understanding what they care about. We are in the service business. When we listen to our clients, they tell us what they need and the ideas come from there.
18 – Q) How do you define success?
A) I love it when members of our team feel comfortable to make big life choices, knowing that they are secure in their careers. Anything from getting married, having a baby, buying a home or a new car; I am fulfilled when people we work with are able to have these big moments in their life and whatever small way we helped them get there.
19 – Q) How do you build a successful customer base?
A) At AtNetPlus, building a thriving customer base is at the core of our business strategy, and it all starts with a deep understanding of our clients’ needs. We prioritize getting to know each client genuinely and understanding their unique challenges and specific goals. This enables us to customize our services and provide solutions that not only meet but exceed their expectations.
Delivering exceptional service is fundamental to our approach. Every interaction with a client is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to their success. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized service that addresses each client’s individual needs. This level of customization ensures that clients feel valued and understood, fostering more substantial and meaningful relationships.
Proactive communication is another critical element in building a successful customer base. We maintain open lines of communication with our clients, keeping them informed and involved throughout our engagement. Regular check-ins, updates, and feedback sessions help us stay aligned with their evolving needs and ensure we always provide the most relevant and effective solutions.
Leveraging client feedback is crucial for continuous improvement. We actively seek input from our clients to understand what is working well and where we can make enhancements. This feedback loop helps us refine our offerings and ensures that we consistently deliver high-quality service that meets our clients’ dynamic demands.
Trust and reliability are the foundations of long-term client partnerships. We strive to build trust by being transparent, dependable, and consistently delivering on our promises. When clients know they can rely on us to support their business and help them navigate challenges, our relationship strengthens and creates a loyal customer base.
20 – Q) What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
A) Freedom. Freedom to try things that may or may not work, freedom to surround myself with people I respect, freedom to do the things that are important to me.
21 – Q) What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
A) At the time it wasn’t very satisfying, but many years ago we had a very toxic culture problem in the organization, and I didn’t even fully realize it. Once we realized it, we worked hard to get the culture back on track and aligned with our values, and being able to do that without killing the company in the process is satisfying.
22 – Q) What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
A) Entrepreneurs possess the willingness or circumstances that allow us to chase an idea that we believe in enough to risk money, time, and relationships to achieve our goals.
23 – Q) What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
A) We have worked to cultivate a culture of mutual respect while still empowering each other to grow and to challenge each other in constructive ways. This is important because in an environment like this, everyone is invested in each other’s and, in turn, our collective success.
24 – Q) In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
A) No two days are alike. Every day presents new opportunities, successes and failures. It is impossible to be bored.
25 – Q) If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
A) I would work to understand the role of values and culture much earlier.
26 – Q) How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
A) At times I need to travel and be away from my family, which can be hard, but I try to capture lessons I can bring home and share with my family.
27 – Q) What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
A) My greatest fear is losing my motivation. I manage fear knowing that most bad things that can happen are speed bumps in life and we can get through them.
28 – Q) How did you decide on the location for your business?
A) Central geographically to our clients and close to home.
29 – Q) Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
A) Keep trying until you figure it out.
30 – Q) If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
A) If history could include the future, it would be each of my children when they are fully grown and very old to learn what was meaningful and impactful to them in their lives.
31 – Q) Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A) My father.
32 – Q) What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
A) The QBQ, The Question Behind the Question, is a great book about personal accountability
33 – Q) What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
A) Not listening to advice from people I trust when I should have
34 – Q) How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
A) I don’t know that you can prevent mistakes, but I believe you can minimize them by communicating clearly and listening to people. For damage control, the best thing is to be up front and own the problem.
35 – Q) What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
A) I like to camp with my family, and I enjoy 3D printing
36 – Q) What makes you happy?
A) My family
37 – Q) What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
A) Time with my family
38 – Q) If you were conducting this interview, what question would you ask?
A) How do you handle ambiguity? (asked in a very ambiguous way)
