Todd Dehn, owner of TeamLogic IT in
Green Bay, says he is an entrepreneur by spirit.
"I’ve had a lot of other
businesses in the past, and when this opportunity came across my desk, I thought
that it made sense in the short and long term," he said. "It is the
type of business that is needed in good times and bad." After reviewing
information on TeamLogic IT, a franchise, he decided to purchase it in 2015. He
says that it is a business that allows companies to outsource much of their IT
function resulting in savings in staff costs while providing services that are
above and beyond those of most in-house IT departments.
In just four years, Dehn believes he
made the right choice. He has a staff of six people locally, but with the
support of the franchise, there are hundreds of support staff available to
assist. As owner, his roles are diverse. "I am the president of the company
and see to the day-to-day operations, build relationships and foster new
clients," Dehn said.
Acquiring clients comes easy because he
believes in the services provided.
"The common need for businesses is
related to technology pain, and we are the ibuprofen for this," Dehn said.
"We protect our clients’ businesses and help them achieve more money to
their bottom line."
The process starts with an initial
meeting to get to know the organization, inventory and current technology. The
review includes an assessment of what is in place and if it meets current needs
and objectives.
"In essence, it’s like having a
virtual chief information officer to help strategize along with your executive
staff," he said.
The specialties are broad and include
computer repair, network and security assessment, network administrator,
disaster recovery, networking, antivirus, anti-malware, cloud, virtual
environment, hardware and software, data security, email management and many
others.
The range of specialties is made
possible because of the support and skills offered by the franchise and his
staff.
Dehn says he has been impressed with
the franchise model and the support provided. He recommends that other
entrepreneurs consider one before starting a business.
"Franchises offer the independence
of small business ownership supported by the benefits of a big business
network," Dehn said. "There are proven systems in places that have
been vetted and proven over time and they have a higher rate of success than
startup businesses. They often have an established reputation and image, proven
management and work practices, access to national advertising, and ongoing
support."
That doesn’t mean that Dehn has been
able to settle into an easy workday. He estimates that he puts in 70 to 80
hours each week, and attributes his time in the Air Force for helping him
develop a strong work ethic.
"Not only that, but I also credit
my parents with giving me the total belief that you never quit, you just
continue to move forward. In time, things that seemed like a hardship were
actually learning experiences," he said.
Experience has taught him many lessons,
and he knows that trying to do too much can result in losing balance in life.
So, he practices what he preaches and outsources certain functions. Although he
understands balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and other financial
matters, he works with Prosperity Bookkeeping to keep that part of the business
on track. He has found that his time is better spent on management and
marketing functions.
"I have a full-blown marketing
campaign," he said. "It includes many facets — vehicle wraps,
networking groups, telemarketing, email drip campaigns, trade shows and events,
conferences, marketing materials, internet and social media. We do it
all."
Networking, he says, has been one of
the most successful aspects. It gives a business the ability to make
connections that they wouldn’t otherwise have. And, as he makes those
connections and adds clients, positive word of mouth has propelled the business
forward.
"I have written
a business plan for every business I’ve had in the last five years, and
continue to update it. It is my road map to keep me on track and on target to
where I want to go," Dehn said. "And that includes seeing the
business increase by 50% next year, and within five years, adding seven
engineers."