WhirLocal recently had the opportunity to sit down with Michael Triolo, the entrepreneurial force behind NerdsToGo in Cary, NC. Michael’s journey from the cockpit to the forefront of small business IT services is as intriguing as it is inspiring. Dive in with us as we explore the world of NerdsToGo, a business that’s redefining tech support in its own unique way right here in Cary.
WL: What was your career path before NerdsToGo?
Prior to founding NerdsToGo, my career journey began as a professional pilot, a path I pursued for about 15 years. Right out of college I became a flight instructor, and from there I joined Continental Express, where I spent eight years flying regional jets.
By 2008 I decided it was time for a change. A couple close friends were starting an IT consulting business, and with their encouragement, I bought in. Of course I had no formal training in IT, so I learned on the job from my partners who already had a lot of experience from working at companies like Microsoft and Bose. It worked, and pretty quickly we grew the business, expanding from three to fifty employees.
After selling my share in this business and a brief period in Virginia where I dabbled in real estate, I realized I had a passion and a desire to start a new venture. This time though I didn’t have partners to lean on, and I knew I would need support with marketing and sales. That led me to look at franchise opportunities, and from there I discovered NerdsToGo.
WL: What made you choose NerdsToGo?
I chose to open NerdsToGo primarily because I saw a need in the market. NerdsToGo fills a niche in the market, offering services to small businesses and those working from home.
Our partnership with various tech giants like Microsoft, Dell, and Lenovo enhances our service offering, allowing us to provide small businesses with access to enterprise-level applications and support without the cost. This unique position in the market is something I am particularly proud of, as we aim to be the outsourced IT department for small businesses, bringing enterprise-level resources to their doorstep.
I also wanted to create a business that reflected my values and vision of a healthy, positive workplace. I envisioned NerdsToGo as a place where employees would enjoy coming to work, characterized by a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. We’ve been able to create that here, and I’m really proud of that.
WL: How would you describe NerdsToGo?
Our focus is on providing specialized, ‘white glove’ IT services, primarily catering to small businesses while also offering residential support, especially to those working from home.
Our approach is tailored, understanding the unique needs and constraints of small businesses and those working from home. We balance reliability and cost-effectiveness. As a small business owner myself, I empathize with our clients’ requirements for affordable yet reliable IT support.
In our residential break/fix line, we offer both in-store and on-site services to address a wide range of IT needs. Our focus is on providing reliable and trustworthy support for any IT-related issues that may arise in a home setting. From hardware repairs to software support, we are the go-to professionals when residents face IT challenges.
For small businesses, NerdsToGo acts as an outsourced IT department. Our services are designed to simplify IT management for businesses and their employees, ensuring that IT is a tool for productivity rather than a source of worry. We recognize that many growing businesses reach a point where IT management becomes overwhelming for the owner or office administrators. NerdsToGo steps in to fill this gap, providing the necessary IT support without the need for a full-time in-house IT staff. Our involvement typically ranges from a few hours a week, scaling according to the business’s needs.
Our small business services encompass comprehensive IT management, including monitoring, managing, and ensuring that all systems are updated, secured with antivirus and firewalls, and functioning optimally. We provide peace of mind to business owners, knowing that their IT infrastructure is in capable hands, with a dedicated team available for any issues that may arise.
WL: What do customers love the most about NerdsToGo?
Our onsite service. It’s particularly appreciated by those who prefer not having to bring their devices to a store.
If I had to boil it down, our customers frequently express appreciation for the exceptional customer service and availability that NerdsToGo offers, coupled with our unique onsite service, where we visit their home or office.
WL: Any services you offer that maybe customers aren’t aware of and should be?
Many customers may not be aware that in addition to our standard IT services, we are also an authorized Lenovo and Dell partner. This partnership allows us to offer the sale of new PCs, a valuable service for those looking to upgrade their computer systems. We provide comprehensive support in this area, assisting customers with everything from selecting the right PC to setting it up.
One of our notable services includes the ability to create images of your current hard drive and transfer them to a new computer. This process ensures that you can move all your data, settings, and applications seamlessly to your new PC.
We understand that transitioning to a new computer can be daunting, and our goal is to make this process as smooth and worry-free as possible. Whether you purchase your new computer through us or elsewhere, we’re here to help with data migration and setup, making sure you don’t lose any important information during the transition.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our chat with Michael Triolo of NerdsToGo in Cary, NC, it’s clear that his journey from the sky-high adventures of piloting to the tech-savvy world of IT support is nothing short of remarkable. Michael’s passion for providing top-notch, personalized IT services shines through in every aspect of NerdsToGo Cary, NC. Whether it’s bringing enterprise-level IT solutions to small businesses or making house calls to fix tech troubles, Michael and his team are all about going the extra mile. It’s this blend of exceptional service, a keen understanding of customer needs, and a workplace that feels more like a family that sets NerdsToGo apart. Thanks for flying with us through this inspiring story of a pilot turned tech guru, proving that sometimes, the sky’s not the limit – it’s just the beginning!
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