cybersecurity

AUSTIN, Texas — Leading IT managed services provider (MSP) CMIT Solutions is growing its capacity to serve the hospitality industry with the assistance of HKW, a middle-market private equity firm focused on growth companies in the US and Canada. CMIT Solutions is one of only a few MSPs with hospitality-specific IT and cybersecurity expertise and solutions. HKW’s support will help CMIT Solutions bring even more industry-aligned innovation to hoteliers through initiatives like increasing operational efficiencies and IT services fulfillment capabilities.

“For many years, we have been the go-to IT and security services provider for more than 400 hotel operators in 41 states. Our reputation for exceptional service within this space is strong, and now we have the opportunity to build on these strengths to define the next level of IT and security support for this rapidly evolving industry,” said Jason Arabian, CMIT Solutions Chief Strategy Officer and founder of the CMIT Solutions Central Rhode Island location that shaped the company’s extensive hospitality service offerings. “We have an intimate knowledge of the industry that we’ve leveraged to create and fine tune a hospitality-specific IT and cybersecurity service bundle. HKW’s investment enables our team to improve and scale our capabilities so we can deliver even bigger and better MSP solutions tailored to the hospitality industry.”

HKW’s backing strengthens CMIT Solution’s ability to assist a greater number of large hoteliers with expansive portfolios. Establishing a larger central team of IT and security professionals will provide clients with solutions for larger and more complex projects. According to American Hotel and Lodging Association, the demand for hotel lodging has increased 11.1% over the past 12 months. The continued growth of the hospitality industry increases its cyber risk profile driving the need for more sophisticated IT and cybersecurity products and solutions — this makes it the optimum time for HKW’s support.

CMIT Solutions offers a broad spectrum of technology services, from proactive computer monitoring and maintenance to cybersecurity solutions, with quick support when unexpected crises occur. Through locally-owned locations backed by an expansive network of nationwide resources and technology partners, CMIT Solutions has carved out its niche as an IT company that provides customers with unparalleled levels of one-to-one attention and advanced technology. As a result, the local business community now has a competitive advantage in today’s increasingly challenging marketplace.

For more information on CMIT Solutions and its services, please visit cmitsolutions.com or call (401) 385-9966.

AUSTIN, Texas — CMIT Solutions, the leading service provider in cybersecurity and information technologies for businesses, announced today it has been named by CRN^®, a brand of The Channel Company, to the 2023 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Elite 150 category.

CRN’s annual MSP 500 list identifies the industry-leading service providers in North America who are driving a new wave of growth and innovation for the channel through forward-thinking approaches to managed services, helping end users increase efficiency and simplify IT solutions, while maximizing their return on investment. MSPs have become a vital part of the success of businesses worldwide. MSPs not only empower organizations to leverage intricate technologies but also help them keep a strict focus on their core business goals without straining their budgets.

“It’s a remarkable honor to be recognized by CRN again this year,” said Roger Lewis, CEO of CMIT Solutions. “Our channel partnerships make it possible for us to serve our clients with groundbreaking IT and cybersecurity solutions that accelerate their business growth and help them achieve their goals. Together with our partners, we’re making a positive impact in the business community. As business technologies continue to evolve, we see more opportunities for innovation and service ahead.”

The annual MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on- and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services.

“Managed services offer a path for businesses of all sizes to remain efficient and flexible as they grow,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The solution providers on our 2023 MSP 500 list are bringing innovative managed services portfolios to market, helping their customers win by doing more with the IT budgets they have and freeing up resources to focus on mission-critical activities to drive future success.”

2023 marks CMIT Solutions’ third time receiving this recognition, further situating the brand as a top IT managed service provider on its way to becoming a $200 million MSP. With more than 250 franchise locations, the company is known for offering locally based, customized assistance to businesses strengthened by a nationwide network of IT expertise and technology partnerships. CMIT Solutions delivers a full suite of solutions that includes proactive IT maintenance and monitoring, advanced cybersecurity, future-focused infrastructure, remote workforce enablement, and quick, personalized response services.

The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2023 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/msp500.

For more information about CMIT Solutions and the services it offers, visit cmitsolutions.com

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com

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© 2023 The Channel Company LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

CMIT Solutions Ranked as a top provider in ‘Tech Businesses’ Category as a MSP.

AUSTIN, Texas — CMIT Solutions was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500^®, the world’s first, best, and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For the 12^th year in a row, the IT services company has found itself earning a spot on this list. This achievement by CMIT Solutions highlights the successful growth of the company in 2022.

“Our goal is to continue supporting businesses by providing them with the best-in-class IT services and cybersecurity solutions,” said Roger Lewis, CEO of CMIT Solutions. “With an expansive network of trusted franchise locations across the country rallying around our 200M MSP vision, we have been able to achieve rapid growth and we are flourishing in the tech industry. We provide a proven system for an entrepreneur to open a business and maximize their chances of success.”

In Entrepreneur‘s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s 44-year-old ranking formula also continues to evolve. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors that go into the evaluation, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500^® in ranking order.

“The past year has been really transformative for franchises, shining a light on the unique challenges and changes that have shaped the franchise industry; this list is reflective of the franchisors who have adapted and evolved to meet those obstacles,” says Entrepreneur Editor in Chief Jason Feifer. “Each company on this year’s list embodies what it means to be a successful franchise built upon entrepreneurial-forward individuals.”

CMIT Solutions offers a broad spectrum of IT services including computer monitoring, help desk, back-up and recovery, and cybersecurity, along with quick response onsite services when unexpected IT issues occur. CMIT Solutions has carved out its niche as an industry innovator that specializes in working with the small to mid-sized business community. Combining this with the company’s leading technology partners gives the SMB community an edge in today’s increasingly challenging marketplace.

Over its 44 years in existence, the Franchise 500^® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. CMIT Solution’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

To view CMIT Solutions in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2023 issue of Entrepreneur, available on January 10th.

For more information about available franchise opportunities, visit cmitfranchise.com/.

For 43 years, Entrepreneur Media Inc. has been serving the entrepreneurial community providing comprehensive coverage of business and personal success through original content and events. Entrepreneur magazine, Entrepreneur.com, and publishing imprint Entrepreneur Press provide solutions, information, inspiration and education read by millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide.

To learn more, visit entrepreneur.com.

AUSTIN, Texas — CMIT Solutions LLC (“CMIT”), a leading IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) franchisor, today announced the transition of ownership from Craftsman Capital to HKW, a middle-market private equity firm focused on growth companies in the US and Canada. The move is part of CMIT’s aggressive strategy to double systemwide revenue to $200 million by 2028.

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, HKW invests in profitable middle-market companies in the Technology sector. As a rapidly growing IT and cybersecurity organization, CMIT is strongly aligned with HKW’s investment focus. CMIT’s systemwide revenue surpassed $100 million in 2022, more than a year ahead of its projected timeline, through a focus on enhanced marketing, sales, and operational efficiencies.

“HKW shares our goal of accelerating our company’s growth while creating more value for our clients,” said Roger Lewis, CEO of CMIT. “Their expertise and support will be instrumental as we achieve the next phase of our maturity through new initiatives in marketing, sales, and operations, including adding centralized fulfillment capabilities.”

Also announced today is HKW’s acquisition of HTW, Inc.  (“HTW”), an MSP which will serve as the foundation of a corporate affiliate, which will establish a nationwide fulfillment center. The program leverages the acquisition of one of CMIT’s top-performing franchisees with existing capacity to serve multi-location accounts. The corporate affiliate will strengthen CMIT’s ability to support larger enterprise customers. A central team of IT and security professionals will provide clients with solutions for larger and more complex projects. Additionally, these resources shared among franchise locations will enable the company to better support clients who need specialized expertise.

“The MSP and cybersecurity industry continues to expand as businesses seek solutions to address increasing cyber threats and IT complexity,” Daniel Kim, Partner at HKW, said.  “We recognize the tremendous opportunity in front of CMIT. We’re excited to be part of helping the company build its scale to meet the growing demand for technology and security services in the coming years.”

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

HKW is a middle-market private equity firm investing in companies with talented management teams in the US and Canada. HKW targets companies in the Technology, Health & Wellness, and Business Services sectors. Since 1982, HKW has sponsored 69 platform transactions of middle-market companies throughout North America and 75 add-on acquisitions. For more information on HKW, please visit hkwinc.com.

Leading National IT Solutions Provider Earns Recognition at Inaugural WISE Awards.

AUSTIN, Texas — CMIT Solutions, one of the nation’s leading managed services providers of cybersecurity and information technology (IT) services, has been named ConnectWise’s Partner of the Year at its WISE Awards. Partners since 2019, CMIT Solutions leverages its connection with ConnectWise to strengthen its position as an industry leader by employing the most innovative technologies to service clients.

Presented at ConnectWise’s annual thought leadership conference, IT Nation Connect 2022 in Orlando, the award showcases how CMIT Solutions strategically leverages a wide range of the company’s offerings to provide top-of-the-line services for client organizations. ConnectWise’s integrated and innovative platform has bolstered efficiency for CMIT Solutions, accelerating revenue growth with its automation and data management services including remote monitoring, cybersecurity, and backup and disaster recovery technologies.

“As a proud partner of ConnectWise, we’re incredibly grateful to be recognized as one if its first award recipients for All-In Partner of the Year,” said Roger Lewis, President of CMIT Solutions. “Through ConnectWise we’ve been able to provide advanced IT and cybersecurity solutions that help protect clients from cybersecurity threats. Unfortunately, massive data breaches and cyber attacks are becoming a more common reality for businesses of all sizes, so it is essential that we work with trusted partners like ConnectWise.”

ConnectWise’s annual IT Nation Connect conference is the premier thought-leadership conference for technology service providers to collaborate, gain insight, and connect on the industry’s future. The conference was held in Orlando from November 9 -11, including its inaugural WISE Awards at a special recognition luncheon.  

CMIT Solutions is widely recognized as the frontrunner among IT service providers for small and mid-sized organizations in the United States and Canada. Offering a broad spectrum of proactive computer maintenance, monitoring, cybersecurity, and virtual technology packages, along with quick response support when unexpected crises occur, CMIT Solutions has carved out its niche as an industry innovator. As a network of location-specific owners, the company specializes in working with businesses at the community level.

To learn more about CMIT Solutions and its services, please visit: www.cmitsolutions.com.

ConnectWise is the world’s leading software company dedicated to the success of IT solution providers (TSPs) through unmatched software, services, community, and marketplace of integrations. ConnectWise offers an innovative, integrated, and security-centric platform—Asio™—which provides unmatched flexibility that fuels profitable, long-term growth for partners. ConnectWise enables TSPs to drive business efficiency with automation, IT documentation, and data management capabilities and increase revenue with remote monitoring, cybersecurity, and backup and disaster recovery technologies. For more information, visit connectwise.com. 

Leading IT Services Franchise Reaches $100 Million Revenue Milestone.

AUSTIN, Texas — CMIT Solutions, the nation’s leading managed service provider (MSP) of information technology (IT) services to the small and medium-sized business community, has achieved a significant milestone. The company has reached $100 million in systemwide revenue.

In 2019, CMIT Solutions had $68 million in systemwide revenue and was on a growth trajectory to reach $100 million by 2026. In 2020, the then new CEO, Roger Lewis, rallied the organization around a new vision statement. Lewis says, “We set a goal to become a $100 million MSP servicing the IT needs of small and medium-sized businesses as a unified brand by the end of 2023.” For this to become a reality, Lewis implemented a series of growth strategies, including pivoting marketing to focus extensively on lead generation by creating in-depth marketing programs which measure influenced revenue. Next, the company brought MSP sales training in house and introduced repeatable, scalable processes throughout the organization. The entire system’s mindset shifted to marketing and growing the business. These programs paid huge dividends resulting in CMIT Solutions’ achievement of this milestone within the third quarter of 2022, more than a year ahead of the vision statement timeline Lewis set for the system.

In his congratulatory speech to the system franchisees, Lewis stated, “I’m incredibly inspired by each and every one of you. Your perseverance, your heart, and the many, many ways you support one another. It is unbelievable. It is unstoppable! You’ve earned this moment. $100 million dollars!  Congratulations!”

According to Paul Dippell, an MSP industry analyst, reaching $100 million in revenue puts CMIT Solutions within the ranks of the top 25 revenue-grossing MSPs, specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.

“This achievement is the direct result of our franchisees’ dedication to their customers. Every day, CMIT Solutions’ local teams go the extra mile to support the businesses in their communities,” said Lewis. “I’m looking forward to continuing this momentum and seeing how far we go in the coming years as we strengthen our reputation as the leading brand within the IT MSP space.”

The system has honed its focus on continued growth with strategic marketing and sales programs combined with strong technology provider partnerships. A monthly marketing playbook was introduced to the system to provide franchisees with a fully developed guide to assist in further spreading awareness of CMIT Solutions within each local community. These efforts aid in the brand’s ability to connect with clients and motivate franchise candidates.

A proven franchise model has contributed to the triumph that CMIT Solutions has achieved in recent years. So far within 2022, the company has been recognized as a Top 500 Franchise by Entrepreneur magazine and several of its women franchise owners were recognized in CRN‘s Women of the Channel list. With 250-plus locations nationwide, CMIT Solutions’ momentum shows no signs of slowing down.