In this episode of the NextGen Case Study series, we sit down with Thomas McClendon, president and founder of Citadel Networks, a leading technology solutions provider based in Portland, Oregon. Since founding Citadel Networks in 2015, Thomas has been dedicated to offering reliable and professional IT services, ensuring that businesses in Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsborough have robust network security and IT infrastructure solutions.
Thomas shares his journey, beginning with his fascination for technology that started over 25 years ago. From upgrading his first computer to venturing into IT, his path led him to establish Citadel Networks about eight years ago. Thomas discusses the evolution of his role from wearing all hats in the early stages of the company to focusing on business development, hiring the right talent, and creating a unique business culture.
He emphasizes the importance of empowering employees to make decisions, citing valuable lessons learned from a previous employer who sold his business for $6.5 billion. Thomas believes in always doing the right thing, even if it means absorbing costs for the company's mistakes, as demonstrated in a recent incident with CrowdStrike.
Thomas dives into the strategies he uses for customer acquisition and retention, highlighting the significance of education over fear-based selling. He aims to become a trusted advisor to his clients, building long-term partnerships rather than quick sales. He explains his focus on LinkedIn for B2B marketing, posting regularly and sharing relevant articles and videos to educate potential clients on cybersecurity and IT compliance.
Looking towards the future, Thomas expresses excitement about the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative impact on business operations. He advises professionals to become subject matter experts in their fields to complement AI's capabilities. At Citadel Networks, AI is already playing a crucial role in protecting networks and identifying threats.
Thomas envisions Citadel Networks becoming the go-to cybersecurity company in the Pacific Northwest, expanding into areas like Seattle and Boise. He underscores the importance of having a local IT partner who understands and can meet the specific needs of small businesses.
As the episode wraps up, Thomas shares his key advice for fellow entrepreneurs: always make decisions to move your business forward and avoid getting stuck in analysis paralysis. He also offers insights into the importance of maintaining momentum and being adaptable in business strategies.
For more information or to get in touch with Thomas, connect with him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyberavenger/. To reach out to Devon Jones and his team for marketing solutions, visit nextgengrowth.com.
