Small Business Education Series – April 8, 2025

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring IT professionals as they explore the unique challenges small businesses face in managing IT services and cybersecurity. Learn how to protect your business from cyber threats, streamline your IT operations, and make informed technology decisions. Our expert panelists will share practical strategies, real-world experiences, and key takeaways to help you safeguard your business in an increasingly digital world. Whether you’re a startup or an established small business, this discussion will provide valuable insights to strengthen your IT foundation.

Our distinguished panel moderated by Steve Meka, owner of STEM Handmade Soap, includes:
• Eric Clemens| President/CEO, Acroment Technologies, LLC
• Rich McCourt | Vice President, Computer Systems Development Services
• Brendan Schmolz | President and Franchise Owner, CMIT Solutions

 

Key Topics

• Identifying and Managing IT Challenges for Small Businesses: Understanding common issues small businesses face with IT services and cybersecurity.

• Cybersecurity Essentials: How to protect your business from data breaches, phishing attacks, and other threats.

• Streamlining IT Operations: Best practices for optimizing technology systems and reducing downtime.

• Strategic IT Decision-Making: Guidance on making informed choices that align with your business goals.

• Building Effective Technology Partnerships: Leveraging external expertise to enhance your IT infrastructure.

• Real-World Case Studies and Practical Solutions: Insights from industry leaders with hands-on experience in supporting small businesses.

Event Details

📅 Date: April 8, 2025

🕗 Registration: 8:45am

🕗 Panel Discussion: 9:00am-10:00am

🕗 Direct Q/A: 10:00am-10:30am

📍 Location: Lakewood Public Library – Multipurpose Room at 15425 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107

Enter from the Arthur Avenue side entrance. Parking available in the back Library lot and on the street.This event is FREE, but space is limited. Please register.

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Participants

Moderator: Steve Meka
Owner of STEM Handmade Soap

About Eric Clemens, President/CEO, Acroment Technologies, LLC
Prior to starting Acroment in 2004, Eric was Vice President of IT and Facilities for Grace Software Marketing Company of Mayfield Heights for 8 years. Eric is a Certified Lotus Professional (CLP) Admin and Developer for Lotus Notes/Domino R4 and R5. He holds Principal CLP (PCLP) status in Domino Administration. Eric is also a Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, and Microsoft Specialist and has over 15 years of combined professional experience in IT having worked for Berea City School District, NASA Lewis Research Center, and MicroExperts/MicroPro. In addition, he has been directly responsible for opening several retail computer stores in the Cleveland area and assisted many entrepreneurs in getting their own businesses off the ground.

About Rich McCourt, Vice President, Computer Systems Development Services
Rich McCourt is an accomplished technology leader with nearly a decade of experience at Computer Systems Development Services, Inc., where he currently serves as Vice President. Previously, he held the role of Director of Operations, offering consulting services to help clients grow their businesses through innovative technology solutions. Known for his ability to build and lead strong, loyal teams, Rich excels at developing strategic roadmaps and successfully implementing them through expert team collaboration. His dedication to clear communication and ensuring others understand his vision highlights his exceptional leadership and technical expertise.

Brendan Schmolz, President and Franchise Owner, CMIT Solutions
Brendan Schmolz has been an IT professional for nearly two decades. Starting at a young age, he founded his first IT Services company in 2010, with the vision of helping small and medium-sized businesses navigate technical challenges and enhance security to keep them safe. And in 2023, he transformed his company into CMIT Solutions of Cleveland SW and Akron, a franchise system with over 250 locations nationwide and over 1000 technicians. Brendan believes that the term MSP or Managed Services Provider should be defined as “We Manage the Systems that keep your company Productive” enabling businesses to focus on growth rather than dealing with IT issues. No matter what business he works with, he considers himself as part of your team and an extension to your company as a dedicated business IT advisor. His dedication to leveraging technology for business success remains unwavering.

Additional questions? Contact Lauren Small at the Chamber: lsmall@lakewoodchamber.org
This educational series is presented by The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and The City of Lakewood.