Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the VP of operations of Boulder Sausage; we manufacture different kinds of fresh sausage. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

We use Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. for technology outsourcing on larger projects we don’t have the knowledge or time for. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. has built and installed our new server, routers, virus protection, and firewalls. The team has also been responsible for integrating Microsoft 365. We rely on them for any technology questions we have; they also manage our cybersecurity and order parts for us. The team works remotely and comes on-site to perform services. 

What is the team composition?

We work with Cameron (IT Support Technician), Keith (Consulting Services Engineer), and Zack (President). 

How did you come to work with Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

We were working with a different IT company but felt they weren’t getting the job done. After a Google search, we spoke to 3–4 different companies and had them all look at our network. We met with Zack and felt like Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. was the most knowledgeable and offered the most value, so we decided to move forward with them. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2017, and the engagement is ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’ve seen a decrease in downtime since we started working with them, and our new server is much more reliable. Any time we have any downtime, it doesn’t usually have anything to do with them. 

How did Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

They stay within our predetermined budgets and hit deadlines. Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. communicates effectively and lets us know if there are any issues via phone call or email. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

They always ensure their work is up to standard and quickly provide us with solutions. They’ve done a great job overall. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing we can come up with. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Get to know the team at Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. Take a tour of their offices and see what they have to offer. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Mark Tomko: I’m the owner of Valor Landscape Inc. 

Harrison Tomko: I’m the executive administrator for Valor Landscape Inc.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

MT: We needed help with IT.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

HT: They do everything for us. They install hardware and help set up software including our firewall. They’ve also helped us set up our network multiple times. We moved offices this year, and they set up our WiFi, computers, workstations, and printers. They provide us with ongoing support and they have a help desk that we can reach out to during normal business hours. 

What is the team composition?

MT: We work with Zach (President), Keith (Consulting Engineer), Cameron (IT Support Technician), and a few people from their office. 

How did you come to work with Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

MT: They provided IT services for our previous company which we sold. After four years we came back and hired Aspire once our non-compete agreement was up. We originally found them through a referral.  

How much have you invested with them?

MT: We’ve invested more than $50,000 with Aspire. 

What is the status of this engagement?

MT: We started working with them again in March 2022, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

MT: If something doesn’t work, we call them and they fix things quickly for us. 

How did Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

MT: They respond to things incredibly quickly, and we communicate with them via email, phone calls, and in-person meetings. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

MT: They understand our business and they complete things very quickly. They're flexible, reliable, and quick. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

MT: There’s nothing more they could be doing for us. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

MT: Work with Aspire because they're a small vendor, and they provide incredible quality for a good price.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of McAuliffe Neiman PC, a small law firm. I started the firm at the beginning of 2022.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

I had to build all of my technology from the ground up and hired Aspire to help.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Aspire provides us with IT services. The team has helped us set up our office’s internet connection and addressed all our IT needs. They’ve designed our IT system and set it up. The team has also purchased all the necessary equipment for us, installed it, and ensured it’s protected, including our firewall, router switch, WiFi, laptops, monitors, keyboards, and printers. 

They’ve also set up a system for us to securely transfer hundreds of documents to and from opposing counsel during litigation. The team has also upgraded our password vault provider and helped us address issues with our ISP. Currently, Aspire addresses our IT maintenance issues, such as computer glitches. The team provides both onsite and offsite services as needed. 

What is the team composition?

We primarily work with one teammate from Aspire, and I’ve also dealt with Cameron (IT Support Technician) and two other technicians. 

How did you come to work with Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

I knew them because my previous law firm employed Aspire for four years. At the time, we were unhappy with our service provider due to too much downtime. Therefore, the company interviewed several providers and settled on Aspire. The team addressed IT issues well; they set us up on the cloud, enabled us to transfer documents seamlessly, helped us replace equipment, and helped us move to and from our office twice when they remodeled our workspace. Moreover, they got everyone working remotely when the COVID-19 pandemic started without dropping a single ball. 

Since then, that law firm has seized to exist. I hired Aspire for my new company because of what they did for my previous law firm; I was very impressed with their services. 

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve invested approximately $6,000; a large portion of that price was for designing and installing my system when we moved into our new space. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in March 2022, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

In the seven months my company has been open, we haven't had a single hour lost to computer issues thanks to Aspire's work, which is my biggest metric of their success. Moreover, we haven't had any issues securely transferring documents to and from opposing counsel without hacking. Their system works consistently; everything runs fine during remote access and in the office, so they take great care of us.

Additionally, Aspire is generous with their time and the wait times are reasonable. Their charges are also within reason; I haven't found their billing inflated or hard to pay because they do a great job and work quickly. 

How did Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. perform from a project management standpoint?

During the system setup process, I had some phone calls with the team to tell them my needs. Currently, we send them an email if we have any issues, and they're very responsive. They email us back within five minutes, assign a technician to our ticket, and give us a timeframe depending on the level of the problem. Sometimes, the technician gets in touch with us before we notice the email reply. They'll call us and get started immediately if we have an emergency. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Aspire excels at diagnosing computer issues and getting things straightened out right away. They're also very good at understanding when something is an emergency and has to jump to the front of the line. 

The whole team is excellent; they understand our computer system, so they quickly find a solution when we have a need or question. We haven't had any security problems because they keep us protected. Overall, they've addressed our IT issues very well and have been very responsive. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don't think there's anything they need to improve; we haven't had any issues. They're doing great, so they should keep up the good work!

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Hire them! Aspire is excellent at what they do, so you won't be disappointed if you give them a chance. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Armstrong Capital Development is a private equity real estate manager focused on constructing a diversified portfolio of investments to achieve the intended objectives. Although each investment possesses its own strategy, return profile and capitalization approach, an emphasis on superior intrinsic real estate characteristics guides all of our investment decisions. I am the Office and Asset Manager at ACD.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

In order to maintain the highest level of security for our company, properties, and investors we hired Aspire to conduct a cybersecurity evaluation of our company. Additionally, we have a Managed IT contract with Aspire to maintain the utmost IT effectiveness and security for our company.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We selected Aspire because we were already working with them on a contract / situational basis for our basic IT needs. After meeting with the owner and having him present our options for a security evaluation as well as Managed IT services over a year ago, we made the decision to move forward with Aspire for our cybersecurity and IT needs. We have been very happy with this decision.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Security evaluation of local infrastructure:

• Computer systems (1 Server, 13 workstations, backup)
• Network infrastructure (Router, firewall, wireless, switches)
• Network services (Active Directory, remote access, file shares)
• Network layout and segmentation Security evaluation of cloud applications
• Cloud applications (Relevant, MRI, Gusto, Dropbox)
• Office 365 platform (Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive) Security evaluation of internal processes o Document processing (personal information, financial information)
• Accounting controls (bank transfers, account number changes) Deliverables
• Assessment report outlining key issues and recommendations
• Review meeting (video conference)

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Their CTO was our primary contact but there were approximately 3 - 4 different techs working in the background.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We were able to bring our network and data security into compliance, meeting and exceeding any requirements to qualify for Cybersecurity Insurance and confidently move forward as a company.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Aspire was great to work with. The initial report was complete within a month and the recommendations for coming into compliance were implemented in an efficient and timely manner. Their responsiveness continues to be very timely (within an hour) to this day.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Since we moved forward with their Managed IT program in addition to implementing security recommendations for our company, Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. truly "owns" and effectively manages our IT system now. Any of the techs with whom we have worked know our system well.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

So far we are very happy with the whole Aspire team and we are happy we made the decision to move forward with them.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of Basecamp AEC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Architectural and engineering consulting

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. to accomplish?

• Build a functioning server/IT system from scratch
• conduct ongoing IT services

SOLUTION

How did you find Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Build our Sharpoint, one drive, and Azure server systems. Configure all hardware. Manage ongoing IT and service ticket needs

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

All the goals we set forth were accomplished.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Aspire has met all promised deadlines and budgets and they have done a great job. We continue to use their services.

What was your primary form of communication with Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Repsonsivness. Thougthfullness.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. could have done differently?

We are expanding our services with them. It would have been good to know the extent of all their service offerings.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at The Clinic

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Cannabis retail, cultivation and wholesale.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. to accomplish?

• Maintain and upgrade hardware and software
• Set up server
• Provide IT services and support

SOLUTION

How did you find Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

Referral

Why did you select Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Aspire provided all IT solutions for ourbusiness.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. met all of our project goals on an ongoing basis.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Project management was excellent and they delivered all items on time.

What was your primary form of communication with Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

All of their staff were responsive to our company’s needs.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc. could have done differently?

No

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

Complete management of all IT, cloud, and email services

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Was already in use with the previous owner

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

Complete setup of our IT, Server, and cloud. They manage all aspects of our IT and email.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We work with all levels of the company from top to bottom. The staff is top notch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

They finished setting up our initial server and then assisted in the move to our new building. They are working on all our security and moving files into our cloud.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The team is excellent in communication through the entire process

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their IT specialists are well-educated and communicate well.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Cost is always a factor but when you want the best it isnt going to be cheap.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

CEO of electrical construction company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

Manage all IT services and upgrades.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Selected years ago via advertisement.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

Aspire reviewed our current IT situation and came up with a plan to upgrade the server, upgrade individual computers, and install latest security hardware and software.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Owner worked with us directly as well as various technicians.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Project and continued support a complete success.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Effortless. They have an online help desk where we can create tickets that they promptly act on.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Personal commitment from owner.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of an Industrial services and manufacturing company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

Our company had struggled for years trying to find an IT Services Business that was reliable and technically competent.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Aspire (Zack) came highly recommended by a business contact we have, that happened to hear me complaining about the general professional void within the IT field.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

Zack came in and assessed the products and systems we were struggling to utilize and made recommendations based on his real time observations. They supplied all hardware, software, installation and implementation of the entire package and didn't quit until everything was up and functioning correctly including our personnel.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Zack spearheaded the project and manged the daily implementation of each individual leg.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The difference between what we had experienced and Aspire's professional approach......well, night and day difference would be an under statement.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Both teams were small and focused so they melded perfectly.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Everyone employed at Aspire that we have had any contact with have been qualified and thoroughly professional.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I would not change anything. Working great means leave it alone!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

We are a group of companies specializing in environmental and engineering services. I hold several positions in the company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Aspire Technology Solutions, Inc.?

We use Aspire as a managed IT for the group of companies.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Unsure Aspire was already engaged with us when I started my position.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

Aspire handles all day-to-day operations for our IT department including security, server maintenance, remote support services, equipment purchases, and special project like a recent move to office 365 from and exchange server.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

At this point I believe we have used everyone on the team at some point.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We've been with Aspire for 10 years because we find them easy to work with, attentive, reasonable, and well-informed. We will continue to use them for the foreseeable future.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Seamless.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The availability of their owner, Zack. He is always readily available and responsive even at his level.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No.