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Computerease Recognized on CRN’s 2022 MSP 500 List

Computerease Recognized on CRN’s 2022 MSP 500 List

March 4, 2022 — Computerease, a leading IT support company for businesses, announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Computerease to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category for 2022. CRN’s annual MSP 500 list identifies the leading service providers in North America whose forward-thinking approaches to managed services are changing the landscape of the IT channel, helping end users increase efficiency and simplify IT solutions while maximizing their return on investment. With many customers still recovering from the impact of the ongoing pandemic, 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. 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. Computerease was chosen for this distinguished award because the company is recognized as a top IT support provider serving the Greater St. Louis area, the Greater Chicago area, and the entirety of Illinois. As a family owned and operated small business, Computerease shows dedication to helping other small businesses and entrepreneurs maximize technology to further their business goals. The Computerease team helps its clients stay on the cutting edge of technology to remain relevant in an ever-changing world. “In addition to having to adjust their own business operations to account for the changed conditions during the pandemic, MSPs have also seen increased demand for their managed communications, collaboration and security services,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The solution providers on our 2022 MSP 500 list deserve credit for their innovative and game-changing approaches to managed services in these unpredictable times, as well as their ability to optimize operational efficiencies and systems without straining IT budgets.” Ryan Haislar, CISSP, President of Computerease, shared, “Our clients rely on us for highly reliable and responsive IT support, but we become invested in their businesses as well. Technology is the backbone for a business’s productivity and efficiency. We work alongside our small and medium business clients and their leadership teams to make sure that their technology solutions help them achieve their business goals. It’s a huge priority for us and how we best serve our clients.” The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2022 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/msp500. About Computerease Small and medium businesses throughout the Greater St. Louis area trust Computerease with all of their outsourced Managed IT Services, IT support, Cybersecurity, and VoIP phone system needs. As a 2nd generation family owned and operated business founded in 1984, Computerease has grown and adapted in a constantly evolving industry. The company is a regional leader in helping small and medium businesses harness the power of technology to fuel business growth. computer-service.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 Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. © 2022 The Channel Company LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Award-Winning Family-Owned Business-Computerease Business IT Solutions

Award-Winning Family-Owned Business-Computerease Business IT Solutions

From left to right, Kate Haislar (daughter of Ryan and Jennifer); Jennifer Haislar (wife of Ryan); Trisha Haislar (seated, mother of Ryan); the late Dennis (Ike) Haislar (photo, father of Ryan and founder of the company; Ryan Haislar; and Sarah Haislar (daughter of Ryan and Jennifer). Computerease Business IT Solutions has been helping businesses with their technology needs since the days when the Commodore 64 was considered cutting-edge. A proud, second-generation family-owned business, Computerease has built its reputation on evolving with technology while never losing sight of what matters most: people and relationships. Founded in 1984 by Dennis (Ike) Haislar after a colorful career as a rock band promoter, Computerease started small — but with a big vision. Ike saw the future of computers long before most small businesses did. What began as a bold entrepreneurial leap became a family legacy. Today, Ike’s son, Ryan Haislar, leads Computerease as CEO — continuing the company’s commitment to helping businesses navigate technology with confidence. Ryan grew up in the business, spending afternoons at his dad’s office before officially joining the company at 16. Now, as a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Ryan has expanded Computerease’s expertise into cybersecurity — helping small and midsize businesses stay protected in a world of rising cyber threats. Under Ryan’s leadership, Computerease offers much more than IT support. The company provides proactive cybersecurity solutions, security awareness training, managed IT services, and consulting designed to give business owners peace of mind — knowing their data, employees, and future are secure. “Our family story is what built this business,” says Ryan. “But our drive to stay ahead of threats and technology is what keeps it strong today. We’re not just supporting computers anymore — we’re protecting companies.” In 2023, Computerease was honored to receive a Family-Owned Business Award from St. Louis Small Business Monthly — recognizing not just their longevity, but their commitment to service, integrity, and evolving expertise. Ike would be proud to see how far Computerease has come from those early days of floppy disks and CRT monitors. And Ryan, along with his team, remains committed to building on that legacy — helping businesses in Illinois, Missouri, and beyond thrive in a digital world.

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An IT Company That’s Older And Wiser Than Blockbuster

An IT Company That’s Older And Wiser Than Blockbuster

Did you have a laminated Blockbuster card in your wallet back in the day? It was a ticket to the latest entertainment options for you and your family. If you did have a Blockbuster card, you’ve likely shared a “back in the day” monologue. That story either earns you a groan and eye roll from younger folks or an eager friend to reminisce about the tragedy of your favorite movie being gone from Blockbuster’s shelves. My Blockbuster card, barcode and all, lived in my wallet many years ago, sitting next to my pager, which was a lifeline for Computerease clients to get a hold of me. I’ve been in this business a LONG time. In fact, Computerease was founded in 1984, one year before Blockbuster was established in 1985! There’s one thing that Blockbuster and Computerease have in common. Both technology and media are rapidly changing industries where businesses come and go with a blink of an eye. I’m very thankful that Computerease has a better track record than Blockbuster. At its height in 2004, Blockbuster had over 9,000 stores across the globe with an annual revenue of $5.9 billion. They were untouchable to their competitors, but things began to change in the early 2000s when Netflix came into play. A changing industry challenged the huge corporate structure of Blockbuster. In learning more about Blockbuster, I was surprised to discover that they had a chance to buy Netflix for a cool $50 million in 2000. Their leadership teams decided that it wasn’t a wise decision, something that would come back to haunt them only a few years later. Ultimately, Blockbuster couldn’t compete with Netflix mailed DVDs and streaming services. They filed for bankruptcy protection in 2010. Their reign was coming to an end. Blockbuster almost completely disappeared by 2014. The only trace of Blockbuster’s business is one remaining franchise store open in Bend, Oregon. It’s earned a cult-like status as the last Blockbuster, launched into notoriety from a recent documentary available to stream on Netflix. You can’t miss the irony in how things worked out. Netflix CEO Mark Randolph was a speaker at an industry conference I attended a few years ago. He shared details of the fateful meeting discussing the Netflix sale with Blockbuster’s then-CEO John Antioco. He spoke about the difficult times for Netflix before streaming existed and their revenue depended on mailed DVDs. Netflix’s future was hanging in the balance. They were losing money fast and the Blockbuster deal could be the financial lifeline they desperately needed. Randolph described Antioco’s attitude during the meeting as arrogant and dismissive. He saw the possibility of Netflix’s future as a complete joke. The Blockbuster CEO just about laughed in their face saying, “The dot-com hysteria is completely overblown.” He went on to say that online businesses weren’t sustainable and were doomed to fail. Obviously, John Antioco was wrong. Digital media companies have replaced brick and mortar video stores. Blockbuster’s ultimate downfalls were arrogance and inflexibility to adapt to the changing industry and customer demands. In contrast, Netflix rebounded from a difficult time and continually adapted to stay relevant. If there’s one guarantee in this world, it’s that things will change. And they will change quickly. In our 38 years of business, we’ve transitioned from Commodore 64 computers, to building customer computers for businesses needing their first computer ever, to now managing thousands of business computers remotely. Our clients trust us to take care of every aspect of their technology, from their networks, backups, remote workforce, VoIP phones, and cybersecurity. As an IT company and small businessowner, I know that there’s also always room for improvement. We’re following the path of businesses like Netflix that change and adapt as needed. I can’t imagine taking the arrogant and inflexible attitude of Blockbuster toward a changing industry and customer demands. We never would’ve survived through all the changes in the tech industry! If you don’t keep moving forward, your business will quickly fade into nostalgia with all the Blockbusters of the world. If Blockbuster executives were humble enough to listen to customers and adapt to a changing industry, they might’ve bought Netflix. The fate of their company would’ve been very different. The iconic yellow and blue logo might be streaming into millions of homes instead of the large red Netflix N.

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George Foreman Gets Grilled On Business & Sales

George Foreman Gets Grilled On Business & Sales

I’m glad I met George Foreman at an industry conference instead of inside a boxing ring. His formidable size and strength are obvious despite being 72 years old. He’s not only a world class boxer, but also a preacher, and an internationally successful business owner and salesman. He might even be more famous for his grill than for his boxing career. He shared his life story and was “grilled” for business and sales tips by eager entrepreneurs hoping to learn from his massive success. Principles Are The Foundation Foreman started off by sharing that his childhood was rough. He grew up as one of seven children outside of Houston, TX and in his teens, he fell into a life of crime. After dropping out of school at 15, he became a thief and mugger. He recounted the moment when he changed his life path. He was hiding underneath an abandoned house trying to evade police and their dogs when he decided, “I’m not going to be a thief anymore.” This change of heart lead him to join the JobCorp where he found people that introduced him to boxing. Foreman shared with the audience, “Without your principles, you’re nothing.” Adapt To Stay In The Game Foreman had two separate boxing careers, separated by 28 years. Between 1969-1977, he won an Olympic gold medal in the heavyweight division, turned professional and won the world heavyweight title twice. He lost the title to Muhammad Ali in 1974 and retired shortly thereafter. In 1994 at the age of 45 he came out of retirement to win multiple heavyweight championship titles. He is the oldest boxer ever to win the world heavyweight boxing championship. Foreman’s final record includes 5 losses and 76 wins. In between his two successful stints in boxing, Foreman was called to become a Christian minister after experiencing a religious epiphany. He founded a youth center and served his community and people with great passion. Through this experience, Foreman learned how to connect and engage with people. These skills served as the foundation for building a thriving business. Transitioning To International Business Success After retiring from his 2nd boxing career at 46, Foreman found himself needing to make money. He received some endorsement deals, but he was on the search for his next adventure in his journey. Instead of simply endorsing a product, Foreman knew that selling his own product would be much more lucrative. Foreman knew he found the right product when his wife tested out an indoor kitchen grill that produced amazing food. The George Foreman grill was an instant success. It was a high-quality product, backed by Foreman’s sales ability and celebrity. Foreman shared with the audience, “People were buying the grill, but they were really buying me. I remember preaching on the street corner, desperately trying to get people’s attention to listen to my message. At first, they ignored me, but then I learned how to grab their attention and keeping it. That was the best sales training ever!” I personally found George Foreman’s story inspiring and motivating. He overcame so many challenges and continually reinvented himself, finding success in every venture. As a business owner of a 2nd generation family-owned business, I understand the struggle to adapt and remain relevant. It seems just as you figure one thing out, technology, business, and the world changes. It’s a constant challenge facing every entrepreneur. George Foreman is on the search for his next product and business idea, proving that the most successful business owners never stop adapting and growing.

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