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Chicago: 312-554-7550
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St. Louis : 314-432-1661
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Metro East IL : 618-346-8324
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Central IL : 217-528-0500
Ryan Haislar, CISSP
President, Computerease | Second-Generation Business Owner | Cybersecurity and Business IT Leadership
Ryan Haislar is President of Computerease, a family-owned managed IT and cybersecurity company serving businesses throughout Greater St. Louis, Chicago, and Illinois. As a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Ryan brings a security-focused perspective to business technology decisions. He helps organizations protect their operations, manage IT costs, and make technology decisions that support long-term growth.
Helping Businesses Make Better Technology Decisions
Technology should help a business operate more efficiently, protect its information, and prepare for what comes next. It should not be a constant source of frustration or unexpected expense.
Ryan focuses on understanding how a business operates before recommending technology. That means considering cybersecurity risks, existing IT investments, employee needs, and the company’s plans for growth. Whether working with a business owner who wants IT handled completely or an internal IT department that needs additional expertise, he believes good technology decisions start with asking the right questions and providing straightforward answers.
I don’t expect every business owner to understand all the technical details. That’s our job. I do expect them to understand what we’re recommending, why it matters, and what it’s going to cost.
Professional Biography
At a Glance
Ryan Haislar is the President of Computerease, a second-generation, family-owned managed IT services and cybersecurity company founded in 1984 by his father, Ike Haislar.
Raised Around the Business
Ryan grew up around the business, gaining an early understanding of how technology affects the people and companies that depend on it. Today, he carries forward the company his father started while leading Computerease through an industry that has changed considerably since its early days.
Security-First Leadership
As a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Ryan brings recognized cybersecurity knowledge to his leadership role. His work connects the technical side of IT with the financial and operational decisions business owners and executives face every day.
Ryan leads Computerease’s work in managed IT services, co-managed IT support, cybersecurity, and technology planning. His focus includes helping companies reduce security risks, make better use of existing technology investments, and prepare for future needs without unnecessary complexity or expense.
Growing the Company the Right Way
Under Ryan’s leadership, Computerease serves businesses across Greater St. Louis, the Chicago area, and Southern and Central Illinois. The company supports organizations that outsource their IT entirely, as well as businesses with internal IT teams that need additional resources and specialized cybersecurity expertise.
As an independently owned company, Computerease remains focused on personal relationships, local support, and long-term client relationships. For Ryan, continuing the family business means protecting the reputation his father built while making sure the company continues to meet clients’ changing needs.
Continuing a Family Business Started in 1984
Where It Started
Computerease was founded in 1984 by Ike Haislar, when personal computers were beginning to change the way businesses operated. Ike built the company around helping organizations understand technology and put it to practical use.
The Second Generation
Ryan grew up around Computerease and became the second generation to lead the business. While the technology has changed dramatically, the importance of earning a client’s trust has not. Today, Computerease remains family-owned and independent, without private equity ownership.
Why did you decide to continue the family business your dad started?
“I grew up around Computerease. My dad started the company in 1984, and I got to see firsthand how much work went into building a business and earning people’s trust. Technology has changed quite a bit since those early days, but the way you treat people shouldn’t. I’m proud of what my dad built, and I want to make sure we’re still taking care of our clients the right way while continuing to grow the company.”
Areas of Expertise
Cybersecurity Strategy & Risk Management
Helping businesses understand cybersecurity risks and prioritize practical protections, including Microsoft 365 security, access controls, endpoint protection, and incident preparedness.
Managed & Co-Managed IT Services
Supporting companies that need a fully outsourced IT department or an experienced partner to work alongside their internal IT team.
IT Budgeting & Cost Management
Evaluating software licensing, equipment replacement, vendor costs, and opportunities to eliminate unnecessary technology expenses.
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
Advising on backup planning, recovery preparedness, and protecting operations against cyberattacks, equipment failures, and unexpected disruptions.
AI Adoption & Business Security
Helping companies evaluate AI tools, establish acceptable-use policies, protect company information, and introduce AI without creating unnecessary security risks.
Business Technology Planning
Connecting IT decisions to growth, additional locations, workforce changes, and long-term infrastructure investments.
What do you think most business owners misunderstand about IT and cybersecurity?
I think a lot of business owners assume that if everything is working, their IT must be in good shape. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. You can have computers that run fine and still have some pretty serious security gaps, outdated systems, or services you’re paying too much for. Good IT isn’t just about fixing things when they break. It’s about looking at the whole picture and making sure your technology is actually helping your business.
Ryan’s Approach to Leadership
Ryan believes businesses should be able to have a straightforward conversation about technology without getting buried in technical terminology. That philosophy carries into how Computerease works with clients: responsive local support, clear communication, and taking responsibility for resolving problems rather than passing them along.
He also believes technology providers should help clients plan ahead. Regular conversations about cybersecurity, aging equipment, IT budgets, and business changes can help prevent expensive surprises. As a second-generation owner, he understands that a company’s reputation is built through everyday interactions, not simply the promises made during a sales presentation.
What should a client be able to expect from the Computerease team?
They should expect us to answer the phone, tell them what’s going on, and follow through on what we say we’re going to do. That sounds pretty basic, but you’d be surprised how often businesses tell us they’ve had trouble getting those things from an IT provider. I also want our team to understand how each client’s business operates. We’re not just supporting computers. We’re supporting the people who depend on them to get their work done.
Professional Credentials & Recognition
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Ryan holds the CISSP certification, a globally recognized cybersecurity credential from ISC2. It covers security and risk management, security architecture, network security, security operations, and other core cybersecurity disciplines.
Continuing Cybersecurity Education
Ryan participates in cybersecurity industry education, including ThreatLocker Zero Trust World, to stay current on security practices and emerging threats. His professional development includes continuing education relevant to maintaining his CISSP certification.
Company Recognition
Computerease has earned recognition including the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies and St. Louis Small Business Monthly honors for cybersecurity and business advising.
Helping Clients Solve Real Business Problems
Ryan’s approach is to look beyond products and technical specifications to understand what a business needs. That includes asking whether existing technology expenses are justified and whether overlooked risks could disrupt operations.
Computerease has identified significant savings opportunities by reviewing telecommunications arrangements, technology contracts, and outdated services. In one example, the company identified approximately $40,000 in potential savings related to a legacy telecommunications arrangement.
How do you help business owners decide where to spend money on IT and where they can save?
The first thing I want to know is what they’re already spending money on and whether they’re getting value out of it. We’ve seen businesses paying for software licenses they don’t need, old phone and internet services that cost far more than they should, and equipment that should have been replaced years ago. Sometimes the right answer is spending more to reduce a serious risk. Other times, we can find ways to save money. The goal isn’t to sell somebody more technology. It’s to help them make a good business decision.
Local Business Connections
Computerease has deep roots in the St. Louis region, where the company was founded, and supports businesses throughout Chicago and Illinois. Ryan works with business owners, executives, and internal IT leaders across these markets. He also shares practical technology advice and cybersecurity information through company communications and professional networking.
Cybersecurity & Business Technology Insights From Ryan
Ryan contributes to Computerease’s educational content, sharing his perspective on cybersecurity threats, IT spending, and emerging tools such as AI. His articles aim to explain what matters, why it matters, and what businesses can do about it.
Inspired by a warning in a business insurance renewal notice.
Practical guidance on evaluating AI access to company documents.
Addressing fundamental IT and cybersecurity needs before new AI investments.
What does keeping Computerease family-owned and independent mean to you?
“Our name is on the business, and that means something to me. We’re not owned by a private equity firm, and we’re not making decisions just to satisfy outside investors. We can focus on doing what’s right for our clients and building relationships that last. My dad built this company on those relationships, and I think that’s a big part of why we’re still here more than 40 years later.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Ryan Haislar
Who is Ryan Haislar?
Ryan Haislar, CISSP, is the President of Computerease, a family-owned managed IT services and cybersecurity company founded in 1984. As a second-generation business owner, Ryan leads the company in helping businesses throughout Greater St. Louis, Chicago, and Illinois manage their technology, strengthen cybersecurity, and plan for growth.
What cybersecurity certifications does Ryan Haislar hold?
Ryan holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification from ISC2. This internationally recognized credential demonstrates knowledge across important cybersecurity disciplines, including security and risk management, network security, security operations, and protecting business information.
What are Ryan Haislar’s areas of expertise?
Ryan’s areas of expertise include cybersecurity strategy, managed and co-managed IT services, IT budgeting, business continuity planning, and technology consulting. He also helps businesses evaluate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while considering the security risks, costs, and practical benefits.
How is Ryan Haislar connected to the founding of Computerease?
Computerease was founded in 1984 by Ryan’s father, Ike Haislar. Ryan grew up around the business and eventually became its second-generation leader. He continues the company’s family-owned tradition while guiding Computerease through changes in business technology, cybersecurity, and the needs of modern organizations.
How does Ryan help businesses make better IT spending decisions?
Ryan encourages businesses to evaluate what they are already paying for before investing in additional technology. This includes reviewing software licenses, aging equipment, internet and phone services, cybersecurity protections, and upcoming technology needs. His goal is to help businesses eliminate unnecessary expenses while making appropriate investments in reliability and security.
What makes Ryan’s leadership of Computerease different?
Ryan leads a family-owned, independently operated company that has served businesses for more than four decades. Without private equity ownership, Computerease can make decisions based on its clients’ needs and long-term relationships. Ryan emphasizes responsive local support, straightforward communication, and accountability for the services his team provides.
Talk With Computerease About Your Business Technology
Whether you’re concerned about cybersecurity, questioning your IT expenses, planning for growth, or looking for a better technology partner, the Computerease team can help you evaluate your options. Schedule a 15-minute consultation to discuss your business needs and determine whether Computerease is a good fit.