Last week UTG’s Eric Dykes and Brian Miller attended the quarterly meeting of their newly formed HTG Peer Group. HTG Peer Groups is a worldwide network of IT solution provider executives formed to collaborate and share business best practices, and UTG has been actively involved since 2009. This quarterly meeting took place in scenic Las Vegas, Nevada.

With UTG’s growth, the company has moved into a new tier of peer companies at HTG. While the member companies are still becoming familiar with one another, the group has already gelled and it was a terrific meeting.

Because the tenants of the peer groups are to share best practices, accountability and support, having companies that experience many of the same challenges is critical. To this end, HTG formed this group specifically for larger IT solution providers from around the country, and UTG is honored to be included with this group of peers.

Many of the member companies have multiple locations and all of them have broad customer bases, mature internal processes and developed sales and marketing. The gathering featured two days of intensive meetings reviewing recent results and challenges. The broad experiences of the group always help other members handle the most pressing issues. We always solve problems more quickly together than any one company could by themselves.

Of course, it’s also nice to be able to spend quality time outside of the meetings, and Las Vegas provided a great backdrop for dinners and other activities.  Like bumping into Bumblebee from the Transformers movies!

UTG is thrilled to be a part of this HTG Peer group and knows that our clients will benefit greatly from our involvement.

I’m sure most business owners would agree with me when I say this: cash is king! I’m a member of a peer group with 10 other business owners and we talk about all sorts of metrics at every meeting. It’s funny and predictable how it always comes back to cash: the numbers, LOC, AR/AP, EBITDA, NOI = CASH!

Cash is the undisputed king and everyone gets excited when we see someone who’s executing on adding 15-20% to the bottom line!

If cash is indeed king, how would you answer this question: Is spending $100K on IT equipment a good use of your cash? There are arguments on both sides, and I’ve traditionally paid for our equipment at UTG and depreciated it over it’s useful life. That’s GAAP, plus as a business owner, I get the tax benefit since our business is an LLC. Makes sense, right? I think not and here’s 5 reasons why:

1. My $100K in Cash is gone! Could have been used as a distribution, bonus, funding M&A, investment, and more.

2. It’s supposed useful life of 3-5 years is laughable. What technology are you using today that you put in 5 years ago?

3. My business is growing and the technology needed to support that growth changes even quicker. Whatever technology decision I make today, I’m better off having options to upgrade rather than waiting on the 3-5 year depreciation schedule.

4. Technology changes too fast! Even if you COULD nail down what you need for 3 years down the road, why would you do it? Technology gets better, faster, and cheaper as time goes on. It certainly outpaces your “useful life” depreciation schedule.

5. You’re a year into your depreciation schedule and you really need to “refresh” your $100K solution. What to do now? Write it off? Sit tight and do nothing until it’s off the books? Buy what you need and carry them both on the books? These ARE the decisions that string out sales cycles and put companies behind the technology curve.

The good news is there’s a better, or let’s call it a different way: IT as an operating expense. That’s it. Most of you are already doing this, but they call it “cloud computing” or “(fill in the blank) as a service.” The same thing you use to purchase a capital expense is now provided to you as a service or as a monthly expense. Who doesn’t like that? Predictable costs every single month, nothing to depreciate, no need for insurance on the equipment, etc.

About 6 months ago, UTG partnered with GAL to provide our clients with options for financing. Our clients always have the option to pay cash, but now they have other options that allow them to carry these expenses as an operating expense with proper insurance coverage. They also build equity so when they need to refresh or even replace items as they age or their business needs change, they can do so without any dramatic change in their expense, or more importantly, without using CASH!

Cash is king, so use it wisely. 1 out of 3 deals we’re closing in the last 2 quarters has been financed through the options available via our GAL partnership. I’d like to think we’re just that good at selling, but the truth is CASH is king…and 1 out of 3 clients agree with us!

For more details and to read a client success story, please download our UTG Technology Refresh Program & Case Study PDF.

Last week UTG hosted a Hands-On Lunch & Learn at the Atlanta office of Mitel, one of our key strategic partners.  The luncheon was focused around increasing our clients’ productivity through  unified communications, collaboration, mobility and virtualization.

UTG CEO Eric Dykes and Mitel Channel Account Manager Linda Hanke welcomed the guests and kicked off the presentation.

The “lunch” part of the lunch & learn included soup and sandwiches provided by Jason’s Deli.  Attendees had a chance to get to know each other as they enjoyed lunch together during the initial part of the meeting.

Next Mitel dove in presenting several hands-on demonstrations showing just how easy it is to implement a virtualized office and harness the power of cloud computing.  Several clients including Tim Smith, President and COO of Thompson Technologies, volunteered to give the solutions a try to see how an “in-office” communications experience can take place anywhere, on any device. One compelling demonstration included the failover from one virtual voice server to another during a call with no interruption to the call whatsoever.

The presentation then moved into the Mitel Lab where the solutions are all available for a fully hands-on experience in a true office setting.  The lab is on the 19th floor of Tower 5 of the Concourse, offering a beautiful view of the Metro Atlanta area.

Many thanks to all of our clients who participated in this educational event.  And thanks to our partner, Mitel, for hosting an interesting and informative presentation!

Want your own one-on-one demo with these solutions?  Drop us a line.

The UTG team recently assembled for two gatherings to celebrate two additional quarters of growth.  These offsite meetings provide an opportunity to share financial results of previous quarters, celebrate our efforts and teamwork, and align ourselves as a team to continue our path towards growth. We also give quarterly awards to individuals whose actions best display the company’s value of growth by helping UTG grow, helping clients grow and/or showcasing personal growth.

Both meetings took place at the always-delicious Ippolito’s Italian restaurant overlooking Suwanee Town Center.  (Home of what might be the world’s best garlic rolls.)

The news at these meetings included:

• Celebrating a strong sales performance, welcoming several new clients to the UTG family

• Celebrating our 2nd consecutive appearance on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America

• Celebrating being named to VAR Magazine’s Next-Gen 250

• Celebrating Eric Dykes and Brian Miller being named to the MSPmentor 250

• Congratulating Rebecca Goard for 5 years of service

• Congratulating Ron Clark for 5 years of service

• Congratulating James Ilderton for 10 years of service

• Welcoming our newest employees

• Celebrating the birthday of many staff members, and enjoying birthday cookies in their honor!

• Presenting April and Bryan Brooks with a gift card and cake to celebrate the arrival of their baby boy born in December

We also announced our two Quarterly Growth Award winners at these meetings.  For Q3, the recipient was Joe Pinkston, Senior Systems Engineer at UTG.  He received the “True Grit” award for his personal growth in adding to his many technical certifications.

Joe also received Longhorn Steakhouse gift cards and a John Wayne-approved black cowboy hat. Congratulations Joe, and thanks for your personal commitment to staying on the cutting edge of technology !

Finally, for Q4, the recipient was Gina Thomoff, UTG’s Technical Assistance Coordinator. Gina was honored for her consistent performance, and for a recent comment made by a client to UTG’s leadership. This client was thoroughly impressed with Gina’s level of detail in reporting, and they mentioned how critical this reporting was to their profitability and that Gina always knocked it out of the park. They were able to take Gina’s reports and immediately share them internally to showcase key metrics to leadership.

For her efforts, Gina received six tickets to an upcoming Georgia Tech/Boston College basketball game and the “Knock it out of the Park” award, complete with a baseball signed by UTG’s management team.  Congrats on a job well done, Gina!

To see more fun photos from these meetings, including a shot of the amazing garlic rolls at Ippolito’s, check out our Facebook page.

Stay tuned for some exciting updates relating to UTG’s plans for additional growth throughout 2012!

REGISTER NOW!

Questions:
Tamara Lopata
tlopata@utgsolutions.com
or 678-730-2732

Featured Blogger: Bryan Brooks, UTG Systems Engineer

Cybercrime is a multi-million dollar industry that continues to grow at a frightening pace. You can’t stop using the internet, so how you can stop cyber thieves and their data-stealing malware? Here are some simple instructions to make it harder for cyber thieves to target you and your information at work and at home.

1. Click and browse with extreme caution.
2. Do not click random links.
3. Do not click Like buttons on Facebook.
4. Do not click suspicious posts!  If you click, it’s game over!
5. Remove yourself from the Administrators Group. If you don’t have permission to install applications as an administrator, neither does the Virus.
6. Keep your machine patched! If you see a message that Microsoft wants to update, update!
7. Patch your 3rd party apps (Adobe, Flash, Java, etc.). These applications have vulnerabilities too!
8. Install FireFox and only use Firefox when browsing the internet.
9. Install the NoScript and Flash Block Plugin for FireFox.  This will block 95% of the drive-by-downloads. (It’s not perfect, but it will help tremendously).
10. Avoid using IE and Chrome.

Additionally, to secure your home systems:

1. Install Personal Software Inspector. It’s free and patches 3rd party apps automatically for you. http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/
2. Install Antivirus (Yes, it’s pointless, but you have to have it). Free AVG is one of the best Free Antivirus packages out there.

Follow these simple instructions and you’ll be much safer on the internet. Contact UTG at 678-730-0345 to learn more ways that we address internet security issues for your business.

Reference Links:

• FireFox: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/new/
• FlashBlock: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/flashblock/
• NoScript: http://noscript.net/
• FreeAVG: http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage
• PSI – Personal Software Inspector:  http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/

UTG customers in Augusta recently learned about the latest advances in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) security at a virtual Lunch & Learn sponsored by Cisco and UTG. Studies show that organizations have never been more focused on security. Meeting threats and managing compliance used to be 2% to 4% of IT budgets, but now that cost has risen to 15% thanks in part to the proliferation of personal devices in the workplace. 

One method discussed by Cisco’s Jeff Peterson (Cisco Security PSS) to control both threats and costs of the BYOD movement is integrating security and networking by providing thorough and consistent security at all points in your network. Cisco presented technologies that safeguard business and customer data, yet minimize overall management and costs to:

> Reduce system complexity and management requirements

> Enable tighter integration of devices

> Close risk gaps

> Provide greater visibility of end-to-end security

UTG customers were well fed and walked away with a much better understanding of technologies and policies they should consider to handle the increasing security demands of personal devices in the workplace. If you’d like to learn what your company can do to manage security threats from personal devices at work, give UTG a call in Atlanta (678) 730-0345 or Augusta (706) 434-8329.

As with every year since UTG was founded in 2004, this year has been one of fast growth, innovation and achievement. Our successful growth is validated by being named to the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies for a second consecutive year, listed as the 393rd fastest growing IT company.

UTG’s position as a thought leader was recognized by our inclusion in CRN Magazine’s Next-Gen 250 list of the most innovative companies in the technology services industry and the MSPmentor 250 list of the most influential people in the IT managed services space (Eric Dykes and Brian Miller).

While these accolades confirm our positive progress as a company, our success can truly be measured only by the success of our clients. UTG continues to enjoy wonderful relationships with many long-standing clients. With customer service and process driven results woven into everything we do, we fully believe that all our efforts are in vain if they do not translate to satisfied customers.

In 2011, UTG has brought on many new teammates who expand our expertise, create new energy and bring additional focus to our organization so that we can better serve our clients. In addition to internal growth, UTG supports our growth by partnering with fast-growing, innovative companies and by selectively bringing on new clients that fit this same profile.

I cannot tell you how much I personally appreciate our clients allowing UTG to serve their technology needs. We look forward to growing together in 2012!

- Eric

UTG wrapped up a year worth celebrating with a wonderful Christmas party aboard the Henry W. Grady Paddlewheel Riverboat at Stone Mountain Park. The stars were out and the moon was bright on a cool, crisp evening that was perfect for a cruise around Stone Mountain Lake.

Once we were all on board, our captain eased us away from the dock as we laughed, mingled, and introduced our spouses and dates to our work family.

A huge buffet filled the center of the dining room and we all eyed it eagerly until it was time to dive in. The worth-the-wait spread included  cocktail shrimp, spinach & artichoke dip, bacon wrapped scallops, chicken tenders, dill cheese puffs, ham, turkey and delicious desserts including gooey brownies and tasty cookies.

The room was filled with lively laughter and conversation as we enjoyed the delectable meal.

After we’d had our fill, we made our way to the 2^nd level where the festivities began. Eric entertained us and recapped our many accomplishments for 2011 emphasizing the importance of the UTG team and everyone’s contributions to the growth and success of the company. He also thanked Jennifer Martin for coordinating this superb event.

After the presentation, the band took the stage and kept the evening rocking with covers of countless classic rock hits. Many people ventured to the open upper deck to enjoy the stars and the view.
As our captain steered the riverboat through a swift turn Brian Miller quipped, “I don’t know who we’re racing, but I know we’re in the lead!”

It was a delightful evening, and we all appreciated the opportunity to spend time together and celebrate the many blessings we enjoyed in 2011 while looking forward to what’s ahead in 2012.

You can check out all the photos from the 2011 Christmas Party on our UTG Facebook page.

At UTG, we’re tightly focused on ensuring our client’s day-to-day and long-term technology needs are always met.  In order to be able to maintain our high quality of customer service and trusted IT solutions, it’s important to consistently monitor and attend to our own needs as a company.  That’s why we engage in regular management meetings and take advantage of one annual “deep dive” management retreat.

This year’s retreat took place at Farmlinks, a beautiful retreat nestled in Sylacauga, Alabama.  While we were there to make strides towards maintaining UTG’s competitive edge, we were also able to enjoy all the unique perks of this one-of-a-kind facility.

This included meals prepared by our own chef in our cabins, talks and laughs next to a warm burning fireplace, skeet shooting for our team building exercise and many lessons in horseshoes and golf cart racing.

Of course, business was the main focus of this retreat.  The basis of the meeting was for the team to take a deep dive into the book “The Four Obsessions of the Extraordinary Executive” from Patrick Lencioni.  Diving into each of these obsessions helped us have an extremely productive meeting.

Some major accomplishments included:

• Crafting our new org chart, a snapshot of what it will take to reach our long-term goals
• Redefining our Right Clients/Right Terms, to ensure we are pursuing the ideal clients we can best service
• Defining our 2012 company thematic goal, supported by clearly listed milestones, strategies and tactics

It was truly an amazing event because we bonded so much as a team, accomplished a tremendous amount of strategic work and did it all while really enjoying one another’s company.  Now THAT is a solid management retreat!