Welcome to the start of a brand-new year and a brand-new season of the podcast.

We’re kicking off 2026 with a conversation that sets the tone for what this season is all about. Real stories, real lessons, and honest conversations about cybersecurity and business risk.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Billy Solano, who shares the cybersecurity wake-up call that reshaped how he thinks about protecting his business. What started as a single incident quickly became a turning point that forced tough questions about preparedness, responsibility, and what it really means to be secure.

This isn’t a technical deep dive. It’s a real-world story that many business owners will recognize and one that serves as an important reminder as we head into a new year.

In this inspiring episode of the CMIT Solutions Featured Franchise Spotlight, we sit down with Camille Hamilton, a franchisee who has proudly served the Houston Northwest suburbs for 25 years. Camille shares her journey from leaving corporate America to building a lasting IT business, reflecting on the early struggles, her biggest turning points, and the lessons that fueled her growth.

She opens up about the importance of perseverance, the power of networking, and the value of letting go to scale a business. Listeners will hear how Camille built a strong team culture, embraced mentorship, and became known as the “Networking Queen” within the CMIT community.

Arvind Hariharan shares how he transitioned from a 17-year corporate IT career to owning a successful CMIT Solutions franchise. He talks about launching during the pandemic, leveraging the CMIT system and mentorship, growing through consistency and community outreach, and prioritizing client relationships. He emphasizes self-awareness, structured goal-setting, and the importance of trusting the process.

In this episode, we spotlight Matt McCracken, a former CIO turned multi-territory CMIT Solutions franchise owner. Matt shares how a desire for more family time led him to entrepreneurship and how strategic acquisitions in Houston, DFW, and San Antonio fueled his expansion. He opens up about the importance of hiring the right people, building a culture of trust, and why referrals and relationships have been his most effective marketing tools.

In this episode of CMIT Solutions Featured Franchise Spotlight, we sit down with Kerry Wheeles, franchise owner of CMIT Solutions in Birmingham South. After a 30-year whirlwind in global tech leadership — including designing control systems for the Olympics — Kerry traded jet lag for genuine connections. He shares how his passion for solving complex problems (and making them sound simple) is now helping local businesses navigate the wild west of cybersecurity and AI.

From international boardrooms to small business break rooms, Kerry’s story is packed with wisdom, humor, and grit. We talk about his roots in engineering, what he learned while caring for his parents, and how the CMIT network became his secret weapon. Tune in to hear why Kerry believes building relationships is more than good business—it’s the key to building your future.

Meet Adam Lopez, our April Featured Franchise Award winner, who made the leap from casino floors to the world of cybersecurity—and never looked back. In this episode, Adam shares how his early days working on slot machines led to a career in enterprise IT and project management, eventually sparking his entrepreneurial journey with CMIT Solutions. With a talent for leadership, a passion for service, and a sharp eye for strategy, Adam talks about building his business from the ground up, connecting with clients through hospitality-driven care, and bringing serious energy to Las Vegas' tech scene. Tune in for insights, laughs, and a roadmap to long-term success in the world of managed IT.

In this episode, we spotlight Cheryl Nelon, owner of multiple CMIT Solutions locations, including Rochester, Brooklyn North, and Tribeca. With a background in marketing and business leadership, Cheryl shares how she transitioned from corporate strategy into entrepreneurship—fueled by the support of the CMIT network and her passion for working with small businesses. From merging operations with her now-husband and fellow franchisee to building a cohesive, high-performing team, Cheryl reflects on the importance of community, collaboration, and always hitting the ground running. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of family—both personal and professional.

In this episode of the CMIT Solutions Featured Franchise Spotlight, we sit down with Bob Lee, owner of CMIT Solutions of North Oakland in Walnut Creek. With a decades-long career in technology—including leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies and startups—Bob shares his transition from corporate executive to small business owner. He discusses why he chose CMIT Solutions, the challenges of launching an MSP, and how his technical expertise and problem-solving skills help businesses navigate IT challenges. Bob also dives into the importance of networking, sales growth, and cybersecurity awareness, plus how his passion for cycling fuels his entrepreneurial mindset. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with valuable lessons for aspiring and current franchisees!