In the ever-evolving realm of Information Technology (IT), where change is the only constant, IT professional Blake Fishman stands as a seasoned expert with nearly two decades of experience. Hailing from sunny Florida, Blake’s day job is as the Lead Systems Administrator for a Fort Lauderdale-based logistics company. However, his passion for IT extends far beyond the confines of his full-time position. For the past three years, Blake has been lending his expertise as a technology consultant to a local startup incubator, aiding nascent businesses in their growth journey through innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and cutting-edge web3 applications.
Blake’s IT journey has been marked by an unwavering dedication to the field, spanning various domains such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Blockchain. He identifies these as the most thrilling areas for technology businesses in the current landscape.
The heart of Blake’s mission lies in assisting startups and small businesses in their quest to harness technology for growth. His unique perspective, garnered from years of working with these entities, sheds light on the challenges that entrepreneurs face as they grapple with integrating technology into their operations. Often, small business owners underestimate the significance of establishing a robust IT infrastructure, assuming it to be a concern solely for larger enterprises. This assumption can prove detrimental, leading to compromised cybersecurity and decreased efficiency.
Blake is quick to advocate for investment in IT, emphasizing, “There is often an assumption that because you’re small, you don’t need a proper IT setup. This can cause a lot of issues. It means bad cybersecurity and it means less efficiency. I think it’s always important to call in a professional if you can’t hire an in-house IT person, and have them set you up with a proper network and even a VPN [virtual private network] if you’re going to have people working remotely or around the world. So many business processes can be streamlined with some basic effort toward thoughtfully building your business’s IT infrastructure.”
The past few years have witnessed a transformation in the IT landscape. What used to be achievable with the skills of a tech-savvy high school student setting up a wireless router and computers now falls short of the demands of IT setups for businesses, even mom-and-pop shops. While an in-house IT department may remain financially out of reach for many small businesses, Blake contends that “These days, with technology such an integral part of every business’s day-to-day operations, you really need more.”
Cybersecurity, in particular, has emerged as a pressing concern for small businesses. Blake goes the extra mile for his clients, ensuring that their systems are not just set up but can also be monitored remotely. He receives alerts at the first sign of suspicious behavior, a crucial defense against threats like phishing attacks and malware. Regular employee training is another cornerstone of his approach, ensuring that every member of the business is well-versed in the basics of cybersecurity.
Beyond the technical aspects, Blake aims to change the perception of technology from a burden to a powerful tool and a potential industry disruptor. Many businesses harbor fears that technology will render their services obsolete, but Blake offers a different perspective. He encourages his clients to stay attuned to emerging technological trends so they can adapt proactively when change arrives.
“Business owners should always be aware of emerging technology and the potential impacts it could have on their industry. There is always advance warning for the people paying attention and plenty of time to pivot and adjust. Technology will change how industries operate, and that is where business owners need to be paying attention so they can be ahead of the curve with preparing for those changes,” he asserts. “The basic services and products will still be needed. For example, look at Netflix. It didn’t shut down the entertainment industry; it just changed how we access entertainment. Human wants and needs don’t change, but technology will change how businesses meet them.”
In conclusion, Blake Fishman’s journey through the ever-shifting landscape of Information Technology illustrates the indispensable role of IT in the success of small businesses and startups. His advocacy for robust IT infrastructure, vigilant cybersecurity, and proactive adaptation to technological change serves as a guiding light for entrepreneurs navigating the digital age. As the IT realm continues to evolve, Blake Fishman stands as a beacon of expertise, helping businesses harness the power of technology for growth and prosperity.
