Episode 14

full
Published on:

24th Feb 2025

AI, Security, and IT Solutions for Modern Manufacturing with Jeff Borello

Join host Lisa Ryan as she engages in a fascinating conversation with Jeff Borello, CEO and co-founder of Andromeda Technology Solutions. Jeff, with over thirty years of experience in the IT sector, delves into the journey of transforming Andromeda into a leading managed IT services provider specializing in the manufacturing industry. He shares expert insights on enhancing cybersecurity, overcoming IT challenges, and strategically leveraging IT to propel manufacturing businesses forward.

Key Themes:

  1. Entrepreneurial Journey and Growth:
  • Jeff shares the story of how he and his co-founders transitioned from working hard at another company to establishing their own IT and networking business from scratch.
  • Emphasis on dedication and persistence in the early stages and the importance of gradual transition from full-time jobs to entrepreneurship.
  1. Strategic Pivot to Specialization in Manufacturing:
  • Insights into the decision-making process that led Andromeda to focus specifically on the manufacturing sector.
  • Lessons learned from previously expanding into multiple business areas and then refocusing on core IT services.
  1. Cybersecurity and IT Management:
  • The critical importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures in the manufacturing industry.
  • Strategies for dealing with recurring IT challenges and the significance of addressing root causes to eliminate persistent issues.
  1. Workplace Culture and Employee Engagement:
  • Strategies for developing a strong workplace culture that attracts and retains talent.
  • The role of continuous learning and adaptation in leadership and building a high-performing team.
  1. The Role of IT as a Strategic Business Partner:
  • Viewing IT investments as strategic advantages rather than mere expenses.
  • Importance of long-term technological planning and finding the right IT partners to enhance manufacturing operations.

Lessons Learned:

  • Persistence and adaptability are crucial for entrepreneurial success.
  • Specializing in a specific niche can significantly enhance business growth and customer engagement.
  • Cybersecurity should be a primary consideration in any technological change or adoption.
  • Continuous learning and feedback are essential for building a dynamic and motivated workforce.
  • Effective IT management requires recognizing it as a strategic driver of business growth.

Fun Facts:

  • Jeff Borello once shared a table with Jack Stack, an influential figure in business strategy and transparency.
  • Andromeda Technology Solutions has achieved impressive client retention, with technicians having an average tenure of seven years, well above industry norms.

Connect with Jeff Borello:

Tune in to discover how strategic IT management and cybersecurity can elevate your manufacturing operation and secure your data in this ever-evolving digital landscape.

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About the Podcast

The Manufacturers' Network
Connecting Manufacturers with Manufacturers
The Manufacturers' Podcast is THE place for manufacturers to connect with and learn from other manufacturers. Not only will listeners get to learn from their manufacturing colleagues, but they will also discover HOW they can help each other as a resource or as a source of help and inspiration.

As a manufacturer, it's easy to get pigeon-holed into only focusing on your own industry, whether it be through your industry trade association or your industry colleagues. While trade associations are an excellent source of information for their members, sometimes it's gaining a perspective from someone else in a completely different industry that gives you the solution to your dilemma.

Stay tuned for new episodes every week on "Manufacturing Monday's." This drive-time length podcast will give you the information, tips and strategies you need to get your week off to a fantastic start.

About your host

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Lisa Ryan

As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), an award-winning speaker and author of ten books, Lisa Ryan, CSP, works with her clients to develop employee and client engagement initiatives and strategies that keep their top talent and best clients from becoming someone else’s.
Lisa’s expertise includes: strengthening workplace culture, improving employee engagement, increasing customer retention, and initiating gratitude strategies (“Grategies”) for personal and professional benefit. Lisa’s participants enjoy her high energy, enthusiastic delivery and quick wit and they leave the session with ideas they are committed to acting on immediately to make positive workplace culture changes.
Lisa costars in two films with other experts including Jack Canfield of “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” She is the Past-President of the National Speakers Association, Ohio Chapter and holds an MBA from Cleveland State University.

Relevant Experience

• Keynote, breakout or workshop speaker at more than 100 national and international conferences
• Thirteen years of industrial marketing and sales experience, including seven years in the welding industry – and yes, she does weld
• Host of “Elevate Your Engagement Levels: What You Need to Know” on the Elite Expert Network and the C-Suite Network
• Creator of “The Seven Mistakes Managers Make to Crush Company Culture” video series
• Best-selling author of ten books, including “Manufacturing Engagement: 98 Proven Strategies to Attract and Retain Your Industry’s Top Talent”
• Award-winning speaker