Ground Floor: Former IT sales executive opens CMIT franchise in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — Ray Carrizales doesn't think of owning his own business as 'working for himself.'

'I've always worked for somebody,' he explained. 'Now I'm working for my clients.'

Carrizales recently opened a CMIT Solutions franchise in Cedar Rapids, which is the first in Iowa. CMIT Solutions specializes in information technology support services for small to medium-sized businesses.

CMIT Solutions, which is based in Austin, Texas, was founded in 1994 and has a network of more than 150 offices throughout the United States.

'Our focus is the proactive management of IT systems to keep them up and running,' Carrizales said. 'We address problems before they occur to allow the business owner to concentrate on the business.'

Carrizales, who hails from Indiana, moved to Cedar Rapids 15 years ago and worked as a sales executive. For the last 12 years, his focus has been information technology sales. Most recently, he sold technology products and services to clients from Cedar Rapids to Omaha.

Carrizales left that position two years ago because of corporate downsizing. He used the transition as an opportunity to obtain a degree in computer science and enjoy time with his children.

'They are the biggest driving force for me to make this business successful,' he said.

About nine months ago, Carrizales started looking into the possibility of opening a CMIT Solutions franchise.

'It's the number one IT franchise,' he said. 'It was a good fit. The products they use are the same as the products I sold. The technology partners are the same. The business was easy to understand.'

Carrizales learned that he was awarded the Cedar Rapids territory about eight weeks ago.

'I hit the ground running,' he said. 'I've spent the last few weeks visiting with old clients to let them know what I have to offer. My focus is small businesses in town, those with around 10 to 50 users.'

Carrizales said his franchise is unique in that most of CMIT Solutions' other franchises are located in major cities.

'We are bringing big city support to small businesses in Cedar Rapids,' he said.

To provide round-the-clock IT maintenance and monitoring services for his clients, Carrizales already has hired two computer technicians and has plans to hire two more. He eventually would like to get to a staff of 10, including support and dispatch personnel.

Carrizales' plans include expanding into the Iowa City market by the spring of 2017. And he has set an even loftier goal for himself: CMIT Solutions franchise of the year.

'I'm really excited about this opportunity,' he said. 'I can't wait until this time next year to see how we've grown.'

AT A GLANCE

Owner: Ray Carrizales

Business: CMIT Solutions

Address: 3509 J St. SW, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 640-2879

Email: rcarrizales@cmitsolutions.com

Website: www.CMITCR.com

Know a company or manager who has been in business for less than a year that would be ideal for 'Ground Floor'? Contact Francie Williamson at francie.williamson@thegazette.com