Member Profile: Ask Erik Computer Services

What does a “Navy SEAL of the tech world” do? It might not involve hundreds of sit-ups, but it’s still pretty impressive! Get to know Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce member, Ask Erik Computer Services, in this Member Profile interview with owner Erik Dreyer-Goldman.

How did Ask Erik start?
You know, I’ve always been a tech geek at heart. I love solving puzzles and making things work smoothly and more efficiently. I was fortunate enough to have access to technology at an early age. I touched my first computer in 1978 and was hooked. Over the years, I noticed something that really bothered me – small businesses were struggling with their IT. They were dealing with constant tech headaches, security nightmares, and just not getting the support they needed. I believe in giving service and volunteering and wanted to give back to my community. “Why not create an IT Q&A column in the local newspaper called ASK ERIK and answer questions from local business owners?” The column was quite popular – so much so, that the newspaper received many calls asking to hire me to help solve their computer problems. The only issue was I had a full-time corporate IT position at a healthcare company. I and two co-workers supported over 1,000 users at 10 different locations in a very complex IT environment. I certainly didn’t have extra time to help others. The paper got so many calls for assistance and that’s when I had my lightbulb moment: “What if I created an IT service that actually prevents problems instead of just fixing them?” I started doing market research, created a business plan and boom! In 2006, Ask Erik Computer Services was born. What many might not know is: I was president of a Chamber of commerce, so I understand the needs and struggles of different businesses. Our core values are integrity, empathy, and growth (personally and professionally – always working on personal development and ongoing training on the latest technologies).

What is Ask Erik all about?
We’re not your average IT guys. We are a cybersecurity-first-focused IT partner. We’re like the Navy SEALs of the tech world – always prepared, always ahead of the game. Here’s what we bring to the table:

• We’re security-obsessed. Seriously, it keeps me up at night thinking about how to protect our clients better.
• We’ve got AI doing some pretty cool stuff. It’s like having a super-smart strategic advisor that never sleeps.
• We don’t just fix your tech; we make it work harder for you. It’s all about boosting your business, not just babysitting your computers.

“We help businesses minimize their risk by assessing their IT Infrastructure and providing multiple layers of best-in-class cybersecurity products in place. We’re security-obsessed. Seriously, it keeps me up at night thinking about how to protect our clients better.”

– Erik Dreyer-Goldman, Ask Erik LLC

What do you love most about what you do?
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing a business owner’s face light up when they realize technology can actually make their life easier, not harder. It’s like watching someone discover a superpower they never knew they had. That’s what gets me out of bed every morning (well, that and a strong cup of coffee).

Do you have any advice?
Things have changed. Cyber attacks are way up. It’s no longer if you’ll be attacked, but when you are – how quickly can you get operational again and minimize the damage? We are being proactive with all our clients and doing cybersecurity risk assessments to see where there are risk gaps. All new potential clients will need to have a risk assessment before we agree to take them on. We need know the complete picture to know what we’re dealing with. If you had tooth pain, you wouldn’t want the dentist to just pull-out teeth hoping they got the right one without getting an x-ray. We’re basically doing the same thing. Because of all the attacks, insurance companies are trying to limit risk and this is one way to address that. If you’re running a business, don’t wait for a tech disaster to strike. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not pretty. Investing in good IT is like having a great insurance policy, except it makes your day-to-day better too. Most people who have never had professional IT help, here’s a tip: IT budgets are typically 3%-6% of gross revenue.

And hey, if you’re in the IT field, remember it’s not just about the flashy tech. It’s about making a real difference for people. Focus on that, and you’ll go far.

How can someone connect with you?
I’m always excited to chat with folks who are serious about leveling up their tech game. If you’re ready to stop worrying about IT and start using it to grow your business, give me a shout. Let’s grab a coffee and talk about how we can make technology your business’s new best friend! We are looking to speak at local industry events on cybersecurity and leveraging AI in your business, so please reach out!

Erik Dreyer-Goldman • www.askerik.com • 541-359-3111