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This paid piece is courtesy of SiouxFalls.Business.

Nick Bukrey was a recent Lincoln High School graduate working as a golf pro shop attendant when browsing the club’s membership directory led him to his future career.

The Sioux Falls native was beginning his education at Southeast Technical College, which he chose to get “running and off to the races.” He would go on to earn degrees in system administration and network administration but knew he also needed firsthand IT experience to determine what he liked and didn’t like.

“In the IT world, you can work at a bank, in health care or in cybersecurity — there’s a wide range,” he said. “So I started thinking maybe I could find someone to give me an internship.”

As he perused the member directory, Joe Zueger’s name stood out. The founder of Workplace I.T. Management was open to adding an intern.

“He hired me as a paid intern, and I just got to start assimilating information and figuring out how things work,” Bukrey said. “And once we got to a certain spot, it was like, OK, bring your friends. Find your connections at Southeast Tech and bring them on board. So it started with one, then another, and it just snowballed.”

That began in 2003, and Bukrey continued to intern throughout college. When he graduated in 2005, he became an entry-level systems consultant. He later was promoted to network administrator.

“I was able to become a subject matter expert in various technologies, and then I graduated to a technical concierge role, handling onboarding and account management while serving as the technical account manager for a lot of different clients.”

When Workplace I.T. Management became part of Sioux Falls-based Direct Companies in late 2023, Bukrey was promoted to lead client technical concierge, now overseeing a team of three.

The path he forged for interns has expanded significantly, attracting students throughout the school year. They’re largely from nearby Southeast Tech but also represent other colleges and universities.

“A lot of our interns are in their first or second year of college,” he said. “They have no bad habits, so we get to teach them good habits. And it becomes a test for culture fit. We begin to understand how they work, and they understand how we work. At the end, we both realize if it makes sense to make it a full-time hire.”

Throughout Workplace I.T. Management and the broader Direct Companies, interns have served as a valuable way to develop talent.

“The interns often bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, enthusiasm and energy to the business,” said Joe Henderson, director of technology. “A lot of times, they bring a breath of fresh air during a busy day and join in the solutions and developments with the rest of the team.”

Interns are given real-time, real-life, hands-on experience, he added.

“They get the opportunity to work face-to-face with customers and often deploy to customer sites to set up different hardware and solutions,” Henderson said. “They get the opportunity to work directly with a great group of experienced technicians, which leads them to gain confidence and be very prepared after school for their career path.”

With Direct Companies’ multiple business units, interns now have even more opportunities to gain exposure.

“That’s part of what makes being an intern at Workplace such a great experience,” Henderson said. “We just had a Workplace intern graduate and become part of our data management entity as a full-time employee. We also make a point to connect interns with mentors from other teams to provide experience and exposure in those areas. The one thing in common across our business units is technology, so being versed in technology is a specialty they gain throughout the company.”

Interns are able to connect with Direct Companies throughout the year and are encouraged to reach out here to learn more.

Like Bukrey, many former interns have gone on to become full-time employees.

“For me, a two-year college program combined with an internship really got me up to speed quickly and proved a smart financial decision too,” he said. “I can’t say enough good things about my experience at Southeast Tech, and I owe it to Workplace for teaching and coaching me along the way.”

Today’s interns will find even more opportunities, he added.

“We’re always looking for the next great intern, and we’re growing quickly with full-time opportunities because Direct Companies is expanding so much,” he said. “We have so much going on that there are a lot of avenues for interns while they test-drive us and we test-drive them.”

At Workplace IT Management, we understand how essential Microsoft 365 is to modern business operations. It powers collaboration, communication, and daily productivity across countless teams. However, one critical aspect of your IT strategy often gets overlooked, data backup. Without it, the true cost of lost or compromised data can far exceed the initial savings. As a trusted IT partner, we know that neglecting robust backup solutions can expose your business to financial, operational, and reputational risks. Let’s explore why a reliable backup plan is vital for protecting your data and your bottom line.

Downtime and Productivity Loss

When critical data is lost or inaccessible, the resulting downtime can halt operations and hinder productivity. Here’s how:

• Impact on Employee Productivity: Without access to important files, emails, or project data, employee workflows are disrupted, leading to delays, inefficiencies, and frustration across teams.
• Business Interruption: Critical customer-facing applications like Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive can grind to a halt during downtime, causing missed deadlines and lost opportunities, something we strive to prevent with proactive IT management.
• Cost of Recovery Efforts: The longer it takes to restore systems, the more resources are consumed. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that recovery is as seamless as possible, minimizing downtime and helping you stay on track.

At Workplace IT Management, we prioritize swift data restoration, ensuring that your business operations continue without unnecessary interruptions.

Compliance Fines and Reputational Damage

Failing to adequately protect data can lead to serious compliance issues, especially for businesses in regulated industries:

• Non-Compliance Penalties: Many data protection laws, such as GDPR or HIPAA, require organizations to maintain secure and recoverable data. Failing to do so can result in hefty fines.
• Loss of Customer Trust: Data breaches or prolonged outages caused by inadequate backup can erode customer confidence.
• Reputational Impact: News of compliance violations or data loss incidents can tarnish your brand’s reputation, making it harder to retain and attract clients.

Investing in a backup solution ensures that your business stays compliant and safeguards its reputation.

Hidden Costs of Data Recovery or Recreation

When businesses don’t back up their data, they’re often forced to rely on costly and time-intensive recovery efforts:

• Expensive Recovery Services: Attempting to retrieve lost data without a backup typically involves hiring specialists, which can come with significant costs.
• Recreating Lost Data: In cases where data is irretrievable, teams may need to manually recreate documents, reports, or projects—a time-consuming and error-prone process.
• Lost Intellectual Property: Some data, such as years of emails or proprietary files, simply cannot be recreated, leading to permanent loss of value.

A robust backup strategy eliminates these hidden expenses by ensuring fast and reliable data restoration.

Protect Your Business from Costly Mistakes—Start Backing Up Today

The financial, operational, and reputational costs of not backing up Microsoft 365 far outweigh the investment in a reliable backup solution. Don’t wait for a costly mistake to highlight gaps in your data protection strategy.

Workplace IT Management offers all-inclusive managed IT services, ensuring your data is protected with the most effective and affordable backup solutions. Let us help you safeguard your business, enhance your productivity, and keep your reputation intact.

Contact us today to learn more about our Microsoft 365 backup solutions and how we can help you avoid the true cost of data loss.

Microsoft 365 powers productivity for businesses of all sizes with tools like Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive. However, while these tools help you stay organized, relying solely on Microsoft’s built-in features leaves your data vulnerable. Here’s why every business needs a robust backup strategy tailored to Microsoft 365.

Limitations of Microsoft’s Data Retention Policies

Microsoft’s data retention policies are designed to meet specific operational needs, but they fall short when it comes to comprehensive protection:

• Limited Retention Timeframes: Data retention in Microsoft 365 is often temporary and varies depending on the service.
  • Example: Deleted emails are stored in the recycle bin for up to 30 days by default.
• No Guarantee Against Permanent Deletion: Once retention periods expire, data may be irretrievable.
• Shared Responsibility Model: Microsoft operates under a shared responsibility model, meaning the responsibility for protecting data ultimately lies with the business.

Without a backup solution you can count on, your business’s data could be lost forever in the blink of an eye.

Common Risks: Accidental Deletion, Ransomware, and Compliance Gaps

Data vulnerabilities are more common than you might think. Here are some risks businesses face when relying solely on Microsoft 365:

• Accidental Deletion: Employees may inadvertently delete important files or emails, sometimes without realizing their significance.
• Ransomware Attacks: Cybercriminals often target cloud-based environments, encrypting data and demanding a ransom for its return.
• Compliance Gaps: Industries with stringent compliance requirements may find Microsoft’s default settings inadequate for meeting legal or regulatory standards.

A dedicated backup solution can mitigate these risks by providing an independent, secure copy of your data.

Importance of Third-Party Backup Solutions for Complete Protection

Third-party backup solutions complement Microsoft 365 by addressing its limitations and offering enhanced protection:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Backup all Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Custom Retention Policies: Tailor retention settings to meet your business’s unique needs.
• Fast Recovery: Quickly restore data in the event of accidental deletion, corruption, or cyberattacks.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your data management practices align with industry standards and legal requirements.

By investing in a third-party backup solution, businesses can safeguard their Microsoft 365 data and ensure continuity.

Secure Your M365 Data with a Reliable Backup Strategy

Don’t leave your business data vulnerable. Protect against accidental deletion, cyber threats, and compliance risks with a reliable Microsoft 365 backup strategy. Reach out to Workplace IT Management today for a free consultation and ensure your Microsoft 365 data is secure and recoverable.

In an industry where efficiency, precision, and collaboration are extremely important, technology has grown to play a central role in the success of construction companies. However, managing IT systems in-house can be costly and distracting, pulling attention away from other aspects of the business. Outsourcing IT for the construction industry offers a strategic way for companies to enhance technology operations both in the office and the field, improving security and maintaining the competitive edge that having new and well-serviced technology can offer. Keep reading below to learn the benefits of outsourcing IT for the construction industry.

Enhanced Focus on Core Activities In the Office and On-Site

Construction companies succeed by effectively executing projects, from planning and design in the office to hands-on activities at job sites. This takes up a lot of time, and the last thing that you should be worried about is if your technology is working correctly. When a business outsources its IT, it allows technology management to be delegated to experts, freeing up internal staff to focus on core activities. This ensures office staff can streamline their workflows and improve client communication while field teams get the benefit of reliable technology that keeps projects running smoothly. IT providers also bring specialized knowledge, reducing downtime and ensuring your systems work as efficiently on-site as they do in the office.

Cost Savings and Predictable Budgets

Building and maintaining an in-house IT team requires significant investment in salaries, training, and equipment. Outsourcing IT provides access to a team of skilled professionals for a fixed cost, making budgeting simpler and more predictable. According to Forbes, companies can save up to 70% on operational costs by outsourcing their IT needs. With the cost savings that outsourcing will provide, companies can redirect these savings toward enhancing tools and resources for both office and field teams.

Stronger Cybersecurity for Sensitive Data Everywhere

From contracts to blueprints and client details, the construction industry handles a lot of sensitive information both in the office and at the job site. Cybersecurity threats are growing, making protecting this information a growing priority. IT providers implement strong security measures, like endpoint detection, multi-factor authentication, and remote access tools to monitor users’ systems, protecting business data no matter where it’s accessed. Also, according to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was $4.88 million, which is a 10% increase over 2023 and the highest total ever. These statistics highlight the importance of strong cybersecurity measures from an external IT company.

Reduced Downtime and Improved Reliability

The last thing that any company wants to deal with is delays. Some can’t be controlled, such as the weather and not getting things delivered when you need them. However, delays caused by IT issues are preventable and can disrupt schedules and inflate costs. Outsourcing IT provides proactive 24/7 monitoring to prevent systems from going down before it’s too late. This ensures that both office and field operations run smoothly. Managed IT providers like Workplace IT Management offer disaster recovery solutions, including data backups and recovery plans, to minimize interruptions. Reliable technology allows fewer disruptions no matter where your team is working.

Build Smarter with Outsourced IT

From what we’ve laid out in this article outsourcing IT for the construction industry, is more than a cost saving strategy. It’s an investment in efficiency, security, and adaptability for construction companies. Are you ready to enhance your business with IT solutions built specifically for your business’s needs? Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a stronger future.

When businesses outsource their IT needs to a different company, one of the first benefits they are introduced to is the IT Help Desk. If you aren’t familiar with an IT help desk, we will explain it in this article. But even more so we will also explain how Workplace IT provides fast, local support by offering a direct-to-technician help desk. Keep reading to learn what makes our approach unique and why it’s a great solution for businesses in Sioux Falls and beyond.

What is a Help Desk?

The definition of an IT help desk, according to Tech Target, is “the individual, group, organizational function or external service that an IT user calls to get help with a problem.” The definition makes it seem like all IT help desks would be the same, right? This couldn’t be further from the truth, though; while you may dial a number on your phone to call for help, where that number takes you can be completely different from company to company. Many help desks operate with multiple layers of support, meaning that when you call in for help, you speak with a representative who then passes your issue on to a technician. This layered approach can help companies initiate troubleshooting faster, but it often can result in delays. However, with Workplace IT Management’s direct-to-technician help desk, the delays are eliminated because instead of having to go through multiple steps to talk to a technician. Users are immediately connected to a technician when they call in.

Direct-to-Technician: The Direct Way To Get Help

When you choose Workplace IT Management, you get a streamlined process for getting help with your IT needs. Direct-to-technician help desks cut down on the time and hoops you have to go through by connecting you directly to technicians who are ready to dive directly into any problems you may be having. Whether you want to call or email, we are here for you. Here’s how it works:

1. Direct Technician Access: Users call a direct line that they are provided by their IT company and speak immediately with a technician instead of having to go through several hoops to finally get someone who is able to answer their question.
   
2. After-Hours Assistance with Minimal Delay: While the average wait time for someone who calls the help desk is 30 seconds during the work week, we also offer after-hours support where you may have to wait 1-2 hours when issues arise. We have technicians on call to ensure our users can still get the help they need when an emergency arises instead of having to wait until the next business day.
   
3. Local Support: The best part of our direct-to-technician approach is that our support team is all local. Instead of calling a number that takes you to someone in New York or California, when you call Workplace IT Management, you are connected immediately with someone in Sioux Falls. They may even be less than 5 minutes from where you are at. This means that our clients work with technicians who understand their needs and the local environment.

The Benefits of Going Direct-to-Technician with Local Support

While we think you can already see the reasons why someone would want to work with a managed IT company that offers direct-to-technician support, we’ve listed below some of the benefits of choosing the direct model.

• Quicker Resolutions: When you can connect to an IT expert in under 30 seconds, it minimizes the back-and-forth you have to go through with other companies and get users back to work faster.
  
• Personalized Support with Familiar Faces: Also, when working with a direct-to-technician approach, you get the same technician each time. This allows companies to develop a level of trust and familiarity that improves service quality, and the technician can get a better understanding of each client’s unique needs.
  
• On-Call Coverage After Hours: Help when you need it. Even though there may be a short delay, users can still count on support in Sioux Falls if someone goes wrong after hours or on the weekends, reducing potential downtime during emergencies.

Why Choose Workplace IT Management’s Local, Direct-to-Technician Help Desk?

After reading this article, we think that you can now reasonably understand why choosing a company that offers direct-to-technician support is the way to go when selecting a company that offers IT support for businesses. The direct approach ensures that our clients experience minimal downtime and faster issue resolutions. For companies in Sioux Falls, our local support means we’re right here when you need us, offering a more personalized experience for all our clients. If you are a business in Sioux Falls and want to see how the direct-to-technician approach can help your company, contact Workplace IT Management today.

Are you feeling stuck with an outdated phone system that hinders your business’s communications? In today’s digital landscape, a reliable and modern communication platform isn’t optional; it’s essential. At Workplace I.T. Management, we’re proud to offer the cloud-based 8×8 phone system, a future-proof solution designed to empower your business to connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Beyond Basic Calls: Embracing Unified Communication

Say goodbye to the days of siloed communication channels. 8×8 seamlessly integrates voice, video, chat, and contact center tools into a single, intuitive platform. Imagine your team effortlessly switching between these channels for instant collaboration, boosting efficiency and eliminating missed connections. This unified approach fosters a more dynamic and connected work environment, empowering your team to achieve more together.

Superior Customer Experiences: Building Loyalty Through Service

Modern customers crave frictionless experiences, and 8×8 empowers you to deliver just that. Advanced features like intelligent call routing, real-time analytics, and omnichannel support ensure your customers reach the right person quickly and efficiently. Resolve issues effortlessly and leave them feeling valued, fostering trust and loyalty that fuels business growth.

Simplify Your IT: Embrace the Cloud for Peace of Mind

Leave behind the burden of clunky hardware and unpredictable costs. 8×8 is a cloud-based solution, eliminating the need for physical management and hefty upfront investments. Enjoy a predictable subscription model and automatic updates, ensuring you’re always at the forefront of communication technology without the IT headache. This frees up valuable resources and allows you to focus on strategic initiatives that drive your business forward.

Scale with Confidence: A System That Grows with You

Whether you’re a budding startup or an established enterprise, 8×8 adapts to your evolving needs. Its infinite scalability seamlessly accommodates your team’s growth without disrupting communication flow. Future-proof your business communications and confidently embrace expansion, knowing your system can effortlessly scale alongside you.

Workplace I.T. Management: Your Partner in Communication Transformation

Ready to unlock the full potential of 8×8 and embrace the future of communication? Workplace I.T. Management is your trusted guide. Our team of experts will help you choose the right 8×8 plan, seamlessly integrate the system, and provide ongoing support. Together, we’ll say goodbye to outdated systems and usher in a world of enhanced collaboration, exceptional customer service, and simplified IT management.

Don’t just survive in the digital age, thrive. Contact Workplace I.T. Management today for a free consultation and discover how 8×8 can transform your business communications. Together, let’s propel your business forward with the power of seamless connection and efficient communication.