Michael Crean is the CEO and founder of Solutions Granted, a veteran-owned business focused on providing consultative solutions to an ever changing information-technology and information-security environment. The company, based in Woodbridge, Virginia, provides online security options for both large and small organizations.

“Security is not our job; it is our responsibility!” This pearl of provider wisdom is one that Michael holds dear and applies to his whole business model. He sat down with us this week to let us in on his passionate approach.

1. Pick a strategic path. Pick a path, and don’t be distracted by what’s going on around you. A lot of MSPs and IT folks get distracted by the new shiny technology. To be fair, there’s a lot of technology out there that’s extremely valuable, but no one organization can do everything for everyone. The key is to pick something that you’re passionate about and keep your eye on the prize.

Michael Crean

Michael Crean

It’s easy to get bogged down if you’re worrying about everything else going on around you. If you are passionate about being an amazing help desk, then be an amazing help desk. If you have a passion for being a security practitioner, then be a security practitioner.

Find your swim lane and stay in it.

2. Find things that you believe in.

When you’re picking your technologies, this is essential. If you’re going to do firewalls, find a really good firewall that you believe in, are passionate about and that you build a strategic relationship with.

This applies to every technology. Being the master of one as opposed to the generalist of some is definitely the way to go. Find technologies that you believe in and choose those that bring about success.

This circles back to the first point, but it ties into this as well — don’t worry about all the noise around you. It will become distracting. When you discover what you’re passionate about and you choose the tools you want to practice your trade with, find a way to bring them all together. Further, find a way to create a message that isn’t about selling something, but solving a problem.

3. Bring it all together.

Tell stories that matter, solve problems and make improvements. Everything has become so siloed and there are countless organizations out there, all claiming to have that “best next thing.” You have to get rid of those silos and all the noise and find a solution that you can get excited about. Be passionate about what you bring to the marketplace.

Michael E. Crean, a United Stated Army Combat Veteran, founded Solutions Granted Inc. (SGI) in 2001.  His goal was to bridge the gap between information technology and information security, offering education and strong cost effect solutions to businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Almost immediately, Mr. Creans’ commitment to provide real solutions-that considered the client’s atmosphere, corporate goals and/or compliance standards-caused SGI’s growth; not only nationwide but worldwide. SGI currently represents thousands of clients (medical, education, governmental, service, etc.)  through managed security services offerings.