# Xperteks (Full Reference) > Xperteks is an AI-driven enterprise IT team and managed service provider (MSP) that helps technology-reliant businesses secure their operations, automate workflows, modernize cloud environments, and scale with confidence. Founded 2001. Nationwide United States coverage. This file is the comprehensive companion to [llms.txt](https://www.xperteks.com/llms.txt). It contains the full company profile and the complete case study matrix in plain markdown so AI systems can read everything in a single request. ## About Xperteks (legally Xperteks Computer Consultancy, Inc.) is a managed service provider founded in 2001, serving small and mid-sized businesses across the United States. The company supports both Apple and Windows environments and focuses on cybersecurity, cloud, compliance, and proactive 24/7 IT management. General contact: info@xperteks.com. ## Services - [Managed IT Services](https://www.xperteks.com/services/managed-it-services/): 24/7 monitoring, help desk support, patch management, and proactive maintenance. - [Cybersecurity](https://www.xperteks.com/services/cybersecurity/): layered threat detection, ransomware protection, endpoint security, and security awareness training. - [Cloud Services and Cloud-First Strategy](https://www.xperteks.com/services/cloud-services/): cloud migration, ongoing management, and Azure Virtual Desktop for work from anywhere. - [Compliance and Risk Management](https://www.xperteks.com/services/compliance-risk-management/): HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOX support. - [Business Continuity](https://www.xperteks.com/services/business-continuity/): data backup, disaster recovery, and resilience planning. - [Network Management](https://www.xperteks.com/services/network-management/): network design, monitoring, and optimization. - [Employee Lifecycle Management](https://www.xperteks.com/services/employee-lifecycle-management/): secure onboarding, access management, and offboarding. - [Strategic IT Consulting](https://www.xperteks.com/services/strategic-it-consulting/): technology roadmaps, budgeting, and planning. ## Pricing Managed IT services are billed on a predictable monthly basis, typically per user or per device, with the exact figure depending on the number of users and devices, the systems in place, and the level of support and security required. Custom quotes are provided through a [discovery call](https://www.xperteks.com/discoverycall/). Standalone hourly services are listed on the [Published Price List](https://www.xperteks.com/ppl/): - Onsite Computer Repair: $220 per person per hour - Remote Computer Repair: $220 per hour - After-Hours Computer Repair: $325 per hour - Weekend and Holiday Computer Support: $435 per hour - In-House Computer Support: $220 per hour - Technology Project Support: $220 per person per hour - Technology Consultant: $270 per hour ## Compliance and Certifications - Compliance support for HIPAA (healthcare), PCI-DSS (payment and financial services), and SOX (publicly traded companies). - Client SOC 2 compliance programs, including audit preparation and compliance monitoring with Vanta. - Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) recognized by New York State Department of Economic Development and New York City Department of Small Business Services. - Member, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). - BBB A+ Accredited Business since 2008. ## Recognition - CRN MSP 500, Pioneer 250 (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025) - MSP 501 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026) - CyberReady MBE Designation (2023) - BBB A+ Accredited Business since 2008 - Member, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) ## Case Studies (Complete) The following are complete, verified client case studies. Quotes come from recorded client interviews. Hub page: [Case Studies](https://www.xperteks.com/case-studies/). ### Energy Infrastructure Partners (EIP): From Scrappy to Scalable URL: https://www.xperteks.com/case-studies/energy-infrastructure-partners/ Industry: Energy Efficiency Consulting Location: National, headquartered in Atlanta, GA Engagement start: May 2023 Energy Infrastructure Partners is a national energy efficiency consulting firm that helps state and local government entities and utility companies reach their decarbonization goals. As EIP began winning larger utility contracts with strict cybersecurity requirements, a single in-house IT person could no longer keep up. Xperteks stepped in as a full outsourced IT department, closing security gaps, scaling onboarding, and guiding the company through SOC 2 certification. #### At a Glance - Challenge: A single in-house IT person could not keep up as utility contracts brought strict cybersecurity requirements, including an RFP security review with over 500 questions. - Solution: Xperteks became EIP's full outsourced IT department, auditing and closing security gaps, scaling employee onboarding, and guiding the firm through SOC 2 certification. - Result: IT support scaled from 6 to 35+ employees with a projected year-end headcount of about 60, and SOC 2 certification is in progress for utility contracts. - Tools and services: SOC 2 compliance program, Vanta compliance monitoring, Security audits, IT onboarding infrastructure #### Key Numbers - Employees at engagement start: 6 - Employees today: 35+ - Projected year-end headcount: ~60 - Xperteks engagement start: May 2023 #### About the Client Energy Infrastructure Partners (EIP) is a national energy efficiency consulting firm that helps state and local government entities and utility companies implement and achieve their decarbonization goals. The firm operates as a national company with a deliberate local presence. For each utility or municipal contract, EIP hires staff embedded in the local community. Claire Richardson joined EIP in January 2023 as Director of Administrative Services, responsible for overseeing IT, finance, HR, payroll, facilities, and insurance. At that time, EIP had just 6 employees: the owner, three partners, and two staff members. By the time of this interview, the firm had grown to 35 employees, with 12 more positions planned in the next three months and a projected headcount of approximately 60 by year-end. #### The Challenge: A Single IT Person Could Not Scale When Claire joined EIP in early 2023, the company had one individual handling all IT needs, from firewall setup to basic infrastructure maintenance. While adequate for a 6-person firm, this arrangement had clear limitations as the company began winning larger contracts with major utility companies. The trigger for change came from EIP's contracts with utility companies, which carry exceptionally strict IT and cybersecurity requirements. Claire described the burden this placed on the organization. > "There was an RFP process where we had to answer over 500 questions and provide proof, pictures, documents. The process was taking too long, and it was also unclear." (Claire Richardson, Director of Administrative Services, EIP) #### Compounding Constraints Beyond the RFP questionnaire burden, EIP faced a direct operational impact. After winning a utility contract, the client refused to share its customer list, which EIP needed to begin outreach, until a full cybersecurity review of EIP was completed. The single IT person was not positioned to respond quickly to the utility's questions, causing delays that directly stalled revenue-generating work. - Limited team depth: The individual IT provider lacked the team depth to service EIP's growing needs across onboarding, security, and compliance. - Limited business maturity: He lacked the business maturity to produce formal proposals, budget plans, and documented processes that utility contracts required. - Looming compliance demands: The firm was heading toward SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 certification, a complex, multi-phase compliance process requiring dedicated IT infrastructure and expertise. #### How They Found Xperteks Claire first connected with Xperteks during an MBE CyberReady certification course, a webinar-based series covering cybersecurity for minority business enterprises. At the same time, she was already evaluating IT managed service providers to replace the company's existing arrangement. After those initial conversations, Xperteks made a formal presentation to EIP's owner. EIP signed with Xperteks in May and June of 2023. Claire also compared Xperteks to a competing firm during due diligence. Her approach was distinctive. She searched Glassdoor reviews for both companies, looking at feedback from interviewees and former employees. > "The reviews of people interviewing or who used to work at the other firm were negative. With Xperteks, I wasn't getting that. People had a good experience interviewing with them, even if they didn't get the job. That was a big deal." (Claire Richardson, Director of Administrative Services, EIP) #### The Xperteks Solution Upon engagement, Xperteks audited EIP's existing IT setup and closed all identified security and structural gaps. This established a solid foundation before the company's rapid headcount growth began. - Full IT department services: Xperteks assumed the full scope of IT support for EIP's distributed, remote-first workforce, including new employee laptop setup, secure provisioning, and ongoing technical support for all staff. - Device lifecycle management: Wiping, reconfiguring, and staging hardware so every transition, whether arrival or departure, is handled without disruption, plus a proactive offboarding process to keep security tight as headcount grows. - White-glove on-site support: When needed, Xperteks dispatches a technician in person, including a visit to the owner's Brooklyn location over the holiday period to resolve a complex issue. - SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 support: Xperteks is actively guiding EIP through SOC 2 certification and supported the integration with Vanta, a third-party compliance monitoring platform, so auditors have a centralized view of EIP's controls and evidence. - Bi-weekly strategic check-ins: Claire meets every two weeks with Xperteks senior leadership to align on evolving IT needs, review upcoming growth milestones, and stay ahead of change as EIP scales. #### Why EIP Chose Xperteks When evaluating IT providers, Claire assessed Xperteks against a larger competing firm. Several factors drove the decision. - Personal connection and clear communication: Xperteks' direct engagement and clear ability to explain the path forward contrasted with the competing firm's evasive sales approach. - Employee culture signal: Glassdoor reviews showed Xperteks had positive feedback from interviewees and current and former staff, indicating an internal culture that would translate to client care. - Established team depth: Xperteks provided a full team versus a single-person shop, giving EIP coverage, redundancy, and the ability to scale. - Responsiveness and accountability: Structured bi-weekly meetings with senior leadership and a willingness to go on-site when needed demonstrated genuine commitment. #### Looking Ahead EIP projects reaching approximately 60 employees by year-end, nearly double its current size. Claire has already confirmed with Xperteks leadership that they are fully prepared to scale alongside EIP at that level. As EIP completes its SOC 2 Type 2 certification, pursues additional federal contracting opportunities, and expands its national footprint, Xperteks will remain the IT backbone that makes it all possible. For a firm like EIP, growing fast, winning complex contracts, and navigating serious compliance requirements, having Xperteks is not a convenience. It is a competitive advantage. #### Results - Headcount growth from 6 to 35+ employees: Seamless IT onboarding infrastructure scaled with the organization, not against it. - SOC 2 certification in progress: Xperteks built and maintains the IT controls required for a successful audit. - Faster contract execution with utility clients: Cybersecurity review delays reduced, and SOC 2 will replace the 500-question RFP questionnaire burden. - Distributed team support, nationwide: Remote-first IT support with physical dispatch when needed. - Reduced administrative burden on leadership: Full IT ownership by Xperteks frees leadership to focus on business growth. #### Client Quotes > "It's almost like Xperteks is my IT department, even though they're a separate entity. Because of the customer service, because of the support they give us all the time, I feel like I have an internal IT department." (Claire Richardson, Director of Administrative Services, EIP) ### The Doneger Group: Zero Fire Drills URL: https://www.xperteks.com/case-studies/the-doneger-group/ Industry: Fashion Industry Advisory Location: New York, NY (with Los Angeles team) Engagement start: about 2016 The Doneger Group is a trusted advisory firm serving retailers and brands in the fashion industry, founded in 1946 and now in its second generation of family leadership. Nearly a decade ago, the firm replaced its in-house IT department with Xperteks. Today Xperteks owns all IT infrastructure, support, and security across the company's New York and Los Angeles teams, giving CEO Abbey Doneger always-on responsiveness, proactive cybersecurity, and one less thing to worry about. #### At a Glance - Challenge: A lean, bi-coastal fashion advisory firm needed always-on IT reliability that its in-house IT department could not deliver. - Solution: Xperteks replaced the in-house IT team and took ownership of all IT infrastructure, support, and security across the New York and Los Angeles teams. - Result: Nearly a decade of partnership with a 10/10 CEO satisfaction rating and zero IT worry for leadership. - Tools and services: Managed IT support, Proactive cybersecurity, Bi-coastal infrastructure management #### Key Numbers - Years in Business: 78+ - Xperteks Partnership: ~10 Years - CEO Satisfaction Rating: 10/10 - IT Worry Level: Zero #### About the Client The Doneger Group is a trusted advisory firm serving retailers and brands in the fashion industry. Founded in 1946 by Abbey Doneger's father, the company is now in its second generation of family leadership, with Abbey serving as CEO and President. The firm provides high-touch services across buying, merchandising, product development, design, and consumer insights, operating as a strategic partner to fashion industry decision-makers across the country. With a team spanning New York and Los Angeles, The Doneger Group operates as a lean, specialized consultancy where the quality of information, relationships, and execution is everything. Technology reliability is not optional. It is foundational. #### The Challenge: From In-House IT to an Always-On Partnership At its peak, The Doneger Group had three full-time internal IT staff supporting a team of approximately 100 to 120 employees. Managing an internal IT function of that scale carried real operational risks: coverage gaps during vacations, sick days, and personal situations created moments of vulnerability for a firm that runs on information and connectivity. As the business evolved, including a period of right-sizing through and after COVID, leadership recognized an opportunity to replace the limitations of in-house IT with something better: a true managed service partner that could provide broader coverage, deeper expertise, and consistent availability regardless of circumstances. The transition began organically. A departing internal IT team member, on his way out, introduced Abbey to Xperteks, and made the case directly. > "Abbey, I know that you may think that you need an internal person, but I think that if you go externally and work with a company like Xperteks, you'll even have more coverage, more service, more accessibility, 24/7." (Departing IT Staff Member, The Doneger Group) #### The Xperteks Solution: Managed IT Across Two Coasts That introduction, made roughly a decade ago, began a partnership that has only deepened over time. Xperteks stepped in as The Doneger Group's full IT partner, supporting both the New York headquarters and the Los Angeles team with seamlessly connected infrastructure. The geographic coordination, ensuring that both offices were appropriately linked and supported, was handled without friction. Today, The Doneger Group retains one in-house staff member focused on coding and day-to-day digital needs, while Xperteks owns all IT infrastructure, support, and security, giving the firm access to a full team rather than a single point of failure. #### Always-On Responsiveness For Abbey as CEO, the defining measure of IT success is simple: when something goes wrong, how fast does it get fixed? Xperteks has made that a non-issue. He shared a recent example. His business partner was in Florida, away from the office, when their computer stopped working. One call to Xperteks, and within an hour, everything was resolved. That responsiveness extends across the board. Whether an issue arises during business hours, after hours, or during an external event like a power outage, Xperteks is there to restore operations quickly and completely. > "We called our person at Xperteks, and within an hour everything's happy, everything's working, and my wife is happy, and I'm happy." (Abbey Doneger, CEO & President, The Doneger Group) #### Proactive Cybersecurity Education One of the most valued aspects of the Xperteks relationship, one that goes beyond traditional IT support, is their proactive stance on cybersecurity. Rather than waiting for clients to ask questions, Xperteks actively educates The Doneger Group's leadership and team on emerging threats, required protective measures, and evolving best practices. This posture, where Xperteks treats security education as an inherent part of the engagement rather than an upsell, has given The Doneger Group a level of cyber confidence that many firms its size struggle to achieve. > "It's not even that I rely on them, they view it as part of their responsibility. They push us. They educate us on things we need to do to protect the integrity of our information. It's not me reaching out to them. They are proactive." (Abbey Doneger, CEO & President, The Doneger Group) #### A Decade of Partnership Through Business Evolution The Doneger Group's business has changed significantly over the ten years of the Xperteks relationship, growing, adapting, and navigating the disruptions of COVID. Through every phase, Xperteks has been a constant: scaling support up or down as needed, and never wavering in quality or responsiveness. > "They've been by my side as our business has evolved, as our business has contracted. They're hardworking, they're knowledgeable, they have a high level of integrity. What they say, they do." (Abbey Doneger, CEO & President, The Doneger Group) #### Why The Doneger Group Chose and Kept Xperteks The relationship began with a trusted internal referral, but it has lasted a decade because of what Xperteks consistently delivers. Abbey's assessment, as a self-described fair but demanding CEO, comes down to a few non-negotiables. - Integrity: Xperteks does what it says it will do, every time. - Responsiveness: Issues are resolved fast, regardless of when or where they occur. - Proactivity: Xperteks doesn't wait to be asked. They push, educate, and protect without prompting. - Consistency: The same people, the same standards, the same quality, across a decade of business ups and downs. - High-touch service: In a world where genuine customer care has become rare, Xperteks treats every client as if they are the only client. #### The Referral Signal Perhaps the most powerful measure of the Xperteks relationship is this: Abbey Doneger has personally referred other businesses to Xperteks, multiple times, over many years. When peers in his network describe technology struggles, his answer is immediate. > "I can't help you, but I can tell you who we use, what we do, and I'm happy to make the introduction." (Abbey Doneger, CEO & President, The Doneger Group) #### Looking Ahead For a CEO who describes himself as a fair but demanding evaluator, one who would know within minutes if IT was not performing, that referral behavior is the definitive endorsement. Xperteks has earned not just a long-term client, but an active advocate. The Doneger Group's business continues to evolve, and Xperteks will evolve alongside it. With a foundation of nearly ten years of deep partnership, Xperteks is not a vendor to The Doneger Group. They are the IT department, the security team, and a trusted business ally rolled into one. In an industry as fast-moving and relationship-driven as fashion advisory, having technology that simply works, invisibly, reliably, and securely, is a competitive advantage. For The Doneger Group, that advantage has a name: Xperteks. #### Results - Zero IT-related fire drills: Consistent, reliable coverage eliminates the crises that in-house IT teams inevitably create. - CEO spends zero time worrying about IT: Full trust in Xperteks frees Abbey to focus entirely on running and growing the business. - Bi-coastal operations running smoothly: New York and Los Angeles teams seamlessly connected and supported under one IT partner. - Proactive cybersecurity posture: Xperteks educates and alerts the team without being asked, so threats are addressed before they become incidents. - Nearly a decade of client retention: Consistent service quality and integrity have made Xperteks an irreplaceable partner across every business cycle. - Active referral source: Abbey has personally referred multiple businesses to Xperteks, the highest possible endorsement. #### Client Quotes > "On a scale of 1 to 10, I give them a 10 plus. I'm a fair guy. I'm not an easy guy. But when somebody does a good job for us, I'm proud to acknowledge that." (Abbey Doneger, CEO & President, The Doneger Group) ### Urban Pathways: From Slow Support to Fast, Secure IT URL: https://www.xperteks.com/case-studies/urban-pathways/ Industry: Nonprofit & Supportive Housing Location: New York, NY Urban Pathways is a New York nonprofit that provides supportive housing and services to people experiencing homelessness. When Gary Jenkins joined as Chief Executive Officer, the organization was struggling with a previous IT provider known for slow response times and unresolved issues. Xperteks took over IT management, bringing fast, responsive support, proactive cybersecurity, and a consultative approach that earned the trust of senior leadership. #### At a Glance - Challenge: A previous IT provider was slow and unresponsive, leaving issues unresolved and making technology a daily source of friction. - Solution: Xperteks took over full IT operations with fast, responsive support, proactive cybersecurity, and weekly IT deliverable reviews with leadership. - Result: A 30 minute response to a weekend email compromise and 4+ stars on every customer satisfaction rating. - Tools and services: Email security, Secure remote access, Managed IT support #### Key Numbers - Response to a weekend email compromise: 30 Min - Every customer satisfaction rating: 4+ Stars - IT deliverable reviews with leadership: Weekly - Operations managed by Xperteks: Full IT #### About the Client Urban Pathways is a New York nonprofit dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness move into stable, supportive housing. The organization runs on reliable technology, from email and remote access to secure systems that protect sensitive information across its team. Gary Jenkins serves as Chief Executive Officer, with responsibility for the operations that keep the organization running, including its IT function. When he joined, technology reliability was a daily source of friction rather than a foundation he could count on. #### The Challenge: A Slow, Unresponsive IT Provider When Gary joined Urban Pathways, the team was dissatisfied with their previous IT provider. Response times were slow, issues went unresolved, and the organization needed a partner that could handle urgent technical needs effectively. For a nonprofit where staff rely on systems and email to deliver services, those delays were more than an inconvenience. They put daily operations at risk and left leadership without confidence that problems would be handled. > "We're getting better IT service than we ever did with our previous provider." (Gary Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Pathways) #### Why Urban Pathways Chose Xperteks As Urban Pathways evaluated a new IT partner, what set Xperteks apart was the clarity of its approach. Xperteks made a presentation to Gary and his senior leadership team and explained technical concepts in plain, understandable terms. That ability to translate complex technology into clear language gave leadership the confidence to move forward, even after initial hesitation. > "We were hesitant at first, but after their presentation, we knew they were the right fit." (Gary Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Pathways) #### The Xperteks Solution Xperteks took over full IT management for Urban Pathways, replacing slow, reactive support with a responsive, proactive partnership. - Full-spectrum IT management: Xperteks supports the organization's complete IT needs, from login issues and email management to security and ongoing system maintenance. - Proactive cybersecurity: Xperteks provides threat detection and mitigation, including remote access and email security, while keeping leadership informed of additional protective measures. - Consultative, no-pressure guidance: Xperteks presents security risks and solutions without pushing unnecessary add-ons, so the team understands its options and invests only where it matters. - Structured accountability: Weekly deliverable reviews and a user feedback system keep service quality visible and consistent, with every satisfaction rating coming in above four stars. #### Responsive Support When It Matters The defining difference for Urban Pathways is responsiveness. Where the previous provider left issues unresolved, Xperteks answers quickly and follows through until problems are fixed. > "When we call, they answer. When we have issues, they respond quickly and resolve them." (Gary Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Pathways) #### Proactive Cybersecurity in Action Cybersecurity is not theoretical for Urban Pathways. On a weekend, a medical doctor's email was compromised, the kind of incident that can escalate quickly when no one is watching. Xperteks responded within 30 minutes to resolve it. Beyond incident response, Xperteks provides ongoing monitoring and recommends additional steps to reduce risk, giving leadership greater awareness of cyber threats and the confidence that someone is always watching. > "The Xperteks team makes sure we're aware of security risks but never pushes unnecessary solutions." (Gary Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Pathways) #### Why Urban Pathways Trusts Xperteks The partnership has held because Xperteks consistently delivers on the things that matter most to a lean nonprofit. - Responsiveness: Calls are answered and issues are resolved quickly, a clear contrast with the previous provider. - Honesty: Xperteks raises real security risks and recommends solutions without pressuring the team to buy things it does not need. - Communication: Xperteks explains technical concepts in plain language, so leadership can make informed decisions. - Consistency: Weekly check-ins and reviews keep the relationship accountable and the team consistently satisfied. #### Looking Ahead With Xperteks owning IT management, Urban Pathways can focus on its mission instead of its technology. Fast support, proactive security, and a partner that communicates clearly have turned IT from a source of frustration into a dependable foundation. For a nonprofit serving people who depend on its services, having technology that simply works, securely and reliably, frees the organization to do more of what matters. #### Results - Faster IT support and problem resolution: Immediate improvement in responsiveness, with calls answered and issues resolved quickly. - 30 minute response to a weekend email compromise: Xperteks contained a security incident fast, even outside normal business hours. - Stronger cybersecurity posture: Secured email and system access, ongoing monitoring, and greater leadership awareness of threats. - Consistently high satisfaction: Every customer satisfaction rating has stayed above four stars, with positive feedback from staff and leadership. - No-pressure, consultative partnership: Leadership gets honest guidance on risks and solutions without unnecessary upsells. #### Client Quotes > "Their customer service is outstanding. We haven't seen a rating below four stars." (Gary Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Pathways) ### Actinium Pharmaceuticals: The Opposite Experience URL: https://www.xperteks.com/case-studies/actinium-pharmaceuticals/ Industry: Pharmaceutical / Oncology Location: New York, NY Actinium Pharmaceuticals is a publicly traded pharmaceutical company using radioisotopes to target hematological and oncology indications. As a fast-growing life sciences company where data integrity, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance are business-critical, Actinium needed an IT partner that could scale with it. After a costly experience with a previous provider, the company ran a full RFP and selected Xperteks to own its complete IT environment, achieve SOX compliance, and deliver the transparent, senior-level partnership it had been missing. #### At a Glance - Challenge: A costly failed IT relationship at a fast-growing, publicly traded pharma company where data integrity, cybersecurity, and SOX compliance are business-critical. - Solution: Selected through a rigorous RFP, Xperteks took ownership of the complete IT environment, delivering SOX-ready cybersecurity, transparent billing, and senior-level support. - Result: SOX compliance achieved, about $50K in credits recovered from the prior provider, and IT scaling with growth from 30 to 50+ employees toward a projected 100+. - Tools and services: SOX compliance program, Independent penetration testing, Server infrastructure #### Key Numbers - Employees today, up from 30: 50+ - Projected headcount: 100+ - Credits recovered from prior provider: ~$50K - Compliance achieved: SOX #### About the Client Actinium Pharmaceuticals is a publicly traded pharmaceutical company using radioisotopes to target hematological and oncology indications, pioneering precision therapies in some of medicine's most complex treatment areas. As a growing, publicly traded life sciences company, Actinium operates in a high-stakes environment where data integrity, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance are not optional considerations. They are business-critical requirements. Steve Dressel serves as VP of Strategic Finance and Analysis and is responsible for managing the company's IT function alongside their outsourced technology partner. Actinium has grown rapidly from 30 to 50+ employees and is on a trajectory toward 100+, having recently built out new office infrastructure to support that expansion. #### The Challenge: A $50,000 Lesson in Why the Right IT Partner Matters Before Xperteks, Actinium Pharmaceuticals experienced firsthand what poor managed IT service looks like, and paid dearly for it. The previous provider was engaged during a critical period: Actinium was growing fast, moving into a new office space, and needed an IT partner capable of building and scaling alongside them. What they got instead was a cascade of failures. The problems began during the office buildout itself. Equipment was mounted in the wrong locations, and when the previous provider returned to correct their own mistakes, they billed Actinium for the additional hours. Billing practices were opaque. Steve could never fully reconcile what charges applied and why, resulting in nearly $50,000 in credits being negotiated back before the contract was ultimately broken. Beyond the buildout, the day-to-day service fell short. Issues went unresolved for days. Mistakes were deflected onto others. Most critically, the provider misconfigured email filters, blocking all external emails company-wide on a Saturday morning and cutting Actinium off from outside communication entirely. Switching IT providers is expensive, disruptive, and operationally complex. Steve describes it as harder than switching banks. But the business decision was clear. > "It wasn't like, this is a big pain, it's like switching banks, it's even worse, it's expensive. But it's something we needed to do for the business." (Steve Dressel, VP of Strategic Finance and Analysis, Actinium Pharmaceuticals) #### Finding Xperteks Actinium approached the search for a new IT provider with rigor. Steve found Xperteks through Google and immediately identified characteristics that set them apart from the field. Two criteria were non-negotiable. - Independence from private equity: With a background in finance, Steve understood precisely what private equity ownership does to service businesses: margin pressure, standardization, and customer service that slides down the priority list. Xperteks, as an independent firm, offered a management team with full ownership of their service quality. - Boots on the ground in New York: Actinium's CEO expects hands-on, in-person support when something goes wrong. Xperteks' New York presence and willingness to dispatch someone directly to the office, including a dedicated contact for the CEO, made them the right fit. #### The Xperteks Solution: Full-Scope IT for a Regulated, Fast-Scaling Company Xperteks assumed responsibility for Actinium's complete IT environment, including server infrastructure, help desk support, email systems, and cybersecurity, across a company that was simultaneously growing its headcount and expanding its physical footprint. They handled the transition with the structured, process-driven approach that immediately distinguished them from the prior experience. From the moment of engagement, Steve received a clear onboarding timeline, a defined team introduction, and a progression roadmap, with phased milestones showing how the relationship would evolve from initial onboarding, through troubleshooting and optimization, to proactive strategic partnership. > "I told the Xperteks team I really like the slides, it's kind of 'learning with you,' just an upward angle of different progressions over time. Everything is well thought out. We don't really have any surprises." (Steve Dressel, VP of Strategic Finance and Analysis, Actinium Pharmaceuticals) #### SOX Compliance and Penetration Testing As a publicly traded company, Actinium is subject to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements, a rigorous standard for financial data integrity and IT controls. Xperteks conducted a comprehensive cybersecurity gap analysis for SOX compliance and partnered with Actinium to remediate identified issues, working through the findings systematically and ensuring the company's IT posture met regulatory expectations. SOX compliance also required independent penetration testing, a service Xperteks cannot ethically perform on their own client's systems. Rather than simply pointing Steve elsewhere, Xperteks managed the entire vendor selection process: identifying three qualified providers, securing quotes, arranging presentations, and supporting Actinium in making their final selection. > "You can't pen test yourself, it's like breaking into your own house. They provided three presentations with potential providers, identified them, got the quotes, set up the meetings, and we selected one." (Steve Dressel, VP of Strategic Finance and Analysis, Actinium Pharmaceuticals) #### Transparent, Client-First Advisory Xperteks brings the same candor to emerging technology decisions. When Steve raised the topic of ChatGPT enterprise licenses, Xperteks did not simply say yes or no. They walked through the pros, cons, and risks, offered alternatives, and let Actinium decide with full information. This pattern of honest, pressure-free advising has defined the relationship. Equally valued is Xperteks' approach to scope and billing. Whenever work falls outside the agreed engagement, they flag it proactively, clearly identifying what it is, what it will cost, and why, before proceeding. Nothing surprises Steve on an invoice. > "Anytime there's additional work, they always say: 'Hey, this is beyond the scope of our engagement, we're going to charge you a few hours for this person.' It's always been very clear and upfront. And they loop me in on everything." (Steve Dressel, VP of Strategic Finance and Analysis, Actinium Pharmaceuticals) #### Senior-Level Access, Always Steve has standing bi-weekly meetings with Stefan and Victor, Xperteks' senior leadership, and has direct access to the CEO's personal cell phone. That level of accessibility, from people with real authority and real knowledge, gives Steve the confidence that no issue will sit unresolved or get lost in a support queue. In practice, he has never had to escalate. > "I have the CEO's cell phone, I've never called him, but he encourages me to. I never have any trouble reaching anyone." (Steve Dressel, VP of Strategic Finance and Analysis, Actinium Pharmaceuticals) #### Why Actinium Chose Xperteks After a rigorous three-vendor RFP process and the costly lessons of a failed IT relationship, Actinium Pharmaceuticals chose Xperteks on the basis of evidence: references checked, presentations evaluated, and a clear match on culture and capability. Several factors set Xperteks apart. - Independence from private equity: Xperteks' ownership structure ensures that customer service, not margin extraction, drives decision-making. - New York presence with real on-site capability: The ability to physically dispatch support to Actinium's office, including a dedicated liaison for the CEO, was a decisive differentiator. - Process-driven onboarding and progression: A clear roadmap from day one gave Actinium confidence in how the relationship would evolve and eliminated the ambiguity that defined the prior experience. - Transparent billing and scope management: Every charge is explained before it appears. There are no surprises. - Genuine advisory partnership: Xperteks tells the truth about what they can and cannot do, and when a third party is needed, they manage that process too. - Senior-level accessibility: Direct access to leadership, including the CEO's personal cell, means issues never get lost and escalation paths are never needed. #### Looking Ahead Actinium Pharmaceuticals is on a clear growth trajectory, from 30 employees when the Xperteks relationship began, to 50+ today, to a target of 100+ in the near term. Each phase of that growth brings new infrastructure demands, new compliance considerations, and new complexity that Xperteks is already positioned to support. The standing weekly meetings between Steve and Xperteks' senior leadership have moved to bi-weekly, and may become monthly as the relationship matures, a signal not of disengagement but of earned stability. Xperteks has built the infrastructure, established the processes, and earned the trust. For a publicly traded pharmaceutical company navigating rapid growth, SOX compliance, and the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, having an IT partner that is organized, transparent, and genuinely knowledgeable is not a luxury. For Actinium Pharmaceuticals, that partner is Xperteks. #### Results - Full IT infrastructure managed end-to-end: Xperteks owns server infrastructure, help desk, email, and cybersecurity, freeing Steve to focus on finance and strategy. - SOX compliance achieved: Xperteks conducted the cybersecurity gap analysis and remediated identified issues, keeping a publicly traded company audit-ready. - Pen testing vendor selected and onboarded: Xperteks managed the full vendor identification, quoting, and presentation process, and Actinium simply made the final call. - Zero billing surprises: Every out-of-scope item is flagged proactively before work begins, a complete reversal from the prior provider experience. - CEO-level support delivered: A dedicated Xperteks contact for Actinium's CEO ensures hands-on, in-person responsiveness without disrupting the broader relationship. - Structured growth roadmap in place: A clear progression plan, from onboarding through proactive partnership, gives Actinium confidence in where the relationship is headed. #### Client Quotes > "My former experience was so bad, and this one has been such the opposite, that I'm having trouble even recalling what early feedback I gave. That's how unimportant the issues were by comparison." (Steve Dressel, VP of Strategic Finance and Analysis, Actinium Pharmaceuticals) ### Mark Foods: Digital Transformation in the Cloud URL: https://www.xperteks.com/case-studies/mark-foods/ Industry: Food Supply Mark Foods, a leading supplier in the food industry, faced significant operational challenges due to an outdated IT infrastructure. Legacy on-premises servers were costly to maintain and prone to failure, while manual device configuration created inefficiencies and scaling issues. Xperteks led a complete digital transformation, migrating the company's infrastructure to Microsoft Azure and establishing a zero-touch deployment system that eliminated manual intervention and strengthened security. #### At a Glance - Challenge: Legacy on-premises servers were costly to maintain and prone to failure, and manual device configuration created inefficiencies and scaling issues. - Solution: Xperteks led a complete digital transformation, migrating infrastructure to Microsoft Azure and establishing a zero-touch deployment system. - Result: Legacy servers eliminated, device configuration automated, and costs moved to a pay-per-use model with stronger security. - Tools and services: Microsoft Azure, Zero-touch deployment, Encryption and multi-factor authentication #### Key Numbers - Cloud Platform: Azure - Deployment System: Zero-Touch - Cost Model: Pay-per-use #### About the Client Mark Foods is a leading supplier in the food industry, managing complex distribution and supply operations. To maintain its market position and ensure operational efficiency, the company requires a secure, flexible, and scalable IT foundation. #### The Challenge: Outdated Infrastructure and Inefficiencies Before engaging Xperteks, Mark Foods' technology environment was constrained by an outdated, on-premises server infrastructure. These legacy systems were increasingly costly to maintain, prone to unexpected failures, and struggled to scale as the business expanded. Furthermore, the company's IT staff spent significant time manually configuring and deploying devices for employees. This hands-on approach not only consumed valuable technical resources but also introduced the potential for human error and inconsistent security configurations. Ensuring the security of data and devices against an increasing volume of cyberattack threats remained a constant challenge. #### The Solution: Azure Migration and Zero-Touch Deployment To address these operational bottlenecks, Xperteks architected a comprehensive modernization strategy built on two core pillars: Microsoft Azure cloud migration and zero-touch deployment (ZTD). First, Xperteks transitioned Mark Foods' entire IT infrastructure to Microsoft Azure. This cloud migration significantly reduced the company's reliance on physical servers, immediately introducing scalable and flexible operations. Second, Xperteks implemented a zero-touch deployment model. This automated the entire device configuration process, ensuring that new devices were consistently secured and ready for use right out of the box, without requiring manual intervention from the internal IT team. - Cloud Migration: Transitioned operations to Microsoft Azure, eliminating costly legacy servers and enabling a flexible infrastructure. - Zero-Touch Deployment: Automated the configuration of devices to ensure consistency, eliminate manual setup, and reduce deployment time. - Enhanced Security: Leveraged Azure's robust security features, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and automated security updates to protect data and devices. #### The Benefits: Efficiency, Scalability, and Security The digital transformation delivered immediate operational and financial improvements for Mark Foods. By eliminating on-premises servers, the company significantly lowered its maintenance costs and shifted to an optimized, pay-per-use cloud model. The automation of device setups through zero-touch deployment freed the IT staff from routine configuration tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives. It also dramatically improved the employee onboarding experience, as new hires received pre-configured, ready-to-use devices with minimal downtime. - Operational Efficiency: Reduced manual work for IT staff and enabled quick, automated updates to keep all devices current with the latest software and security patches. - Cost Savings: Lowered maintenance costs by eliminating legacy servers and optimizing resource allocation through Azure's pay-per-use model. - Scalability and Flexibility: Enabled seamless scaling of resources on demand and supported a remote work environment where data and applications can be accessed securely from anywhere. - Enhanced Security and Compliance: Applied security policies consistently across all devices, reducing vulnerabilities and helping the business comply with industry regulations. #### Results - Elimination of legacy servers: Transitioned to Microsoft Azure, reducing maintenance costs and hardware failures. - Automated device configuration: Implemented zero-touch deployment, freeing IT staff from manual setups and minimizing human error. - Standardized employee onboarding: New hires receive pre-configured devices, reducing downtime and accelerating productivity. - Strengthened cybersecurity posture: Integrated encryption, multi-factor authentication, and automated security updates across all endpoints. #### Client Quotes > "Our partnership with Xperteks resulted in a successful digital transformation that modernized our IT infrastructure, enhanced our operational efficiency, and improved our cybersecurity. By leveraging Microsoft Azure and zero-touch deployment, we have achieved significant cost savings, scalability, and flexibility, positioning Mark Foods for future growth and success." (Jeff Fisher, CTO, Mark Foods) ### Fort Forwarding: Modernizing Logistics IT URL: https://www.xperteks.com/case-studies/fort-forwarding/ Industry: Logistics Location: Wall Street, Manhattan, New York, NY Fort Forwarding, a prominent logistics company based on Wall Street in Manhattan, faced operational constraints from aging on-premises servers and physical PCs. High capital expenditures, scalability limits, and security concerns drove the need for modernization. Xperteks led a comprehensive IT transformation, migrating their infrastructure to Microsoft Azure and deploying Azure Virtual Desktop to enable secure, flexible remote work while shifting the financial model from CapEx to OpEx. #### At a Glance - Challenge: Aging on-premises servers and physical PCs drove high capital expenditures, scalability limits, and security concerns for a Wall Street logistics company. - Solution: Xperteks migrated infrastructure to Microsoft Azure and deployed Azure Virtual Desktop for secure, flexible remote work. - Result: Physical PCs replaced with secure virtual desktops and the financial model shifted from CapEx to OpEx. - Tools and services: Microsoft Azure, Azure Virtual Desktop #### Key Numbers - Cloud Platform: Azure - Virtual Desktop: AVD - Cost Model: CapEx to OpEx #### About the Client Fort Forwarding is a prominent logistics company based on Wall Street in Manhattan. To support their complex operations and growing workforce, they require a scalable, secure, and cost-effective IT foundation. #### The Challenge: Aging Infrastructure and High CapEx Before engaging Xperteks, Fort Forwarding's operations were hindered by outdated on-premises servers and aging physical PCs. These legacy systems were costly to maintain and increasingly prone to failures. The traditional hardware lifecycle required significant upfront investments, leading to high capital expenditures. Additionally, the existing infrastructure struggled to scale efficiently with the company's growth. Ensuring the security of data and devices across the workforce was a constant challenge amid increasing cyberattack threats. #### The Solution: Azure Migration and Virtual Desktops Xperteks designed and implemented a modernization strategy centered around Microsoft Azure and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). The first step was migrating the on-premises servers to Microsoft Azure, reducing reliance on physical hardware and creating a more flexible foundation. Next, Xperteks replaced the aging fleets of physical PCs with Azure Virtual Desktop, providing a secure, virtualized environment that employees can access from anywhere. Together, these changes enabled a strategic shift from high upfront capital expenditures (CapEx) to a more manageable, pay-per-use operational expenditure (OpEx) model. #### The Benefits: Efficiency, Security, and Scalability The transition to Azure and AVD modernized Fort Forwarding's IT operations, delivering immediate cost savings and operational improvements. - Operational Efficiency: Automation of device setup through AVD reduced manual work, freeing IT staff for strategic tasks. Updates are deployed quickly, ensuring all virtual desktops stay current with the latest software and security patches. - Cost Savings: Eliminating legacy on-premises servers lowered maintenance costs. The shift to a pay-per-use cloud model optimized resource allocation and facilitated the CapEx to OpEx transition, improving financial flexibility. - Scalability and Flexibility: Azure allows the company to scale resources up or down based on demand without unnecessary cost. The AVD infrastructure seamlessly supports remote work, enabling employees to access data and applications securely from anywhere. - Enhanced Security and Compliance: Automated security measures and consistent policy application across all virtual devices reduced vulnerabilities. These processes help Fort Forwarding comply with industry regulations by keeping data secure and properly configured. - Improved Onboarding Experience: New employees receive standardized, pre-configured virtual environments. This automated deployment minimizes downtime, allowing staff to start working immediately. #### Results - Elimination of on-premises servers: Migrated IT infrastructure to Microsoft Azure for improved reliability and scalability. - Modernized workforce access: Replaced aging PCs with Azure Virtual Desktop, enabling secure remote access from anywhere. - CapEx to OpEx transition: Shifted from high upfront hardware investments to a flexible, pay-per-use operational model. - Streamlined IT management: Automated device setup and security patching via AVD reduced manual IT workloads. #### Client Quotes > "Our partnership with Xperteks resulted in a successful digital transformation that modernized the company's IT infrastructure, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved security. By leveraging Microsoft Azure and Azure Virtual Desktop, Fort Forwarding achieved significant cost savings, scalability, and flexibility, positioning the company for future growth and success." (Dan DiCarlo, CEO, Fort Forwarding) ## Contact - Email: info@xperteks.com - [Book a Discovery Call](https://www.xperteks.com/discoverycall/) - [Contact page](https://www.xperteks.com/contact-us/)