🎧 In Episode 116 of Talk To Th3 Doc, Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with Luis Giraldo, Chief Evangelist at ScalePad, to discuss how SMB leaders can stop treating IT as a cost center and start using it as a growth engine. 🔥 Top Takeaway: “Only 15% treat IT as strategic.” Most SMBs still see IT as overhead. Luis shares how to reframe IT as a business outcomes partner. 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why 85% of SMBs miss the mark by treating IT as overhead • How to measure IT success by outcomes, not tickets • Customer success vs. customer service – the real difference • The role of onboarding in long-term loyalty • How AI and automation help SMBs stay proactive • Why innovation and curiosity matter for scaling firms 💡 If you’re a Dallas-Fort Worth SMB leader, nonprofit, or local government executive, this episode will help you rethink IT as a driver of strategy, not just support. 📚 Resources Mentioned: • Principles by Ray Dalio • Same as Ever by Morgan Housel • ScalePad: https://www.scalepad.com 🔗 Connect with Luis Giraldo: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisgiraldo Email: [email protected] 👨‍⚕️ About Talk To Th3 Doc Hosted by Steve “The Doctor” Meek of The Fulcrum Group, Inc., this podcast helps SMBs, nonprofits, and local governments in DFW align technology with business outcomes. From STARpower™ roadmaps to “No IT Jerks” culture, Fulcrum Group makes sure your technology strategy drives growth, not frustration. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 🎧 Listen on your favorite platform: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • iHeartRadio • PocketCasts • Amazon Music 👉 Like this episode? Watch more from the playlist here: 📺 Talk To Th3 Doc: Smart IT Strategies for SMBs & Local Leaders 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast on any platform → https://pod.link/1807560282 🏷️ YouTube Tags / Keywords Talk To Th3 Doc, Steve Meek podcast, Luis Giraldo, ScalePad, Managed IT Services DFW, IT strategy for SMBs, IT outcomes vs tickets, proactive IT support, customer success vs customer service, STARpower IT framework, Fulcrum Group Keller TX, business IT strategy, SMB technology leadership, AI in IT, innovation for SMB growth, DFW SMB podcast, local government IT support