Interview

At 16, his father’s passing propelled him into the role of family provider. He took a job at McDonald’s, excelling as the fastest drive-through order taker. His relentless work ethic led to success at RadioShack, where he earned $30,000 in commissions by creatively offering a $1 cell phone to customers. His knack for spotting system security flaws paved the way for a career in cybersecurity.

“It’s essential to engage in comprehensive retirement planning that considers your individual circumstances and goals.”

Rick went on to write the B2B sales playbook for BestBuy, founded two award-winning MSPs specializing in cybersecurity, and authored the best-seller “Situational Ethics.” As CEO of ReachOut Technology, he’s dedicated to protecting businesses from cyber threats.

Q: Could you guide us through your path and share the moments, obstacles, or difficulties that have been crucial in shaping your personal and professional development?

Rick Jordan: Losing my father when I was just 16 marked a turning point for me. Suddenly, I had to take on the responsibility of caring for my younger siblings, pushing me to adapt and find solutions. Moreover, losing my job at BestBuy propelled me into my journey as an entrepreneur. I’ve also faced situations where my life was at risk. The way I handled my father’s passing gave me the resilience to navigate other hardships, like a business venture that resulted in a loss of half a million dollars just two years ago. I truly believe that these hardships are instrumental for personal growth. These pivotal moments, the ones that feel like they’re breaking you, are the ones that propel you forward in leaps and bounds.

Q: Your journey is undeniably inspirational, and it’s evident that you’ve conquered substantial challenges. Could you provide some insights into ReachOut Technology, the company you’ve established, and the impact it’s having in the realm of cybersecurity?

Rick Jordan: I appreciate your kind words. ReachOut Technology is dedicated to safeguarding businesses against cyber threats and internal vulnerabilities. Our primary focus lies in providing cybersecurity solutions for businesses, with the aim of protecting business owners and their enterprises. In fact, we are actively seeking opportunities to acquire Managed Service Providers (MSPs) within the 500K-5M range to expand our influence. It represents a transformative approach to IT security, support, and guidance, and we’ve gained recognition as one of the industry’s top performers.

Through our distinctive methodology, we’ve managed to save businesses more than 400 million dollars over the last decade, effectively setting a new standard in the IT and cybersecurity sector by offering enterprise-level security at prices accessible to small businesses. Our approach extends beyond customer acquisitions; we’re also committed to attracting and nurturing top talent, and we’re actively sharing our knowledge with other MSPs to elevate the overall industry’s competence. In essence, ReachOut Technology is all about promoting accessibility, generating prosperity, and positively disrupting the IT industry.

Q: How has the Board of Advisors contributed to your business growth, especially in reaching seven and eight figures?

Rick Jordan: Board of Advisors played a pivotal role in propelling my business into seven and eight-figure territory. The instant synergy between BA and myself is due to the extraordinary caliber of people in this community. The beauty of it all is that every essential person you might need for any deal is right there in one room, and that’s what continually astonishes me. Simultaneously, I’ve had the opportunity to foster long-lasting relationships that enrich my journey.

Q: Can you recount a pivotal moment at the Board of Advisors when the community rallied behind a passion project? What was remarkable about the support you received?

Rick Jordan: One of my most cherished experiences at the Board of Advisors was when BA fully embraced a passion project. It was a remarkable moment because the support from the entire community was simply outstanding. This support extended beyond just business initiatives; it included backing for a passion project aimed at making a positive impact on the world. It’s unquestionably one of the highlights of my journey there.

Q: Tell us about the sacrifices you’ve made as the CEO of Reach Out Technology and why your involvement with the Board of Advisors community is so vital to you.

Rick Jordan: My company’s headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois. The main sacrifice I’ve made is time, especially time away from my kids and the day-to-day activities. This sacrifice is necessary due to my heavy involvement in our public offering. However, the importance of participating in BA is paramount because it’s integral to my overall mission.

Q: You manage to be all in with your family, faith, and finances. How do you balance these aspects and stay dedicated to all of them?

Rick Jordan: The key is proximity for my family; even mundane tasks became quality time with my kids. It’s essential to understand that being all in doesn’t require perfection. When it comes to finances, I focus on giving, believing that lifting others up also lifts me up. This same principle extends to my faith. I experienced this when helping an elderly woman in a gelato store, which reinforced the importance of kindness, even during challenging times.

Q: In your experience, what are the essential steps for successfully growing and expanding a business?

Rick Jordan: The key lies in not being deeply involved in every single task. While CEOs should maintain an overview of all operations, they should delegate execution to those with expertise in specific areas. No single person, not even the leader, possesses all the necessary skills for business growth. Collaboration and teamwork are of utmost importance. Your role should be that of a motivator, an inspirational source, and the one who sets the direction. The “how” often becomes clearer as you move forward, and it’s entirely acceptable to acknowledge your uncertainty when your team seeks answers. Vulnerability is valuable, but it shouldn’t undermine your confidence.

Q: Within the tech sphere, what do you think leaders should keep an eye on in terms of trends, and what insights should they have about these trends?

Rick Jordan:  Remote workforces played a crucial role during the pandemic, but we’re witnessing a shift that I find compelling. Technology is undeniably beneficial for maintaining team connectivity and productivity, but in-person collaboration remains irreplaceable. Even in the tech sector, I firmly believe that a communal workspace, where everyone can gather and collectively tackle challenges, is indispensable for fostering effective work.

Q: Could you share your insights on sales, marketing, and branding?

Rick Jordan:  Regarding sales, it’s crucial to make sales and growth your primary concentration. If you don’t have the expertise or inclination, consider bringing in someone to take charge. In marketing, a solid grasp of your data is indispensable. Experiment with your approaches and lean on concrete data rather than presumptions. Your personal brand holds great importance; your identity carries more weight than your actions.

Q: You’ve mentioned five crucial elements for personal growth and becoming the next version of oneself. Let’s dive into each one:

Mindset: How do you recommend fortifying your mindset?

Rick Jordan: Mindset is critical. It’s about controlling your thoughts and staying positive. For me, it’s all about gratitude and believing in infinite possibilities, which keeps me energized and positive daily.

Character: You’ve emphasized the importance of character. How can someone work on building and preserving their character over time?

Rick Jordan: Your character is the core of who you are. It’s influenced by your mindset, and it takes years to build. Be energetic, uplifting, encouraging, and direct. Maintain mentors, be coachable, and find wisdom in various counselors.

Personality: Personality can evolve over time. How can individuals shape their personality to reflect their growth and life experiences?

Rick Jordan: Your personality can shift as you learn and interact with different people and situations. It’s essential to have a strong foundation in mindset and character, which allows your personality to ebb and flow in response to life’s challenge. 

Transparency: You’ve mentioned the significance of transparency in close relationships. How can one strike a balance between transparency and maintaining personal boundaries?

Rick Jordan: Transparency is vital, especially in close relationships. The level of transparency should match the closeness of the relationship, but it’s essential to protect your energy and set healthy boundaries as needed.

Communication: You’ve become an accomplished communicator. How can individuals continually improve their communication, especially in close relationships?

Rick Jordan: Communication is an ongoing journey. It’s easier in public settings, but in close relationships, emotions come into play. Learning how the other person hears and understanding their perspective is key. Continuously work on improving your communication skills in both personal and professional relationships.

Q: What valuable lessons would you like to share with the younger generation?

Rick Jordan: My advice to the younger generation is to explore various experiences during their twenties to discover what truly inspires them. Saying “yes” to opportunities that come their way, unless they present moral dilemmas, can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. There’s no need to rush; life is a journey of exploration and learning.

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