Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Powell.
Michael is the President/CEO. He formed The Syber Group in December 2008. The firm consults businesses in all areas of information technology with a specialty in Cyber Security. With over 15 plus years of professional IT experience with deep expertise in DLP, Governance, Risk Management, Security Operations and Assessments: Michael holds the following professional accreditations: CISSP, CISM, C|EH and Security+.
Prior to founding The Syber Group, he was a Regional Technical Sales Manager with AT&T. Additionally, Michael held numerous strategic positions with industry leading Fortune 100 companies such as Boeing, Dell, Monsanto and NutraSweet.
At The Syber Group, he consults as well as advises clients on a full range of technologies ranging from Cloud Services, Information and Network Security.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, even before you can begin to attract clients, you must lay the ground work. You need to gain the necessary credentials to be taken seriously, particularly in this fast-paced industry. For example, The Syber Group is a certified MBE with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, we had to jump over many hurdles to achieve, then maintain these accreditations. I cannot stress how time-consuming, but very worthy, this aspect of doing business is.
The next most challenging part of starting a business was winning new customers in a highly competitive space such as Cyber Security. As I mentioned previously, your team must have accreditations and industry certifications (CISSP, CIPP, CEH, CIA, CISM, CISCO and Microsoft) in place to in order to get noticed and gain customers within various vertical markets.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The Syber Technology Group story. Tell us more about the business.
The Syber Group provides Information Technology services. We focus on providing the highest levels in quality service, integrity, security and management all while closely managing costs. The Syber Group consistently delivers desired results to its customers in a variety of industries by providing a unique blend of best practices, strong business skills and superior technology skillsets.
Our clientele includes small, medium and larger firms, startups, medical practices, legal, transportation and accounting firms. Our customers come through referrals from existing customers.
The Syber Group has a dedicated security practice that complements our Managed Services and enables us to provide the widest range of professional services.
I would say there are several moments I’m proud of. Winning our first major contract with Cook County as a minority subcontractor providing utility audit services where The Syber Group identified millions of dollars in savings and recouped these monies for Cook County. I’m also proud of not only being able to sustain my firm for nearly 10 years in this fast-paced/dynamic industry while enjoying growth year over year. Last, but not least, being to help men and women learn and become more engaged in Cyber Security.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
An entrepreneur knows better than to believe in luck. However, I wholeheartedly believe that possessing a never give up mentality as well as great business and personal relationships with people, clients and professional organizations will play a vital role in whether or not you are ultimately successful not just in business but also in life.
Contact Info:
- Address: 233 S Wacker Drive,
84th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606 - Website: www.TheSyberGroup.com
- Phone: 312-568-7190
- Email: info@TheSyberGroup.com
- Facebook: The Syber Technology Group
- Twitter: @TheSyberGroup
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Mark Murphy
September 19, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Good Article. I have been knowing Mr.Powell for over 15yrs he is a dedicated professional.
Jason Perry
September 19, 2017 at 10:48 pm
Mr. Powell and our firm have collaborated for many years. Mr. Powell and his team are always professional, prepared, productive thereby producing results in excess of client expectations. We are looking forward to seeing The Syber Group enjoy ANOTHER 10 years of growth and success.
Roosevelt McGee
September 23, 2017 at 8:49 pm
Mr. Powell & The Syber Technology Group are an asset to any small business. Most startup small businesses operate with limited capital and cash flow. This causes them to have to choose where to focus resources, ofttimes neglecting IT and cyber technology. The Syber Technology Group assists the small business owner by offering an array of quality services that also meets their budget. Thus allowing them to focus on their business while having peace of mind that their information is secure.