In this episode, Mike Minkler shares what he has learned from 16 years of building and evolving his IT business in St. Louis.

He talks through the shift from reactive support to a proactive managed services model, why standardization became essential for growth, and how cybersecurity is now a core part of every client relationship.

Mike also dives into collaboration across franchisees in the St. Louis market and how that partnership model has helped accelerate success. Plus, he shares how his team is approaching AI and using it to improve efficiency and deliver better service.

If you are looking to grow smarter, reduce issues, and stay ahead in a changing tech landscape, this episode offers practical insight you can apply right away.

Rachele Shainker shares her journey from corporate business systems analyst to CMIT Solutions owner in San Mateo, California. With experience at large organizations like Nike, she brings a unique ability to translate complex technology into clear business value, helping her stand out in a highly competitive market.

She talks about launching her business in 2021 and quickly gaining traction through networking, consistency, and building trust. Without an entrepreneurial background or hands-on engineering experience, Rachele leaned into her strengths in communication and collaboration to grow her client base and earn Rookie of the Year.

The episode also explores her team structure, her business-focused approach to cybersecurity, and how she differentiates herself by serving a strong network of women business owners. Overall, it’s a story about building success through relationships, clarity, and showing up consistently.

In this episode of the Featured Franchise podcast, we sit down with Scott Krentzman, owner of CMIT Solutions in the metro Boston area and our February 2026 Featured Franchise Award winner.

With a background in electrical engineering, consulting, and finance, Scott did not originally plan to enter the IT world or franchising. After deciding he did not want to be “employee #7660” in someone else’s company, he found a path that allowed him to leverage his financial expertise and strategic mindset.

Today, Scott leads as a true trusted advisor, helping clients understand risk, investment, and the long-term value of doing IT the right way. Tune in to hear how experience, perspective, and the right opportunity led him to CMIT Solutions.