Manufacturer Cuts Downtime by 30% and Fortifies IT After Ransomware Attack
Summary: Rocket Enterprise, a Michigan-based flagpole manufacturer, thought they could manage IT on their own — until a ransomware attack brought their business to its knees. Realizing they needed a true IT partner, they found GRIT Technologies. Together, they fortified Rocket’s IT defenses, slashed downtime by 30%, and gave Chuck Bowers the confidence to focus on what Rocket Enterprise does best.
The Challenge
Rocket Enterprise had grown into a leading regional name in flagpole manufacturing and installation, serving commercial and public-sector clients throughout the Midwest. But behind the scenes, their IT was cobbled together through inconsistent vendors.
“Other companies looked good in the beginning, but they couldn’t back it up,” Chuck recalled. “They were a Band-Aid solution.”
The tipping point came in the form of a ransomware attack—one that froze operations, put sensitive data at risk, and exposed how vulnerable their business truly was. Chuck and his team managed to recover, but it came at a high cost. That incident forced a new question: Who’s really got our back when everything is on the line?
It’s not an expense…it is an asset…GRIT talks the talk and walks the walk. The response time is incredible…and it’s a game changer.
— Chuck Bowers, Founder & President, Rocket Enterprise
Our Solution
After the ransomware attack, Rocket Enterprise partnered with GRIT Technologies to build a robust IT environment they could depend on. GRIT conducted a full security audit, implemented a disaster recovery plan, and installed proactive monitoring tools — so Rocket wouldn’t have to wait for the next crisis to scramble for help.
Key Features Delivered
Comprehensive cybersecurity plan
Rapid incident response and recovery process
24/7 proactive monitoring and support
Microsoft Licensing & Cloud Management
Hardware and software lifecycle management
Firewall & Cybersecurity Protection
Proactive vCIO Strategic Roadmapping
Transparent communication — no surprises or delays
By the Numbers
(Past 5 Year Total)
Support Tickets – Past 5 Years
Annual ticket totals showing consistent IT support and partnership.
“ It’s not an expense…it is an asset ”
Overcoming Roadblocks
For years, IT had been treated as a necessary cost. But after the ransomware incident, Chuck had a mindset shift: “It’s not an expense—it’s an asset.”
With GRIT’s help, Rocket realized that the cost of inaction was far higher. GRIT framed the value not in buzzwords, but in outcomes—reduced risk, faster response, less downtime, and peace of mind. Their approach made the investment easy to justify.
ROI & Business Impact
With annual revenues at ~$9.4 million , Rocket was losing an estimated 5–7% to frequent downtime and inefficiencies (~$500–650k/year). By reducing downtime by ~30%, they recover roughly $150–200k annually, a strong ROI given their managed services fees—delivering ROI in under six months. Added peace of mind and zero security breaches further enhanced intangible returns in client trust and long-term competitiveness.
What’s Next
Rocket Enterprise now partners with GRIT for:
- Quarterly security reviews and continuous improvement
- Scalability planning aligned to future growth and automation
- Scheduled strategy sessions to align technology use with business goals.
Their IT is no longer a weakness; it’s a strategic asset that protects growth and reputation.
The Client
Rocket Enterprise is a Michigan-based manufacturer specializing in flagpole design, installation, repair, and maintenance across the Midwest.
- Industry: Manufacturing & Services (Flagpoles)
- Location: Warren, Michigan
- Size: 11-50 Employees
- Services Provided: Managed IT, Technology Projects, Cybersecurity, Cabling and Security Products, Lifecycle Management, Help Desk Support, Disaster Recovery
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Results Snapshot
- 100% Uptime since onboarding
- Sub-5-minute response times from IT support
- Zero security incidents post-GRIT deployment
- Estimated 30% reduction in IT-related downtime costs
- ROI achieved within 6 months, courtesy of minimized lost revenue