Unlocking the Power of AI While Staying Secure
On episode 8 of the GRITTY Business Podcast, we sat down with Rick Catron, who brings more than 31 years of IT experience to the table. From the early days of floppy disks and dial-up modems to today’s challenges with AI and cyber threats, Rick has seen it all. His stories highlight not just how far technology has come, but also how businesses can better prepare for what’s next.
From Floppy Disks to AI: A Career Spanning Decades
Rick started in IT back when 14.4 kbps modems were cutting-edge and law firms stored case files on hundreds of floppy disks. Over the decades, he’s watched technology transform from a back-office tool into a business-critical driver. Yet one thing hasn’t changed: the importance of people. Whether helping nonprofits manage sensitive adoption records or modernizing law firms buried in paperwork, Rick’s focus has always been on using IT to move organizations forward.
Cybersecurity: Then and Now
Early on, cybersecurity was simple: antivirus, a firewall, and backups. Today, it’s a layered defense — security operations centers, MDR (Managed Detection and Response), and constant employee training.
Rick shared how many breaches don’t come from technology gaps, but from human mistakes. Employees remain the biggest risk and also the greatest defense if properly trained. He recalled one client who brushed off cybersecurity concerns until their neighboring firm was shut down for two weeks after a phishing attack. That single incident shifted their mindset.
His advice is clear:
- Invest in layered security — firewalls alone aren’t enough.
- Train employees continuously, not just with one-off phishing tests.
- Recognize cyber insurance requirements are getting tougher, and proactive measures are the only way to stay covered.
AI: Threat or Opportunity?
AI is the buzzword of 2025, and Rick sees it as both spear and shield. Yes, cybercriminals are using AI — but so are defenders. For businesses, the bigger risk isn’t that AI will take jobs, but that those unwilling to learn it will be left behind.
Rick cautions companies to treat AI as a tool, not a vault. Don’t store sensitive information in it, but do explore how it can save time, reduce workloads, and unlock efficiencies.
What Makes GRIT Different
When asked why he chose to work at GRIT Technologies, Rick pointed to one thing: customer service. Unlike MSPs driven by private equity or long-term contracts, GRIT focuses on live-answer support and proving value every month. That focus on people over process resonated with Rick. “If you have great customer service, you don’t need to market — word of mouth will follow,” he said.
Lessons Learned and Practical Advice
After three decades in IT, Rick left listeners with a few takeaways:
- Don’t see IT as just an expense — view it as an investment that drives business goals.
- Work with proactive partners — ones that look ahead, share threat intelligence, and grow with you.
- Ask the right questions when choosing an MSP: Do they invest in security? Are they locally based? Will they be here in 10 years? Use this guide to help!
For Rick, IT isn’t just about keeping systems running. It’s about relationships, trust, and helping clients reach the next level.
