The Traditional IT Model Is Broken. This Founder Is Building Something Better

In an economy where even the smallest companies rely on cloud platforms, automation, and AI-driven tools, Many small businesses struggle to find IT support that acts as a true partner rather than a reactive service that profits most when systems fail.

Despite being central to daily operations, IT services are often a source of frustration for business owners. Delayed response times, unclear billing, rigid service models, and reactive support are common pain points. According to recent data from Kaspersky and TechRepublic, poor communication and slow issue resolution are among the top reasons small and mid-sized businesses experience preventable downtime and security vulnerabilities.

As business infrastructure becomes increasingly digital, the gap between what companies need and what traditional IT firms offer is widening. For some leaders, that gap is more than an inconvenience - it’s a liability.

Traditional IT Firms Hold Customers Hostage

The standard managed services model, commonly used by IT providers, is based on recurring fees tied to reactive support. Tasks like onboarding a new employee, installing basic software, or changing user access often incur additional charges. Many contracts lock clients into long-term commitments, yet they usually deliver inconsistent service.

“The traditional IT model rewards chaos,” says Travis Barker, a technology veteran and founder of EZ IT Solutions, an IT and cybersecurity firm serving rural and distributed businesses. “The more problems you have, the more they can charge. That’s never made sense to me.”

Barker founded his company after serving in the military, where he gained deep experience in cybersecurity and IT operations. Later, working across sectors like agriculture and utilities—industries defined by lean staffing, tight margins, and high operational risk—he saw the same pattern emerge: businesses were paying premium prices for IT support yet consistently faced delays and roadblocks when they needed fundamental changes or timely help.

A New Philosophy: Transparent, Flexible, Predictable

In response, Barker built EZ IT Solutions around a service model that aligns with modern business needs: transparent pricing, proactive systems, and client-centered flexibility.

Key features of the firm’s approach include:

• Flat-rate billing with no hidden charges
  
  

• No long-term contracts, giving clients the freedom to walk away
  
  

• No fees for adds, changes, or removals (A/C/R)—including users, tools, equipment, and more. These services are included, unlike traditional IT where they're often extra.
  
  

• Responsive support by trained professionals, not outsourced ticketing systems
  
  

• Tool-agnostic compatibility, working within the platforms businesses already use
  
  

Barker emphasizes that the goal isn’t just faster resolution—it’s building confidence in the systems that support daily operations.

“If business leaders hesitate to call their IT team, the problem is already costing them, whether in lost productivity, delayed decisions, or mounting risk,” he explains.

From Firefighting to Future-Proofing

One of the firm’s cornerstones is its structured onboarding process, known as Safe Haven 7™—a proprietary seven-step setup designed to eliminate up to 83% of recurring IT issues. The goal is to stabilize core systems from the start, minimizing interruptions and reducing reactive support calls.

This preventative approach reflects a broader shift in IT philosophy: moving away from break/fix relationships and toward embedded partnerships that support growth, hiring, compliance, and innovation.

"More small businesses are thinking like enterprises when it comes to infrastructure,” says Barker. “But their support models haven’t evolved.  We are fixing that.”

AI Increases the Need for Experts On Call

AI is transforming how small businesses operate—automating tasks, surfacing insights, and accelerating workflows. But with this power comes complexity and new cybersecurity risks. From AI-generated phishing to adaptive malware and deepfake impersonation, today’s threats are faster, smarter, and harder to detect.

AI can't make strategic decisions, understand business context, or respond to real-world problems. Without experts on call, small businesses risk building systems they can’t manage, secure, or recover when it matters most.

Having IT and cybersecurity professionals in your corner ensures AI remains an advantage—not a liability—helping your business stay protected, agile, and resilient in a rapidly evolving digital landscape

The Takeaway

While many traditional IT providers are slowly modernizing, a new wave of firms is emerging with business-first models that prioritize clarity, trust, and long-term value.

The future of IT support will likely be hybrid, combining internal knowledge, automated safeguards, and external expertise tailored to the way modern companies operate. For business owners, the question is no longer, Do we need tech and cybersecurity help? The question is who fits our needs and who will make it easy to do business now and into the future. 

About the Barker 

Travis Barker is the founder and CEO of EZ IT Solutions, an IT and cybersecurity firm supporting rural and distributed businesses across agriculture, utilities, and food production. He has a military background in technology and over a decade of experience managing complex infrastructure across high-demand environments.