Questions
The basics
- What is a fractional CTO?
- A senior technology leader who works for you part-time. You get the judgment of a technology executive (planning, budgets, vendor management, security) without the cost of a full-time hire.
- Who is this for?
- Organizations of roughly 10 to 150 people that rely on technology but don't have a technology leader: private clubs, professional firms, developers and builders, community associations, and families with complex homes or several properties.
- How is this different from the vCIO my IT provider offers?
- An IT provider's vCIO works for the company selling you managed services. We don't sell managed services, hardware, or software, and we take no commissions, so our recommendations aren't shaped by what we'd earn from them.
- Do you replace my IT provider?
- No. Your IT provider keeps day-to-day support. We set direction, hold vendors accountable, and make sure the work matches the plan. If your provider isn't the right fit, we'll tell you, and help you find one that is.
- Will we need new software or a new platform?
- No. We work in the tools your IT provider already uses, like ConnectWise or Kaseya, and in your own systems.
- Can you make our help desk run better?
- Yes, whether it's your provider's or your own. We know the platforms most help desks run on, find where tickets stall and why problems keep coming back, and fix the process and documentation behind them.
Cost and commitment
- What does it cost?
- Every engagement is scoped before it's priced. As a reference point, an ongoing engagement costs a fraction of a full-time IT director.
- Is there a contract?
- Ongoing engagements start with a three-month commitment, then run month to month. Assessments and projects are fixed-fee.
- Can we start small?
- Yes. Many clients start with an assessment or a Reset review. Assessment fees are credited if you continue with us.
Independence
- Do you take commissions or referral fees?
- Never, from anyone: IT providers, carriers, software vendors, or contractors. You're the only one who pays us.
- Do you resell hardware or software?
- No. You buy direct or through your IT provider, and we make sure you get the right thing at the right price.
- MTRC also has a software studio. Isn't that a conflict?
- We're off-the-shelf people. We recommend proven products first, and custom software only when it's really called for. When it is, MTRC.studio can build it, so you stay under one roof. We'll say so in writing, and you're still free to have anyone build it.
Security and compliance
- Can you make us compliant with the FTC Safeguards Rule or HIPAA?
- We can assess where you stand, build and run the program, and serve as or support your Qualified Individual. We don't certify compliance or give legal opinions; your attorney or auditor does that.
- Do you do penetration testing?
- No. We'll scope it, help you choose a firm, and make sure the findings get fixed.
AI
- Can you help us use AI?
- Yes, at two levels. As part of an ongoing engagement we cover strategy, policy, and governance: what AI can do for you and which tools are safe for your data. When you want it built and running, our AI Operator work sets it up on your own data and keeps it working.
Working together
How quickly do you respond?
The same business day. A quick response isn't always a final answer, though: when a problem is complex, we'll tell you what we know, what we're checking, and when you'll hear more. Emergencies go to your IT provider first, and we follow up.
Do you work on site?
Yes, in Collier, Lee, and Sarasota counties. Advisory work can be done anywhere.
What happens if we stop working together?
You get everything: documentation, budgets, decisions, and a proper handoff to whoever comes next.