July – Success
Jonathan O’Brien, Owner at Certstaffix Training, specializes in providing computer training to businesses and organizations nationwide. The instructors are professional trainers that utilize hands-on exercises and each averages more than 5 years of delivering classes to business professionals. Keep reading to learn more!
Every business has a story, tell us yours.
I’ve been in IT training since 2002 shortly after graduating high school. I’ve been in love with it ever since! I opened my own IT training company in 2008.
You were chosen as this month’s Success Client. Tell us about your most recent Success.
We are growing at a rapid pace since 2 years ago. Having double digit growth at the 7 year mark of a business when it has typically matured is unusual and exciting. We are currently expanding our network of “remote learning” computer labs across the United States. We currently have 76 and plan on expanding to at least 150 within the next 2 years.
No one likes to brag about their business, but if you HAD TO . . .
I’m proud the most of the people I’ve been able to find to help me run the business. They are so dedicated and hardworking while being smart and efficient. Growing and grooming the instructor network to the size it now to support our growth has been one of the most important thing our business has had to do since we deliver live instructor-led training.
We learn from our mistakes, especially in business. Give us some words of wisdom.
Because we’ve fundamentally changed a core part of our business – how we deliver training – change comes to mind. I believe whenever you are going to implement a major change in a business: 1) Get feedback from your employees first. What you think might be best as a manager or owner may not pair up with the reality that employees deal with every day. They actually know better than you in most cases what is going on in day to day functions and interactions with customers. 2) I believe you should test major changes on small scales first. Perfect then scale large. Don’t try to go large all at once without small scale testing.
Share the best advice you ever received.
Always keep striving to improve yourself.
Describe your perfect day off.
At home with my 4 cats!
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I’m a professional level photographer, shooting for 18 years. I have a studio in my house, but only do it as a hobby.
Together we are stronger. Tell us something you like about being our client.
We have over 76 locations currently, all at executive centers. I can easily tell you that you are one of, if not THE best and favorite executive centers to work with. You are polite, fast to respond when challenges arise and we can tell you genuinely care about our clients using our space. Those issues are a challenge for us at some other executive centers.
If you could work anywhere under the sun, where would you choose?
If you mean geographically, I would say right where I am – in sunny South Florida. If you mean at what organization, I have to be honest and say that I never want to work for anyone the rest of my life. It is a privilege to be able to work for yourself and also a huge responsibility to keep others employed that work for you and the business running successfully. It is not for everyone, but it definitely is for me.
How can people CONNECT with you?
LinkedIn is the best spot for professional connection and introduction. I can be found at – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanobrien0216/
