Craig Leikis - Nerdworks

In this episode of Growing Your Business with Buddy Broyles, host Buddy Broyles interviews Craig Leikis, founder of Nerdworks Services, LLC . Drawing on over 30 years of IT experience, Craig explains how Nerdworks supports small-to-midsize businesses—from solo entrepreneurs to co-managed IT teams—by delivering enterprise-grade cybersecurity and tailored managed IT services . The conversation highlights real-world security interventions, including stopping a $700,000 wire transfer fraud scheme as well as 24/7 network monitoring, email security, and end-user security awareness training . Craig also shares his balanced perspective on AI in the workplace, emphasizing how companies can leverage AI tools for efficiency while establishing strict guardrails around data privacy and sensitive information . Contact: https://nerdworks.services/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleikis/ https://www.facebook.com/nerdworks.services [email protected] Key Takeaways Accessible IT for Small Businesses: Nerdworks specializes in serving micro-businesses and small firms (starting as small as 1–2 employees) that lack internal technical expertise but require robust cybersecurity. Flexible Support Models: Services scale from serving as a complete outsourced IT department to co-managing operations alongside an existing, stressed in-house IT professional . Rapid Cyber Fraud Intervention: Craig highlights a case study where his team performed a forensic investigation on compromised email logs, successfully thwarting a $700,000 fraudulent real estate wire transfer . Multi-Layered Security Stack: Comprehensive defense includes firewalls, behavior-monitoring antivirus software capable of isolating infected devices in real time, and email identity protection . End-User Security Education: Employee training is central to security; monthly video modules and phishing simulations help staff recognize threats and follow strong password practices . Balanced AI Implementation: AI can streamline internal workflows and problem-solving, but companies must maintain human oversight (e.g., prohibiting automated emails or phone calls) . Critical AI Privacy Guardrails: Businesses need clear AI policies to prevent sensitive, proprietary, or personally identifiable information (PII) from being ingested into public AI training models . Your story deserves more than just a conversation—it deserves impact. At Blue Mic Studios, we help businesses like Matrix Software Solutions turn expertise into authority through high-quality podcast production. From 4K video and crystal-clear audio to social media-ready clips that drive engagement, we make it easy to showcase your value and attract your ideal customers. 👉 Be the voice your audience trusts. 👉 Build credibility at scale. 👉 Turn conversations into customers. Book your podcast experience with Blue Mic Studios today. www.bluemicstudios.com Podcast Production provided by Blue Mic Studios, the podcast production arm of Visual Learning Solutions, LLC Recorded at the Blue Mic Studios: https://www.bluemicstudios.com/ https://caddooffices.com/ #CyberSecurity #ManagedIT #SmallBusinessSupport #ITServices #TechLeadership #BusinessGrowth #DataPrivacy #Nerdworks #GrowingYourBusiness #PodcastEpisode Cybersecurity, Managed IT Services, Small Business IT, Data Protection, Phishing Prevention, IT Infrastructure, AI Policy, Network Security, Tech Advisor, Craig Leikis