Most business owners fear that doubling their revenue will also double their stress, but our guest today found that the exact opposite is true.
After navigating the tech recession of 2001 and surviving a partner buyout, he found his firm stuck at a revenue ceiling that felt impossible to break without burning out.
By shifting his entire philosophy on growth and making a single high-stakes move involving a nearby rival, he transformed a “boring lifestyle business” into a $10 million powerhouse where employees actually focus on fewer tasks while delivering better results.1e
Welcome to today’s episode of Your Business Growth Podcast. I’m your host, Jeremy Shapiro, author of Your Business Growth Playbook, and my guest today is Michael Ritsema.
About Michael Ritsema
Mike Ritsema is the CEO and Principal at i3 Business Solutions, a technology firm that delivers comprehensive business roadmaps and support to over 125 companies across Michigan. His career in the tech industry began in 1990, where he served as both an IBM Business Partner and an employee specializing in midrange servers and Enterprise Resource Planning. Unlike many in the field, Mike identifies as a gregarious, sales-oriented entrepreneur rather than a traditional technologist.
Since 2001, Mike has led i3 Business Solutions through several strategic transformations, including the acquisition of 21st Century Computer Specialists and a significant merger with SilverLake Resources. He further expanded the firm’s reach in 2020 by acquiring Computer Alliance, Inc., followed by the 2024 acquisition of CompuCraft Technology Solutions. These moves have established i3 as a regional leader in Managed Services, particularly in supporting Apple Mac environments and IBM midrange servers.
Mike is deeply involved in the security sector, holding multiple cybersecurity certifications and serving as an FBI-vetted member of the national InfraGard critical infrastructure team. This public-private partnership allows him to collaborate directly with the FBI to strengthen national security and help local businesses mitigate technology risks. His leadership has been the driving force behind the company’s ability to support over 4,500 users and 400 servers throughout the state.
Outside of his executive duties, Mike is a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who maintains a highly competitive spirit in all aspects of life. He is an avid athlete who enjoys running, biking, and golfing, famously stating he will compete with anyone from a game of ping-pong to high-stakes business strategy. He credits his continued growth to a rigorous personal planning process and the insights gained from his involvement in various peer groups.
Connect with Michael Ritsema
Speed Round Answers:
- All In Lead Source: Referrals
- Books: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Traction by Gino Wickman, Small Giants by Bo Burlingham, The Breakthrough Company by Keith R. McFarland, Good to Great by Jim Collins, Scaling Up by Verne Harnish, and Rockefeller Habits by Verne Harnish
- Unlikeliest Mentor: Bernie from his church fellowship group
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Michael Ritsema Episode Transcript
Coming Soon!
Like This Episode? There’s More!
Subscribe!
Your Business Growth Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe today!
Get the Book!
Pickup the #1 Best Seller, Your Business Growth Playbook today online or at your local bookseller!
Meet Jeremy!
Book your Blueprint Discovery Call with Jeremy today and get back to the growth you deserve!