Tech One, Two

What does it take to build a restaurant brand that lasts for decades?
In this episode of Tech One, Two, Steve Lombardo, CEO of Gibsons Restaurant Group, shares the story behind the company his father founded nearly 37 years ago and the lessons that have shaped its growth, culture, and approach to hospitality.
From building a strong service culture and developing talent from within to navigating technology, forecasting, cybersecurity, and family business succession, this conversation explores what it really takes to build and protect a lasting business.
In this episode, we discuss:
🍽️ The Story Behind Gibsons Restaurant GroupSteve shares the company's entrepreneurial roots, the challenges of growing up in a family business, and the hard work required to build a brand that stands the test of time.
🤝 The Philosophy of HospitalityGreat hospitality goes beyond a slogan. Learn how empowering employees to solve problems and think outside the box can create memorable customer experiences.
👥 Building Culture & Developing TalentDiscover how Gibsons approaches employee retention, leadership, internal growth, and succession while navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry's high turnover.
💻 Technology in RestaurantsFrom reservation systems and labor scheduling to inventory management and software sprawl, technology plays a growing role in how modern restaurants operate.
📊 Forecasting & Business DecisionsWhy is weather one of the biggest factors impacting restaurant sales forecasts? Steve shares insights into the challenges of predicting demand in the restaurant industry.
🔐 Cybersecurity & Business RiskWith large volumes of credit card transactions, cybersecurity and PCI compliance are critical. Steve also shares how consistent hourly data backups helped the company navigate a ransomware attack.
This episode is a conversation about entrepreneurship, hospitality, leadership, technology, cybersecurity, and building a business that can stand the test of time.
🎙️ Watch the full episode and subscribe to Tech One, Two for more conversations on technology, business, leadership, and innovation.
#TechOneTwo #EMPIST #GibsonsRestaurantGroup #Hospitality #RestaurantBusiness #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #CustomerExperience #BusinessGrowth #Technology #CyberSecurity #PCICompliance #BusinessTechnology #Innovation #RestaurantIndustry #Podcast

AI isn't the threat. How it's used is.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way businesses operate, but it's also changing the cybersecurity landscape. From convincing deepfakes to sophisticated phishing attacks, cybercriminals are leveraging AI to create smarter, faster, and more damaging attacks than ever before.
In this episode of Tech One, Two, we explore the growing risks businesses face in the age of AI and why a strong cybersecurity strategy is no longer optional. Learn how organizations can protect themselves, prepare their teams, and build a secure foundation for long-term growth.
In this episode, you'll discover:
✔️ How AI is transforming cybersecurity for both defenders and attackers✔️ Why deepfakes and AI-powered phishing are becoming major business threats✔️ The hidden costs of cyberattacks beyond financial losses✔️ Why employees remain the biggest cybersecurity risk✔️ How to build a resilient cybersecurity posture before it's too late✔️ Why AI enablement and cybersecurity must work together for business growth
Whether you're a business leader, IT professional, or simply interested in the future of AI, this episode offers practical insights to help you stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.
👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss future conversations on technology, cybersecurity, AI, and digital transformation.

What if the answer to poverty, homelessness, and inequality starts with something as simple as a book?
In this inspiring episode of Tech One, Two, Brian Floriani , Founder of BUKU Branded, shares the story behind Bernie's Book Bank and his mission to help children read their way to a better life. From launching the organization with a $5,000 credit card investment in a garage to building one of the nation's most impactful literacy initiatives, Brian reveals the mindset, resilience, and purpose required to create lasting change.
In this episode, you'll learn:
-Why literacy is the foundation for opportunity
-How nonprofits can be run with business principles and measurable impact
-The importance of finding your "why"
-Why growth only happens outside your comfort zone
-How technology helps scale mission-driven organizations
-Why obsession can be a superpower when attached to a meaningful cause
 
As the Founder & CEO of EMPIST, John Kampas has spent over 20 years helping businesses reach their potential through smart, secure technology solutions in managed IT, cloud, and cybersecurity. Based in the Chicago area, he brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective from leading a full-service technology firm that supports organizations across industries. On Tech One, Two, John’s mission is simple: make sense of tech S#I.T. and give business leaders practical, jargon-free insight they can use right away. If you're an entrepreneur, leader, nonprofit professional, educator, or anyone looking to make a difference, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, innovation, technology, cybersecurity, AI, entrepreneurship, and business growth.
While you’re listening:
- Follow EMPIST and John Kampas on LinkedIn to stay plugged into new episodes, tech insights, and behind-the-scenes content.(https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kampas)
- Connect with Brian Floriani on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfloriani)
 
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#TechOneTwo #BrianFloriani #BerniesBookBank #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Literacy #Education #NonprofitLeadership #BusinessGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #Innovation #Podcast #EMPIST

Tech One, Two is back, and this one is for every business leader who’s wondering if AI is about to run the world—or run them over. On this episode of the Tech One, Two Podcast, an EMPIST production, Founder & CEO John Kampas sits down with IT industry icon Rob Rae for a fast-paced, no-fluff conversation about the future of technology, AI, and cybersecurity. They unpack why getting up to date with technology is a choice: are you going to be the asteroid or the dinosaur in your industry? From AI “taking over the world” to the very real threats facing today’s businesses, John and Rob break down what IT leaders, MSPs, and business owners actually need to know right now. They dig into why managed IT, cloud, and rock-solid cybersecurity are now mission-critical to growth, not just “nice-to-have” insurance. You’ll hear straight talk on:
How AI and automation are transforming the IT channel, MSP space, and everyday business ops
Why cybersecurity needs to be a board-level conversation, not just an IT line item
The mindset shift from “we’ll figure it out later” to building resilient, tech-forward organizations today
And yes, they have fun with it—this is tech talk with personality, not a dry lecture. As the Founder & CEO of EMPIST, John Kampas has spent over 20 years helping businesses reach their potential through smart, secure technology solutions in managed IT, cloud, and cybersecurity. Based in the Chicago area, he brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective from leading a full-service technology firm that supports organizations across industries. On Tech One, Two, John’s mission is simple: make sense of tech S#I.T. and give business leaders practical, jargon-free insight they can use right away. Rob Rae is a true IT channel legend, currently serving as Corporate Vice President of Community and Partner Experience at Pax8, where he helps build powerful ecosystems that support MSPs and IT partners worldwide. With more than 25 years in IT hardware, software, and cybersecurity, Rob is known for his high-energy presence, community leadership, and ability to turn complex tech trends into actionable strategy for service providers and their clients. His work advising cybersecurity and MSP-focused companies keeps him at the center of where IT, AI, and security are headed next. If you care about where AI, IT, and cybersecurity are taking your business next, this is an episode you don’t skip. Hit subscribe to the Tech One, Two Podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode with top tech leaders, MSP experts, and innovators reshaping how business gets done. While you’re listening:
Follow EMPIST and John Kampas on LinkedIn to stay plugged into new episodes, tech insights, and behind-the-scenes content. [linkedin](  / john-kampas  )
Connect with Rob Rae to keep learning from one of the most respected voices in the IT and MSP community. [itbusinesspodcast](https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/gue...)
AI in business, AI in IT, managed IT services, MSP strategy, cybersecurity for small business, cybersecurity for SMBs, cloud solutions, IT leadership, technology podcast, business technology, EMPIST, Tech One Two podcast, John Kampas, Rob Rae, Pax8, IT channel, MSP community, AI and cybersecurity, digital transformation for SMBs #TechOneTwo #EMPIST #AIPodcast #AITakesOver #Cybersecurity #CyberSecurityForBusiness #ManagedIT #MSP #MSPCommunity #ITLeadership #BusinessTechnology #DigitalTransformation #CloudSecurity #Pax8 #RobRae #JohnKampas #TechPodcast #SMBTech #FutureOfWork #AIandSecurity

On this episode of Tech One, Two, an EMPIST Production, host John Kampas—Founder and CEO of EMPIST and a 25‑year technology and business leader—sits down with world‑renowned security and compliance expert Matt Lee, Senior Director of Security and Compliance at Pax8. John Kampas is the Founder & CEO of EMPIST, a global leader in managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and digital‑marketing infrastructure, celebrated for 25 years of innovation, growth, and client‑centric partnership. Under his leadership, EMPIST has earned multiple industry accolades, including placements on the Channel Futures Top 501 MSP list and recognition by CRN as a top cybersecurity firm. Matt Lee, CISSP, CCSP, CFR, PNPT, is a globally recognized cybersecurity educator, speaker, and author who serves as Senior Director of Security and Compliance at Pax8, where he empowers MSPs and SMBs with practical, secure‑by‑design strategies. He is a frequent conference speaker, GTIA 2024‑25 Member of the Year, and a leading voice on operationalizing security and compliance for the IT channel. In this candid, high‑value conversation, John and Matt break down the realities of today’s tech and security landscape, from building resilient cloud environments to helping SMBs and MSPs think about risk, compliance, and proactive defense. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights, real‑world stories from the field, and practical strategies for turning technology into a true growth engine—securely and sustainably. Perfect for managed service providers (MSPs), small and medium businesses (SMB) owners, IT leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone who wants to understand where technology and security are headed. Tech One, Two – An EMPIST Production Hosted by: John Kampas, CEO of EMPIST Guest: Matt Lee, CISSP – Senior Director of Security & Compliance at Pax8 Points and Topics discussed -
cybersecurity for MSPs
cloud security for SMBs
managed IT services
cybersecurity podcast
IT security expert
MSP security and compliance
Pax8 security and compliance
EMPIST managed IT services
Matt Lee Pax8
John Kampas EMPIST
CEO podcast interview
technology leadership podcast
operationalizing security and compliance
proactive cyber defense
secure‑by‑design cloud
MSP growth strategies
small business IT security
#Cybersecurity #MSP #SMB #CloudSecurity #ManagedIT #MattLee #Pax8 #JohnKampas #EMPIST #TechOneTwo #TechPodcast #businesstechnology #itleadership #cybersecuritypodcast #mspgrowth

Tech One, Two is back with a powerhouse conversation at the intersection of technology and digital marketing innovation. EMPIST Founder & CEO John Kampas sits down with Logical Media Group’s CEO Chris O’Neill and Vice President Kevin Hughes to break down how they’re using AI, data, and bold strategy to zig while everyone else is zagging in the digital landscape.
In this episode of the Tech One, Two Podcast presented by EMPIST, John Kampas – Founder & CEO of EMPIST, a leading managed IT, cloud, and cybersecurity partner for growing businesses – hosts Chris O’Neill and Kevin Hughes from Logical Media Group, a full-service digital growth agency based in Chicago. Together, they unpack how technology and marketing are aligning like never before in history, and why brands that embrace both are the ones pulling away from the pack.
Chris shares the Logical story as a long-time digital leader, from scaling a boutique SEO and PPC shop into a Google Premier Partner that delivers full-funnel growth strategies across paid media, SEO, web design, creative, and analytics. Kevin brings the perspective of a VP who’s led account management and now oversees the agency’s global direction across product and revenue, focused on building integrated strategies that actually move the needle for clients.
They reveal “HARRY,” Logical’s in-house HR AI agent built when their Director of HR went on maternity leave—a copilot trained on their HR handbook that now fields internal HR questions in real time, saving 15–20% of HR’s time while improving onboarding and employee experience. The team walks through how they architected HARRY on Google Cloud, connected it to an LLM, and why they view AI as operational infrastructure, not a gimmick. 
From there, the conversation turns tactical: how digital marketing is changing in 2026, what’s really happening with SEO, and why ethical, strategic search and content still sit at the core of long-term growth. Chris and Kevin break down how they’re integrating AI into paid search, creative, and reporting, how Performance Max and automation are reshaping PPC, and why the best agencies are combining human strategy with machine intelligence—not replacing one with the other. 
John ties it all back to the technology foundation needed to support this pace of innovation: secure, modern IT, cloud, and cybersecurity that protect businesses while enabling them to scale. You’ll hear how EMPIST’s 25 years in managed IT and security intersect with Logical’s aggressive digital marketing playbook to create a blueprint for companies that want to grow faster, safer, and smarter. 
If you’re a founder, CMO, or IT leader trying to make sense of AI, SEO, and the future of digital growth, this episode is a masterclass in how to build a truly modern go‑to‑market engine. 
 
IT'S ALL INSIDE-
- How technology and marketing are converging into a single growth engine for modern brands. 
- The origin story of Logical Media Group and how Chris built it into a full-service, award-winning digital agency. 
- How HARRY, Logical’s HR AI agent, was built, what it does, and the measurable impact it’s had on HR efficiency and employee experience. 
- What’s changing in SEO and why ethical, strategic search still drives compounding returns for brands that invest in it. 
- How AI and automation are reshaping paid search, analytics, and creative—and what that means for marketing leaders. 
- Why EMPIST’s cybersecurity, cloud, and managed IT capabilities are critical to supporting this level of digital experimentation and scale. 
 
WHO ARE THESE EXPERTS???  
 
- John Kampas is the Founder & CEO of EMPIST, leading the company for more than two decades as it delivers managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions that reduce risk, cut costs, and drive business growth. EMPIST has been recognized repeatedly for its growth and performance, including multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000 list. 
- Chris O’Neill is the CEO of Logical Media Group, a Chicago-based full-service digital advertising agency specializing in SEO, PPC, paid social, web design, and creative for fast-scaling brands, and has led the agency for nearly 20 years. Under his leadership, Logical has become a certified Great Place To Work for six consecutive years, reflecting a strong culture alongside strong performance. 
- Kevin Hughes is the Vice President at Logical Media Group and previously led Account Management, responsible for post-sale client relationships, renewals, upsells, and ensuring clients hit their marketing objectives, before stepping into a global leadership role across product and sales.  
 
- EMPIST website: https://empist.com 
- Logical Media Group website: https://logicalmediagroup.com 
 
#TechOneTwoPodcast #EMPIST #LogicalMediaGroup #DigitalMarketing #Cybersecurity #ManagedIT #CloudSolutions #AI #HRAI #MarketingInnovation #SEOStrategy #PPC #GoogleAds #GooglePartner #MarTech #BusinessGrowth #ChicagoBusiness #FounderStories #CIO #CMO #ZigWhenOthersZag

The TECH ONE, TWO Podcast is BACK – and we’re coming in hotter than ever. This reboot launch episode flips the script as 444 Media’s CEO/Founder and pro podcast host John Morris sits down with EMPIST CEO/Founder — and TECH ONE, TWO host — John Kampas for an unfiltered, high-energy origin story you won’t hear anywhere else. Episode Breakdown In this premiere reboot, John Morris pulls back the curtain on:
The early days of EMPIST and how John Kampas built a 25-year tech powerhouse from the ground up.
The journey from small beginnings in Chicago to becoming an award-winning global MSP recognized on the Channel Futures MSP 501 and CRN’s MSP 500 lists.
What it really takes to build a culture-first, people-obsessed organization that fuels client success every single day.
The mission to become the best – and best-known – IT MSP brand on the planet, and why bold branding is non‑negotiable in today’s market.
A sneak peek at the future of the TECH ONE, TWO Podcast: powerhouse partners, visionary founders, and business leaders joining John Kampas to talk tech, growth, cybersecurity, and scaling with confidence.
Why You Need This Episode If you’re a business leader, founder, tech decision-maker, or brand builder, this episode delivers real-world, battle-tested insights from a proven IT innovator and brand builder. You’ll hear how EMPIST went from a small IT shop to a recognized leader in Managed IT, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Solutions with a quarter century of expertise backing some of the most demanding organizations out there. You’ll also get the mindset, principles, and culture playbook behind a team that shows up energized, obsessed with service, and relentlessly focused on client outcomes. About EMPIST EMPIST is a Chicago-headquartered, award-winning IT Services and Consulting company delivering Managed IT, Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Digital solutions to businesses that refuse to settle for average. With over 25 years of experience and recognition including Channel Futures MSP 501, CRN MSP 500 Pioneer 250, and more, EMPIST is built to keep organizations secure, productive, and ready for what’s next. From 24/7 support to strategic technology leadership, EMPIST helps businesses reduce risk, cut costs, and turn technology into a competitive advantage. Keep the Conversation Going Tap into the EMPIST ecosystem and stay plugged into all things TECH ONE, TWO:
EMPIST Website: https://www.empist.com
EMPIST YouTube Channel – full episodes, thought leadership, and more tech deep dives.    / @empist  
TECH ONE, TWO YouTube Shorts – fast, punchy clips for tech leaders on the go. https://empist.com/podcast/
EMPIST on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X – culture, wins, insights, and behind‑the‑scenes from the team that’s redefining what IT can be. https://www.linkedin.com/company/empist
Connect with John Kampas on LinkedIn for leadership, culture, and technology strategy insights. https://www.linkedin.com/company/empist
Hit subscribe, turn on notifications, and buckle up — the TECH ONE, TWO Podcast is just getting started. Powerhouse founders, CMOs, CIOs, partners, and business leaders will be joining John Kampas to talk about scaling smart, protecting what matters, and building brands that actually stand out. https://empist.com/top-it-services-in-chic... Tech One Two Podcast, EMPIST podcast, EMPIST Tech One Two, EMPIST Managed IT, Chicago managed service provider, MSP 501, CRN MSP 500, IT services Chicago, managed IT services, cybersecurity services, cloud solutions, IT strategy for business, digital transformation, IT leadership, IT for SMBs, best MSP in Chicago, business technology podcast, IT and cybersecurity podcast, John Kampas EMPIST, John Morris 444 Media, tech founder stories, MSP growth, IT brand strategy. #TechOneTwo #EMPIST #ManagedIT #MSP #Cybersecurity #CloudSolutions #ITServices #BusinessIT #DigitalTransformation #TechLeadership #ITStrategy #MSP501 #CRNMSP500 #ChicagoTech #ITConsulting #BrandBuilding #FounderStories #BusinessPodcast #TechPodcast #ITPodcast #CIO #CTO #CEO #SmallBusinessIT #MidMarketIT #ITSecurity #FutureOfWork #ITInnovation #CultureDriven

The TECH ONE, TWO Podcast is BACK – and we’re coming in hotter than ever. This reboot launch episode flips the script as 444 Media’s CEO/Founder and pro podcast host John Morris sits down with EMPIST CEO/Founder — and TECH ONE, TWO host — John Kampas for an unfiltered, high-energy origin story you won’t hear anywhere else. Episode Breakdown In this premiere reboot, John Morris pulls back the curtain on:
The early days of EMPIST and how John Kampas built a 25-year tech powerhouse from the ground up.
The journey from small beginnings in Chicago to becoming an award-winning global MSP recognized on the Channel Futures MSP 501 and CRN’s MSP 500 lists.
What it really takes to build a culture-first, people-obsessed organization that fuels client success every single day.
The mission to become the best – and best-known – IT MSP brand on the planet, and why bold branding is non‑negotiable in today’s market.
A sneak peek at the future of the TECH ONE, TWO Podcast: powerhouse partners, visionary founders, and business leaders joining John Kampas to talk tech, growth, cybersecurity, and scaling with confidence.
Why You Need This Episode If you’re a business leader, founder, tech decision-maker, or brand builder, this episode delivers real-world, battle-tested insights from a proven IT innovator and brand builder. You’ll hear how EMPIST went from a small IT shop to a recognized leader in Managed IT, Cybersecurity, and Cloud Solutions with a quarter century of expertise backing some of the most demanding organizations out there. You’ll also get the mindset, principles, and culture playbook behind a team that shows up energized, obsessed with service, and relentlessly focused on client outcomes. About EMPIST EMPIST is a Chicago-headquartered, award-winning IT Services and Consulting company delivering Managed IT, Cybersecurity, Cloud, and Digital solutions to businesses that refuse to settle for average. With over 25 years of experience and recognition including Channel Futures MSP 501, CRN MSP 500 Pioneer 250, and more, EMPIST is built to keep organizations secure, productive, and ready for what’s next. From 24/7 support to strategic technology leadership, EMPIST helps businesses reduce risk, cut costs, and turn technology into a competitive advantage. Keep the Conversation Going Tap into the EMPIST ecosystem and stay plugged into all things TECH ONE, TWO:
EMPIST Website: https://www.empist.com
EMPIST YouTube Channel – full episodes, thought leadership, and more tech deep dives.    / @empist  
TECH ONE, TWO YouTube Shorts – fast, punchy clips for tech leaders on the go. https://empist.com/podcast/
EMPIST on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X – culture, wins, insights, and behind‑the‑scenes from the team that’s redefining what IT can be. https://www.linkedin.com/company/empist
Connect with John Kampas on LinkedIn for leadership, culture, and technology strategy insights. https://www.linkedin.com/company/empist
Hit subscribe, turn on notifications, and buckle up — the TECH ONE, TWO Podcast is just getting started. Powerhouse founders, CMOs, CIOs, partners, and business leaders will be joining John Kampas to talk about scaling smart, protecting what matters, and building brands that actually stand out. https://empist.com/top-it-services-in-chic... Tech One Two Podcast, EMPIST podcast, EMPIST Tech One Two, EMPIST Managed IT, Chicago managed service provider, MSP 501, CRN MSP 500, IT services Chicago, managed IT services, cybersecurity services, cloud solutions, IT strategy for business, digital transformation, IT leadership, IT for SMBs, best MSP in Chicago, business technology podcast, IT and cybersecurity podcast, John Kampas EMPIST, John Morris 444 Media, tech founder stories, MSP growth, IT brand strategy. #TechOneTwo #EMPIST #ManagedIT #MSP #Cybersecurity #CloudSolutions #ITServices #BusinessIT #DigitalTransformation #TechLeadership #ITStrategy #MSP501 #CRNMSP500 #ChicagoTech #ITConsulting #BrandBuilding #FounderStories #BusinessPodcast #TechPodcast #ITPodcast #CIO #CTO #CEO #SmallBusinessIT #MidMarketIT #ITSecurity #FutureOfWork #ITInnovation #CultureDriven

When IT, Marketing, and Operations operate in isolation, innovation suffers and goals misalign. In this episode, we dive into how organizations can foster cross-functional collaboration by identifying where silos exist, establishing shared goals, improving communication across teams, and building systems that support integration.

In this episode of Tech One, Two, we break down what Windows 10 End-of-Life (EOL) really means for businesses, IT leaders, and everyday users. With Microsoft’s official support ending in October 2025, the clock is ticking on a technology that has powered organizations for nearly a decade. What are the risks of staying on Windows 10? What steps should you take to plan an upgrade or transition? And what pitfalls should you avoid along the way? Join us as we guide you through the key considerations, timelines, and action steps to keep your systems secure, compliant, and future-ready.