Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Managed IT Services in Northeast Ohio
CRU Solutions has been delivering strategic IT services to businesses and nonprofit organizations for over 40 years. Founded in 1982 as a software development company, we evolved to provide comprehensive managed IT solutions, combining automated services, technician-based support, and executive consulting. Our Northeast Ohio-based team prioritizes proactive cybersecurity measures, staff training, and compliance to protect your network. We resolve day-to-day IT issues efficiently through remote and onsite support, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. Our adaptable approach addresses changing IT needs, whether your business operates in-office, hybrid, or fully remote environments. With deep expertise in Microsoft Windows environments for organizations with 10-100 computers, we focus on clear communication, budget-friendly solutions, and long-term partnerships.Client testimonials highlight our technical proficiency, customer service excellence, and cultural alignment with businesses ranging from accounting firms to manufacturers. Our leadership team, including founder Jim Kerr and Director of Business Operations Nick Kerr, brings decades of combined experience to every client engagement. We measure success through our clients' ability to focus on their core missions while we handle their IT infrastructure. This commitment to reliability and innovation has earned us lasting relationships, with nearly half our clients maintaining partnerships exceeding 10 years.
Services
Managed IT Services
Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation
Remote Help Desk
IT Consulting
Cloud Solutions
Network Monitoring
Email Security
Staff Training
Compliance Support
Disaster Recovery
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in strategic IT services for Northeast Ohio businesses
- Our local team provides personalized support with technical expertise and clear communication
- Proactive cybersecurity approach combines advanced tools and staff training programs
- Responsive help desk resolves IT issues remotely or through onsite visits
- Customized solutions for businesses adapting to hybrid and remote work environments
What people say
Amazing team
Extremely responsive
Outstanding support
Competent professionals
Unmatched value
Services
Managed IT Services
Our managed IT services provide continuous network monitoring and proactive maintenance for Northeast Ohio businesses. Combining automated tools with expert technicians, we ensure system reliability while reducing unexpected costs. With 40+ years of experience, we tailor solutions for organizations with 10-100 computers, offering both remote and onsite support to maintain operational continuity.
Cybersecurity Risk Mitigation
Proactive cybersecurity solutions protect businesses through layered defense strategies, staff training, and compliance management. Our team implements endpoint security, threat intelligence, and incident response plans while providing ongoing cyber awareness education. This comprehensive approach helps organizations meet regulatory requirements and maintain cyber liability insurance coverage.
Remote Help Desk
24/7 remote IT support resolves technical issues promptly through phone, email, or remote access. Our technicians handle password resets, connectivity problems, and software troubleshooting while maintaining clear communication. For complex issues requiring physical presence, we dispatch technicians to Northeast Ohio locations to minimize business disruption.
Staff Cyber Awareness Training
Customized cybersecurity training programs reduce human error risks through online modules and in-person sessions. Our phishing simulations test employee awareness while regular updates keep teams informed about emerging threats. This proactive education creates a 'human firewall' to prevent common cyber attacks that exploit user vulnerabilities.
Email Security Support
Comprehensive email security solutions protect against phishing and malware through advanced filtering, configuration management, and backup systems. We optimize Microsoft 365 settings, manage user access, and implement anti-phishing tools to prevent data breaches. Regular updates ensure protection against evolving email-based cyber threats targeting small businesses.
People
Jim Kerr
President
Founder of CRU Solutions since 1982, Jim serves as virtual CIO for clients. With deep expertise in technology solutions and business needs alignment, he leads strategic direction while maintaining hands-on client relationships. His leadership spans software development origins to modern managed IT services.
Jerry Arthur
Director of Technology
With 20+ years at CRU, Jerry leads technical implementation and infrastructure management. Starting as an intern in 2001, he now oversees complex system deployments and technical team operations, combining extensive experience with current technology expertise to deliver client solutions.
Janet Gehring
Director of Marketing
Joining CRU in 2007, Janet manages client communications and cybersecurity training programs. She serves as primary contact for new clients while developing educational content that helps businesses understand and implement effective security practices through accessible training initiatives.
Nick Kerr
Director of Business Operations
Son of founder Jim Kerr, Nick leads strategic planning and client projects. Starting on the help desk in 2016 after Ashland University education, he now manages vendor relationships and operational direction while maintaining direct client engagement in service delivery.
Questions
What IT services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide managed IT services including network monitoring, cybersecurity protection, remote help desk support, email security, and technology planning tailored for businesses with 10-100 computers in Northeast Ohio.
How do you handle cybersecurity threats?
Our layered security approach combines technical tools, staff training, and incident response planning. We implement endpoint protection, phishing simulations, and compliance management while educating employees about current cyber risks.
Do you support hybrid and remote work environments?
Yes, we help businesses adapt IT infrastructure for hybrid and fully remote operations. Our solutions include secure remote access, cloud integration, and technology planning to support flexible work arrangements.
What industries do you specialize in?
We work with accounting firms, manufacturers, professional service providers, nonprofits, and family-owned businesses across Northeast Ohio, tailoring IT solutions to meet specific industry requirements and compliance standards.
How quickly can you respond to IT issues?
Our remote help desk resolves common technical problems immediately through phone or remote access. For onsite requirements in Northeast Ohio, we prioritize urgent requests and typically dispatch technicians within business hours.
Do you offer cybersecurity training for employees?
Yes, we provide comprehensive security awareness programs including online modules, in-person training sessions, and controlled phishing tests to help employees recognize and prevent cyber threats effectively.
