From IT Skepticism to Solutions | Meet Trevor Shanahan
We had the pleasure of connecting with Trevor, and we're excited to share our conversation with him below.
What inspired you to start your journey or business?
My journey in telecommunications and IT began in 2006 when I joined an exclusive AT&T Channel Partner. Over the years, I gained extensive experience and watched our portfolio grow to include over 450 technology vendors. By 2020, after 14 years as a technology advisor, I saw a recurring challenge in businesses: a disconnect between the departments using technology daily and the IT teams tasked with procuring it.
This was my 'aha' moment and what led me to co-found KaizenCX. Our goal was to bridge this gap by involving everyone; end users, managers, IT teams, and executives, in the technology evaluation and procurement process. We wanted to ensure that the solutions selected weren’t just functional for IT but truly aligned with the needs of all stakeholders.
Beyond that, I envisioned a holistic approach to business technology. We expanded our advisory services to cover not just traditional IT and telecom solutions but also green energy, IoT, CRM, ERP, and equipment procurement. The idea was simple: provide clients with a single, trusted technology advisor who could guide them across all aspects of their technology needs.
Businesses often overpay or settle for subpar solutions simply because they don’t have someone on their side with deep industry knowledge and connections. We fill that gap by providing unbiased advice, leveraging relationships with top vendors, and offering expert guidance, at no cost to the client.
Ultimately, it’s about building trust, solving real problems, and helping companies thrive in an increasingly complex tech landscape. That’s what drives me every day.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was overcoming the skepticism that many businesses have toward advisors in the technology space. There’s a common perception that advisors are just salespeople in disguise, pushing products or services that may not truly serve the client’s best interest. To address this, I’ve made it a cornerstone of my work to emphasize transparency and trust. By providing unbiased guidance, highlighting both the pros and cons of every solution, and ensuring customer receive the best solutions at the best price, I’ve built long-term relationships based on integrity.
Another unique challenges we face is about the fact that our advisory services are free. Many businesses struggle to understand how we’re compensated, assuming there must be a catch. The truth is that we’re paid directly by the vendors in our portfolio, but our involvement doesn’t increase the cost of the services to our clients. In fact, clients typically get better pricing working through us than they would by going directly to the vendor.
To address this skepticism, we focus on education and transparency. We explain how our compensation model works, emphasize that we have no quotas or sales objectives, and demonstrate through our actions that our advice is unbiased and client-focused. Over time, as clients see the value we provide, without any additional cost to them, they come to trust the process.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that challenges are opportunities to refine what I offer and how I deliver it. Each obstacle has shaped my business into what it is today: a trusted resource for clients navigating the complexities of business technology.
What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about what I do is making a real difference for businesses by simplifying something that can feel overwhelmingly complex. Technology is constantly evolving, and for many organizations, navigating the options and figuring out what truly works for them can be daunting. I enjoy being that trusted guide who helps cut through the noise and brings clarity to their decisions.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of our work whether it’s helping a client save money, streamline operations, or find solutions that empower their teams to work more effectively. I especially love the moments when clients realize they can trust the process, knowing that my guidance is completely unbiased and always focused on their best interests.
I also love the variety. Every business is unique, and every project is an opportunity to learn something new, solve a different challenge, and build relationships with amazing people. It’s that combination of problem-solving, relationship-building, and making a tangible impact that keeps me excited every day.
How does your work or passion contribute to the Pacific Northwest community?
My work contributes to the Pacific Northwest community by empowering local businesses to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive world. Technology can be a game-changer, but it’s also a source of frustration and confusion for many organizations. By offering trusted advisory services, I help businesses in the Pacific Northwest make informed decisions that not only improve their operations but also save them money and time, resources they can reinvest back into their communities.
I’m particularly passionate about leveling the playing field for SMBs, which are the backbone of our region’s economy. Whether it’s helping a small business adopt cutting-edge technology or connecting a larger organization with solutions to scale sustainably, I love seeing the ripple effects of our work; businesses growing, jobs being created, and communities flourishing.
On a broader scale, I see my role as fostering connections across the region. By bridging the gap between local businesses and a global network of technology vendors, I help bring innovative solutions into our community while making sure they’re tailored to the unique needs and values of the Pacific Northwest.
What inspires or motivates you every day?
What inspires me every day is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference for businesses and the people behind them. I’ve seen firsthand how the right technology can transform not just a company’s bottom line but also the day-to-day experience of its employees and customers. Knowing that I can help simplify what often feels overwhelming or confusing and guide businesses toward solutions that truly work for them is incredibly motivating.
I’m also driven by the trust my clients place in me. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about building lasting relationships based on integrity and transparency. Seeing my clients succeed, save money, and achieve their goals because of decisions we helped them make is what keeps me energized.
Finally, I’m inspired by the constantly evolving world of technology. There’s always something new to learn, a fresh challenge to tackle, or an innovative solution to explore. The combination of continual learning, problem-solving, and helping others is what makes this work so fulfilling.
What advice would you give to someone looking to follow a similar path?
My advice to anyone looking to follow a similar path is to focus on building trust and relationships above all else. Being a technology advisor isn’t just about understanding technology, it’s about understanding people, their challenges, and their goals. Take the time to listen, ask the right questions, and always prioritize the client’s best interests.
Another key piece of advice is to embrace continuous learning. Technology changes rapidly, and staying informed is critical to providing real value. Don’t just chase trends, dive deep to understand how new solutions can solve real problems.
I’d also say, don’t be afraid to carve out a unique space for yourself. In this industry, there’s room to differentiate by being transparent, unbiased, and genuinely client-focused. It can be challenging, especially when people are skeptical of a 'free' service, but if you stay consistent and authentic, you’ll build a reputation that speaks for itself.
Finally, patience and persistence are essential. Building a business like this takes time, but if you stay committed to doing the right thing for your clients, the results will follow.
What are your goals for the next 1-3 years?
My primary goal over the next 1-3 years is to continue expanding the impact of my advisory services by reaching more businesses that can benefit from unbiased, trusted guidance. I want to deepen relationships within the Pacific Northwest community while also exploring opportunities to serve new markets and industries.
Another key focus is helping businesses navigate emerging technologies like AI, automation, and green energy solutions. These areas are evolving rapidly, and I aim to ensure my clients are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and stay competitive.
On the internal side, I want to refine and scale my processes to maintain the same high level of service as I grow. Part of this involves continuing to invest in education, both for myself and my clients, so we can all stay ahead of the curve.
Ultimately, my goal is to strengthen my role as a trusted partner for businesses, helping them achieve their objectives while staying true to my mission of providing transparent, client-focused support.
What’s something people might not know about you?
Something people might not know about me is that when I started my telecommunications and IT journey in 2006, I was simply cold-calling potential referral partners. I wasn't a "tech enthusiast", but I instantly took to the industry because I was drawn to the problem-solving aspect. Over time, I’ve grown to love the challenge of bridging the gap between complex technology solutions and the real-world needs of businesses.
On a more personal note, I’m a big fan of craft beer, and I enjoy exploring local breweries in the Pacific Northwest. It’s not just about the beer, it’s the sense of community and creativity that goes into the process. In a way, it mirrors what I do professionally: finding the right mix of ingredients to create something great.
What’s your favorite way to relax or recharge in the Pacific Northwest?
My favorite way to recharge in the Pacific Northwest is by getting outside and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Whether it’s hiking through the Cascades, spending time on one of our many beautiful lakes, or just strolling through the vibrant neighborhoods, being in nature helps me clear my mind and reset.
I also love exploring the local craft beer scene. There's nothing better than visiting a local brewery, trying something new, and soaking in the community atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to unwind and connect with the creativity and craftsmanship that make the Pacific Northwest such a unique place.
What’s a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest that everyone should know about?
A hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest that everyone should know about is the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park. It’s an enchanting, otherworldly place that feels like stepping into another time. The lush, moss-covered trees, the quiet beauty of the forest, and the peaceful trails make it a perfect escape for those looking to experience the natural wonder of our region in a more intimate, serene setting. It's one of the few temperate rainforests in the world and offers a unique, tranquil experience that's not as widely known as some of the more popular spots around the area.
How can people find you?
Website: kaizencx.biz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaizencx.biz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557518943907
