Behind the Screens – Presented by the ClearIT® Partner Program

In this episode of Behind the Screens, hosts Tyler Smith and Chris Harp sit down with Chris Coen, CFO of Slater & Son, a multi-generational construction company in Chico, California, with more than 75 years of experience. Chris shares what 20 years in construction has taught him about leadership, why hiring for character and culture matters, and how the company moved from a band-aid IT setup to a proactive, cloud-based one. They also talk about practical uses for AI in construction, building partnerships that last, and keeping the human element as technology advances.

Behind the Screens is presented by the Clear IT Partner Program from Matson & Isom Technology Consulting. Ready to stop firefighting and start planning your IT? Schedule a free consultation at https://www.mitcs.com/schedule-a-call

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What does it actually take to build a business that lasts? In this episode of Behind the Screens, hosts Tyler Smith and Chris Harp sit down with Quinn Velasquez, Chief Credit Officer at Golden Valley Bank, to talk about the human side of business success — curiosity, partnership, and the discipline of planning ahead.

Quinn works with business owners across Northern California every day, helping them navigate growth, evaluate risk, and plan for the future. He's also active in the community, serving on the boards of Catalyst Domestic Violence Services and the Enloe Health Foundation.

In this conversation, we cover:

Why curiosity — not expertise — is the trait that separates great business partners from vendors
What banks look for when judging if a business is "clearly successful"
Why small and mid-sized businesses (not big corporations) are now the #1 target for fraud, and the simple habits that prevent most attacks
The critical legal difference between consumer and business fraud protection that most owners don't know
Where AI is already adding value in banking — and where human judgment still wins
Why writing down a plan matters more than getting it right the first time

🔧 This episode is brought to you by the Clear IT Partner Program from Matson and Isom Technology Consulting. Book a free consultation: https://mitcs.com/hello

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#BehindTheScreens #SmallBusiness #Cybersecurity #Leadership #Banking #AI #ChicoBusiness

Healthcare leaders carry a unique responsibility. When systems fail, patient care suffers. When security is compromised, trust is at risk. And when change accelerates, the pressure to make the right decision only increases.

In this episode of Behind the Screens, Tyler Smith and Chris Harp sit down with Dottie Anstine, Co-CEO of North Valley Eye Care, to explore a critical question:

What does it take to protect patient trust when compliance and technology are constantly evolving?

This conversation goes beyond IT. It explores the real weight of leadership in healthcare, the importance of proactive planning, and how trusted partnerships help practices stay secure, stable, and focused on what matters most, caring for patients.

Most leaders assume cybersecurity is being “handled.” But in today’s threat landscape, assumptions create risk. 

In this conversation, CEO Tyler Smith and COO Chris Harp dig into the mindset shift every organization needs to make: moving from reactive, tool-focused thinking to a proactive culture where people understand the role they play in keeping the business safe. 

They share the pitfalls of relying on “no news is good news,” why small businesses are the most common target, and how simple, consistent training dramatically reduces risk. Tyler explains how to build “cyber clarity” at the business level (without getting lost in technical jargon) and outlines a practical annual, quarterly, and monthly rhythm leadership teams can use to stay accountable without micromanaging. 

Most leaders don’t need another meeting, they need more value from the ones already on their calendar. One of the simplest ways AI can help right now? Let it take the notes.

In this episode of Behind the Screens, Tyler Smith and Chris Harp dig into why AI-powered meeting tools might be the most practical, yet underrated application for busy business leaders today. They share what works, what to watch out for, and how to use these tools to capture action items, cut down on admin work, and keep your team aligned.

If you’ve been wondering where AI fits into your day-to-day, this could be the best place to start.

In the last few years, business leaders have faced more change than ever: shifting teams, new technologies, evolving customer expectations, and economic uncertainty. And there’s no sign it’s slowing down.

In this episode of Behind the Screens, Tyler Smith and Chris Harp sit down with local leader Emily Acevedo, Executive Director of Butte Humane Society to explore a timely question: 

 How do you lead when everything is changing? 

It’s a candid conversation about clarity, resilience, and what it means to make thoughtful decisions when the pace of change feels relentless. This isn’t a story about technology, it’s a story about building systems, mindsets, and partnerships that help leaders stay grounded when the ground keeps shifting.

Technology decisions without a plan feel like guesswork. And when your team is always guessing, momentum stalls, frustration builds, and opportunities slip away.

 In this debut episode of Behind the Screens, Tyler Smith and Chris Harp make the case for a better approach: start with a plan. They share how thoughtful technology strategy—done right—gives leaders the clarity to move with confidence, support their teams, and grow without chaos. Along the way, they explore how AI fits into that picture—especially when used to empower people, not replace them.

Watch on YouTube: https://clearit.partners/watchs1ep1