The COVI Way

In this episode of The Covi Way, Tier 3 tech expert Thomas Bray joins host Dave Vent for a candid, eye-opening conversation about the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape — and why security in 2025 is no longer just about tools and tech.

From ransomware-as-a-service and credential stuffing to phishing simulations and cultural awareness, Thomas breaks down what businesses of all sizes need to know to stay protected in an era where attacks are no longer a question of if, but when.

It’s not just about blocking threats — it’s about creating resilient systems, embedding security into culture, and empowering people to recognize risk before it becomes a breach. Whether you're a business leader, IT pro, or nonprofit exec, this episode will shift how you think about cybersecurity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Cybersecurity is no longer just technical — it must be cultural

• Social engineering is still the top threat, even in 2025

• Multi-factor authentication isn’t perfect — but it’s essential

• Simple steps like credential managers and email spoofing protection go a long way

• Awareness training tools like Usecure can transform employee behavior

KEY QUOTES:
“Security isn't just the IT department’s job — it's everybody’s job.”
“We build better castles, they build bigger ladders.”
“More than 50% of small businesses experience a breach — and many don’t recover.”
“The most secure computer is at the bottom of the ocean… but that’s not very productive.”
“You’re either preparing or you’re reacting. One costs a lot less.”

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Welcome + Meet Thomas Bray
01:12 – How Cybercrime Became a $10.5T Industry
05:30 – The Rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service
08:20 – Social Engineering + Why It Still Works
13:00 – Balancing Security + Productivity
17:45 – Culture, Training, and the Role of People
22:30 – Usecure + Behavioral Awareness
26:00 – Free, High-Impact Security Tips
29:15 – Final Thoughts + Start the Conversation

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Cody Lents sits down with Shane Christopher, co-founder of My Home for Good, to explore how real estate transactions can do more than move people—they can move communities. Shane shares how this initiative empowers home buyers and sellers to donate part of the commission to a charity of their choice, transforming a routine business process into a meaningful act of generosity.

From adoption funds to homelessness support, Shane walks us through the ripple effects of giving back—and how the program has inspired others to do the same. Whether you’re in real estate or just passionate about making your work more impactful, this story will challenge and encourage you to think bigger about legacy, generosity, and community transformation.

🎧 Tune in to hear how one simple shift is helping families, strengthening nonprofits, and creating a blueprint for purpose-driven business.

Summary:
Shane Christopher joins The Covi Way to share the story behind My Home for Good, a real estate initiative turning closings into opportunities for charitable giving. With nearly $300,000 donated so far, Shane’s model empowers clients to support causes they care about—bringing surprise, joy, and purpose to every transaction.

Key Quotes:

• “We’re not just selling homes—we’re building a culture of giving.”

• “Legacy isn’t about what you leave behind. It’s about who you lift up.”

• “This isn’t marketing—it’s ministry. We give whether it’s seen or not.”

• “You can make a big impact with small decisions.”

• “It’s joy, not just generosity, that makes this sustainable.”

Chapters:
• 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Shane Christopher
• 01:24 – The Origin of My Home for Good
• 04:08 – Letting Clients Choose Their Charity
• 06:45 – Stories That Moved the Mission Forward
• 10:22 – Giving Without Marketing: Why It Matters
• 13:36 – When Clients Have Never Given Before
• 16:50 – Impact Stories: Adoption, Homelessness, and Healing
• 20:10 – Tax Benefits, Faith, and Surrendering Control
• 23:18 – When Charities Reach Back Out
• 25:40 – Legacy, Not Status
• 28:20 – Scaling Without a Legal Entity
• 30:48 – Final Thoughts + The Power of Sacrifice

In this episode of The COVI Way, co-hosts Dave and Cody Lents flip the script—Cody takes the guest seat to share the story behind his journey at COVI and how the company evolved from a scrappy IT provider into a strategic partner focused on people, process, and purposeful technology.

From early days as Netlink to leading sales and consulting at COVI, Cody dives into what it takes to balance security and standardization with customization and creativity. It’s not just about solving technical problems—it’s about building trust, enabling productivity, and helping organizations grow with clarity and confidence.

You’ll hear stories of growing pains, valuable lessons in scaling with intention, and why COVI is committed to using "good conflict" to create long-term value. Whether you're leading a team, managing tech, or navigating digital transformation, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about how structure unlocks innovation.

Key Takeaways:

• Why standardization isn’t the enemy of creativity—it’s the foundation of it

• How strategic IT partners empower leaders to do meaningful work

• What it takes to balance strong security with user freedom

• How conflict, when healthy, drives clarity and alignment

• The power of simplifying the complex to fuel growth

Five Key Quotes:

• “Standardization is a requirement to sustainability and survival.”

• “You don’t get great productivity without great security.”

• “We avoided the MSP ‘raise prices, cover less’ model—and we’re better for it.”

• “If there's no tension, there's no growth.”

• “We don't just protect systems—we empower a culture of security.”

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome + Meet Cody
01:32 – The Netlink Days + Birth of COVI
04:25 – Building Sales from Chip’s Vision
08:45 – Standardization and Early Growth
13:15 – Balancing Structure and Creativity
17:40 – Growing Pains with Bigger Clients
22:08 – Remote Access and the COVID Shift
26:30 – Conflict as a Path to Innovation
30:20 – Redefining Value in Managed Services
34:05 – Culture of Security + Simplicity
38:10 – Final Thoughts + Partnership and Possibility

In this episode of The Covi Way, host Cody Lintz sits down with Daniel Bray, founder and president of Brtel Communications, to talk about how 30+ years in telecom has shaped his no-nonsense, people-first approach to connectivity. From crawling under desks to rescuing companies from outrageous legacy bills, Daniel has seen it all—and he’s not afraid to tell the truth.

They dive into the tangled history of telecom acronyms, outdated contracts, and the hidden costs business leaders often miss. Daniel also shares what it means to stay humble, lead with transparency, and build a business model that prioritizes productivity over vanity metrics.

Whether you're a CIO, office manager, or just trying to make sense of your phone bill, this episode pulls back the curtain on the wild world of telecom—and how the right partner can simplify everything.

🎧 Tune in to hear how Daniel pulled $30,000/month out of a client’s budget, what most providers don’t want you to know, and why honest relationships still win.

Summary:
Daniel Bray from Brtel Communications joins The Covi Way to uncover the messy truth behind telecom contracts, legacy billing, and decision-making in a tech vacuum. Learn why simplifying complexity, building trust, and prioritizing productivity can save your organization more than just money.

Quotes:
“Most businesses are paying for services they haven’t used in years.”
“My job is to clear the fog and help people make sense of what’s actually going on.”
“If you’re not reviewing your bills annually, you’re asking to be taken advantage of.”
“It’s not about being the smartest guy in the room—it’s about making people feel heard.”
“Respect your partners’ lanes. If you don’t, you’ll lose your allies.”

Chapters:
• 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Daniel Bray of Brtel
• 03:40 – From Carrier Sales to Calling His Own Shots
• 09:20 – Simplifying Telecom for Clients at Every Level
• 14:10 – When You Find $7,000/Month in Unused Services
• 20:25 – Building Relationships That Outlast Turnover
• 26:05 – Why Most Clients Are Operating in the Dark
• 31:40 – Balancing Cutting-Edge Tech with Personalized Support
• 36:15 – What Makes a Great Partnership in IT and Telecom
• 42:40 – Biggest Myths in the Industry (And Why They Matter)
• 46:30 – Tech Tip of the Day: Redundancy Is Not Optional

In this episode of The COVI Way, we explore how to help organizational leaders shift their mindset from seeing IT as just “tech support” to recognizing its role as a strategic business driver. Many leaders are used to viewing IT as the department you call when something breaks. But at COVI, we believe that’s just the beginning. Our team works to change this perception—starting with how we handle even the smallest tickets. Clear communication and thoughtful problem-solving lay the foundation for broader conversations about long-term technology goals.As our relationship with a client matures, we move from solving isolated issues to offering insight on larger business challenges. This cultural shift doesn’t happen overnight, but once leaders understand that IT can help drive innovation, not just keep the lights on, everything changes.🎯 From outdated firewalls to full-scale infrastructure planning, we help clients see the bigger picture and make decisions that align with their mission.Summary:How do you move from fixing tech issues to advising on long-term strategy? In this episode, we talk about the mindset shift that helps clients see IT as a partner—not just a problem solver. Learn how Covi builds trust, shifts culture, and turns help desk tickets into meaningful business conversations.Quotes:“It starts small—like how we respond to support tickets—but it grows into something much bigger.”“This isn’t about replacing a firewall. It’s about solving real business challenges.”“Once that mindset shift clicks, clients start bringing us to the strategy table.”“We don’t want to just fix problems—we want to help you innovate.”“It takes 90 to 180 days, but once we hit stride, everything changes.”Chapters: • 00:00 – Why Mindset Matters in IT Strategy• 01:02 – Moving Beyond Transactional Tech Support• 02:20 – How Covi Handles Support Tickets Differently• 03:45 – Building Trust Through Communication• 05:18 – Shifting from Fixing Issues to Solving Business Problems• 06:42 – How Clients Learn to Leverage COVI Strategically• 08:25 – What Hitting Stride Looks Like in a Tech Partnership

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Cody Lents (VP of Sales at COVI) sits down with Eric Zhang, Product Manager at WiseFi, to unpack how AI-powered tools are transforming personal finance. WiseFi’s mission? Help one million people achieve financial independence—not by guessing, but by building real, data-driven plans.Eric shares his personal journey toward financial freedom, explains how WiseFi empowers users to see their financial future clearly, and breaks down the core tools used to plan for retirement, pay off debt, and simulate major life events. Whether you’re deep in student loans or exploring early retirement, WiseFi is built to help users take control and make smart, personalized decisions.They also dive into how WiseFi integrates AI and automation for smarter notifications, planning, and customer support—plus the platform’s growing role in equipping large organizations to boost financial literacy for their teams.🎧 Tune in to hear how AI isn’t just changing the future of finance—it’s giving people hope, clarity, and control.Summary:WiseFi’s Eric Zhang joins The COVI Way to explore how AI is revolutionizing financial planning. From debt payoff to early retirement, WiseFi builds personalized, forward-facing plans to help users gain clarity and reach financial freedom faster. Whether you’re managing a household or leading a large organization, this episode is packed with hope and practical solutions.Quotes: “Financial independence means doing what you want, with who you want, without being stuck in a job you hate.”“Most budgeting apps look backward. We help people plan forward—and that changes everything.”“Our users don’t just track spending—they build strategy.”“AI helps us deliver customized coaching at scale, not just canned advice.”“We're not just changing finances—we're restoring confidence.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome + Meet Eric Zhang from WiseFi• 01:12 – What Inspired Eric’s Financial Freedom Journey• 05:26 – WiseFi’s Mission to Help 1 Million People• 08:45 – Why Budgeting Tools Fall Short• 12:22 – How WiseFi Plans for Debt, Retirement, and Life Events• 17:40 – The Power of Draft Scenarios and What-If Planning• 21:30 – Using AI to Enhance Financial Coaching and Support• 26:48 – Behind the Scenes: Tools and Tech WiseFi Uses Internally• 30:56 – Automation and AI as Force Multipliers• 35:12 – Scaling with Lean Teams and Smart Systems• 38:40 – Cybersecurity and the Challenges of a Fast-Moving Landscape• 44:00 – What’s Next on WiseFi’s Roadmap• 47:30 – Closing the Gap Between Education and Application• 51:50 – Empowering Large Organizations to Boost Financial Literacy• 55:40 – Final Thoughts + Where WiseFi Goes From Here

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Dave Vent sits down with Teddy Linder, COVI’s VP of Business Operations, to talk about what really creates a thriving workplace—and it’s not pizza parties or ping-pong tables. Teddy brings decades of experience shaping meaningful work environments and dives deep into how culture, clarity, and leadership drive employee engagement.From onboarding to feedback loops, strength-based leadership to radical candor, this conversation unpacks what employees actually need to feel valued and do their best work. It’s not about flashy perks—it’s about purpose, empowerment, and being seen.You’ll hear how small changes in how we listen, coach, and support employees can build lasting trust, loyalty, and performance. Whether you're leading a team or simply want to thrive in your role, this episode offers practical insights and powerful reminders that people—not perks—make workplaces great.🎧 Listen in to rethink how you approach leadership, engagement, and company culture.👥 Subscribe and share with someone who leads (or hopes to).Summary:What makes employees actually want to stay, grow, and thrive at work? In this episode, Covi’s Teddy Linder joins Dave Vent to explore how purpose, culture, and intentional leadership—not perks—create engagement. From onboarding to feedback to StrengthFinder, they unpack what it really means to lead people well.Key Quotes:“You can’t build great culture with perks—you build it with purpose.”“We don’t live in segments. If work isn’t fun, it won’t be meaningful.”“Employees see your company through a 15-inch screen. That experience matters.”“Being nice in the moment can be mean in the long run.”“The best leaders meet people where they are and build from there.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome to The Covi Way• 01:15 – Perks vs. Purpose: What Really Drives Engagement• 04:32 – Why Knowing the “Why” Matters• 08:10 – Strength-Based Leadership in Practice• 12:25 – Building Culture Through Everyday Interactions• 17:40 – What Real Onboarding Should Look Like• 21:00 – Getting to Know Employees Beyond the Résumé• 25:18 – Interviews That Build Trust• 30:05 – Defining “Company” Through Connection• 35:10 – Creating Safe Spaces for Feedback• 38:45 – How Tech Impacts Culture• 44:30 – Listening, Coaching, and Performance• 52:45 – Radical Candor and Real Conversations• 58:00 – Empowering People Through Strength and Clarity• 1:03:22 – Final Thoughts on Leadership & Engagement• 1:06:10 – Outro and Wrap-Up✅ 7. Suggested Focus Keywords (SEO & Social Media Optimization)employee engagementworkplace cultureleadership developmentonboarding experiencestrength-based leadershipradical candorteam communicationemployee feedback loophow to lead wellcompany culture strategy

In this episode of The COVI Way, host Dave Vent sits down with Thomas Bray, COVI’s Senior Tier 3 Tech, to explore the often-overlooked connection between IT support and employee experience. While many organizations view IT as a break-fix department, Thomas reveals how a strategic approach to technology can unlock efficiency, boost productivity, and improve company culture.From onboarding to automation, hardware lifecycle management to cybersecurity, Thomas shares real-world stories of how IT goes beyond solving tech problems—it empowers people. When your team sees the company through a 15-inch screen, every glitch matters. And when tech works well, it disappears into the background and enables employees to do their best work.You’ll hear why IT should be involved earlier in decision-making, how small system changes can have big cultural impacts, and why security and usability must go hand in hand.🎧 Tune in to discover how to reframe IT as a business driver, not a cost center—and what that shift could mean for your people. Summary:COVI’s Thomas Bray joins The COVI Way to discuss how IT can go from reactive support to strategic empowerment. From smoother onboarding to better security and smarter automation, Thomas shares how technology—done right—helps teams thrive. If you’re only calling IT when something breaks, this episode will change your mindset.Key Quotes:“Every IT ticket is a consulting opportunity. There’s always a deeper business problem behind it.”“The best tech disappears—because it’s doing exactly what it should.”“Employees experience your company through a 15-inch screen. That experience matters.”“You don’t need the flashiest tools. You need the right tools that solve the right problems.”“IT has a birds-eye view of the business. When used strategically, it’s a force multiplier.”Chapters:• 00:00 – Welcome to The COVI Way• 01:10 – Why IT Is More Than Just Support• 03:45 – The “Light Switch” Mindset Problem• 07:05 – IT’s Role in Onboarding and Culture• 10:20 – Feedback From the Front Lines• 13:35 – Tech Pain Points That Never Get Reported• 17:50 – Fixing the Employee Experience With Better Tools• 21:10 – Hardware, Lifecycle, and Investment Gaps• 25:45 – Real-World Impact: Stories From the Field• 30:00 – Using Existing Tech in Smarter Ways• 33:20 – Smart Automation and System Integration• 36:50 – Why IT Should Be in Strategic Conversations• 42:00 – Security vs. Usability: Striking the Right Balance• 48:05 – Rethinking the Future of IT Support• 52:20 – Final Takeaways for Tech Decision Makers