In Part 2 of our Stimulus Tech Talk 30-Year Anniversary series, CEO Nathan Whittacre continues the conversation about what it’s really taken to build a tech company that’s lasted—and thrived—for three decades. If you missed part 1, check it out here.
If you’ve ever wondered how a local IT provider evolved from dial-up internet to full-service managed IT and cybersecurity, this is the episode for you.
“We were literally running the company out of the house. Servers in the closet, cords everywhere, answering support calls at the dinner table.”
— Nathan Whittacre
Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode (Expanded)
1. The Evolution of Technology and Internet Services
When Stimulus Technologies first opened its doors, the tech world looked very different. Dial-up internet, DSL connections, and home-built servers were the norm. Nathan and his team started with what they had—raw curiosity, a passion for solving problems, and a few spare rooms.
Over the years, Stimulus transitioned from internet access and web hosting to a fully managed IT and cybersecurity provider, evolving alongside the needs of its clients. This growth wasn’t just technical—it was strategic. Nathan shares how watching the market closely, investing in infrastructure, and being willing to pivot helped the company stay relevant and competitive.
Lesson: If you're in tech, you must evolve. That means continuously upgrading your tools, learning new platforms, and thinking ahead of your clients' needs—before they even know them.
2. Foundational Clients and Early Growth
Every business has those first few clients that shape its story—and Stimulus is no different. Nathan talks about the relationships that carried the company through its early days: local businesses that trusted them not only with their networks but with their livelihoods.
These relationships were built on responsiveness, transparency, and genuine care. Clients weren’t just “tickets” or “contracts.” They were partners. And many stayed for years—because they saw Stimulus as an extension of their own teams.
“It always came down to relationships. Clients stayed because they trusted us—not just because we fixed things fast, but because they knew we cared.”
Lesson: Long-term business growth isn’t just about getting new clients—it’s about keeping the ones you have by being honest, responsive, and invested in their success.
3. Hiring the First Employee
One of the most pivotal moments for any founder is realizing: I can’t do this alone anymore.
Nathan describes what it was like to hire his first employee. At the time, he wore every hat—from technician to bookkeeper to sales. But as demand grew, it became clear that doing everything solo wasn’t sustainable. Letting go of control was tough, but it marked the beginning of Stimulus’s ability to scale.
The episode explores what it feels like to entrust someone else with your business’s reputation and how to overcome the fear of delegation.
Lesson: Scaling your business starts when you stop trying to do it all. Bring in people who share your values, train them well, and let them shine.
4. Creating a Values-Driven Culture
Long before Stimulus had an employee handbook or a polished set of “core values,” the team was already living by a code. They believed in doing the right thing—even when no one was watching. They followed through on promises. And they treated clients and employees like real people.
As the company grew, those unwritten rules eventually became formalized values: integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and a commitment to service.
Nathan reflects on how those early instincts became a cultural foundation. Today, those same values guide hiring decisions, client relationships, and leadership behavior.
Lesson: Culture isn’t built with slogans, it’s built with actions. Define your values early, live them consistently, and let them guide every business decision.
5. Lessons in Leadership
Nathan is refreshingly honest about his early days as a “boss.” He admits that leadership didn’t come naturally at first—especially when the job required juggling client demands, growing a team, and managing the stress of running a business.
But over time, he learned the difference between being a manager and being a leader. He shares a powerful story of apologizing to a longtime employee for how he handled things in the past. That humility, combined with experience, helped him grow into a leader who listens more, communicates clearly, and sets a long-term vision.
He also talks about the role of faith and personal reflection in his leadership evolution—how moments of silence and spiritual guidance gave him clarity during the toughest seasons.
Lesson: Great leadership requires growth. Admit when you’ve made mistakes, stay humble, and never stop learning how to lead better.
Listen to the Full Episode
This episode goes beyond technology—it’s a real look into the mindset of a founder who built something lasting and meaningful from the ground up.
👉 Click here to watch to the full episode or you can listen to Stimulus Tech Talk on your favorite podcast platform.
Stimulus Technologies didn’t survive 30 years by accident—it’s the result of resilience, strong values, and a willingness to grow through uncertainty. Nathan Whittacre’s story is a blueprint for building something real in a volatile industry:
Lead with care. Adapt with courage. And never forget the people who helped you build it.
