At Arena Insurance Services, we believe that every business owner steps into their own arena—facing challenges, making bold moves, and fighting for success. In this episode of Tell Us Your Story… Welcome to the Arena!, we sat down with Bryant Troupe, founder of Gravity IT Solutions, to discuss his entrepreneurial path, the evolution of his business, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
From Lemonade Stands to IT Leadership
Bryant’s entrepreneurial roots run deep. Even as a child, he was drawn to business, launching lemonade stands and rallying neighborhood kids into strategic operations—though not all the parents approved of his financial acumen! He also developed an early passion for technology, taking his first computer class in second grade. These two interests—business and IT—would later shape his career.
A Career Built on Learning and Adaptation
Growing up in Southern California, Bryant excelled in school and pursued a variety of interests, including architecture and journalism. Ultimately, he found his path in IT, landing his first job at Activision in the mid-90s. There, he tackled technical support, helping customers navigate the pre-internet era of gaming—a job that required patience, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of emerging technology.
But like many entrepreneurs, Bryant eventually felt the pull of independence. While working corporate jobs, he started taking on IT clients on the side. When a layoff in 2002 forced a career pivot, he saw his opportunity to step into the entrepreneurial arena.
The Risk and Reward of Entrepreneurship
Starting a business is never easy, and Bryant’s journey was no exception. He transitioned from corporate IT roles to running his own IT solutions company, initially taking on break-fix work—helping clients only when issues arose. Over time, he refined his business model, shifting to a managed services approach, providing proactive IT solutions for small businesses.
As Bryant shared with us, one of the most critical lessons for any entrepreneur is knowing your niche. “In the early days, you just try to bring in business any way you can. But once I started focusing on small businesses with 4 to 25 employees, everything changed,” he explained.
Winning in the Arena: Overcoming Challenges and Building a Legacy
Running a business comes with inevitable hurdles. For Bryant, hiring was a major challenge, compounded by state regulations around independent contractors. A three-year audit process forced him to rethink his hiring structure and reinforced the importance of understanding legal and financial compliance—an insight that resonates with many small business owners, including those navigating health insurance requirements for their employees.
Beyond business, Bryant and his wife also made a life-changing decision to become foster parents, welcoming children into their home while raising their own. Balancing entrepreneurship with family life is no small feat, but Bryant credits strong planning and a clear vision for his ability to manage both.
Scaling for Success: Planning for Growth and Exit
After more than 25 years in business, Bryant has learned the importance of long-term vision. “One of the biggest mistakes I made early on was not thinking about my exit strategy,” he shared. Now, he’s focused on building a business that can outlast him, potentially transitioning to an employee-owned model.
Final Takeaways: Advice for Business Owners Entering Their Own Arena
For those considering entrepreneurship, Bryant offers simple but powerful advice:
✅ Know yourself—Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. Make sure you’re ready for the ups and downs.
✅ Build a strong network—Success is rarely a solo effort. Seek mentors, industry groups, and support systems.
✅ Be proactive, not reactive—Whether it’s IT, insurance, or business strategy, planning ahead leads to better outcomes.
At Arena Insurance Services, we support small businesses like Bryant’s, helping them navigate complex decisions with confidence. Whether it’s securing the right health benefits for your team or optimizing your risk management strategy, we’re here to guide you—just as Bryant does for his IT clients.
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