When IT expert Rob Drake talks about technology, he rarely starts with machines. Instead, he talks about people. “At the end of every computer, a person is trying to accomplish something,” says Drake, president and cofounder of Synchronize IT Solutions. “When someone calls us for help, we want to be seen as the empathetic IT people.”
From offices in Buford, Drake and his team help small- and mid-sized businesses across metro Atlanta create cohesive, reliable IT environments that remove friction, reduce risk and accelerate growth. Synchronize IT Solutions specializes in the commercial construction and manufacturing markets, having earned the trust of prominent regional companies, including Reeves Young and other Gwinnett-based businesses.
Many clients turn to Drake’s company when their IT systems are no longer keeping pace with the business. Fragmented tools, growing inefficiencies and hidden vulnerabilities often stand in the way. Drake and his team identify the source of those challenges and design systems that sync with business workflows. “We help our customers identify the most cost-effective way to meet their specific business goals through IT,” he says. “Each customer is different, so we create a customized solution for each rather than trying to apply a one-size-fits-all package.”
From the Sidelines to the Server Room
Drake’s career didn’t begin in technology. A lifelong athlete who grew up playing team sports, he started out as a football coach, working with high-profile teams including the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Tech. When a staff change required relocation, Drake pivoted so he and his wife — both lifelong Gwinnettians — could remain in the community they call home.
That pivot led him to formative business roles, including a leadership experience at Chick-fil-A, where a relentless focus on customer service and a values-driven approach to hiring set the stage for the culture he’d later build as an entrepreneur. “I saw how important it is to be intentional about hiring and to look for people who love serving other people,” he says. “Of course, my team at Synchronize has to be proficient in IT, but they also have to enjoy helping people, not just working on machines.”
Top IT Issues Facing Today’s Businesses
As technology rapidly evolves, Drake sees two issues consistently rising to the top for businesses: security and business continuity. “You can have the most sophisticated system in place, but if one employee clicks the wrong link, you can have major problems,” he says. “An industry report recently showed that 60 percent of small businesses don’t recover within six months of a cyberattack. Security awareness training and a solid backup and disaster recovery plan are critical.”
Artificial intelligence is another growing focus, though Drake approaches it with balance. He helps clients adopt AI-driven automation where it meaningfully improves efficiency, without losing the human element. “AI can help us work more efficiently, but I don’t see it fully taking over,” he says. “People want to work with people. We use AI to help us do our jobs better, not replace our team.”
Service to Clients and Community
Drake’s commitment to Gwinnett extends far beyond his office. An active member of the Gwinnett Chamber and Chairman’s Club, he has served on the Board of Directors, the Ambassador’s Council, and the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation Board. Whether he is helping entrepreneurs gain key certifications or educating legislators on business issues impacted by public policy, his goal is to see the entire business community thrive. “The Chamber is such a great place to build relationships with peers, and it also gives us a chance to help the greater business community in Gwinnett,” says Drake.
As a fellow business owner, Drake understands the pressure leaders face to make smart, forward-looking investments. He welcomes the opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas and show how technology, when used strategically, can become a powerful driver of business success.
