Most entrepreneurs will tell you they’ve worn many hats, but for Jerry Waldon, that statement is quite literal. From a carpentry apprentice in high school to a leading IT expert and small business owner, Jerry’s career path is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and a relentless desire to help others succeed.
Today, Jerry is the owner of Waldon IT Solutions, a company dedicated to providing enterprise-level IT support to small and medium-sized businesses at an affordable price. But his story starts decades before, with a toolbox full of wood and nails, not passwords and firewalls.
A Hands-On Start with a Head for Technology
As a high school student, Jerry split his time between traditional classes and a carpentry apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience in a trade that values precision, problem-solving, and craftsmanship. After graduation, he took a job in the trades, but soon realized his passion was calling from a different direction. He enrolled in college, earned a degree in Computer Science, and quickly landed his first job in IT at the American Legion National Headquarters.
It didn’t take long for Jerry’s talents to shine. He worked his way up to Quality Control Manager, where he was responsible for ensuring the accuracy of data stored in the organization’s computer systems—a role that laid the foundation for his future in cybersecurity and systems reliability.
Big Clients, Big Projects, and Big Innovations
After his time at the American Legion, Jerry moved into consulting, taking on projects for high-profile clients like RCA Music in Indianapolis. There, he created a custom program that simplified RCA’s process for picking and shipping music to customers—boosting efficiency and setting a new standard for logistics within the company.
He later spent 25 years working in the IT department of a major corporation, where he helped design and implement software to manage employee and client benefits. It was during this time that Jerry became an early adopter of load balancing—linking multiple servers to enhance performance and reliability, an approach that’s now standard in enterprise IT environments.
After more than two decades in corporate IT, it was time to take his vast knowledge and experience to a new level.
Turning Retirement into a New Beginning
Motivated by the desire to help small business owners who often struggle to afford quality IT services, Jerry launched Waldon IT Solutions. His mission: to bring the kind of secure, high-performing IT infrastructure that big companies take for granted to the entrepreneurs and business owners who need it most.
“Owning a small business means wearing all the hats,” Jerry says. “IT shouldn’t have to be one of them.”
Ransomware: The #1 Threat to Business
One of the biggest threats Jerry sees for small business clients today is ransomware—malicious attacks that encrypt files and demand payment for their release. “It usually starts when an employee clicks on a link in a phishing email,” Jerry explains. “Without a strong backup plan, many businesses have no choice but to pay.”
Even more alarming, 80% of businesses that fall victim to ransomware are reinfected within two weeks. It’s a staggering statistic that underscores the need for serious cybersecurity strategies.
A Layered Approach to Security
At Waldon IT Solutions, cybersecurity begins with a complete analysis of a client’s tech environment. Then, Jerry implements a layered security plan that includes firewalls, antivirus software, encrypted backups, and ongoing monitoring.
“Security is a layered approach,” Jerry says. “No single tool is enough. Every layer adds another line of defense.”
Each workstation has an agent installed to monitor system activity in real time. In most cases, issues can be resolved proactively—before the client even knows there’s a problem. Waldon IT takes a Zero Trust approach, assuming nothing is safe until it’s verified, ensuring maximum protection.
Upgrades and Hardware Tips for 2025
With Windows 10 support ending in 2025, Jerry advises businesses to upgrade their systems or purchase extended support until a replacement can be made. He also recommends upgrading computers still using mechanical hard drives to solid-state drives (SSD) for better performance and reliability.
“The average life of a business computer is 5 to 7 years,” Jerry says. “If your RAM usage is above 80% and your CPU is running at 90% or more, it’s time for an upgrade.”
As a Dell Partner, Waldon IT Solutions helps clients select and purchase the right equipment for their specific needs.
Certified, Secure, and Insured
Waldon IT Solutions is committed to using only U.S.-developed software and is on track to earn both FedRAMP and StateRAMP certifications, making them a trusted partner for government contractors. Clients also gain access to cyber insurance qualification support.
But Jerry offers a crucial caveat: “Having cyber insurance doesn’t guarantee a payout. These policies are based on compliance with best practices. If you’re not following the rules, your claim could be denied.”
One of the major benefits of working with Waldon IT Solutions is that they help clients meet those compliance standards—so in the event of a cyberattack, businesses are covered and can recover faster.
A Family Legacy
In 2024, Jerry’s son Chris Waldon joined the business. The addition signals a new chapter for Waldon IT Solutions—combining decades of IT experience with a new generation of insight and dedication.
Real IT Solutions for Real Business Problems
Whether you’re a solopreneur with one laptop or a growing company with multiple employees, Waldon IT Solutions brings enterprise-level service to your scale and budget. Jerry’s approach is practical, proactive, and rooted in decades of experience. He knows the stakes—and he’s built a company that helps you avoid the worst-case scenario while giving you confidence in your tech. If your company has an IT staff, Waldon IT Solutions offers co-managed Cybersecurity and Compliance services. They work to complement IT staff, not to compete with them.
Because when your technology works, you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
