When AGM Financial Services, Inc. decided to switch to XPERTECHS managed services, their IT systems were plagued with recurring issues, underutilized resources, and increasing concerns about cybersecurity. They also lacked the high-level IT expertise needed to make strategic decisions and prepare for future growth. Today, technology operates seamlessly in the background, staff work more efficiently with better tools, and AGM Financial benefits from expert guidance to align IT with their goals.

Steve Rudow, Senior Vice President at AGM Financial, oversees the company’s IT efforts alongside an internal steering committee and an external CIO consultant. For Steve, success means technology operates smoothly and supports progress—two things the organization struggled with before partnering with XPERTECHS.

From Disruptions to Seamless IT

When XPERTECHS first came on board, their priorities were clear: stabilize AGM Financial’s IT environment, address recurring problems, and better utilize existing tools like Office 365.

“We had been using Office 365,” said Steve, “but not to its full potential. XPERTECHS helped us make the most of it, which has been a game changer for collaboration and day-to-day efficiency.”

Improving security was just as important as stabilizing and optimizing operations. XPERTECHS implemented cybersecurity measures to meet the company’s high internal standards, ensuring their systems were protected without creating unnecessary complexity for staff. Steve appreciates the deep expertise in security that XPERTECHS brings to the table and that gives him confidence that they’re effectively managing cyber risk.

“They’re very knowledgeable,” Steve said. “When you ask a question, you get a very long, detailed, precise answer. They have the answers because they know what they’re talking about.”

These foundational efforts eliminated day-to-day IT issues, aligned systems with industry best practices, and gave staff confidence that their data was secure. With fewer distractions and more reliable tools, the team could focus on their core work without worrying about technology.

“One of the things we appreciate about our relationship with XPERTECHS is that they’re very good at what they do, so we don’t have much in the way of ongoing issues,” Steve added. “For us, one of the most important things is to just have it all work and not worry about it.”

Optimizing Existing Technology for Efficiency

Another key component of XPERTECHS’ foundational work was improving AGM Financial’s use of Microsoft Dynamics. Initially set up as an on-premises system, Dynamics had become underutilized and inefficient. XPERTECHS relocated the system, implemented secure access with two-factor authentication, and added plugins to enhance its functionality.

“XPERTECHS was instrumental in standing Dynamics up in a new format,” said Steve. “They got it operational again and are helping us manage its eventual wind-down.”

These changes allowed the organization to continue using Dynamics effectively while transitioning to newer systems as part of their long-term IT evolution.

Strategic IT Decisions Backed by Expertise

As their business evolves, XPERTECHS has become an integral partner for AGM Financial, providing high-level guidance to help them prioritize IT investments and anticipate what’s coming next with technology. Regular participation in IT steering committee meetings allows XPERTECHS to stay in tune with AGM Financial’s evolving needs, ensuring their IT strategy aligns with business goals.

“We’re IT users, not IT experts,” Steve explained. “A really important part of this relationship for us is getting that high-level guidance. XPERTECHS helps us stay ahead by talking about where things are, where we’re going, and what new developments are coming down the pike.”

Upgrading Communications with Teams Voice

One recent example of XPERTECHS’s strategic guidance is the company’s transition to Teams Voice. After years of relying on an outdated phone system that caused frustrations like misrouted calls, they worked with XPERTECHS to identify and implement a streamlined, integrated solution.

This upgrade has eliminated inefficiencies, reduced reliance on legacy hardware, and aligns perfectly with the company’s hybrid way of working.

“We don’t need a dedicated, hard-wired telephone system with all the required back-of-the-house management,” explained Steve. “It’s just a different world now and a different way of doing business.”

When IT Runs Smoothly, Work Gets Done

Today, IT at AGM Financial is stable, secure, and seamless. Staff can focus on their work, knowing the technology they depend on will function without interruptions.

“For us, having everything operate seamlessly and without interruption or drama is wonderful,” said Steve. “XPERTECHS is working very hard to help us do our jobs as best we can. They really keep things humming along.”

AGM Financial is ready for the next phase of their IT journey, with XPERTECHS as a trusted partner. Whether maintaining stability, enhancing security, or embracing new technologies, the partnership ensures IT remains an invisible yet indispensable part of their success.

About AGM Financial Services, Inc.

AGM Financial Services, Inc. is a leading FHA Lender providing financing for both Market Rate and Affordable housing communities. AGM arranges federally insured mortgages for apartment projects under FHA’s MAP (Multifamily Accelerated Processing) program. AGM is also an approved Lender for FHA’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit Pilot Program and is very active in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program. Our mortgages provide funding for acquisition, refinancing, construction, and/or rehabilitation of apartment projects nationwide. Our experienced team can tackle anything from a straightforward refinance to the most complex development project with ground leases, tax abatements, LIHTC, tax exempt financing, and many layers of subordinate debt. Visit agmfinancial.com.