Rochester-based CETech marks 20 years with a customer-first approach

A Rochester couple who launched an IT consulting business from their basement 20 years ago is celebrating two decades of steady growth while positioning the company for its next chapter in an increasingly complex technology landscape. 

CETech, co-owned by Fred and Sue Brumm, has grown into a 25-person managed IT services and consulting firm serving businesses throughout Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse.  

The company provides managed and co-managed IT services, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, compliance support and technology consulting to organizations ranging from manufacturers and engineering firms to property management companies and physical therapy practices. 

Despite dramatic changes in technology over the past two decades, the Brumms say the company’s philosophy has remained constant. 

“We aren’t necessarily the biggest, but we are looking to be the best,” Fred Brumm said. 

Founded in the couple’s basement, CETech has expanded alongside businesses’ increasing reliance on technology.  

Today, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and cloud computing have become essential functions rather than optional investments, making managed IT services more critical than ever, they say.  

Fred Brumm, who earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Rochester Institute of Technology, credits much of the firm’s success to its commitment to customer service and integrity. 

“We treat our customers’ challenges as if they’re our own,” he said, noting that the company’s core values emphasize unquestionable integrity and delivering hassle-free IT support. 

The husband-and-wife leadership team says their complementary skill sets have helped fuel the company’s growth. The two met while working at Eastman Kodak Co. before launching CETech. 

Sue Brumm, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University at Buffalo and an MBA from RIT, oversees business growth, finance and human resources. Fred Brumm focuses on customer relationships, technical strategy and supporting the company’s team. 

Artificial intelligence is creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses, they said. While AI enables organizations to boost productivity and automate tasks, it also gives cybercriminals access to increasingly sophisticated tools. 

“IT is crucial now to every business,” Fred Brumm said. “AI is a game changer for every company.” 

That makes cybersecurity education more important than ever. 

According to the Brumms, phishing attacks remain the leading cyber threat facing businesses. They encourage organizations to invest in employee education and awareness training, conduct third-party cybersecurity assessments, maintain healthy skepticism toward suspicious emails and online activity, and work with trusted IT partners to strengthen their defenses. 

The company has earned recognition through numerous local and international awards and recently achieved SOC 2 compliance, a certification that demonstrates strong controls for protecting customer data and managing information security. 

CETech also continues to invest in its regional footprint. In addition to its Rochester headquarters, the company opened a Buffalo office a couple of years ago and hopes to establish a Syracuse location in the future. The firm is also open to acquisitions should the right opportunity arise. 

Sue Brumm said the company’s long-term strategy centers on maintaining a strong local presence while continuing to build its technical expertise and recruit talent from the region. 

Rochester’s strong technology workforce and higher education institutions provide an advantage, she said, while the company’s community roots help distinguish it from larger national providers. 

“Having that personal touch is so valuable,” Sue Brumm said. 

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