Citizen Cider

Citizen Cider keeps its production flowing and its customers happy with simpleroute's reliable IT support and proactive cybersecurity measures. This ensures their innovative cider-making processes and popular taproom experiences are always running smoothly, allowing Citizen Cider to focus on crafting delicious and unique ciders.

Citizen Cider is a pioneering craft cidery, tasting room, and pub located in Burlington, Vermont. Founded on the principles of innovation, community, and utilizing locally sourced ingredients, Citizen Cider has earned a devoted following for its unique and adventurous ciders. They push the boundaries of traditional cider making by experimenting with diverse ingredients and techniques, resulting in a dynamic range of flavors that appeal to a wide audience. Beyond their core cider offerings, they have also expanded into craft beers and hard seltzers. With apples sourced exclusively from Vermont and New York orchards, Citizen Cider is deeply committed to supporting local agriculture and embodying the spirit of Vermont craftsmanship.

Challenges: Navigating the Complexities of a Multi-Faceted Business with Inconsistent IT Support

Citizen Cider’s unique business model, encompassing cider production, a bustling pub, wholesale distribution, a back office, and remote staff, presented a diverse set of IT challenges. Before partnering with simpleroute, they struggled to find an IT provider that could adequately address the specific needs of each facet of their operation.

  • Fragmented IT Support and Ownership: Citizen Cider had attempted to work with several local IT providers, but none were able to provide the comprehensive support and ownership they required. They even tried hiring internally to improve response times, but this also proved unsuccessful. This fragmented approach led to inconsistent support and a lack of strategic direction.
  • Domain and Endpoint Security Issues: A poorly executed transition from a previous IT provider left Citizen Cider with devices still connected to the old domain, creating significant security vulnerabilities and issues with endpoint protection.
  • Suboptimal Infrastructure and Inefficient Processes: The company was burdened with outdated and inefficient equipment, along with a tangle of excess cabling that indicated a lack of proper infrastructure management. Internal processes, such as SharePoint management and email signature consistency, were also disorganized and inefficient.
  • Inadequate Cybersecurity Posture: Issues with their antivirus software and a general lack of proactive security measures left Citizen Cider vulnerable to cyber threats.
  • Lack of Understanding from Previous Providers: Previous IT providers failed to grasp the nuances of Citizen Cider’s business and the unique requirements of their manufacturing, retail, distribution, and administrative operations.

These challenges created operational inefficiencies, security risks, and ultimately, hindered Citizen Cider’s ability to focus on its core mission of crafting exceptional ciders and delivering a memorable customer experience.

Solution: A Partner Who Understands the Nuances of a Dynamic Business

Citizen Cider needed an IT partner that could not only provide reliable technical support but also understand the complexities of their multifaceted business. simpleroute stood out due to our shared values, local presence, and commitment to personalized service.

Terra, the General Manager of Hospitality at Citizen Cider, expressed feeling truly heard and understood by simpleroute’s leadership. “Speaking to him as a business owner… I trusted him in that he knows what it’s like. And he knows the need for both the professionalism and sensitivity around all the things you need in your business regarding IT and people’s privacy,” she shared. This sense of trust and shared understanding was paramount for Citizen Cider.

simpleroute’s personable approach, with a local team of technicians available for on-site support, resonated deeply with Citizen Cider’s desire for a responsive and engaged IT partner. Our commitment to prompt phone support and flexibility in accommodating their unique scheduling needs further solidified the partnership.

Implementation and Results: Enhanced Security, Streamlined Operations, and a Focus on Growth

simpleroute’s partnership has significantly improved Citizen Cider’s IT environment, enhancing security, streamlining operations, and allowing them to focus on their core business.

  • Infrastructure Overhaul and Optimization: simpleroute conducted a thorough assessment of Citizen Cider’s IT infrastructure, identifying and removing outdated equipment, organizing cabling, and implementing more efficient solutions. Regular audits are now performed to ensure optimal performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Domain and Endpoint Security Remediation: We successfully migrated all devices off the old domain, resolving the security vulnerabilities and endpoint protection issues.
  • Cybersecurity Enhancements: simpleroute upgraded Citizen Cider’s antivirus software and implemented a more robust cybersecurity strategy to protect their data and systems from evolving threats.
  • SharePoint and Email Optimization: We reorganized their SharePoint environment to improve information management and collaboration, and we standardized their email signatures to ensure a consistent and professional brand image.
  • Vendor Management: simpleroute has taken ownership of managing Citizen Cider’s technology vendors, streamlining communication and ensuring they receive the best possible service. This has freed up valuable time for Citizen Cider’s staff, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities.

Conclusion: A Partnership Built on Shared Values and a Commitment to Growth

The partnership between simpleroute and Citizen Cider exemplifies the power of shared values and a deep understanding of a client’s unique business needs. By providing comprehensive IT support, proactively addressing security concerns, and taking ownership of vendor relationships, simpleroute has empowered Citizen Cider to focus on what they do best: crafting innovative ciders and delivering exceptional experiences to their customers. Our commitment to personalized service, combined with our technical expertise, has made us a trusted partner in Citizen Cider’s continued growth and success. As they continue to push the boundaries of the craft beverage industry, simpleroute is proud to provide the stable and secure IT foundation they need to thrive.

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