We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is a MUST. The least that can happen is you fail. Failing doesn’t mean it’s over! Failing is an opportunity to learn and grow, which builds resilience. You can be told “no” a thousand times but that ONE YES can change your entire life!

Don’t get me wrong, you have to perfect your craft and own it. Find ways to do things differently from everyone else. There are always people out there that can emulate what you do; but find what sets you apart from them. A lot of people fail when they compare themselves to others. Don’t do that! It will cause you to be discouraged. Stay in your own lane at all times. You can learn from others but still make whatever you are trying to achieve personally 100% yours.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner and CEO of Advanced Computing & Technology, LLC which is a one stop shop for restaurant technological needs. We provide services such as low voltage cabling, point of sale installation and configuration, security cameras, network engineering, system engineering, new installations of all technology and much more. The thing that sets Advanced Computing & Technology apart is, we can provide a multitude of services in which you do not to call around to multiple companies for. We pride ourselves on being masters on what goes on behind the scenes in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Every project is always custom to the clients specific needs and wants. We have a solution for nearly every concept along with an incredible partnership with other companies to back us up if needed.

To be where I am today is almost unheard of. I faced some hard times in my life and had to restart and rebuild over and over again. I never gave up. It wasn’t easy but everything in life you experience is worth it once you grasp your purpose. To have over 300 clients all from an idea is mind blowing to me. I am extremely humbled and grateful for that. It doesn’t seem real at times but I worked so hard to bring this to life. I hope whoever is reading this finds the strength to never give up and pursue their dreams. It can really happen. Despite your past, your failures, losses etc. it is never a loss until you give up… keep going because one day, you will win big!

I worked in the corporate world in the restaurant industry for nearly 12 years which led me to be able to walk away and build this company. I paid close attention to everything that was going around me and I got it! Watching every moving piece that it took to open a restaurant really propelled me forward. Being in IT, you see everything! I know restaurants now like the back of my hand. I was able to piece this knowledge along with my technical skills together and create this amazing company. I have personally been apart of opening over 1300 restaurants across the country now and extremely grateful for that. It gave me so much insight and knowledge to make an immediate impact in this industry once I started my own company. And I did! Since 2020 we have grown from 30 clients to 319 clients in 2022. Also landing two nationwide contracts with two prominent restaurant chains.

The best lesson I have learned along the way is, “you get what you put out and you can always continue to learn no matter how much you master something.” These lessons keep me polished and my skill level in business and technology at an extremely high level. I never stop looking for more inventive ways to enhance the restaurant industry. Advanced Computing & Technology is one of the fastest growing technology companies in the country. We have now been listed by several big name clients as their preferred vendors which has taken this company to another level. I try not to look at projections to remain grounded but I know the pace we are on along with already expanding outside of Texas, the sky is the limit.

Another fun fact about my company is, it is the only black owned IT Company of it’s kind in the entire state of Texas. This alone brings me great joy knowing I was able to create something that breaks stigmatism and barriers for minorities. I have made it a point to also empower people in need of second chances. I teach them technical skills to become network and software engineers once they come work for Advanced Computing & Technology which typically leads them to more and more opportunities outside of my company which is completely fine. I just wanted to be a beacon of change in society and this is my way of giving back to those who have made mistakes or just in need of a second chance. I believe we all need a second chance, sometimes a 3rd and 4th so I just knew I had to help! I will continue to do so as long as I am in position to do so.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas is such a big place so this is a tough one! Usually when friends come visit, we just wing it because you literally have everything at your disposal here. I don’t go out much but I would definitely have a nice dinner, maybe a sporting event and just a good time showing them the city!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am just thankful for everyone who has beloved in me and supported my company in any way, shape or form. The list is far too long but they know who they are and they are forever in my heart.

I would like to give a special shout-out to my Wife and our 5 amazing children. Without them, I wouldn’t have the desire that I do to be able to go after my dream. Being able to provide for them after just having an idea, has made this worth it more than anything else in the world.

Website: www.advcomptechs.com

Instagram: Advcomptechs

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/actechnology

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvCompTechs

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC6ZWOb1JUqGmXAAhnns0nlA

Image Credits
Myself

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