Inside Rocket Arena: Connecting with Cleveland Cavaliers Ohio SMB Partners

Two people standing on a basketball court inside an empty arena, wearing event badges, with rows of seats visible in the background.

At Simplex-IT, we talk a lot about relationships. Not just with our clients, but within the broader business community here in Northeast Ohio.

Recently, we had the opportunity to connect with Cleveland Cavaliers Small Business Partners during an event hosted at Rocket Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It was one of those experiences that reminds you how much coordination, effort, and teamwork happens behind the scenes. Not just in sports, but in business as a whole.

More Than a Game: A Look Behind the Curtain
The day started with lunch alongside fellow small business partners, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the arena. We walked through spaces most people never see. Locker rooms, suites, and restaurant areas that support everything from game nights to large-scale events. Seeing it all up close gives you a different level of appreciation. What looks effortless from the outside is anything but. It takes preparation, communication, and a lot of moving parts working together to make every event run smoothly. Sound familiar?

The Power of Local Business Connections
After the tour, we had the chance to step out onto the court. That alone was memorable, but what stood out most was the opportunity to connect. Each small business partner shared a quick elevator pitch about their company. Brandon represented Simplex-IT and did a great job communicating who we are and how we help organizations simplify and secure their IT.

We also had the chance to hear from other businesses across Northeast Ohio. Their stories, their focus, and what led them to be part of the Small Business Partner community. That shared commitment to growth and connection is what made the experience meaningful.

A Little Competition and a Memorable Finish
To wrap up the event, many of the partners participated in a free throw shootout. It was fun to watch, and Brandon represented us well on the court. As a thank you for participating in the Small Business Partner program this season, we were each given a gold basketball featuring the Small Business Partner logo. It was a thoughtful and memorable keepsake from the day, and a great reminder of the community behind the program.

Why This Matters
Events like this reinforce something we believe strongly at Simplex-IT: Business works better when it’s built on relationships. Whether it’s the coordination required to run an arena or the collaboration needed to support a growing organization’s technology, success doesn’t happen in isolation. We’re grateful to be part of a community that values connection and supports local businesses.

Looking Ahead
We’re looking forward to continuing to build relationships with other small businesses across Northeast Ohio. If you would like to connect reach out

Patti Smerk

About Patti Smerk

Simplex-IT, Chief Operating Officer:

Patti is the COO at Simplex-IT. She has an array of qualifications and experience including a PMP (Project Management Professional certification), a BS in Computer Science and Information Systems, and an MBA with a focus on Project Management and Organizational Development. Having grown up in the IT world, she gained valuable experience working in internal IT for a manufacturing company, handling roles from help desk to systems analysis. She then went into software and technical training, followed by IT consulting for local small to mid-sized clients, and eventually government consulting and large scale enterprise project management. Seeking a new challenge and an opportunity to make more of a direct impact locally, Patti joined Simplex-IT in 2014 . With her strategic vision and IT expertise, Patti ensures operational success as the COO, and enjoys driving teams towards shared goals.

Connect with Patti on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattismerk

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