Cheryl Nelan never set out to run an IT company. In fact, she didn’t come from a technical background at all. But what she did have was a sharp strategic mind, years of executive experience, and a desire to create something that aligned with her values.
Today, she owns and operates a network of CMIT Solutions franchises across New York State—including offices in Rochester, Brooklyn North, and Tribeca. With a team of over 20 employees and six franchise territories under her belt, Cheryl’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when leadership, vision, and authenticity intersect.
From Corporate Strategy to Community-Focused Ownership
Before launching her business, Cheryl spent decades in corporate marketing, leading product development and international business expansion initiatives. When the 2008 recession hit, she found herself reevaluating her path. She wasn’t interested in going back to the corporate grind—she wanted ownership, autonomy, and the opportunity to make an impact at the local level.
That shift led her to CMIT Solutions, where she saw the chance to build something sustainable and meaningful—without needing to become a tech expert overnight.
Leading Without Pretending
One of Cheryl’s greatest strengths is her ability to lead without ego. Rather than try to be everything to everyone, she focused on building a team of experts while she steered the ship. Over time, she went from asking basic tech questions to confidently guiding enterprise-level clients and managing multiple offices across the state. “I didn’t come in trying to prove I knew it all. I came in ready to learn, listen, and lead,” Cheryl says. That mindset proved to be one of her most valuable assets as she scaled her business.
Building with Intention—and the Right Partner
Cheryl’s success didn’t come overnight. She took a measured approach, investing time into building her business before expanding. When the opportunity came to join forces with fellow CMIT owner—and now husband—Evan Stein, the two combined operations to better serve clients from Western New York to Manhattan. Their integrated business now generates more than $6 million annually, thanks to a strong tech team, a unified vision, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way.
A Leadership Style Rooted in Empathy
Cheryl leads with empathy, transparency, and a deep sense of purpose. She’s open about her early missteps, from misquoting projects to underestimating her own capabilities. But rather than let those moments define her, she used them as building blocks for growth.
Now, as a recipient of the 2025 ATHENA International Leadership Award, Cheryl devotes time to mentoring other women—especially those who may be unsure about stepping into leadership roles.
“I want women to know they can lead in their own way. They don’t need to become someone else to succeed—they just need to believe in their value and surround themselves with support.”
Cheryl’s Advice for Women Considering Business Ownership
Success, Reimagined
Cheryl’s story is proof that there’s more than one way to build a successful business—especially in tech. You don’t need to be the most technical person in the room. You just need the courage to start, the humility to learn, and the drive to keep going.
For women who have ever questioned whether they belong in entrepreneurship or technology, Cheryl Nelan offers a compelling answer—not just in words, but in the example she sets every day.