For Steve McGarry, helping businesses make sense of their internet, voice, and data services isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. “McGarry Consulting is a technology and telecom consulting firm focused on helping small to mid-sized businesses better understand and manage their internet, voice, and data services,” he says. “We specialize in inventory and billing analysis to uncover cost savings, increase capacity, and ensure clients know exactly what services they’re paying for.”
Steve’s work is rooted in simplifying the complicated. “Many businesses purchase services directly from major providers like Comcast or AT&T without fully understanding their options or how those services integrate with critical software platforms,” he explains. “As the business grows and staff turns over, it’s easy to lose track of what’s in place. That’s where we step in—helping to reduce expenses, improve service, and often doing it at no cost to the client.”
Beyond savings, Steve emphasizes security. “Cyberattacks—especially ransomware—are increasingly common, affecting over half of U.S. businesses and costing billions. The key question every company should ask is: what happens if we’re locked out of our systems?”
As cloud services become the norm, McGarry Consulting helps clients adapt. “Nearly every software provider is moving to the cloud, which can be overwhelming and costly. We help businesses make that transition smoothly or manage their existing cloud infrastructure more efficiently.”
He also expands client choices beyond the obvious names. “Most businesses only consider a couple of major providers, but there are hundreds of carriers that might better fit their needs. Partnering with a Trusted Technology Advocate—like us—opens up a wider pool of options.”
McGarry’s approach is deeply personal. “Don’t try to do it all on your own,” he advises. “Working with someone like me means you get an advocate—not just a vendor—and someone who sticks around after the deal is done and holds the providers accountable.”
He keeps his edge by staying informed. “I stay connected with thousands of providers... learning what makes each provider different and evaluating whether they’re the kind of partner I’d trust with my clients.”
After decades in the field, he says, “I often joke that I’m a ‘seasoned veteran’—which is a polite way of saying I’ve been doing this a long time. Even so, I’m always learning myself.”
Steve’s roots run deep in the Lincolnway area. “I’ve lived in the Lincolnway area for 28 years and built strong connections through coaching youth sports, being active in my church, and leading Boy Scouts & Indian Guides. I really value those relationships and their friendships.”
And if he weren’t in telecom? “Probably either a Chicago firefighter or a high school teacher and coach. Teaching and coaching fall hand in hand with what I do now.”
If you're looking for him afterhours, you'll find Steve watching movies, or TV shows (with no commercials!) cheering on Chicago’s sports teams, and spending time with his grandkids. “That’s where I find the most joy,” he says.
“Coaching, volunteering, raising a family here—Lincolnway isn’t just where I live, it’s where I’ve grown as a person and a professional.