From Alarms to AI: The Entrepreneur Who Never Retired

In this episode of Carlsbad People, Purpose, and Impact, host Bret Schanzenbach sits down with Dale Stein, CEO and partner at i-NETT, to unpack a lifetime of entrepreneurship, innovation, and service.

From childhood, Dale demonstrated an entrepreneurial spark—turning odd jobs into stepping stones toward a business mindset. By age 15, he was already running his town’s milk delivery route, and that drive eventually propelled him to build one of the nation’s largest privately owned home alarm companies. Retiring at 32, Dale quickly realized that achieving financial success didn’t guarantee happiness. His insight: fulfillment comes from striving toward meaningful goals.

He went on to transform struggling businesses into thriving enterprises, including selling a technology firm for $18 million. Eventually, he co-founded Technology Assurance Group (TAG), which has grown into a $1 billion consortium serving nearly a million small businesses across North America. TAG emphasizes “better practices” rather than static “best practices,” recognizing the constant evolution of technology.

As the flagship member of TAG,  i-NETT  exemplifies innovation in managed IT services. Dale and his team revolutionized the industry by rejecting long-term contracts, pioneering managed services, and partnering with Lloyd’s of London to offer genuine cybersecurity insurance. Beyond IT, i-NETT takes a holistic business approach, connecting clients to trusted partners in HR, shipping, payroll, and more—always seeking ways to deliver value beyond technology.

Passionate about mentorship and giving back, Dale is a frequent lecturer and workshop leader. He shares his philosophy rooted in seven attributes of success, highlighting two key principles: never stop learning and give more than you take. His workshops, hosted at the Carlsbad Chamber and beyond, empower business leaders to apply timeless wisdom to modern challenges.

At 77, Dale remains as energized as ever, using i-NETT as a testbed for future-focused solutions like AI certifications for employees. His journey underscores that entrepreneurship is less about reaching a finish line and more about continuously striving, sharing, and collaborating.

This episode is both a masterclass in entrepreneurship and a reminder that true impact comes from giving generously and adapting endlessly.

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Sponsor: This show is sponsored and produced by DifMix Productions. To learn more about starting your own podcast, visit www.DifMix.com/podcasting