Bridging IT and HIPAA Compliance in Boise
In the heart of the Treasure Valley, a dynamic duo is making waves in the intersection of healthcare and technology. Chad Payne and Thao Ha, the husband-and-wife team behind Sawtooth Network Solutions, are on a mission to provide top-notch IT and HIPAA compliance services to local businesses. Their journey from corporate careers to entrepreneurship is a testament to their dedication to ethical service and community growth.
A Leap of Faith
Chad, formerly an IT engineer at Amazon, faced a pivotal moment when he was laid off during the company’s first round of layoffs. With a newborn daughter at home, he took a job with a local Managed Service Provider (MSP). However, he quickly realized that the business practices there did not align with their family values. “I felt like my reputation was getting tarnished by working with these other people,” Chad recalls. This experience, coupled with the horror stories Chad heard from other business owners about their IT providers, motivated him and his wife to create a company they could be proud of.
Chad and Thao spent over a year planning their venture, balancing demanding jobs and family responsibilities. “We were both fed up with our jobs, and we weren’t getting the family time that we wanted,” Thao explains. Their determination to build a business that aligned with their values and provided flexibility for their family led to the birth of Sawtooth Network Solutions.
Building a Business with Integrity
Sawtooth Network Solutions focuses on IT, cybersecurity, and HIPAA compliance with a focus on transparent, ethical services to businesses in the Treasure Valley. “Our goal is to provide transparent, ethical service to businesses in the valley to keep us all in business and keep our community growing,” says Thao.
One of the biggest challenges they faced was overcoming the negative reputation of MSPs in the area. Many businesses had been burned by previous experiences with IT providers, making them wary of new partnerships. Thao and Chad tackled this by emphasizing transparency and communication. “We didn’t realize that people have already experienced such negativity, and we want people to know we are different.” Thao notes.
Their approach involves breaking down complex technical issues into understandable terms, ensuring clients feel informed and confident in the services they receive. Chad explains, “Some companies use fancy jargons to make their services seem complex and expensive. We want business owners to be informed and empowered to make the best decisions for their business, so no fancy jargons with us.”
The reality is, if these businesses are one of the many chosen for a surprise audit in 2025, they can very well go out of business.
– Chad Payne
Innovative Solutions for Healthcare
Sawtooth Network Solutions is uniquely positioned to impact the healthcare and technology space in Idaho. By managing both administrative policies and the execution of IT, cybersecurity, and HIPAA compliance, they ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Their comprehensive services empower healthcare organizations to operate safely and in full compliance, allowing them to focus on patient care.
Chad emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity awareness, especially in the medical community. “I want the medical community around here to prioritize HIPAA compliance,” he says. “There’s a mindset of, ‘oh, well, nothing has happened to me before.'” However, especially with upcoming changes in regulations, the need for robust cybersecurity measures and updated HIPAA policies are more critical than ever. “The reality is, if these businesses are one of the many chosen for a surprise audit in 2025, they can very well go out of business.”
Embracing Technology
Incorporating advanced technology, including AI, is a key part of Sawtooth Network Solutions’ strategy. They use AI-driven programs to enhance their cybersecurity efforts, identifying and mitigating threats in real-time. “AI is a great tool, but you’re never going to not need human input,” Chad explains. This blend of technology and human expertise allows them to provide comprehensive protection for their clients.
Opportunities for Collaboration
Sawtooth Network Solutions is open to working with businesses of all sizes. They offer flexible, a la carte services without long-term contracts, making their expertise accessible to even the smallest businesses. “Our goal is to help businesses be secured and compliant so that we can all continue to grow and be successful together,” Thao says.
Always be learning.
– Thao Ha
Advice for Innovators and Entrepreneurs
For those looking to make their mark in Idaho’s health tech ecosystem, they offer simple yet profound advice: “Always be learning. Every person you meet has something to teach you, the government is always putting out new rules and regulations, and there’s new findings all the time in all fields. So, the only way to grow both personally and professionally is to always be learning.”
Want to learn more about Sawtooth Network Solutions? Visit their website at sawtoothnetworksolutions.com.
