RLS Consulting

The parent company of ReadyState Cybersecurity

RLS Consulting, LLC is the parent company of ReadyState Cybersecurity. Our cybersecurity consulting, security awareness training, and compliance work for insurance agencies and small businesses is now done under the ReadyState name.

Since 2018

Our Story

RLS first began in 2018 as a way to offer Sales as a Service to a promising cybersecurity startup. It grew into a consultancy that helps people explain, understand, and solve cyber risk challenges:

  1. 01Teaching salespeople how to explain cyber risk to their prospects so they see the full value of cyber liability and cybersecurity solutions.
  2. 02Helping business leaders understand the complicated world of cybersecurity and compliance, and where they stand compared to their goals.
  3. 03Helping businesses solve their cyber risk challenges with a plan for what they can take on internally and what to look for in third-party providers.

That work continues today as ReadyState Cybersecurity, still guided by the same core beliefs:

  • Cybersecurity doesn't have to be complicated
  • Knowledge should be shared to help others succeed
  • Cybersecurity begins at the individual
  • Misinformation and biases put businesses and people at risk
  • Companies should be free to make informed technology decisions, regardless of their experience in the sales process
Ryan Smith speaking at a podium during a conference presentation
Leadership

Ryan Smith

President

Ryan's experience across cybersecurity, sales, insurance, technology, education, and mathematics has made him a business-oriented problem solver who can simplify complex topics.

Anyone who has worked with Ryan knows that he works to deeply understand his customers' needs and put himself in their shoes. His advice comes from that understanding and from more than 20 years of working with thousands of businesses, from the smallest startups to several of the Top 100 Insurance Agencies and Brokers in the US.

Testimonials

Hear What Others Are Saying

Ryan Smith of RLS Consulting, in partnership with defend-id, has expertly simplified the complexities of cyber risk for our team. His expertise in cyber risk solutions and sales has significantly enhanced our decision-making and security posture. Ryan’s effective communication and educational background enable him to deliver complex topics with clarity, making him an invaluable resource for any business looking to improve their cybersecurity strategy.

Brian Thompson
Founder & CEO at defend-id

Ryan has a way with words that makes cyber risk sound like plain business sense. He's got a knack for breaking down the technical into strategic advantages any company can grasp and use.

His educational foundation doesn't just show in his credentials; it's evident in every conversation. He turns complex cyber concepts into engaging, impactful dialogues.

Casey Nelson
Founder & CEO at StakWise Data Automation

I have had the pleasure of working with Ryan for several years. His extensive knowledge in Cyber security has helped me to communicate and share knowledge around complex topics with my clients.

I highly recommend Ryan’s guidance especially when working with clients who need more than just a quote; Ryan helped me explain to my clients what their real exposures are in understandable manner.

Susie Hanasab David, CAPI, CCIC
Private Client Advisor at Hanasab Insurance Services, Inc

Ryan has been very helpful in developing our cyber program. He looks at cyber from multiple aspects and helped our agency develop a comprehensive program.

Patty McQuade
Vice President/CIO at Moody Insurance Agency, Inc

I have referred Ryan to several close contacts because I am fully confident in his expertise and integrity. He stands out as one of the most well-rounded and balanced professionals I know. Beyond his ability to engage in meaningful conversation, Ryan has a unique talent for simplifying complex cyber risks into straightforward, actionable insights. …

Judson Norton
Co-Founder at Ricono, Inc.

It's rare to encounter a professional who combines profound empathy with expertise, but that's exactly what Ryan Smith represents in the cyber risk domain. Having known Ryan for years, I've seen firsthand how his unique blend of skills has made a tangible impact on businesses and vendors alike. …

Oliver Connor
Principal at Connor Insurance Agency, Inc.

Ryan is a pro! He partners with his clients to help educate them on cyber risk and puts the topic in simple, business-oriented terms. Ryan’s thought leadership and sales coaching can help others improve their sales and become that trusted advisor to their own clients navigating the challenges of cyber risk management.

Laura Seltmann
Director of Networks & Affiliations at Zywave

I don’t even know where to begin with a commentary about Ryan Smith. Aside from being one of the nicest people in the industry, his knowledge of cyber risk is extensive. I have had the pleasure of working with Ryan for the last several years in my role with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (the Big I) as Program Manager of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT). …

Ginny Winkworth
Program Manager at Agents Council for Technology

I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Ryan in various roles over the last eight years. From the beginning, Ryan's knack for simplifying complex cybersecurity concepts for any business stood out to me. His commitment to customer-first principles is evident in how he educates potential clients about their cybersecurity risks and available tools, even if they choose not to work with us directly. Ryan genuinely believes in empowering others with knowledge, making working with him a transformative experience for anyone looking to elevate their expertise in cybersecurity.

Jeff Oden
Experienced Cybersecurity Professional | Founder

I've been helping clients with Cyber insurance for years but there is always more to learn from Ryan Smith. We've teamed up on complex placements and he adds real value in Fortside's sales process by helping us uncover unique exposures so we can properly address them with our markets. I'm excited he's taking the next steps to help more agencies.

John Salvucci
Principal at Fortside Insurance Group LLC

Ryan is a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to cybersecurity. Check this out if you sell cyber solutions or liability. I've learned a ton from him.

Steven Hochman
Sales Executive

I'm a little biased (as his brother) but have always looked up to Ryan in so many ways. I believe he is a GREAT educator, whether that was helping me get through advanced math classes in school as a kid or helping me brainstorm on sales ideas or concepts in my career. …

Cody Smith
Enterprise Account Executive

I had the pleasure of working under Ryan L. Smith many years ago prior to his dive into Cybersecurity. I was very green - my first 'real' job at a 'real' software company. He helped establish direction, confidence, and trust in our company at the time (Vertafore) so that I could better communicate with our customers. When it comes to guidance, Ryan is selfless and transparent, providing unabridged knowledge and expertise while not holding back on the sometimes-harsh realities of the matter in question. You can rely on him to be a helping hand.

Evan Baron
Director of Business Development

I have been a client of Ryan's in the past. He has never led us wrong and has put us in a much better position agency wide.

Lisa Kelty
Agency Administration Manager

I highly recommend Ryan Smith to help navigate the landscape of the cyber insurance world. It's not IF, but WHEN, your company is hit with an attack. Being prepared and protected is important and should be explored for every business. Reach out to Ryan for his guidance and you can sleep better at night knowing you are protected.

Alexis Baile
Inside Sales Consultant at Applied Systems
Get in touch

Contact

Email: info@rlsconsulting.co

For cybersecurity services, training, or compliance help, visit ReadyState Cybersecurity.