About Us
20+ Years of Growing Businesses
Connected Systems helps businesses acquire more customers and sell more online using AI-powered digital marketing.
Who We Are
Who We Are
Connected Systems was founded in 2005 by Rich Plakas with one goal: help businesses grow through smart digital marketing. Today, we combine two decades of experience with AI-powered agents and automation to deliver results that traditional agencies cannot match.
Boutique Agency
Small team, senior work. Every account gets direct access to 20+ years of experience.
24/7 AI Agents
Autonomous systems monitoring ads, SEO, and performance around the clock.
Our Values
What We Believe
The principles that guide how we work with every client
Results Over Activity
We measure success by revenue and growth, not reports and meetings. If it does not move the needle, we do not do it.
Radical Transparency
You see everything we see. Real-time dashboards, honest reporting, and no hidden fees or markup.
AI as a Multiplier
We use AI to do the work of a 10-person team. You get enterprise-level marketing at a fraction of the cost.
Our Team
Meet the Founder
From Timex Sinclair to autonomous agents
Born and raised on Staten Island, Rich started tinkering with computers in the '80s on a Timex Sinclair and never stopped. He studied Computer Programming at CUNY College of Staten Island, then spent years in IT and digital marketing before founding Connected Systems in 2006.
He moved to Austin in 2012 for the weather, the opportunities, and because New York winters get old fast. For nearly 20 years, Connected Systems has helped businesses grow through SEO, paid advertising, ecommerce optimization, and web development. His client work spans industries from alcohol and CPG to healthcare and professional services, including serving as fractional Chief Digital Strategist for a portfolio of 200+ brands.
Today he's building AI-powered systems that handle the work that used to take entire teams. Automated ad management, intelligent customer acquisition, and autonomous agents that run 24/7. The through-line has always been the same: figure out how the technology works, then make it work for the business.
When he's not at a keyboard, Rich is riding enduro dirt bikes through the Texas Hill Country, hiking, traveling by RV, or finding the next piece of tech to tinker with.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about working with Connected Systems
What services does Connected Systems offer?
How is Connected Systems different from a traditional agency?
What types of businesses do you work with?
How long before I see results?
What does it cost to work with you?
Ready to Grow?
Book a free strategy call and see what AI-powered marketing can do for your business